Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Grand Tour of Switzerland

Grand Tour of Switzerland, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Experience the beauty of Switzerland by train aboard the historic Bernina Express, the classic Glacier Express, and the majestic GoldenPass Express on this Grand Tour of Switzerland.

Day by day

  1. Day 0railovernight: St Moritz

    Outbound Travel – Getting to St Moritz

    Your epic journey begins when you take your flight to Zurich. On arrival in Zurich, you'll take the train from the airport to Chur. From Chur your train journey climbs into the breathtaking mountains before arriving in chic St Moritz. Alternatively, take the train all the way from London via Eurostar to Paris Nord, then Paris Gare du Lyon to Basel (overnight), then Basel to Chur and on to St Moritz. Upgrades to First Class available.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 1overnight: St Moritz

    Arrival in St Moritz

    On arrival in St Moritz, you'll head to your hotel for the night. Choose one of our handpicked 3*, 4* or 5* hotels on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 2railovernight: St Moritz

    The Bernina Express

    Board the Bernina Express for a trip along a 100-year-old UNESCO World Heritage route. Travelling in panoramic carriages, enjoy breathtaking landscapes as you leave St Moritz and ascend the Bernina Pass, reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level. Pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco and view the spectacular Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm. Descend towards Poschiavo, cross into Italy, and spiral around the famous corkscrew viaduct at Brusio. The journey ends in Tirano, then return to St Moritz.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    Board the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt. Travel in standard, first class (more space, fewer passengers), or excellence class (guaranteed window seats, five-course menu with paired wines, dedicated concierge). All classes feature panoramic windows. Climb to Andermatt, reach the highest point, then descend along the beautiful Rhone Valley through green meadows and turquoise river gorges. Optional two- or three-course lunch available at a supplement. Arrive in car-free Zermatt in the early evening.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Exploring Zermatt

    Free day in Zermatt. Breathtaking views of the iconic Matterhorn dominate the landscape. Explore by rail on the Gornergrat Railway or by cable-car to the higher mountains. Walk around the village centre with its many restaurants, cafes and bars, or take hiking trails nearby. Optional excursions available at a supplement: Gornergrat, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Matterhorn Return Alpine Crossing, Zermatt Hiking.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    Zermatt to Montreux

    Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking the train from Zermatt to Montreux through the beautiful Rhone Valley. On arrival in Montreux you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the afternoon relaxing or take a stroll around Montreux. Optional excursions: Guided Tour of Chateau de Chillon, Guided Tour of Chateaux du Chillon with Wine Tasting.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    The Golden Pass

    Enjoy free time in Montreux this morning – go shopping, walk by the lake, or stop for a coffee. Then board the GoldenPass Express for a panoramic rail journey through Switzerland's stunning landscapes: lush valleys, serene lakes, charming villages, and majestic mountains. Arrive in Interlaken, the gateway of adventure in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 7railovernight: Interlaken

    The Jungfrau Region

    Free day in Interlaken. Take a boat trip on one of the two beautiful lakes, ride in a horse-drawn carriage, stroll the streets, or relax at a café. Optional excursions at a supplement: Jungfrau Express (Europe's highest train station), Grindelwald First (aerial cableway), Schynige Platte (vintage cog railway).

    Meals: Breakfast

  9. Day 8railovernight: Lucerne

    The Interlaken Express to Lucerne

    Take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express from Interlaken to Lucerne – a two-hour journey through stunning Swiss landscapes passing five tranquil lakes, waterfalls, streams, and towering snowy mountains. The train switches to cogwheel technology as it approaches the steep gradient to Brunig Pass. On arrival in Lucerne you'll be transferred to your hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  10. Day 9railovernight: Lucerne

    Exploring Lake Lucerne

    Free day in Lucerne. Walk around the atmospheric old town, go shopping, or relax with a coffee. Optional excursions at a supplement: Mount Pilatus (cruise + mountain railway), Mount Rigi (Queen of the Mountains), One Hour Panoramic Lake Lucerne Sightseeing Cruise, Lake Lucerne Sunset Cruise with Dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast

  11. Day 10rail

    Homeward Bound

    Your incredible journey comes to its close today. Take the train from Lucerne to Zurich airport for your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, take the rail journey home: Lucerne to Basel, Basel to Paris Gare du Lyon, then Paris Nord to London St Pancras aboard the Eurostar. Upgrades to First Class available.

Included

  • 9 nights hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Standard Class Rail in Switzerland
  • Return flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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