Search

Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Grand Tour of Switzerland

Ten-day Swiss rail loop through alpine peaks, glaciers, and lakeside towns.

Illustration of Grand Tour of Switzerland

Great Rail Journeys operates this 10-day independent train tour of Switzerland, departing from Zurich and returning to London. The journey combines five famous European express trains across nine nights in five destinations: St Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, Interlaken, and Lucerne. On Day 2, you board the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage route, through panoramic carriages as it ascends the Bernina Pass to over 7,300 feet and crosses the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco. The Glacier Express carries you from St Moritz to Zermatt through the Rhone Valley. The GoldenPass Express takes you from Montreux to Interlaken. The Lucerne-Interlaken Express completes the rail circuit. Hotel accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis, with three tiers available (3-, 4-, and 5-star). Each destination offers a free day to explore or pursue optional excursions at a supplement. The tour suits independent travellers and repeat rail enthusiasts who prefer flexibility within a structured itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel accommodation varies by tier (3-, 4-, or 5-star options listed); your final hotel depends on the tier and city you select.
  • Several days are free and unguided; optional excursions (Gornergrat, Jungfrau Express, Mount Pilatus, Chateau de Chillon) cost extra.
  • The tour begins and ends with flights; the outbound journey involves either a flight to Zurich or a multi-leg rail journey via Eurostar and overnight in Basel.

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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the Bernina Express through panoramic carriages, ascending the Bernina Pass to over 7,300 feet, passing turquoise Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier.
  • Day 3Travel the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt, climbing to Andermatt at the highest point, then descending the Rhone Valley through green meadows and turquoise river gorges.
  • Day 4Explore Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn; ride the Gornergrat Railway or cable-car to higher mountains, or walk hiking trails nearby.
  • Day 6Journey on the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken through lush valleys, serene lakes, charming villages, and majestic mountains.
  • Day 8Travel the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, a two-hour journey passing five tranquil lakes, waterfalls, streams, and snowy mountains, with cogwheel technology at Brunig Pass.

Included

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

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price includes standard-class rail in Switzerland, five named trains (Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Express, Lucerne-Interlaken Express, and optional Eurostar), plus return flights London to Zurich. Upgrades to First Class and Excellence Class are available at a supplement.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an independent tour. You receive a handpicked itinerary with pre-booked hotels and train tickets, but no guide accompanies you. Each destination has free time to explore on your own or join optional excursions.
Which trains are included?
Bernina Express (St Moritz to Tirano and back), Glacier Express (St Moritz to Zermatt), GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken), Lucerne-Interlaken Express (Interlaken to Lucerne), and optional Eurostar (London St Pancras to Paris Nord).
What are the hotel standards?
Great Rail Journeys offers three tiers: 3-star hotels (budget), 4-star hotels (mid-range), and 5-star hotels (luxury). All include bed and breakfast. You choose the tier when booking.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
Each destination includes a free day; walking difficulty is moderate (city strolls, lakeside paths). Optional excursions add mountain railways, cableway rides, and hiking trails nearby. You control your activity level.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Optional excursions (such as Gornergrat Railway, Jungfrau Express, Mount Pilatus, and Chateau de Chillon tours) cost extra.

Similar journeys