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Switzerland Travel Centre · Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Historic Tour

Seven-day Swiss rail circle through Alpine valleys on five named trains

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Historic Tour

Switzerland Travel Centre's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a 7-day, 6-night rail journey that weaves through the country's Alpine heartland, starting in Chur and ending in Lucerne. You travel on five named trains: the Glacier Express (the slowest express train in the world), the GoldenPass Belle Epoque train car, the Lucerne-Interlaken Express, and regional services, with time spent on Lake Brienz by cable car. Each night you stay in a different Swiss Historic Hotel, from the Stern in Chur to the Wilden Mann in Lucerne, immersing yourself in the stories and charm of these heritage properties. Day 5 is free in Brienz, allowing you to explore Giessbach Falls, the Beatus Caves, or the village's carving tradition. The package includes a digital Swiss Coupon Pass offering over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences. This trip suits rail enthusiasts, history lovers, and couples seeking a slow-paced, independent exploration of Switzerland's most scenic train routes.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 1 is an unguided arrival by public transport to Chur; you must arrange your own journey to the hotel
  • Day 7 is a return departure; no itinerary activities are listed
  • The accommodation options note indicates you can select your hotel and room category, so final hotel placement depends on your choice within the tier

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Chur

    Journey to Chur

    You travel to Chur by public transport. You will stay overnight at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Stern".

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Ride on the Glacier Express

    You travel on the Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt. You will spend the night in Zermatt in the Swiss Historic Hotel "Monte Rosa". Trip time: approx. 5h 30min.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Trip from Zermatt to Montreux

    You travel to Montreux by train and stay overnight at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Masson".

  4. Day 4railovernight: Brienz

    Ride on the GoldenPass Belle Epoque

    Take the GoldenPass Line in a Belle Epoque train car from Montreux to Zweisimmen. Continue to Interlaken, from there onto Lake Brienz and then by cable car to the hotel. You will spend the night at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Grandhotel Giessbach" in Brienz. Trip time: approx. 6h.

  5. Day 5overnight: Brienz

    Stay in Brienz

    Today is a free day for you. Explore the Giessbach Falls or visit the Beatus Caves and the Brienz Village of Carvers.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lucerne

    Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    In the morning, you travel from Giessbach across Lake Brienz to Brienz. There you board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Lucerne, where you spend the night at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Wilden Mann".

  7. Day 7

    Return journey from Lucerne

    You start your return journey by public transport from Lucerne. Alternatively, you can extend your stay.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt, the slowest express train in the world, over approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes
  • Day 4Travel in a Belle Epoque train car on the GoldenPass Line from Montreux to Zweisimmen, then continue by regional train and cable car to Brienz
  • Day 5Free day in Brienz to explore Giessbach Falls, the Beatus Caves, or the Brienz Village of Carvers
  • Day 6Depart Giessbach by cable car across Lake Brienz to Brienz station, then board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Lucerne

Included

  • Arrival and departure included - travel from any starting point and back to any ending point in Switzerland
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass included with every package holiday booking in 2026 - your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland, save up to CHF 4,500

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes rail journeys on the Glacier Express, GoldenPass Belle Epoque train car, Lucerne-Interlaken Express, and regional trains, plus arrival and departure travel anywhere in Switzerland by public transport.
Is this trip guided or independent?
Independent. You travel by public transport and trains on your own schedule, with free time on Day 5 in Brienz. Arrival and departure are unguided.
What is included in the price?
Six nights in Swiss Historic Hotels, rail journeys named in the itinerary, arrival and departure transport anywhere in Switzerland, and a digital Swiss Coupon Pass with over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences.
When does this tour run?
The operator publishes no departure dates in the available information. Contact Switzerland Travel Centre directly to confirm availability and dates.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes. The itinerary notes you can extend your stay as preferred, and you can customize the duration of your trip directly with the operator.
What is not included?
Meals, optional activities and mountain excursions, and any travel outside Switzerland.

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