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Switzerland Travel Centre · Guided Group Tour

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Journey of Discovery

Ten-day guided rail circle through Swiss Alps on eight named trains

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Journey of Discovery

Switzerland Travel Centre operates this ten-day guided group tour from Zurich to Lucerne, primarily aboard Switzerland's most celebrated scenic trains. The Glacier Express takes eight hours from St. Moritz to Zermatt through Alpine passes; the Bernina Express drops from St. Moritz into Italy and climbs back via the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway; the GoldenPass Express and Lucerne-Interlaken Express connect mountain resorts to lakeside towns. An English-speaking tour manager accompanies the group of like-minded travellers throughout. Days divide between train journeys, overnight stays in Zermatt, Montreux, St. Moritz, Interlaken, and Lucerne, and included excursions such as the Gornergrat cogwheel railway, a Rigi summit round trip by boat and train, and a wine tasting at a family winery overlooking Lake Geneva. The pace is relaxed, with two nights in most towns, allowing time for individual exploration. This itinerary suits first-time rail travellers seeking a complete Alpine experience and repeat Swiss train enthusiasts alike.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of CHF 3,550 (approximately USD 4,422) covers accommodations and most transport; confirm what meals are included and whether any costs are additional.
  • Day 1 and Day 10 require independent travel to and from Zurich and Lucerne respectively by public transport.
  • Day 8 is a long day with two train journeys and stops for lunch and exploration; confirm the schedule with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Travelling to Zurich

    Travel to Zurich by public transport. At the hotel, you will get to know your travel group and your tour guide.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Journey to St. Moritz

    With your travel group, you will travel to St. Moritz by train in 1st class. There you will have time to explore the alpine town. Journey time: approx. 4.5h.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Journey on the Bernina Express

    You travel on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano (IT), past Lago Bianco, Poschiavo and the circular viaduct in Brusio. You then travel back to St. Moritz on regional trains. Journey time: approx. 4h.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Journey on the Glacier Express

    Today, the Glacier Express takes you from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Enjoy the impressive view of the Swiss Alps during the journey. Journey time: approx. 8h.

  5. Day 5overnight: Zermatt

    Mountain excursion to the Gornergrat

    You take a trip to the Gornergrat. Enjoy the spectacular view! There are 37 four-thousand-metre peaks around Zermatt, including the Matterhorn. Trip time: approx. 4h.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Montreux

    Journey to Montreux

    Continue by train in 1st class to Montreux. You have time to explore the charming town on Lake Geneva. Journey time: approx. 3h.

  7. Day 7overnight: Montreux

    Wine tasting and excursion to Lausanne

    Today, a culinary highlight is on the programme: In the village of Puidoux near Vevey, a one-hour wine tasting awaits you at Domaine Bovy, a family-run winery with a view of the lake. Afterwards, it's off to Lausanne to explore the city on your own.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lucerne

    Journey on the GoldenPass Express and Lucerne-Interlaken Express

    Travel with the GoldenPass Express to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. The route takes you through various language regions, landscapes and along countless lakes. Stop in Interlaken for lunch and individual exploration. In the afternoon, take the Lucerne-Interlaken Express over the Bruenig Pass and along Lake Brienz to Lucerne.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Lucerne

    Mountain excursion to the Rigi

    Today you will experience a round trip to the summit of Mount Rigi by boat, cogwheel railway and regional train. Enjoy the unique panorama over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountains.

  10. Day 10

    Return journey from Lucerne

    In Lucerne, you start your return or onward journey by public transport.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Bernina Express descends from St. Moritz past Lago Bianco and the Brusio circular viaduct into Italy, then returns to St. Moritz by regional train.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world, takes eight hours from St. Moritz to Zermatt through the Swiss Alps.
  • Day 5The Gornergrat cogwheel railway ascends above Zermatt, where 37 four-thousand-metre peaks surround the landscape, including the Matterhorn.
  • Day 7One-hour wine tasting at Domaine Bovy, a family-run winery near Vevey with views over Lake Geneva.
  • Day 8GoldenPass Express and Lucerne-Interlaken Express traverse language regions, countless lakes, and the Bruenig Pass to Lake Brienz.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The tour includes first class rail on eight trains: a 1st class service Zurich to St. Moritz, the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Gornergrat Railway, 1st class Zermatt to Montreux, GoldenPass Express, Lucerne-Interlaken Express, and a Rigi cogwheel railway plus boat round trip.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. An English-speaking tour manager accompanies the group throughout the ten days.
How many nights and where do we stay?
Nine nights: two in Zurich, two in St. Moritz, one in Zermatt, two in Montreux, and two in Lucerne.
What kind of walking or physical activity is involved?
Days include town exploration on foot, individual time in cities, and mountain excursions to Gornergrat and Rigi via cogwheel railway and boat, requiring comfort with stairs and typical mountain railway journeys.
What highlights are included?
Journeys on the Glacier Express (described as the slowest express train in the world), Bernina Express through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mountain excursions to Gornergrat and Rigi, wine tasting at Domaine Bovy near Vevey, and time in Zermatt, Interlaken, and lakeside towns.

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