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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

16-day Swiss rail loop from Zurich to Basel on six named trains

Illustration of Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Tailor Made Rail's Grand Train Tour of Switzerland is a 16-day independent rail holiday that departs from London and returns via Eurostar, beginning in Zurich and finishing in Basel. The journey weaves through eight major Swiss destinations via six named scenic trains: the Golden Pass, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express among them. You will travel through the Bernese Oberland from Interlaken, descend to the Swiss Riviera at Montreux, climb to Zermatt below the Matterhorn, cross the high Alps on the Glacier Express to St Moritz, traverse the Bernina Pass to Lugano, and return through Lucerne and St Gallen. The itinerary balances train time with free days in each location. On Day 8, the Glacier Express climbs the Oberalp Pass at over 6,560 feet while crossing the source of the Rhône. Most days include a hotel overnight with breakfast, and documentation is sent by email before departure. This tour suits experienced rail travellers and independent explorers seeking substantial time to discover each region.

What to know before you look closer

  • All hotels are listed as 'or similar', meaning your final accommodation depends on availability and the tier you select.
  • The Glacier Express lunch on Day 8 is not included in the package price and must be paid for locally.
  • The Bernina Express route to Lugano operates February to November only; routing for other months is not specified in the evidence.
  • Single supplements apply for sole occupancy; pricing is based on two people sharing a twin or double room.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    London to Zurich

    Eurostar from London St Pancras, transferring in Paris onto a high-speed TGV service to Zurich, arriving mid-afternoon, on the River Reuss where it flows into Lake Zurich.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Zurich to Interlaken

    A train to Lucerne, changing onto the Luzern-Interlaken Express, a 2-hour scenic journey past waterfalls, lakes and the Brünig Pass, for a 2-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    A popular base for exploring the Bernese Oberland; optional mountain railways to the Jungfrau, the steam-hauled Brienz Rothorn, or a cruise on Lakes Brienz or Thun.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montreux

    Interlaken to Montreux with the Golden Pass

    A scenic journey via Spiez and Zweisimmen to Montreux on the Swiss Riviera, aboard either a modern panoramic train or vintage Belle-Epoque carriages, for a 2-night stay.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    A day at leisure on the Swiss Riviera on Lake Geneva; walk to the Chateau de Chillon, or take the scenic Rochers de Naye train up into the hills.

  6. Day 6overnight: Zermatt

    Montreux to Zermatt

    Through the cantons of Vaud and Valais, changing at Visp for the Matterhorn-Gotthard Bahn up to Zermatt, for a 2-night stay.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    A free day in Zermatt; optional Gornergrat Mountain Railway for close-up views of the Matterhorn, or hiking trails.

  8. Day 8railovernight: St Moritz

    Zermatt to St Moritz with the Glacier Express

    The Glacier Express across Switzerland, alongside the source of the Rhône, over the Oberalp Pass (over 6,560 feet) and following the Rhine into St Moritz. Commentary provided; lunch served on board (payable locally).

  9. Day 9railovernight: Lugano

    St Moritz to Lugano with the Bernina Express

    The scenic Bernina Express south to Tirano across the Italian border, then on past Lake Como and Valtellina to Lugano, for a 2-night stay.

  10. Day 10overnight: Lugano

    Lugano and Ticino

    A Mediterranean-feeling corner of Switzerland; funicular trains to Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore, or day trips to Locarno or Ascona.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Lucerne

    Lugano to Lucerne

    A train back across the Alps to the shores of Lake Lucerne, for a 2-night stay.

  12. Day 12overnight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Explore the Old Town, the famous wooden bridges and the Kapellbrücke; complimentary Visitor Card gives discounted attractions and free local transport.

  13. Day 13railovernight: St Gallen

    Lucerne to St Gallen

    The Voralpen-Express along Lake Lucerne, crossing Lake Zurich and the Sitter Viaduct (Switzerland's highest railway bridge) to St Gallen, for a 2-night stay.

  14. Day 14overnight: St Gallen

    St Gallen

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Abbey of St Gaul, founded around 720AD, with its ancient library.

  15. Day 15overnight: Basel

    St Gallen to Basel

    Along the shore of Lake Constance and the Rhine to Schaffhausen (optional stop for the Rhine Falls), then on to Basel for an overnight stay.

  16. Day 16rail

    Basel to London

    A train via Cologne to Brussels for the Eurostar back to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4The Golden Pass carries you via Spiez and Zweisimmen to Montreux on the Swiss Riviera, with a choice between a modern panoramic train or vintage Belle-Epoque carriages.
  • Day 8The Glacier Express crosses Switzerland from Zermatt, following the Rhône source and climbing over the Oberalp Pass at 6,560 feet before descending into St Moritz; commentary and lunch are provided on board.
  • Day 9The Bernina Express descends south from St Moritz to Tirano across the Italian border, then continues past Lake Como and through the Valtellina valley to Lugano.
  • Day 13The Voralpen-Express departs Lucerne along Lake Lucerne, crosses Lake Zurich, and traverses the Sitter Viaduct, Switzerland's highest railway bridge, before arriving in St Gallen.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 15 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. All rail journeys are included in standard class, including the Eurostar from London to Paris and return, the Golden Pass, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and connections between cities. Seat reservations where required are also included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
This is an independent rail holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides easy-to-follow travel documentation and tickets by email; you travel at your own pace.
What hotels are included?
Tailor Made Rail provides 15 nights of handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast at properties in Zurich, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, St Moritz, Lugano, Lucerne, St Gallen, and Basel. Hotels are listed as 'or similar', so your final choice depends on tier and availability.
When does this trip run?
The evidence does not specify fixed departure dates. The Bernina Express route operates February to November. Contact Tailor Made Rail for current departure dates and pricing.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included at all 15 hotels. Lunch on the Glacier Express on Day 8 is not included and must be paid for locally.
How much walking is involved?
Free days allow optional mountain railways and hiking in Interlaken and Zermatt. In Lucerne, exploration of the Old Town and wooden bridges involves walking. Funicular trains are available as alternatives in Lugano. A complimentary Visitor Card in Lucerne gives discounted attraction access and free local transport.

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