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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Grandeur of the Glaciers

Swiss Alps rail loop from Zurich through Zermatt and St. Moritz on two signature

Illustration of Grandeur of the Glaciers

Marvellous Escapes operates this 6-day luxury rail holiday through the heart of the Swiss Alps, departing from Zurich and ending in St. Moritz. The journey combines two of Switzerland's most celebrated trains: the Gornergrat Cog Railway, which ascends over 10,000 feet in 33 minutes near the Matterhorn, and the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, crossing 29 bridges and 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz. On the Glacier Express, you enjoy assured window seats, a five-course menu with wines, a personal concierge, and access to the Glacier Bar. The package includes three hotels with breakfast, a Swiss Travel Pass, and return flights from the UK or an alternative train journey from London St. Pancras. Days blend high-altitude train travel with time to explore the Alpine resort towns: Zurich's old town district, Zermatt's mountain culture, and St. Moritz's lakeside and cultural attractions. This trip suits those seeking premium comfort, scenic rail journeys, and the dramatic landscape of the Alps without demanding physical exertion.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Engadin Card mentioned for day 5 is available only May to October; confirm your travel dates with Marvellous Escapes
  • Excellence Class window seats are assured, but final hotel choices in each city depend on availability and your selected tier

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's most cosmopolitan city, nestled along the banks of the River Limmat. Upon checking into your hotel, enjoy the evening by the lakeside in the charming old town district of Niederdorf, renowned for its vibrant bars, restaurants, lounges, and boutique shops.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Take a train from Zurich to Visp, then transfer to the mountain train in Visp that will take you directly to Zermatt. The entire journey to Zermatt is incredibly scenic, showcasing vineyards, lakes, and mountains.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Embark on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, ascending over 10,000 feet in a mere 33 minutes! Revel in breathtaking panoramic vistas from the summit, featuring the Matterhorn and majestic glaciers.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    Glacier Express Excellence Class

    Prepare for one of the most opulent train journeys in Switzerland. Excellence Class provides a personal concierge, luggage service, plush seating, expert knowledge of the route, a five-course menu with accompanying wines, and access to the Glacier Bar for an aperitif, crossing 29 bridges and 91 tunnels en route to St. Moritz.

  5. Day 5overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Make use of your Engadin Card today (available May to October) by taking a scenic ride on the local funicular and cable car to Piz Nair, or explore the charming lake surroundings, Kulm Country Club, Segantini Museum, Via Serlas shops, or the St. Moritz Casino.

  6. Day 6

    Return Home

    Following check-out from your hotel in St. Moritz, travel to Chur, then continue from Chur to Zurich Airport for your return flight to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Ride the Gornergrat Cog Railway, ascending over 10,000 feet in 33 minutes to panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers
  • Day 4Travel in Excellence Class aboard the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing 29 bridges and 91 tunnels while enjoying a five-course meal with wine pairings and aperitifs at the Glacier Bar

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in Zermatt with breakfast included
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in St. Moritz with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Travel in comfort throughout your journey with a Swiss Travel Pass
  • Glacier Express Excellence Class
  • Day excursion on the Gornergrat Cog Railway
  • Secure reservations in Excellence Class on the Glacier Express between Zermatt and St. Moritz

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Travel Pass, the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, the Gornergrat Cog Railway ascent, and all connecting trains between cities. Flights or a return train journey from London St. Pancras are also included.
What is Excellence Class on the Glacier Express?
Excellence Class offers assured window seats, personal concierge service, luggage service, plush seating, expert route commentary, a five-course menu with accompanying wines, and access to the Glacier Bar for aperitifs.
Is the trip escorted or independent?
Marvellous Escapes describes this as a tailor-made rail holiday. You have hotel accommodation and reserved train seats; the itinerary is self-guided outside the Glacier Express journey.
What hotels are included?
One night in Zurich, two nights in Zermatt, and two nights in St. Moritz, all with breakfast included.
How much walking is involved?
The Gornergrat Cog Railway does the climbing for you. Most other days involve city exploration and optional activities like the funicular to Piz Nair or visits to museums and shops. No strenuous hikes are required.
What is the starting price?
From GBP 2,499 per person (approximately USD 3,337), which includes all hotels, breakfast, rail travel, and flights.

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