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Switzerland Travel Centre · Tailor-made rail vacation

Greatest Rail Adventure

Three panoramic trains through Swiss Alps, Lucerne to Zermatt, nine days

Illustration of Greatest Rail Adventure

Switzerland Travel Centre's Greatest Rail Adventure is a nine-day tailor-made journey through Switzerland and Italian Alpine territory, beginning in Lucerne and ending in Zermatt. The route connects four destinations on three celebrated panoramic trains: the Gotthard Panorama Express carries you south from Lucerne via a Lake Lucerne paddle steamer to Lugano, where Mediterranean light and lakeside promenades contrast the mountains; the Bernina Express crosses the Italian Alps by bus, then climbs eastward to St. Moritz; and the Glacier Express completes the arc across the Swiss Alps to Zermatt, home of the Matterhorn. Between these rail segments you have full days to explore each city. Accommodation is your choice of hotel and room tier. The package suits repeat rail travellers seeking a structured but unhurried itinerary, couples wanting paired leisure and scenery, and photographers who value panoramic carriage seating and defined visual landmarks. Arrival and departure within Switzerland are by public transport; international flights are booked separately through the operator's flight service.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights to Switzerland are not included; Switzerland Travel Centre offers a separate flight booking service with a £35 per person fee
  • The package price covers accommodation with a choice of hotel and room tier; final hotel names and ratings depend on the tier you select
  • Additional mountain activities and excursions are available but not included in the base package price

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lucerne

    Arrival in Lucerne

    Travel by public transport from your starting point in Switzerland to Lucerne. Enjoy the journey and the beautiful views of the surrounding area.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lucerne

    Stay in Lucerne

    You spend a day in Lucerne, the gateway to Central Switzerland. Discover the historic old town, the beautiful lakeside promenade and the surrounding mountains.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    Journey on the Gotthard Panorama Express

    Glide along Lake Lucerne on a historic paddle steamer. Then travel to Lugano in the 1st class panoramic coach of the Gotthard Panorama Express. Journey time: approx. 5h 30min

  4. Day 4overnight: Lugano

    Stay in Lugano

    You spend a day in Lugano. Enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere, stroll along the lakeshore or visit the viewpoints of Monte Brè or San Salvatore.

  5. Day 5railovernight: St. Moritz

    Journey on the Bernina Express

    You travel on the Bernina Express bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano. Afterwards, the Bernina Express takes you to St. Moritz in a panoramic carriage. Journey time: approx. 5h 40min

  6. Day 6overnight: St. Moritz

    Stay in St. Moritz

    Enjoy a day at leisure in St. Moritz. Explore the many hiking routes and breathtaking scenery.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zermatt

    Journey on the Glacier Express

    You travel on the Glacier Express on a varied panoramic journey through the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Journey time: approx. 8 hours

  8. Day 8overnight: Zermatt

    Stay in Zermatt

    You have time to explore Zermatt, one of the most legendary places in the Swiss mountains. Enjoy the views of the Matterhorn.

  9. Day 9

    Return journey from Zermatt

    Travel by public transport from Zermatt to the end point of your trip. Or extend your stay at a location of your choice.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Gotthard Panorama Express after a paddle steamer crossing of Lake Lucerne, then ride the 1st class panoramic coach south to Lugano (approximately 5 hours 30 minutes)
  • Day 5Travel the Bernina Express bus through the Italian Alps to Tirano, then switch to the panoramic carriage for the train climb to St. Moritz (approximately 5 hours 40 minutes)
  • Day 7Spend eight hours on the Glacier Express, a panoramic journey through the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Zermatt
  • Day 8In Zermatt, view the Matterhorn from the village and surrounding mountain paths

Included

  • Arrival and departure travel within Switzerland (public transport)
  • Accommodation: choice of hotel and room category
  • Digital Swiss Coupon Pass (2026 bookings)

Not included

  • Flights

Also sold by

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

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
The Gotthard Panorama Express (Lucerne to Lugano, 1st class panoramic coach), the Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz, panoramic carriage), and the Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt). The Bernina route also includes a bus leg through the Italian Alps.
Is this escorted or independent?
It is independent. You travel on public transport to arrive in Lucerne on Day 1, then follow the itinerary with leisure time in each city. Day 9 is an unguided return journey.
What is included in the price?
Accommodation with your choice of hotel and room category, the three panoramic train journeys, a paddle steamer on Lake Lucerne, arrival and departure travel within Switzerland by public transport, and a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass for 2026 bookings.
How much leisure time is there?
Day 2 in Lucerne, Day 4 in Lugano, Day 6 in St. Moritz and Day 8 in Zermatt are unguided leisure days. Days 3, 5 and 7 are travel days on the named trains.
When does this trip run?
Switzerland Travel Centre does not publish specific departure dates in the available information. Contact them directly to confirm availability for your preferred travel dates.

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