Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Majestic Switzerland

Alpine rail loop from Zermatt to St Moritz on three scenic trains

Illustration of Majestic Switzerland

Majestic Switzerland, a 5-day tailor-made rail holiday from Marvellous Escapes, departs the UK by flight or train from London St. Pancras and arrives in Zermatt, the storied mountaineering village at the foot of the Matterhorn. You spend two nights there, riding the Gornergrat Cog Railway to the 10,135-foot summit for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks. On Day 3, you board the Glacier Express for the full journey across Switzerland to St Moritz, passing shimmering alpine lakes, picturesque villages, and the Landwasser Viaduct. After two nights in the elegant resort town of St Moritz, Day 4 takes you on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO World Heritage train line that descends through vineyards into the Poschiavo Valley and Italy, where you can enjoy traditional Italian pizza in Tirano before returning to St Moritz. The package includes hotels with breakfast, a Swiss Pass for all rail travel, and reserved seats on all three trains, making it well-suited to couples, photographers, and repeat rail travellers.

What to know before you look closer

  • The final day (Day 5) involves an early checkout and travel back to Zurich; no hotel overnight is included.
  • Accommodation in both towns is bookable but not named in the itinerary; confirm your specific hotel and tier with Marvellous Escapes before booking.
  • Day 1 includes an optional two-hour hike that requires a moderate fitness level; it is not compulsory.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Arrive in Zermatt and complete your check-in at the hotel where you will unwind for a two-night stay. Choose to spend the remainder of the day exploring this charming pedestrianised village, celebrated for its historical significance as a mountaineering hub. Alternatively, you might opt for the invigorating two-hour hike to the summit of The Breithorn, affectionately known as the 'Little Matterhorn.' With your 4-day Swiss Pass in hand, you have the freedom to travel from any location in Switzerland.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Day Trip to Gornergrat

    Following breakfast today you will embark on a remarkable journey aboard the Gornergrat Cog Railway. This 19th-century engineering marvel swiftly ascends from 5,262 feet above sea level to an impressive 10,135 feet in just 33 minutes. At the summit, you'll be greeted by one of Switzerland's most breathtaking panoramas, taking in the iconic silhouette of the Matterhorn along with the majestic neighbouring peaks and glaciers.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St Moritz

    Aboard The Glacier Express (Zermatt To St Moritz)

    Today you will journey along the entire length of the Glacier Express route. This iconic train voyage meanders through picturesque Swiss villages, alongside shimmering azure lakes, and ascends across several lofty mountain passes and peaks, including the Landwasser Viaduct. Upon your arrival in St. Moritz, arrive at your chosen hotel and complete your check-in for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St Moritz

    Day trip on the Bernina Express

    Today you'll set off on an extraordinary train adventure along one of the world's most picturesque routes, taking you southward into Italy. The Bernina Express promises a breathtaking journey, descending from the snow-clad Alpine peaks into the verdant Poschiavo Valley, where vineyards embrace the landscape around Tirano. Stop off in Tirano to enjoy a traditional Italian pizza, then embark on your northbound return journey.

  5. Day 5

    Return Home

    Following breakfast, check-out of your hotel, and begin your journey back to Zurich for your onward travel plans. If you would like to extend your time in Switzerland or Italy, the Marvellous Escapes team are on hand to assist you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the Gornergrat Cog Railway, a 19th-century engineering marvel, ascending from 5,262 feet to 10,135 feet in 33 minutes to views of the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks.
  • Day 3Travel the entire Glacier Express route through Swiss villages, past shimmering lakes, over mountain passes, and across the Landwasser Viaduct to St Moritz.
  • Day 4Journey on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO-listed route, descending from Alpine peaks into the Poschiavo Valley and vineyards near Tirano in Italy, with time to enjoy authentic Italian pizza.

Included

  • Two-night hotel accommodation in Zermatt with breakfast included
  • Two-night 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 Pass
  • Included rail ticket from St. Moritz to Zurich Airport
  • Excursion on the Gornergrat Cog Railway with Matterhorn views
  • Secure reservations for the Glacier Express and Bernina Express journeys

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Pass covering rail travel, secure reservations on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, and the Gornergrat Cog Railway excursion.
Which trains are featured?
The Gornergrat Cog Railway (Zermatt to summit), the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St Moritz), and the Bernina Express (St Moritz to Tirano, round trip).
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is a tailor-made rail holiday. The itinerary is structured with reserved trains and hotels, but activities like the Day 1 hike are optional.
What accommodation is included?
Two nights in a hotel in Zermatt and two nights in a hotel in St Moritz, both with breakfast included. Specific hotels are not named in the package description.
Does the price include flights?
Yes. The price from £1,449 per person includes flights to and from the UK or a return train journey from London St. Pancras.
What is not included?
Meals beyond breakfast are not included, except the opportunity to purchase a traditional Italian pizza in Tirano on Day 4.

Similar journeys