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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Majestic Switzerland - Excellence Class

Five-day Swiss rail journey Zermatt to St Moritz on three named trains

Illustration of Majestic Switzerland - Excellence Class

Marvellous Escapes' Majestic Switzerland operates a five-day tailor-made rail journey from Zermatt to St Moritz in the Swiss Alps. The trip begins with two nights in Zermatt, a mountaineering hub on the border with Italy, where you ride the Gornergrat Cog Railway to a 10,135-foot summit for panoramic views of the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks. On day three, you travel the full length of the legendary Glacier Express in Excellence Class, watching panoramic windows frame alpine lakes, charming villages, and the postcard-worthy Landwasser Viaduct as the train climbs mountain passes. The journey concludes in St Moritz with two nights and a day trip on the Bernina Express, a UNESCO-listed route that descends into Italy's Poschiavo Valley, where vineyards line the landscape around Tirano. The package includes both hotels with breakfast, a Swiss Pass, flights or train travel from the UK, and all three named train journeys. It suits repeat rail travellers and luxury seekers drawn to alpine scenery and resort elegance.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 5 involves a return journey to Zurich; the pack does not confirm whether this is by train or coach
  • The two-hour optional hike to Breithorn on day one requires fitness; this is not a guided walk

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'll travel the full length of the legendary Glacier Express, in the unmatched comfort of Excellence Class. Settle into your panoramic seat as the train glides through charming Swiss villages, traces the edges of shimmering alpine lakes, and climbs steadily over majestic mountain passes, including the postcard-worthy Landwasser Viaduct. On arrival in St. Moritz, 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 2The Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends from 5,262 feet to 10,135 feet in 33 minutes, revealing views of the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks
  • Day 3Glacier Express in Excellence Class travels the full route from Zermatt to St Moritz, passing the Landwasser Viaduct and alpine lakes
  • Day 4Bernina Express descends from snow-clad Alpine peaks into the Poschiavo Valley with vineyards, with a stop in Tirano for traditional 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
  • Glacier Express Excellence Class
  • Bernina Express in First Class

Questions travellers ask

What trains are included?
The Gornergrat Cog Railway, Glacier Express in Excellence Class, and Bernina Express in First Class. A Swiss Pass covers additional rail travel.
Is the trip escorted or independent?
It is a tailor-made holiday; the pack does not specify whether a guide accompanies you throughout.
What is the total cost?
From GBP 2,399 per person (approximately USD 3,204). This includes flights or train from the UK, hotels, breakfast, and the named trains.
How many nights in each location?
Two nights in Zermatt, two nights in St Moritz. Both hotels include breakfast.
Is there significant walking?
Day one offers an optional two-hour hike to Breithorn. Otherwise, walking is limited to villages and train transfers.
What is not included?
Meals beyond breakfast (except pizza in Tirano on day four), personal expenses, and single-room supplements are not listed in the inclusions.

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