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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made independent rail holiday

Matterhorn and the Glacier Express

Nine-day rail journey from London to Zermatt and St Moritz via Glacier Express

Illustration of Matterhorn and the Glacier Express

Tailor Made Rail's nine-day independent holiday combines some of Europe's most celebrated scenic rail routes with extended stays in two Swiss alpine destinations. The journey begins with Eurostar to Paris, then continues southeast to Strasbourg and across the Swiss border to Zermatt, set at the foot of the Matterhorn. From there you spend three nights exploring the Matterhorn and the Valais region, including a day trip on the Gornergratbahn, Europe's highest open-air cog railway. The centrepiece is Day 5, when you board the Glacier Express, the world-famous train that crosses Switzerland via 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, climbing to 6,700 feet at the Oberalp Pass before descending to the fashionable resort of St Moritz. After two more leisure days in St Moritz, you return to London via Cologne and the Rhine Valley. The trip suits repeat rail travellers who savour famous trains and independent explorers content with flexible days and no group escort.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel listings show 'or similar', meaning your final accommodation may vary by tier and availability.
  • Tailor Made Rail publishes no single-supplement pricing in this evidence; confirm costs for sole occupancy before booking.
  • The trip uses standard class on all trains; first-class upgrades are available at an additional cost (from GBP 200 per person).

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Hotel Hannong (or similar), Strasbourg

    London to Strasbourg

    Eurostar to Paris, then a short transfer to the Gare de l'Est for the onward service to Strasbourg.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Hotel Pollux (or similar), Zermatt

    Strasbourg to Zermatt

    Travel across the Swiss border to Visp, then a local train through Swiss scenery to Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, for a 3-night stay.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Hotel Pollux (or similar), Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Enjoy the scenery around Zermatt and the Valais region, with a day trip on the Gornergratbahn, Europe's highest open-air cog railway.

  4. Day 4overnight: Hotel Pollux (or similar), Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Further day at leisure in Zermatt.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Hotel Schweizerhof (or similar), St Moritz

    Glacier Express to St Moritz

    The world-famous Glacier Express across Switzerland to St Moritz: 291 bridges, 91 tunnels and up to 6,700 feet above sea level at the Oberalp Pass.

  6. Day 6overnight: Hotel Schweizerhof (or similar), St Moritz

    St Moritz

    Explore one of Switzerland's oldest and most fashionable ski resorts, or visit the Segantini Museum.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Hotel Schweizerhof (or similar), St Moritz

    St Moritz

    Further day at leisure, with the option of a day trip to Davos, Arosa or the Bernina Express.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Mondial am Dom MGallery (or similar), Cologne

    St Moritz to Cologne

    Train through the Graubünden region, changing in Chur onto a direct service to Cologne Hbf.

  9. Day 9rail

    Cologne to London

    High-speed ICE train to Brussels, then the Eurostar back to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day trip on the Gornergratbahn, Europe's highest open-air cog railway, rising above Zermatt and the Valais region.
  • Day 5Glacier Express crosses Switzerland to St Moritz, crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, climbing to 6,700 feet at the Oberalp Pass.
  • Day 6Visit the Segantini Museum in St Moritz or explore one of Switzerland's oldest and most fashionable ski resorts.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys in standard class, with seat reservations where required, for the full nine days from London to Cologne.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
It is an independent rail holiday. You receive easy-to-follow travel documentation and email ticket despatch, but there is no group guide. Days in Zermatt and St Moritz are at leisure.
Which trains are featured?
Eurostar (London to Paris), regional trains to Strasbourg and Zermatt, the Gornergratbahn day trip, the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St Moritz), and the ICE high-speed train return (Cologne to Brussels), then Eurostar to London.
What hotels are included?
Hannong Hotel in Strasbourg (one night), Hotel Pollux in Zermatt (three nights), Hotel Schweizerhof in St Moritz (three nights), and Mondial am Dom MGallery in Cologne (one night), all with breakfast as necessary.
When does it run?
Year-round. Standard season (March to November) starts at GBP 1,799; winter season (December to February) at GBP 2,099.
What is not included?
Meals beyond breakfast, optional day trips (Davos, Arosa, or the Bernina Express), and first-class rail upgrades are not included in the base price.

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