Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Milan to Zurich via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Rail journey from Milan to Zurich via the Bernina and Glacier Express

Illustration of Milan to Zurich via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Railbookers operates this independent rail vacation, a 9-day, 8-night trip from Milan to Zurich that rides two of Switzerland's named scenic trains. After two nights in Milan, which include a small-group walking tour to see The Last Supper, the Bernina Express crosses the Poschiavo Valley and the Brusio viaduct on its way to St. Moritz for two nights, including an evening at the St. Moritz Casino. From there the Glacier Express continues over the Landwasser viaduct to Zermatt, where a two-night stay includes a day trip on the Gornergrat rack railway, Europe's highest open-air railway, reaching nearly 3000 meters. The trip ends with two nights in Zurich, with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich. A 6-day Swiss Pass covers onward local travel. The pace, with two nights in every stop, suits travelers who want Switzerland's named scenic trains paired with guided city tours rather than a fully self-directed schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 23 accommodation options across Milan and St. Moritz alone, spanning tiers from the Hilton Milan up to the Four Seasons Hotel Milano and the Armani Hotel Milano; which hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
  • The evidence available does not list current departure dates or a season for this package; confirm timing and availability directly with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Your Journey Begins in Milan

    Welcome to Milan! Make your way to your hotel, and once checked in take a stroll around the city where you will find a great selection of local restaurants for dinner.

  2. Day 2overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Following breakfast, get ready to explore more of the city on your walking tour! See the Duomo's stunning exterior, visit the world-famous Leonardo's Last Supper, and explore the Sforza Castle gardens.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Milan to St. Moritz Via The Bernina Express

    Make your way to Milan Centrale station for the Bernina Express, passing through the pretty Poschiavo Valley and the impressive Brusio viaduct. Once the train arrives at St. Moritz, drop your bags off at your hotel and enjoy a stroll through the town centre itself.

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Take a relaxing stroll around the lake and enjoy the chic town itself, the first real alpine holiday destination for the international jet set. At night, enjoy some of the classic glitz and glamour of the St. Moritz Casino.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt

    Experience one of the world's greatest train journeys today, onboard the Glacier Express. Cross the iconic Landwasser viaduct, and treat yourself to lunch onboard with a glass of Swiss white wine. On arrival in Zermatt make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip from Zermatt

    Today enjoy a ride on the highest open-air railway in Europe, the Gornergrat rack railway. At the top, some 3000m above sea level, the views are breath-taking.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zurich

    Zermatt to Zurich

    At a time of your choosing, make your way to the station for a train north to Zurich. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel, and once checked in take a stroll around the city's beautiful Old Town.

  8. Day 8overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Following breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich with an expert guide to introduce you to the city and the old town. Embark on a guided walking tour of the Old Town and discover the city and its beautiful surroundings from the water during an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Zurich

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Bernina Express carries travelers from Milan to St. Moritz through the Poschiavo Valley and across the Brusio viaduct.
  • Day 5The Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser viaduct on the way from St. Moritz to Zermatt, with onboard lunch and Swiss white wine offered as an option.
  • Day 6A day trip on the Gornergrat rack railway, Europe's highest open-air railway, climbs to nearly 3000 meters above sea level.
  • Day 8A guided walking tour of Zurich's Old Town is followed by an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich.

Included

  • All rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 6 Day Swiss Pass
  • Small-group walking tour of Milan with the Last Supper
  • Gornergrat day trip from Zermatt with Priority Boarding
  • Small-group walking tour of Zurich

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. All rail travel is included as per the itinerary, including the Bernina Express from Milan to St. Moritz, the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, a train from Zermatt to Zurich, and a 6-day Swiss Pass.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation from Railbookers, though it includes small-group walking tours of Milan and Zurich, the Milan tour taking in The Last Supper.
Which named trains does the trip use?
The Bernina Express between Milan and St. Moritz, and the Glacier Express between St. Moritz and Zermatt, plus the Gornergrat rack railway on a day trip from Zermatt.
What is included besides the trains?
8 nights of hotel breakfast (2 each in Milan, St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Zurich), a 6-day Swiss Pass, the small-group Milan and Zurich walking tours, and the Gornergrat day trip with priority boarding. Day 8 in the itinerary also includes an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich.
How long is the trip and what does it cost?
It runs 9 days and 8 nights, priced from $2,159 per person according to Railbookers.

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