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Rail Escape

Scenary And Elegance: Swiss Train Tour

Ten-day rail journey from Munich through Swiss Alps to Milan on two signature trains

Illustration of Scenary And Elegance: Swiss Train Tour

Rail Escape's 10-day Swiss Train Tour travels from Munich through the Swiss Alps to Milan, combining city exploration with two of Europe's most celebrated mountain rail journeys. The tour starts in Munich with two nights exploring Marienplatz and Nymphenburg Palace, then moves to Zurich for two nights of Old Town wandering and lake cruises. Day 5 brings you to Zermatt, the car-free alpine village below the Matterhorn, followed by a day aboard the Glacier Express climbing through high passes to St. Moritz. The Bernina Express then carries you down through Italian valleys toward Milan, where three nights allow time for Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, the Duomo cathedral, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Hotel accommodation is 4-star properties near each train station, with breakfast daily and airport transfers included. This tour suits experienced rail travellers, couples, history enthusiasts, and photographers seeking classic European rail travel punctuated by alpine scenery and urban culture.

What to know before you look closer

  • Some regional train segments operate in second class only, despite the tour's 'first class' designation; confirm the exact class on each leg with Rail Escape.
  • Excursions, activities, entrance fees, and meals beyond breakfast are not included. Attractions like the Alte Pinakothek, Swiss National Museum, and Santa Maria delle Grazie require separate tickets.
  • Hotel accommodation options include upgrades to different properties in each city; your final hotels depend on which tier and property Rail Escape assigns within each location.
  • International airfare, local transportation, and tips are not included; budget accordingly for these costs.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Munich

    Arrive in Munich

    Welcome to the Bavarian capital! After checking into your hotel for two nights, get your first taste of Munich at the famous Marienplatz square with its striking New Town Hall and glockenspiel clock show. Don't miss the chance to sample some beer at one of Munich's renowned beer halls.

  2. Day 2overnight: Munich

    Munich's Top Attractions

    Today, explore some of Munich's highlights like the enormous Nymphenburg Palace, the former summer residence of Bavarian royalty. You could also visit the Alte Pinakothek museum housing one of the finest collections of European art. End your day with a stroll through the English Garden.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zurich

    Travel to Zurich

    After breakfast, depart Munich and take the train into Switzerland to Zurich. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend your afternoon exploring the charming Old Town and strolling along the upscale Bahnhofstrasse shopping avenue.

  4. Day 4overnight: Zurich

    Highlights of Zurich

    See the top attractions of cosmopolitan Zurich today like a walking tour across the churches and guildhalls of Old Town. Visit world-class museums such as the Swiss National Museum or the Kunsthaus art museum. You could also take a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    Journey to Zermatt

    Leave Zurich after breakfast and travel by train to the Swiss Alpine resort town of Zermatt, nestled beneath the famous Matterhorn peak. After hotel check-in, spend the afternoon strolling the pedestrian-friendly village streets and admiring the views.

  6. Day 6railovernight: St. Moritz

    Explore St. Moritz

    Take the scenic Glacier Express train from Zermatt to the glamorous ski resort of St. Moritz. After dropping your bags at your hotel, you can ride cable cars up the surrounding peaks, go hiking on alpine trails, or just enjoy the chic resort atmosphere.

  7. Day 7overnight: Milan

    Travel to Milan

    Depart St. Moritz after breakfast and cross into Italy to the cosmopolitan city of Milan. After checking into your hotel for three nights, spend the afternoon exploring sights like the iconic Duomo cathedral and the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade.

  8. Day 8overnight: Milan

    Discover Milan

    Use today to visit some of Milan's incredible artistic and cultural highlights. Don't miss seeing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece The Last Supper at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. You could also explore the Castello Sforzesco or one of Milan's top museums.

  9. Day 9overnight: Milan

    More of Milan

    With another day in the fashion capital, you can experience other top attractions like visiting the San Siro stadium, exploring the trendy Navigli canal district, or shopping the latest styles in the city's chic boutiques. Indulge in some delicious risotto milanese before your trip ends.

  10. Day 10

    Depart Milan

    Enjoy any last sights or activities in Milan on your final morning before departing this stylish Italian city for your next destination. You may want to squeeze in one last espresso and pastry from a local café to end your trip on a high note.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 6The Glacier Express departs Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn and travels to St. Moritz through alpine passes and mountain scenery.
  • Day 7The Bernina Express climbs from St. Moritz across the Alps into Italy, descending toward Tirano and Milan with panoramic viaduct crossings.
  • Day 5Arrive in Zermatt, the pedestrian-only alpine village beneath the Matterhorn peak, accessible only by train or mountain transport.

Included

  • Welcome Package with travel essentials and detailed itinerary information
  • First-Class Rail Travel throughout (some regional trains second-class only)
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation in all cities, near train stations
  • Daily Breakfast at all hotel accommodations
  • Airport Transfers on arrival and departure

Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Excursions, Activities and Entrance Fees
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast
  • Local taxes or fees (e.g. hotel tourism taxes)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Local Transportation

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Rail Escape includes first class (or second class on some regional trains) on all rail segments: Munich to Zurich, Zurich to Zermatt, the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, and the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Milan via Tirano.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
The itinerary describes independent exploration of each city, with hotel check-ins and suggested attractions, though no daily guide presence is mentioned. Confirm the level of guided services with Rail Escape before booking.
What hotels are included?
Rail Escape books 4-star accommodations: 25 hours the royal bavarian (Munich, 2 nights), Hotel Glockenhof (Zurich, 2 nights), Alpenhotel Fleurs de Zermatt (Zermatt, 1 night), Schweizerhof Swiss Quality Hotel (St. Moritz, 1 night), and NYX Hotel Milan by Leonardo Hotels (Milan, 3 nights). Optional upgrades to higher tiers are available.
What is included and what is not?
Included: welcome package, first-class rail travel, 4-star hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, and airport transfers. Not included: international airfare, excursions and entrance fees, meals beyond breakfast, local taxes, personal expenses, tips, and local transportation within cities.
How much walking and physical activity is involved?
Days involve walking tours of old towns, strolls through villages and palace grounds, and optional activities such as cable car rides and alpine hiking. No extreme physical demands are mentioned.
When does this tour operate?
Rail Escape publishes no departure calendar in this information. Contact the operator to confirm available dates before booking.

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