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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Scenic Switzerland from Basel

Independent Swiss rail circuit from Basel to Zurich via St. Moritz

Illustration of Scenic Switzerland from Basel

Railbookers runs this 9-day independent rail vacation across Switzerland, beginning with a scenic train ride from Basel to St. Moritz and ending in Zurich. Each day has a clear rhythm: settle into a hotel for two or three nights, then ride a named scenic train to the next stop or on a day trip. The Bernina Express carries you south into Italy's Poschiavo Valley on day 2, and the following day the Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct on its nearly 8-hour run to Zermatt. From Zermatt you ride the Gornergrat cog railway for Matterhorn views, then continue via the Golden Pass line to Lucerne, where day trips reach the summit of Mount Pilatus and the high-altitude station at Jungfraujoch. Because Railbookers provides the Swiss Pass, hotels, and seat reservations but no escort, the trip suits independent-minded travelers comfortable managing their own connections, first-time visitors to Switzerland who want the logistics handled, and photographers drawn to Alpine viewpoints.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a self-guided independent tour: Railbookers provides the Swiss Pass, hotels, and pre-booked seat reservations on the named scenic trains, but you make each connection and check-in on your own, choosing your own travel times on days 5 and 9.
  • The operator's materials for this package list no scheduled departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    Basel to St. Moritz

    Welcome to Switzerland! On arrival in Basel, make use of your 8-Day Swiss Pass for the scenic rail journey to historic St. Moritz and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake and enjoy the chic town itself. At night, enjoy some of the classic glitz and glamour of the St. Moritz Casino.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Bernina Express Day Trip

    After breakfast embark on one of the world's most scenic train lines south into Italy. The Bernina Express is a spectacular journey from the snowcapped heights of the Alps and the Bernina Pass itself, down into the lush Poschiavo Valley and vineyards surrounding Tirano. A stop is made for a traditional pizza in Tirano, before returning north again on the Bernina Express.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt

    Today you enjoy the full splendor of Switzerland's most famous journeys, the Glacier Express. Early in the journey the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct. This train winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly 8 hours after departure.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    Today, take an exciting ride on the Gornergrat cog railway, which climbs from 1,604 meters above sea level to 3,090 meters in just 33 minutes. From the top, take in one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland with the iconic outline of the Matterhorn.

  5. Day 5overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Make the most of your Swiss Pass by travelling to Montreux via a quick change of trains in Visp at a time of your choosing, then check in at your hotel and head out the city. Perhaps a stroll along the lake to the picturesque Chillon Castle, or try your hand in the historic casino.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lucerne

    The Golden Pass Line to Montreux to Lucerne

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking the short hop to Montreux, from where you board the Golden Pass train. This line rises steeply at first, with amazing views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Riviera, before pulling into Zweisimmen where the lines change and so do the trains. From here the train follows the Simme Valley down into Interlaken, and from here makes one final change onto a train to Lucerne.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Pilatus Day Trip

    Today, enjoy a trip to the top of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. First enjoy a scenic hours' steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad where you then take the 30-minute ride which has an average gradient of 35%. At the top you'll find the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lucerne

    Jungfrau Day Trip

    After breakfast, take the short hop to Interlaken where you will board the historic railway line to Europe's highest railway station, at 3,454 meters above sea level. There is an ice sculpture gallery and the opportunity to take a walk on a glacier, as well as a restaurant and what is believed to be the world's highest chocolate shop. Enjoy your final evening in medieval lakeside Lucerne.

  9. Day 9rail

    Lucerne to Zurich

    Once you have enjoyed your breakfast and checked out of your hotel, take the short rail trip to Zurich to continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express climbs from the snowcapped Alps down through the Poschiavo Valley and past vineyards near Tirano, with a stop for pizza before returning to St. Moritz.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and winds over high passes and small lakes on its nearly 8-hour run from St. Moritz to Zermatt.
  • Day 4The Gornergrat cog railway climbs from 1,604 to 3,090 meters in 33 minutes for a panorama of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 7A steam cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad connects with the Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway, the steepest in the world at an average 35% gradient.
  • Day 8The historic railway to Jungfraujoch reaches Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 meters, with an ice sculpture gallery and the chance to walk on a glacier.

Included

  • Travel to St Moritz from Basel (or from any starting point in Switzerland)
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Montreux
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lucerne
  • 8-day standard class Swiss Pass
  • Standard class seat reservations on the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and Golden Pass trains
  • Day trip on the Gornergrat Cog Railway from Zermatt
  • Day trip to the top of Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
  • Daytrip to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes an 8-day standard class Swiss Pass plus seat reservations on the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, and Golden Pass trains.
Is this tour independent or escorted?
It is a self-guided independent rail vacation. There is no escort; you travel between destinations on your own using the included Swiss Pass and pre-booked reservations.
Which trains are part of this trip?
The itinerary includes the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, the Golden Pass line, the Gornergrat cog railway, the Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway, and the historic railway to Jungfraujoch.
Where do you stay?
Two nights each in St. Moritz (Art Boutique Hotel Monopol) and Zermatt (Beausite Zermatt), one night in Montreux (Fairmont Le Montreux Palace), and three nights in Lucerne (Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann), all with breakfast included.
When does this tour run?
The operator's materials list no scheduled departure dates for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

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