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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Swiss Mountain Explorer

Five-day Swiss rail journey from Zurich to Lugano via Bernina Express

Illustration of Swiss Mountain Explorer

Marvellous Escapes' Swiss Mountain Explorer is a five-day independent rail holiday that carries you from Zurich through the Alpine heartland to the Italian-speaking lakes region. The journey opens in Zurich, where you spend two nights exploring the Old Town's cobbled streets and Renaissance buildings at your own pace. On day two, SBB Swiss Rail takes you northeast to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, for a single night in its car-free historic centre. The highlight arrives on day three: the Bernina Express departs Chur in first class, climbing through glacier-carved mountains and forested valleys to Tirano, Italy, before continuing (May to October) via the seasonal Bernina Bus to Lugano, a lakeside city on the Swiss-Italian border where Italian is the local language. Your return journey on day four is a relaxed train ride from Lugano back to Zurich. Throughout, Marvellous Escapes supplies a Swiss Pass for all rail travel, hotel stays with breakfast in each city, and 24/7 support, though you navigate independently without a daily guide.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Bernina Bus from Tirano to Lugano runs only May 10 to October 28; outside those dates, your routing to Lugano will differ.
  • This is an independent journey, not escorted; while 24/7 support is available, you navigate each city and make your own way between transport and hotels.
  • Hotels are listed by location and night count but not named in the pack; confirm the specific properties with Marvellous Escapes.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Arrive in Zurich and complete your check-in at the hotel where you will spend the night. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through Zurich's Old Town (Altstadt) which is nestled between the alpine mountains and straddles both banks of the Limmat River. Here, you'll discover cobbled streets bordered by Renaissance-era buildings, inviting cafes, fine dining establishments, entertainment options, and boutique shops where you can shop for exquisite Swiss crafts.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Chur

    Today you'll head off on a captivating journey from Zurich to Chur aboard the SBB Swiss Rail, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland. As the train winds through the picturesque Alpine terrain, breathe in the crisp, invigorating air that defines this region. Arriving in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, you'll step into a charming Alpine town. Your overnight stay in Chur promises not only a glimpse into the rich history of Switzerland's oldest settlement but also an opportunity to enjoy the tranquility of an Alpine evening beneath the shadow of majestic snow-capped mountains.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lugano

    Lugano

    Following breakfast, you'll embark on the iconic Bernina Express journey from Chur to the historic town of Tirano, Italy, allowing you to revel in absolutely breathtaking views. Upon your arrival in Tirano, it's time to enjoy delectable pizza paired with regional wine. During the summer months (from May 10 to October 28), you have the option to hop on the red Bernina Express Bus, which will take you from Tirano to Lugano in Switzerland, winding through the Valtellina wine region and offering splendid views of Lake Como. When the Bernina Express Bus is not operational, you can journey from Tirano to Milan and then from Milan to Lugano by train.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Enjoy a delicious breakfast before departing on a direct train journey from Lugano to Zurich. You have the flexibility to choose a departure time that suits your schedule, so consider some additional sightseeing in Lugano before your train ride. Capture the stunning beauty of the lakeshore and the breathtaking San Salvatore and Brè Mountains. Take leisurely moments to unwind at waterfront parks like Parco Ciani, explore the shops along Via Nassa, or relish a delightful lunch at one of Lugano's lively squares.

  5. Day 5

    Return home

    Begin your day with a satisfying breakfast, followed by your hotel check-out as you proceed with your onward journey. If you're inclined to extend your holiday, the Marvellous Escapes team is at your service to assist in crafting your travel plans.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Travel from Zurich to Chur aboard SBB Swiss Rail, winding through Alpine terrain to Switzerland's oldest city.
  • Day 3Day 3: The Bernina Express journey from Chur to Tirano in first class reveals glacier-carved mountains and forested valleys; seasonal Bernina Bus takes you onward to Lugano.
  • Day 4Day 4: A direct train returns you from Lugano to Zurich, with flexibility to explore the lakeside and mountain views before departure.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Chur & Lugano with breakfast included
  • Travel in comfort throughout your journey with a Swiss Pass
  • Bernina Express Seasonal Scenic Bus Journey (Bernina Bus) from Tirano to Lugano - May to October

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Pass covering all rail travel, plus a first-class Bernina Express reservation from Chur to Tirano and the seasonal Bernina Bus from Tirano to Lugano (May to October).
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support, but there is no daily guide. You explore each city at your own pace and choose your train departure times.
What trains are included?
SBB Swiss Rail from Zurich to Chur, and the Bernina Express from Chur to Tirano in first class. From May to October, the seasonal Bernina Bus continues from Tirano to Lugano.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in Zurich, one night in Chur, and one night in Lugano, all with breakfast included. Hotel names are confirmed when you book.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary includes leisurely walks through Zurich's Old Town, Chur, and Lugano, with optional waterfront exploration. No hikes or high-altitude activity is required.
What happens if I travel outside May to October?
The Bernina Bus from Tirano to Lugano runs only May 10 to October 28. Outside those dates, your transfer to Lugano will use an alternative transport method; confirm details with Marvellous Escapes.

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