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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Swiss Panorama Express

Eight-day Swiss rail loop from Zurich through four signature trains.

Illustration of Swiss Panorama Express

Marvellous Escapes operates this eight-day independent tailor-made journey through Switzerland and into Italy, beginning in Zurich and concluding at Jungfraujoch. The route connects four renowned trains: the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Gornergrat Cog Railway, and Jungfrau Railway. You stay two nights each in the alpine resorts of St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken, with one night in Zurich. The pace is leisurely, allowing you to explore each town at your own speed between reserved train journeys. Day 4 carries you aboard the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt across mountain passes and alongside lakes. Day 3 takes you into Italy on the Bernina Express through alpine passes to the Italian town of Tirano. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking signature routes, independent explorers who prefer self-guided days with logistical support, couples looking for romantic alpine settings, and photographers drawn to glacial and mountain scenery. Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price (GBP 1,999) includes flights or UK rail and the Swiss Travel Pass, but confirm the final hotel properties and tiers available at the time of booking.
  • This is an independent journey with 24/7 on-trip support; it is not a guided tour with daily group activities or escort.

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), discovering cobbled streets bordered by Renaissance-era buildings, inviting cafes, fine dining establishments, and boutique shops.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    St Moritz

    Today you'll head off on a panoramic train through Switzerland starting from Zurich and passing into St. Moritz via Chur, Switzerland's oldest city. Following your arrival, take a leisurely stroll around the lake, immersing yourself in the charm of this chic town. St. Moritz might treat you to the excitement of a tobogganing race down the historic 'Cresta Run,' dating back to 1885, or a summer ice skating rink in the city center. As night falls, consider experiencing the timeless glitz and glamour of the St. Moritz Casino.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Day Trip on The Bernina Express

    Following breakfast, set off on one of the world's most awe-inspiring train journeys, heading south into Italy. The Bernina Express promises a breathtaking journey, beginning in the snow-clad peaks of the Alps, including the iconic Bernina Pass, and descending into the verdant Poschiavo Valley enveloped by vineyards near Tirano. In Tirano, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy traditional Italian pizza before embarking on the northbound leg of your Bernina Express adventure.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Aboard The Glacier Express

    Today you will journey along the entire length of the Glacier Express route from St. Moritz to Zermatt. This iconic train voyage meanders through picturesque Swiss villages, alongside shimmering azure lakes, and ascends across several lofty mountain passes and peaks, including the Landwasser Viaduct. On arrival in Zermatt, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day trip

    Embark on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, ascending over 10,000 feet in a mere 33 minutes! Revel in breathtaking panoramic vistas from the summit, featuring the Matterhorn and majestic glaciers. Once back in town, feel free to explore at your own pace.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Interlaken

    Zermatt to Interlaken

    Embark on a train journey to Interlaken. Upon your arrival, proceed to your hotel and complete your check-in for a two-night stay. Nestled between the magnificent Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch mountains, Interlaken welcomes you with its remarkable scenery and warm, welcoming ambiance.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Interlaken

    Jungfraujoch - The Top of Europe

    Today, you have the privilege of witnessing one of humanity's most remarkable engineering achievements. Your journey will take you through the charming villages of Grindelwald and Lauterbrunnen, culminating at the summit of Jungfrau Mountain. The final leg of the railway line carves through the imposing Eiger Mountain. You'll also have the opportunity to witness the grandeur of the Great Aletsch Glacier, Europe's largest glacier. Later, return to Interlaken for a delightful evening.

  8. Day 8rail

    Return Home

    Following breakfast, check-out of your hotel, and take a train to Zurich, where you will begin your journey home, either by flight or rail. If you would like to extend your time in Switzerland, or perhaps spend some additional days in another city or region, the Marvellous Escapes team are on hand to assist you.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Day 3: The Bernina Express descends from the Alps through Bernina Pass into the Poschiavo Valley, ending in Tirano, Italy, where you can enjoy traditional Italian pizza.
  • Day 4Day 4: The Glacier Express travels the full route from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and winding through Swiss villages and mountain passes.
  • Day 5Day 5: The Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends over 10,000 feet in 33 minutes to views of the Matterhorn and glaciers from the summit.
  • Day 7Day 7: The Jungfrau Railway reaches Jungfraujoch through tunnels carved into the Eiger Mountain, revealing the Great Aletsch Glacier.

Included

  • One night's hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
  • Two nights' hotel accommodation in St. Moritz with breakfast included
  • Two nights' hotel accommodation in Zermatt with breakfast included
  • Two nights' hotel accommodation in Interlaken with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Swiss Travel Pass for the duration of the journey
  • Excursion on the Gornergrat Cog Railway (day trip)
  • Excursion to Jungfraujoch - The Top of Europe
  • Secure reservations for the Glacier Express and Bernina Express journeys

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a Swiss Travel Pass valid for the duration, reserved seats on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, the Gornergrat Cog Railway, and the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch.
Is this a guided or independent trip?
It is independent tailor-made. Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support but does not assign a guide. You explore each destination at your own pace between reserved train journeys.
What is the total duration?
Eight days and seven nights, departing from the UK with flights or rail and returning on day 8.
Which hotels are included?
One night in Zurich, two nights in St. Moritz, two nights in Zermatt, and two nights in Interlaken, all with breakfast included. The specific hotel properties depend on your selection at booking.
How much walking is involved?
Days include leisurely strolls through town centers (Zurich's Old Town, St. Moritz lakeside, Zermatt) and self-paced exploration. The Gornergrat ascends over 10,000 feet by cog railway (no hiking required). Jungfraujoch is reached by the Jungfrau Railway through the Eiger.
What is the starting price?
GBP 1,999 per person, which includes flights or roundtrip UK rail, seven nights of hotel accommodation with breakfast, the Swiss Travel Pass, and reserved seats on all named trains.

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