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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Swiss Panorama Express - Excellence Class

Eight-day Swiss rail loop through alpine trains and mountain summits.

Illustration of Swiss Panorama Express - Excellence Class

Marvellous Escapes' eight-day Swiss Panorama Express is an independent tailor-made journey through Switzerland's most celebrated alpine trains and mountain summits. You begin in Zurich, then travel via the Glacier Express in Excellence Class and the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express to St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken, with excursions on the Gornergrat Cog Railway and Jungfrau Railway. The itinerary balances two-night stays in each resort town, allowing you to explore at your leisure, with day trips on internationally renowned scenic rail routes. You have 24/7 on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes but choose your own rhythm for sightseeing and dining. Seven nights' accommodation with breakfast, flights or rail from the UK, the Swiss Travel Pass, and all four signature train excursions are included. This trip suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking mountain scenery and upscale resorts, photographers, and independent explorers who value both structure and freedom.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Excellence Class tier is priced at 2,999 GBP from; a Standard Class option using standard rail classes begins at 1,999 GBP.
  • Flights or a roundtrip train from London St. Pancras are included, but check with Marvellous Escapes whether your UK departure point (airport or station) is covered.
  • Day 1 and Day 8 involve arrival and departure logistics; six full days are spent at mountain destinations and on train excursions.

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 the full length of the Glacier Express route from St. Moritz to Zermatt, enjoying every mile from the comfort of Excellence Class. Sit back and savour the panoramic views as the train winds through idyllic Swiss villages, glides beside shimmering alpine lakes, and climbs over lofty mountain passes, including the Landwasser Viaduct. Upon arrival in Zermatt, make your way to your hotel and check in 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 3The Bernina Express descends from snow-capped Alps through the Bernina Pass into the Poschiavo Valley and vineyards near Tirano, Italy.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express travels in Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct through alpine villages and lakes.
  • Day 5The Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends over 10,000 feet in 33 minutes to reveal views of the Matterhorn and glaciers.
  • Day 7The Jungfrau Railway reaches Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, passing through tunnels in the Eiger and overlooking 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)
  • Glacier Express Excellence Class
  • Excursion to Jungfraujoch - The Top of Europe
  • Bernina Express in First Class

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes the Glacier Express in Excellence Class, Bernina Express in First Class, Gornergrat Cog Railway, Jungfrau Railway, and a Swiss Travel Pass valid for the eight days.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an independent tailor-made journey with 24/7 on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes. You explore each destination at your own pace between scheduled train days.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train from London St. Pancras), all four named train excursions, the Swiss Travel Pass, and Jungfraujoch access.
Where do you stay?
One night in Zurich, two nights each in St. Moritz, Zermatt, and Interlaken.
How much walking is involved?
Days include leisurely walks around town centers and mountain viewpoints accessed by train or cog railway; no strenuous hiking.
What is not included?
Meals beyond breakfasts, lunch and dinner, local transport beyond the listed trains and Swiss Travel Pass, and personal expenses.

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