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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Switzerland Discovery

10-day Swiss rail circle from Lucerne on five named scenic trains

Illustration of Switzerland Discovery

Marvellous Escapes offers a 10-day independent Swiss rail journey starting in Lucerne and finishing in Tirano, Italy. You travel on five celebrated scenic trains with reserved seats: the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, GoldenPass Express, Jungfrau Railway, and Gornergrat Cog Railway. Hotel stays with breakfast included span five alpine towns, Lucerne, Interlaken, Montreux, Zermatt, and St. Moritz, with a Swiss Travel Pass covering most other transport. The itinerary mixes substantial stays of two nights (allowing free days to explore) with day excursions to mountain summits. On Day 4, you ride the Jungfrau Railway through the Eiger to Europe's highest station; on Day 8, you traverse the entire Glacier Express route crossing 29 bridges and 91 tunnels; on Day 9, you descend the Bernina Express into Italy's Poschiavo Valley. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking famous trains, independent explorers who want flexibility, and photographers drawn to alpine views and panoramic train windows.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary includes one night in Montreux compared to two nights in each of the other four towns, creating a slightly faster pace in that section.
  • Day 10 involves a journey to Zurich airport for your flight home; if you prefer to extend your trip or stay elsewhere, Marvellous Escapes can assist with additional arrangements.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Welcome to Switzerland! Upon your arrival at Zurich airport, hop on a train that will whisk you directly to Lucerne, the picturesque lakeside town brimming with history and charm.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Lucerne

    Day Trip to Mount Titlis

    Today, you will embark on an extraordinary day excursion, which includes a brief train ride, a gondola ascent, and a ride in a rotating cable car that will take you to the summit of Mount Titlis, soaring to an impressive altitude of 3,328 metres above sea level. Take a leisurely walk or relish a delightful lunch amidst world-class views before making your way back to Lucerne, where you can take advantage of your Swiss Pass for a short cruise on the lake.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Lucerne to Interlaken

    Select your preferred train and traverse the awe-inspiring Bernese Oberland on your way to Interlaken, treated to the impressive Swiss skyline composed of the Monch, the Eiger, and the Jungfrau Mountains. During your stay in Interlaken, consider making use of your included Swiss Pass for a brief cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Day trip to Jungfraujoch

    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, providing a bird's-eye view of the valley below. 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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    Aboard the GoldenPass Express

    This morning, you'll embark on a picturesque rail journey to Montreux, aboard the renowned GoldenPass Express Panoramic train, travelling through Switzerland's most splendid landscapes. In Montreux, perhaps enjoy a leisurely lakeside walk, or, with your Swiss Pass in hand, visit the exquisite Chillon Castle, a 3-minute train ride away.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zermatt

    Montreux to Zermatt

    Set off from Montreux at your preferred time for your journey to Zermatt. This scenic route will require a train change in Visp and will meander through some of Switzerland's most incredible mountain peaks.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Cog Railway

    Following breakfast today you will embark on a remarkable journey aboard the Gornergrat Cog Railway. This 19th-century engineering marvel swiftly ascends from 5,262 feet above sea level to an impressive 10,135 feet in just 33 minutes. At the summit, you'll be greeted by one of Switzerland's most breathtaking panoramas, taking in the iconic silhouette of the Matterhorn along with the majestic neighbouring peaks and glaciers.

  8. Day 8railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz)

    Today you will journey along the entire length of the Glacier Express route, crossing 29 bridges and traversing 91 tunnels. 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. Upon your arrival in St. Moritz, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay; if you're staying between May and October, collect your Engadin Card from the front desk for complimentary use of local cable cars and mountain railways throughout your stay.

  9. Day 9railovernight: St. Moritz

    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.

  10. Day 10

    Return Home

    Check out of your hotel and begin your journey to Zurich airport for your flight home. If you would like to extend your time in Switzerland, or 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 2Day 2: Ascend Mount Titlis via gondola and rotating cable car to 3,328 metres, with views across the Alps.
  • Day 4Day 4: Travel the Jungfrau Railway through the Eiger mountain on your way to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station.
  • Day 5Day 5: Board the GoldenPass Express Panoramic train from Interlaken to Montreux through Switzerland's mountain landscapes.
  • Day 7Day 7: Ride the 19th-century Gornergrat Cog Railway from 5,262 to 10,135 feet in 33 minutes with views of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 8Day 8: Traverse the Glacier Express route, crossing 29 bridges and 91 tunnels between Zermatt and St. Moritz, including the Landwasser Viaduct.
  • Day 9Day 9: Travel the Bernina Express from the snow-capped Alps through Bernina Pass into the Poschiavo Valley and vineyards near Tirano, Italy.

Included

  • Two nights hotel accommodation in Lucerne with breakfast included
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in Interlaken with breakfast included
  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Montreux with breakfast included
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in Zermatt with breakfast included
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in St. Moritz 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
  • Day excursion on the Gornergrat Cog Railway
  • Secure reservations for the Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express journeys
  • Excursion to the summit of Mount Titlis from Lucerne
  • Journey to Jungfraujoch on a day trip from Lucerne

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes a Swiss Travel Pass for the full 10 days, reserved seats on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Express, plus day trips on the Jungfrau Railway and Gornergrat Cog Railway. You book your own connections between hotels.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Independent tailor-made. You travel on your own schedule between hotel stops with 24/7 on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes, not a daily guide.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lucerne (2 nights), Interlaken (2 nights), Montreux (1 night), Zermatt (2 nights), and St. Moritz (2 nights); flights to and from the UK or a roundtrip train from London St. Pancras; Swiss Travel Pass; excursions to Mount Titlis and Jungfraujoch; and reserved seats on the three panoramic trains.
When does this tour run?
The operator does not list specific departure dates in the available information; contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm availability.
How much walking and climbing is involved?
Day excursions include rides on cable cars and cog railways to high altitudes, with optional walks or leisurely time at summits. Leisure time includes optional activities like walks in Montreux or lakeside strolls, but no extended hiking is required.
Can I start from somewhere other than London or the UK?
The package lists flights from UK airports or a train from London St. Pancras. Marvellous Escapes may be able to arrange alternatives; confirm with them before booking.

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