Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Switzerland Discovery - Excellence Class

Swiss rail loop from Lucerne through Alpine peaks and Glacier Express

Illustration of Switzerland Discovery - Excellence Class

Marvellous Escapes' Switzerland Discovery takes 10 days to move independently through five Alpine towns, with flights or a rail journey from London included. The itinerary chains together five celebrated trains, starting with the gondola and rotating cable car to Mount Titlis, then the Jungfrau Railway to Europe's highest railway station. From Interlaken, the GoldenPass Express panoramic train carries you to the lakeside town of Montreux. The journey shifts east through Zermatt, where the 19th-century Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends to views of the Matterhorn. Day 8 is the centrepiece: the full Glacier Express in Excellence Class, a 7.5-hour arc across turquoise lakes and mountain passes to St. Moritz. The final train, the Bernina Express, descends into Italy, crossing the Bernina Pass and vineyard valleys near Tirano. Throughout, breakfast is included in each hotel; the Swiss Travel Pass covers most rail connections between towns. This suits experienced rail travellers, couples seeking mountain scenery without daily guides, and photographers drawn to Alpine summits and heritage railways.

What to know before you look closer

  • The package includes flights from UK airports or a roundtrip train from London St. Pancras; confirm your preferred departure point when booking.
  • This is an independent journey with no daily guide; you navigate between rail connections and hotels with 24/7 operator support available.
  • Day 10 involves travel to Zurich airport for your return flight; no hotel overnight is included.

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)

    Journey today in Glacier Express Excellence Class, experiencing the full length of this world-famous route in unmatched comfort and style. Your panoramic voyage glides through storybook Swiss villages, past sparkling turquoise lakes, and over majestic mountain passes and peaks, all while you indulge in the elevated service, gourmet dining, and exceptional views reserved for Excellence Class guests. Be sure to enjoy the unforgettable sight of the Landwasser Viaduct as you traverse one of Switzerland's most iconic railways. Upon arrival in St. Moritz, check into your selected hotel for a two-night 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 2Ascend Mount Titlis via gondola and rotating cable car to 3,328 metres, with lakeside views of the Swiss peaks.
  • Day 4Ride the Jungfrau Railway through the Eiger tunnel to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station.
  • Day 7The Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs from 1,603 metres to 3,089 metres in 33 minutes, framing views of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 8Travel the full length of the Glacier Express in Excellence Class through turquoise lakes and Alpine passes from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
  • Day 9The Bernina Express descends from Alpine snow into the Poschiavo Valley, crossing the Bernina Pass into Italy and vineyards near Tirano.

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
  • Glacier Express in Excellence Class

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes a Swiss Travel Pass for the duration, reserved seats on the Glacier Express (Excellence Class), Bernina Express, and GoldenPass Express, plus day-trip railways: Jungfrau Railway, Gornergrat Cog Railway, and Mount Titlis cable car and gondola.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Independent tailor-made. You travel between hotels and train stations on your own schedule with 24/7 on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes.
Which trains are included?
Glacier Express (Excellence Class from Zermatt to St. Moritz), Bernina Express (St. Moritz to Tirano), GoldenPass Express (Interlaken to Montreux), Jungfrau Railway, Gornergrat Cog Railway, and mountain cable cars. Standard class is available at a lower tier.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in Lucerne, two in Interlaken, one in Montreux, two in Zermatt, and two in St. Moritz, each with breakfast included.
How much walking is involved?
Day trips include walks at summits (Mount Titlis, Jungfraujoch, Gornergrat) and optional lakeside walks in Montreux and Lucerne. No sustained hiking is required.
What is the price?
From GBP 3,399 (approximately USD 4,539) for Excellence Class. Standard class begins at GBP 2,699.

Similar journeys