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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Switzerland Odyssey

Nine-day Swiss rail journey on six named trains from St Moritz to Jungfraujoch

Illustration of Switzerland Odyssey

Marvellous Escapes' Switzerland Odyssey is a 9-day independent rail holiday that follows one of Europe's most celebrated train routes. Departing from St Moritz and concluding at Jungfraujoch, the journey passes through four Alpine destinations: St Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, and Lucerne. The itinerary centres on six named trains and cog railways: the Bernina Express curves south from Switzerland into Italy via the Bernina Pass; the Glacier Express traverses the full breadth of the Alps to Zermatt; the Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs to 10,135 feet for views of the Matterhorn; the GoldenPass Express winds through Gstaad and across Lake Geneva; the Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway, the world's steepest, ascends 30 minutes to a summit restaurant and hotel; and the Jungfrau Railway tunnels through the Eiger to Europe's highest railway station. Each town offers leisure time to explore, from St Moritz's lake and casino to Lucerne's lakeside walks. Breakfasts at all four hotels are included, along with a Swiss Travel Pass covering all rail travel and flights or a train journey from London.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway operates May to November; at other times access is via aerial gondola and cableway.
  • This is an independent journey with no guided tours; you arrange your own exploration and meals except for hotel breakfasts.
  • The package includes flights from the UK or a roundtrip train from London St Pancras, but does not itemize which option applies to each booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    St Moritz

    Arrive in Zurich on a flight from the UK and begin your Switzerland by rail journey with your Swiss Pass, allowing you to embark on a picturesque rail voyage to historic St. Moritz. Check in at your hotel, where you'll be staying for two nights. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pristine lake and relish the charm of this stylish alpine town. In the evening, indulge in the timeless opulence of the St. Moritz Casino.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    Aboard 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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: 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. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    Day trip to Gornergrat

    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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Maximise the value of your Swiss Pass by taking a convenient train transfer in Visp to reach Montreux at a time that suits your schedule. After checking in at your hotel, explore the city to your heart's content. Consider a leisurely lakeside stroll to the enchanting Chillon Castle, or perhaps try your luck at the historic casino. In the evening, unwind with a drink at the renowned Jazz Cafe.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lucerne

    Aboard the GoldenPass Line

    Embark on a journey aboard the GoldenPass Express train. The journey begins with a steep ascent, granting you captivating views of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Riviera, passes through a mountain tunnel at Jaman before winding through Chateau-d'Oex and Gstaad, and reaches its zenith at 4,179 feet before arriving at Zweisimmen, where both the scenery and trains change. From here, the train meanders through the picturesque Simme Valley to Interlaken, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz. One final train change takes you on a scenic route to Lucerne, where you'll be staying for the next three nights.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Day trip to Mount Pilatus

    Today, embark on an extraordinary journey to the summit of the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. Begin your day with a scenic hour-long steam cruise on Lake Lucerne, taking you to Alpnachstad. From there, you'll board a 30-minute cogwheel railway ride (operates May to November; other times via aerial gondola and cableway). At the pinnacle, discover the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant, or explore hiking trails. Descend via gondola and cable car to Kriens, followed by a short bus ride back to Lucerne.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Lucerne

    Day 8

    This morning, you'll head out on a brief journey to Interlaken, where you'll begin an extraordinary adventure aboard a historic railway line bound for Europe's loftiest railway station, situated at 3,454 metres above sea level. The Jungfrau railway line covers the final 9km within a tunnel hewn through the Monch and Eiger mountains. Upon reaching the summit, you'll take in breathtaking panoramic vistas. As you descend, your route takes you through the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen, with its cascading waterfall. Enjoy your final evening in lakeside Lucerne.

  9. Day 9

    Return home

    Following breakfast, check-out of your hotel, and begin your journey to Zurich Airport for your onward travel plans. If you would like to extend your time in Switzerland or Italy, 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 2The Bernina Express descends from the snow-clad Alps through the Bernina Pass into the Poschiavo Valley and Tirano, Italy, passing vineyards and traditional villages.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express travels the full route from St Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and multiple alpine passes.
  • Day 4The Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends from 5,262 feet to 10,135 feet in 33 minutes, revealing views of the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks.
  • Day 7A steam lake cruise from Lucerne takes you to Alpnachstad, followed by a 30-minute ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railway to Mount Pilatus.
  • Day 8The Jungfrau Railway ascends through a 9km tunnel hewn into the Monch and Eiger mountains to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres.

Included

  • Two nights' hotel accommodation in St Moritz with breakfast included
  • Two nights' hotel accommodation in Zermatt with breakfast included
  • One night's hotel accommodation in Montreux with breakfast included
  • Three nights' hotel accommodation in Lucerne 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, Bernina, GoldenPass & Lucerne-Interlaken Express trains
  • Excursion to the summit of Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
  • Journey to Jungfraujoch on a day trip from Lucerne

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Marvellous Escapes secures reservations for the Bernina Express, Glacier Express, GoldenPass Express, and Lucerne-Interlaken Express, plus day excursions on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway, and Jungfrau Railway. A Swiss Travel Pass covers rail travel for the duration.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is an independent tailor-made journey with 24/7 on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes. No guide accompanies you between hotel stops.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in St Moritz, two in Zermatt, one in Montreux, and three in Lucerne, all with breakfast. The pack does not name the hotel brands.
What is the total price and what does it cover?
From GBP 2,599 (USD 3,471). Included are flights or train from London, the Swiss Travel Pass, all eight nights' hotel accommodation with breakfasts, reserved seats on six named trains, and day excursions to Gornergrat, Mount Pilatus, and Jungfraujoch.
How much walking is involved?
Day trips involve cog railways and cable cars to mountain summits. Gornergrat reaches 10,135 feet; Jungfraujoch reaches 3,454 metres. Walking at these altitudes and around towns is moderate; the pack does not detail specific walking distances.
When does this trip run?
The operator lists no published departure dates in the evidence provided. Contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm availability.

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