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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Switzerland Odyssey - Excellence Class

Nine-day Swiss rail loop from St Moritz via Bernina, Glacier, and GoldenPass trains

Illustration of Switzerland Odyssey - Excellence Class

Marvellous Escapes' Switzerland Odyssey in Excellence Class is a nine-day independent tailor-made journey through the heart of the Alps and Italian-Swiss borderlands. The trip begins in St Moritz and ends at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, with four-hotel stays in St Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, and Lucerne. You travel on six historic named trains: the Bernina Express southbound into Italy's Poschiavo Valley, the Glacier Express in Excellence Class with gourmet dining, the Gornergrat Cog Railway to views of the Matterhorn, the GoldenPass Express through mountain passes and lake views, the Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway (the world's steepest), and the Jungfrau Railway through a tunnel inside the Eiger. The journey includes the Swiss Travel Pass, all reserved seats, breakfast at each hotel, a Lake Lucerne steam cruise, flights or train from the UK, and 24/7 on-trip support. Days are leisurely, with two-night stays allowing unhurried exploration of each town. This suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking comfort, photographers, and those who want high-end mountain and lake scenery without a fixed group schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Excellence Class pricing shown (GBP 3,299 / USD 4,406) applies only to the Glacier Express leg; other trains use the included Swiss Travel Pass and do not upgrade the cabin experience.
  • Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway operates May to November; other months use aerial gondola and cableway instead.
  • This is an independent tailor-made journey with 24/7 support, not a fully escorted tour; you plan your own days and transfers between hotels.

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

    Journey today in Glacier Express Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, 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, including the Landwasser Viaduct, all while you indulge in the elevated service, gourmet dining and exceptional views reserved for Excellence Class guests. Upon arrival, check into 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 departs St Moritz southbound, crossing the snow-clad Bernina Pass and descending through the vineyards of the Poschiavo Valley to Tirano in Italy.
  • Day 3Glacier Express in Excellence Class travels the full route from St Moritz to Zermatt, passing the Landwasser Viaduct, sparkling turquoise lakes, and majestic mountain peaks while you dine.
  • Day 4The Gornergrat Cog Railway ascends 4,873 feet in 33 minutes to a 10,135-foot summit with views of the Matterhorn and neighbouring peaks.
  • Day 7A one-hour steam cruise on Lake Lucerne precedes a 30-minute journey on the Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway, the world's steepest, reaching the historic Pilatus Kulm Hotel and restaurant.
  • Day 8The Jungfrau Railway travels through a 9-kilometre tunnel hewn inside the Monch and Eiger mountains to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 metres, with panoramic vistas.

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
  • Glacier Express in Excellence Class

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes includes the Swiss Travel Pass for the duration, which covers all regional and scenic trains. The package also secures reserved seats on the Bernina Express, Glacier Express in Excellence Class, GoldenPass Express, Gornergrat Cog Railway, Mount Pilatus Cogwheel Railway, and Jungfrau Railway.
Is this an escorted or independent journey?
Independent tailor-made. You travel between hotel stops on your own schedule with reserved train seats provided. Marvellous Escapes offers 24/7 on-trip support.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in St Moritz, two nights in Zermatt, one night in Montreux, and three nights in Lucerne. All include breakfast.
How do I get to Switzerland?
The package includes flights from the UK or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras.
How much walking is involved?
Day trips include ascents on mountain cog railways to high altitude (Gornergrat to 10,135 feet, Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway, Jungfrau Railway to 3,454 metres) and a one-hour steam cruise on Lake Lucerne. City exploration in St Moritz, Montreux, and Lucerne involves leisurely walking.
What is not included?
Meals beyond included breakfasts, entry to the St Moritz Casino, Chillon Castle, or Jazz Cafe, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

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