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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Switzerland's Natural Wonders

Six-day Swiss rail loop from Montreux through Alps to Tirano and back

Illustration of Switzerland's Natural Wonders

Marvellous Escapes' Switzerland's Natural Wonders is a six-day independent tailor-made rail journey beginning in Montreux and concluding in Tirano, with return to Switzerland for the final night. The package combines four of Switzerland's most celebrated trains: the GoldenPass Express carries you above Lake Geneva into the foothills, the Jungfrau Railway ascends to Europe's highest-altitude railway station, the Glacier Express winds through the Alpine heartland, and the Bernina Express crosses dramatic viaducts into Italy. You stay in Montreux, Interlaken, and Chur with breakfast included at each hotel, moving between stops at your own pace while Marvellous Escapes offers round-the-clock support. The itinerary suits repeat rail travellers seeking famous scenic lines, independent explorers who prefer self-directed travel with safety nets, and first-time rail passengers wanting well-known routes with substantial included support. Transport from the UK is either by air via Geneva or train from London St. Pancras, both included in the from-price.

What to know before you look closer

  • The journey ends in Tirano, Italy, and you return to Chur for the final night, requiring backtracking on the Bernina Express.
  • Day 6 involves an early departure from Chur to Zurich airport; the itinerary does not specify train times or transfer arrangements.
  • Hotel locations are named but no specific properties, stars, or 'or similar' alternatives are listed; confirm your accommodation tier with Marvellous Escapes.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Embark on your journey to Montreux from the UK by air, via Geneva, followed by a seamless transfer to a train from the airport. Alternatively, begin your Swiss scenic rail journey directly from London to Montreux. Upon reaching your destination, find your way to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. As the evening unfolds, consider enjoying a delightful meal at one of the nearby restaurants or take a leisurely stroll along the enchanting lakeside.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Interlaken

    Aboard the GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken)

    Start your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, and then head to the railway station to board the GoldenPass Express train. The journey commences with the route gradually ascending above Lake Geneva, providing breathtaking views of the Swiss Riviera. The train ventures through a mountain tunnel at Jaman, continuing to Chateaux d'Oex and Gstaad, reaching 1,274 meters in elevation before Zweisimmen. Departing from Zweisimmen, the train winds through the picturesque Simme Valley, eventually leading to Interlaken, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for a two-night stay.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Interlaken

    Excursion to Jungfraujoch

    Following breakfast, embark on an excursion to the Jungfrau Mountain, ascending to the highest-altitude railway station in Europe, standing at 11,332 feet above sea level. The ascent takes you through Kleine Scheidegg and eventually to the Eigergletscher station, renowned for its mountain restaurant. Once at Jungfraujoch, enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, which extend to the Black Forest in Germany and the Vosges Mountains in France. Return to your hotel for the second night in Interlaken.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chur

    Aboard the Glacier Express to Chur

    Bid farewell to Interlaken today as you embark on a train journey to Brig, venturing across the stunning Lotschberg Mountain. It's in Brig where you'll board the Glacier Express. Once aboard this iconic train, you will wind through the breathtaking Alps on your Swiss scenic rail journey from Brig to Chur, traversing serene Alpine meadows, deep valleys, and verdant forests. Upon arrival, proceed to your hotel and complete the check-in for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Chur

    Aboard the Bernina Express

    Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, and then set out on the Bernina Express to Tirano via St. Moritz. Brace yourself for astounding views of towering glaciers, dramatic rock gorges, and extensive viaducts, including the breathtaking Landwasser Viaduct just before reaching the village of Filisur. Make a stop in Tirano or Poschiavo for a leisurely lunch before retracing your steps along the same scenic route, eventually arriving in Chur for the final night of your stay.

  6. Day 6rail

    Return Home

    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel and then embark on a train journey from Chur back to Zurich. Once you arrive in Zurich, proceed to the airport, where you can complete the check-in process for your return flight to the UK. If you prefer to journey home by train, our Travel Designers are at your service to tailor your itinerary to your preferred requirements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The GoldenPass Express climbs above Lake Geneva, passes through a mountain tunnel at Jaman, and reaches Zweisimmen at 1,274 metres.
  • Day 3Excursion to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest-altitude railway station at 11,332 feet, with views extending to the Black Forest and Vosges Mountains.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express winds through the Swiss Alps from Brig to Chur, crossing Alpine meadows, deep valleys, and forests.
  • Day 5The Bernina Express travels from Chur through St. Moritz to Tirano, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and passing glaciers and rock gorges.

Included

  • 1 night's hotel accommodation in Montreux with breakfast included
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Interlaken with breakfast included
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Chur with breakfast included
  • Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
  • Swiss Pass for the duration of the journey
  • Excursion to Jungfraujoch - 'The Top of Europe'
  • Secure reservations for the GoldenPass Express and both the Glacier Express & Bernina Express rail journeys

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, Marvellous Escapes includes secure reservations for the GoldenPass Express, Jungfrau Railway, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express, plus a Swiss Pass for the entire journey.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is independent tailor-made. You navigate between hotel stops on your own, but Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support.
Which trains are included?
The GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken), Jungfrau Railway (to Jungfraujoch), Glacier Express (Brig to Chur), and Bernina Express (Chur to Tirano).
What accommodation is provided?
One night in Montreux, two in Interlaken, and two in Chur, all with breakfast included.
How do I get to Switzerland from the UK?
Marvellous Escapes includes either flights to and from the UK via Geneva or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. The itinerary includes city walking in hotel towns and a mountain excursion to Jungfraujoch with multiple train transitions.

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