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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

The Alpine Sleeper Rail Journey

Nine-day independent rail journey from London through five countries on sleeper and scenic trains

Illustration of The Alpine Sleeper Rail Journey

Marvellous Escapes offers this 9-day independent tailor-made rail journey from London to Paris, threading through five European countries on a mix of overnight sleeper trains and scenic daytime routes. Your journey opens with a day in Brussels before boarding the OBB NightJet sleeper train on the evening of Day 2, waking the next morning in Vienna. From there, you move through Zurich to the Alpine resort of St. Moritz, then travel aboard the Bernina Express, one of the world's most celebrated mountain rail routes, crossing viaducts and passing glaciers on the descent into Italy and Tirano. You spend two nights in Milan, where an included guided tour takes you through La Scala Theatre and Museum, and finish with a final night in Paris before returning to London by Eurostar. The pace is relaxed, with one-night or two-night stays in each city, free time to explore at leisure, and 24/7 support throughout. This trip suits first-time rail travellers drawn to the romance of sleeper trains, repeat rail enthusiasts familiar with European routes, independent explorers who value free time within a structured framework, and couples seeking multi-city leisure travel with Alpine scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary moves quickly between cities; most stays are one night, giving limited time to explore each destination deeply.
  • Day 6 description cuts off mid-sentence; confirm the full rail routing from St. Moritz to Milan with Marvellous Escapes before booking.
  • No departures are listed; check current availability and season directly with the operator.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brussels

    Brussels

    Begin your European rail adventure as you travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar. On arrival, enjoy time to explore the Belgian capital, known for its grand squares, elegant architecture and famous chocolate shops.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Sleeper train

    Vienna

    Enjoy a free day to discover Brussels at your leisure. Perhaps explore the beautiful Grand Place, visit local cafes or sample traditional Belgian cuisine before your overnight rail journey. Later this evening, board the OBB NightJet sleeper train for your overnight journey to Vienna.

  3. Day 3overnight: Vienna

    Vienna

    Arrive into the elegant Austrian capital of Vienna and begin exploring with your included 24 hour hop on hop off sightseeing bus ticket. Discover grand boulevards, imperial architecture and historic landmarks at your own pace.

  4. Day 4overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Today is yours to explore Zurich at leisure. Situated on the shores of Lake Zurich and surrounded by rolling hills, Switzerland's largest city offers a wonderful blend of historic charm and modern sophistication. Stroll through the picturesque Old Town, browse the elegant boutiques along Bahnhofstrasse or relax by the lake while taking in the beautiful scenery.

  5. Day 5railovernight: St Moritz

    St. Moritz

    After breakfast, continue your rail adventure as you journey from Zurich to the glamorous Alpine resort of St Moritz via Chur. Sit back and enjoy ever-changing scenery as the route winds through picturesque valleys, alongside sparkling lakes and into the heart of the Swiss Alps. On arrival, spend the remainder of the day exploring this world-famous mountain resort.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Milan

    Milan

    Today you'll experience one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys as you travel aboard the Bernina Express route from St Moritz to Tirano. Crossing the UNESCO-listed Bernina Railway, the journey takes you through dramatic mountain landscapes, across impressive viaducts and past glaciers, lakes and picturesque Alpine villages. Descending from the Swiss Alps into Italy, you'll arrive in Tirano before continuing by rail to the stylish city of Milan.

  7. Day 7overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Enjoy time to discover Milan, one of Italy's most stylish and sophisticated cities. Today, you'll take part in an included guided tour of the renowned La Scala Theatre and Museum, one of the world's most famous opera houses. The remainder of the day is free to explore Milan at your own pace, perhaps visiting the iconic Duomo or the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Today, continue your European rail adventure as you travel from Milan to Paris. Relax and enjoy the changing scenery as you journey through northern Italy and France, passing picturesque countryside and charming towns along the way. Upon arrival in the French capital, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.

  9. Day 9rail

    Return home

    Begin your journey home by Eurostar to London, bringing your unforgettable rail adventure to an end.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the OBB NightJet sleeper train in Brussels for an overnight journey to Vienna, experiencing European sleeper rail travel firsthand.
  • Day 6Travel the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, crossing UNESCO-listed Bernina Railway viaducts through dramatic Alpine landscapes and past glaciers.
  • Day 7Join an included guided tour of Milan's La Scala Theatre and Museum, one of the world's most celebrated opera houses.

Included

  • Overnight hotel accommodation in Brussels, Vienna, Zurich, Paris & St. Moritz with breakfast included
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
  • Overnight sleeper train accommodation from Brussels to Vienna
  • Roundtrip rail from London
  • Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano
  • 24-hour hop on hop off bus tour in Vienna
  • La Scala Theatre and Museum guided tour

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Roundtrip Eurostar from London, the OBB NightJet sleeper from Brussels to Vienna, and the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano are all included in the from-price of GBP 2,499.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Independent. You travel between hotel stops at your own pace with 24/7 on-trip support from Marvellous Escapes available by phone or email.
Do I sleep on the train?
Yes, one night. You board the OBB NightJet sleeper train in Brussels on the evening of Day 2 and arrive in Vienna on Day 3.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodation in Brussels, Vienna, Zurich, St. Moritz, Milan (2 nights), and Paris with breakfast; roundtrip rail from London; Bernina Express; a 24-hour hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Vienna; and a guided tour of La Scala Theatre and Museum in Milan.
Which cities do I visit?
London (Day 1 departure), Brussels, Vienna, Zurich, St. Moritz, Milan, and Paris (Day 9 return to London by Eurostar).
How much walking or physical activity is involved?
The evidence does not specify walking distances or physical activity levels; confirm with Marvellous Escapes if you have mobility concerns.

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