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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Bernina and Glacier Express trains to Amsterdam

Bernina and Glacier Express rail trip from Milan to Amsterdam

Illustration of The Bernina and Glacier Express trains to Amsterdam

Railbookers operates this 7-day independent, self-guided rail vacation from Milan to Amsterdam. After a night in Milan with a Hop-on Hop-off bus pass, the route heads into Switzerland on the Bernina Express, crossing the Brusio Spiral Viaduct and the Bernina Pass to St. Moritz for two nights. From there, the Glacier Express, billed as the slowest express train in the world, crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels to car-free Zermatt, where a day trip on the Gornergrat cog railway climbs to 3090 meters for a view of the Matterhorn. The journey continues to Zurich for a night exploring the old town and lake front, before a high-speed train crosses into Germany, changing in Frankfurt on the way to Amsterdam. A 4 Day Flexi Swiss Pass is included, along with seat reservations on the two named express trains, suiting travelers who want to ride two of Europe's best-known scenic railways without a fixed guided schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 29 accommodation options across price tiers and cities for this trip; the hotel used depends on which tier and city combination you choose at booking.
  • The Engadin card in St. Moritz, which includes the funicular and cable-car to Piz Nair, is only valid May to October.
  • This is a self-guided, independent trip with no included guided tours beyond the Hop-on Hop-off pass in Milan; you make your own way between stations and sights.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Milan

    Milan

    Welcome to Milan! Once checked in at your hotel head out to see the city with your Hop-on Hop-off bus pass.

  2. Day 2railovernight: St. Moritz

    The Bernina Express

    Check out of your hotel and take the local train to Tirano, then board the Bernina Express train heading north into Switzerland. Travel over the Brusio Spiral Viaduct before climbing past the Morteratsch Glacier and over the Bernina Pass to St. Moritz for a 2-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Make use of your Engadin card today with a ride on the local funicular and cable-car to Piz Nair (May-Oct only). Or simply relax and enjoy the town, strolling around the lake.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    After breakfast make your way to the station for a journey aboard the slowest express train in the world. The Glacier Express takes you over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels to car-free Zermatt for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Day Trip

    Take a ride up to 3090m above sea level on the historic Gornergrat cog railway for a spectacular view of the Matterhorn. Gentle walking trails at the top may reveal a wild Chamois or Marmot.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Take the train to Zurich today via a quick change in Visp and enjoy exploring its pretty old town and lake front.

  7. Day 7rail

    Zurich to Amsterdam

    In the morning hop on the highspeed train across the border to Germany, and after a change in Frankfurt you will speed north to the Dutch capital Amsterdam where you continue your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express climbs over the Brusio Spiral Viaduct, past the Morteratsch Glacier, and over the Bernina Pass on its way from Tirano to St. Moritz.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world, crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels on its way to car-free Zermatt.
  • Day 5The historic Gornergrat cog railway climbs to 3090 meters above sea level for a view of the Matterhorn, with gentle walking trails at the top.
  • Day 6A train to Zurich via a change in Visp, with time to explore the city's old town and lake front.
  • Day 7A high-speed train crosses the border into Germany, changing in Frankfurt before continuing north to Amsterdam.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 4 Day Flexi Swiss Pass
  • Seat reservations for the Glacier and Bernina Express trains
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing pass in Milan
  • Engadin card in St Moritz (May-Oct only) including all local transport
  • Gornergrat railway day trip from Zermatt

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in this trip?
Yes, rail travel is included throughout, along with a 4 Day Flexi Swiss Pass and seat reservations for the Glacier and Bernina Express trains.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
It is an independent, self-guided rail vacation from Railbookers, with no guided tours beyond the Hop-on Hop-off pass in Milan.
Which trains are used?
The Bernina Express (Tirano to St. Moritz), the Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt), the Gornergrat cog railway, Swiss Railways, and Deutsche Bahn from Zurich to Amsterdam via Frankfurt.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 29 accommodation options across price tiers and cities; sample hotels include the Four Seasons Hotel Milano and the Armani Hotel Milano.
When can I use the Engadin card in St. Moritz?
The Engadin card, which covers local transport including the funicular and cable-car to Piz Nair, is only available May to October.

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