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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

The Glacier and Bernina Express from Amsterdam

Independent rail trip from Amsterdam to Milan via Glacier and Bernina Express

Illustration of The Glacier and Bernina Express from Amsterdam

Railbookers operates this independent, 7-day, 6-night rail journey from Amsterdam to Milan, crossing the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Italy. The trip begins with a train from Amsterdam to Zurich via Frankfurt, then continues to Zermatt for two nights, where travelers can ride the historic Gornergrat cog railway for views of the Matterhorn. From Zermatt, the Glacier Express carries travelers over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels on an eight-hour journey to St. Moritz, where a two-night stay leaves a free day to explore the town, visit the Segantini Museum, or walk the shores of Lake St. Moritz. The Bernina Express then crosses the Swiss Alps to Tirano, connecting by local train to Milan for a final night with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass. Because travelers handle their own luggage and hotel check-ins between four cities, the trip suits independent-minded travelers comfortable managing their own itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence pack lists no specific departure dates for this package; confirm current dates and pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Zurich

    Amsterdam to Zurich

    Say goodbye to Amsterdam as your train speeds south to Zurich via a change in Frankfurt, and here check-in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Take a stroll around Zurich's Old Town today and perhaps even venture to the amazing Lindt Home of Chocolate for some delicious treats before taking the train to Zermatt. On arrival make your way to your hotel for a 2-night stay.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    The historic Gornergrat cog railway has departures every 30mins and you can jump on any one you wish. As the train climbs over bridges and through a fragrant forest of fir trees passengers are awarded with a spectacular view of the iconic Matterhorn mountain.

  4. Day 4railovernight: St Moritz

    The Glacier Express

    Following 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 with breath-taking views from the panoramic windows. The eight hours onboard will fly by before you pull into St Moritz for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: St. Moritz

    St. Moritz

    Enjoy a day at leisure, exploring St. Moritz at your own pace. Discover the town's elegant boutiques, world-class galleries, and historic landmarks such as the leaning tower of St. Moritz, a remnant of a 12th-century church. Visit the Segantini Museum, or take in the stunning scenery from the shores of Lake St. Moritz.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Milan

    The Bernina Express

    Climb aboard the famous Bernina Express train from St. Moritz through the Swiss Alps as it makes its way to Tirano. From here catch a local train to Milan and spend the afternoon exploring the city with your hop-on hop-off pass.

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Milan

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport for your flight home or speak to any of our Travel Consultants about extending your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A stroll around Zurich's Old Town and a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate before the train to Zermatt.
  • Day 3The Gornergrat cog railway climbs over bridges and through fir forest to a view of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express crosses 291 bridges and 91 tunnels on the eight-hour ride from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
  • Day 6The Bernina Express crosses the Swiss Alps from St. Moritz to Tirano, connecting by local train to an afternoon in Milan.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • Seat reservations for the Glacier and Bernina Express trains
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • Gornergrat railway day trip from Zermatt
  • Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing pass in Milan

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Railbookers includes rail travel as per the itinerary, plus seat reservations for the Glacier and Bernina Express trains.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation; travelers move between hotels and stations on their own rather than with a guide.
Which trains are included?
Deutsche Bahn from Amsterdam to Zurich, the Gornergrat cog railway from Zermatt, the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, and the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano, followed by a local train to Milan.
What is included besides the trains?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich (1 night), Zermatt (2 nights), St. Moritz (2 nights), and Milan (1 night), the Gornergrat day trip, and a hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass in Milan.
How does the trip end?
It ends in Milan on day 7 with breakfast before travelers head to the airport for their flight home.

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