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The Glacier and Bernina Express Trains with the Gems of Italy

Independent 13-day rail trip Zurich to Rome via Glacier and Bernina Express

Illustration of The Glacier and Bernina Express Trains with the Gems of Italy

Railbookers operates this independent, 13-day, 12-night rail journey from Zurich to Rome, crossing Switzerland and Italy. After a night in Zurich, the trip spends two nights in St. Moritz, with a day trip on the Bernina Express past the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palu to Tirano and back. The Glacier Express then carries travelers over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels to Zermatt, where a Gornergrat railway day trip climbs to 3,090 meters for Matterhorn views. From Zermatt, the route continues by train through Geneva to Venice, Florence, and Rome, with small-group walking tours built into each city, including the Doge's Palace in Venice, the Accademia Gallery in Florence, and the Colosseum in Rome. With seven hotel changes across two countries, the trip suits travelers who want scenic Swiss rail paired with guided sightseeing in Italy's major cities.

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 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! Arrive in the city center and check in for an overnight stay at your hotel. Zurich is Switzerland's most cosmopolitan and elegant city, situated on the banks of the river Limmat. Spend the evening by the lake in the old town district of Niederdorf.

  2. Day 2overnight: St Moritz

    Zurich to St Moritz

    Travel from Zurich to St Moritz today and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy a full day soaking up the scenery of St Moritz, famous for its champagne climate and its glamorous ski scene. Explore some of the 112 miles of walking trails, or head to the Segantini Museum.

  3. Day 3railovernight: St Moritz

    The Bernina Express Day Trip

    Head south to Italy today and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery seen from a train anywhere in the world. Cross mountain passes and admire the spectacular peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palu. Have your camera ready for the magical Brusio spiral viaduct before arriving at Tirano, northern Italy. Enjoy lunch before hopping back on the train and heading back to St Moritz.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt

    After breakfast at your hotel 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. The eight hours onboard will fly by before you pull into car free Zermatt for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Day Trip

    At a time of your choosing take a ride up to 3090m above sea level on the historic Gornergrat cog railway. Enjoy priority boarding included with your reservation which will allow you to beat the queue! We advise that you sit on the right-hand side of the train for panoramic Matterhorn views.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Geneva

    Zermatt to Geneva

    Enjoy breakfast in your hotel this morning before checking out and catching the train to Geneva. The journey is a lovely, scenic trip taking in sparkling vistas of Lake Geneva. On arrival, check-in at your hotel for an overnight stay.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Venice

    Geneva to Venice

    After breakfast, depart Geneva in the morning and travel to Venice on one of the most scenic routes in Europe, the Simplon Pass. Relax while the train follows the shores of Lake Leman and across Swiss vineyards, with stunning views of the Alps in the background. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay.

  8. Day 8overnight: Venice

    Venice

    This morning, make your way to St Mark's Square for the start of your small group tour to the Doges Palace, and mesmerizing Golden Basilica. Following this, it is a guided walking tour through the quieter lanes and alleys.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Florence

    Venice to Florence

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to the train station for your journey to Florence. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy a two-night stay. In the evening, enjoy a private Florentine gondola ride along the river Arno.

  10. Day 10overnight: Florence

    Florence

    Spend a full day exploring the city after breakfast this morning. Start your day by seeing the famous Statue of David with your skip-the-line tickets for the Accademia Gallery. Afterwards, head to the popular Uffizi Gallery.

  11. Day 11railovernight: Rome

    Florence to Rome

    Take a train to Rome this morning and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Shrouded in legend, Rome is home to hundreds of ancient artifacts, architecture, beautiful churches, and Basilicas such as St Peter's and St Martin's. In the evening, enjoy a walking tour of Rome.

  12. Day 12overnight: Rome

    Rome

    After breakfast, make your way over to the Colosseum for a guided tour of the famous amphitheater, then walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans once more with a guided stroll around the Roman Forum.

  13. Day 13rail

    Your Journey Ends in Rome

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels to Rome Airport. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Bernina Express crosses mountain passes past the peaks of Piz Bernina and Piz Palu and the Brusio spiral viaduct on a day trip to Tirano and back to St. Moritz.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express carries travelers over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels on the eight-hour ride from St. Moritz to Zermatt.
  • Day 5The Gornergrat cog railway climbs to 3,090 meters above sea level, with panoramic Matterhorn views recommended from the right-hand side of the train.
  • Day 8A small-group walking tour of Venice takes in the Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica.
  • Day 12A guided tour of the Colosseum followed by a stroll through the Roman Forum.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Geneva
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Florence
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Rome
  • 6 Day Swiss Pass
  • Glacier Express and Bernina Express Reservations
  • Day Trip to the Gornergrat from Zermatt with Priority Boarding
  • Multi-Day Vaporetto Pass in Venice
  • Small-Group Walking Tour of Venice with the Doge's Palace and St Marks Basilica
  • Private Sunset Florentine Boat Ride in Florence
  • Small-Group Walking Tour of Florence with the Accademia and Uffizi Galleries
  • Small-Group Rome Food Walking Tour at Night
  • Small-Group Tour of Rome with the Roman Forum and Colosseum

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included as per the itinerary, along with a 6 Day Swiss Pass and reservations for the Glacier and Bernina Express.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation, though it includes several small-group walking tours built into the Venice, Florence, and Rome stops.
Which trains does it use?
The Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt and the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to Tirano and back, plus rail travel linking all seven cities on the route.
What sightseeing is included?
Small-group walking tours of Venice (Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica), Florence (Accademia and Uffizi Galleries), and Rome (Colosseum, Roman Forum), plus a private sunset boat ride in Florence and a Rome food walking tour at night.
How many nights of hotel accommodation are included?
12 nights with breakfast, across Zurich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva, Venice, Florence, and Rome.

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