Is train travel included?

Yes. The package includes the Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt), GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken), Luzern-Interlaken Express, and the Gornergrat Railway, plus a day trip to Rhine Falls and cable car trips to Schilthorn and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Is this trip guided or independent?

It is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions. Guided experiences include the Rhine Falls day trip, Lucerne walking tour, and lake cruises. Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support.

Which hotels are included?

The package includes 14 nights across six cities: 2 nights in Zurich, 1 in St. Moritz, 3 in Zermatt, 2 in Montreux, 4 in Interlaken, and 2 in Lucerne, with breakfast included. Specific hotel names are not listed; contact the operator for details.

How much walking is involved?

The trip includes city walking tours (Zurich and Lucerne), walks through the Glacier Canyon with tunnels and pathways (April-October), and casual exploration of medieval towns and lakeside promenades. Most mountain sightseeing is by cable car, cogwheel train, or gondola.

When does this trip run?

No fixed departure dates are listed in the operator's materials. Contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm available dates. Note that the Glacier Canyon experience (Day 12) is available April through October only.

What is not included?

The outbound and return flights from the UK (or roundtrip rail London to Zurich) are arranged separately. Optional meal bookings aboard the lake cruises can be arranged on request. Any activities or meals not explicitly listed are not included.

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Ultimate Switzerland

15-day Swiss rail circle from Zurich on legendary trains through alpine peaks

Marvellous Escapes' Ultimate Switzerland is a 15-day independent tailor-made rail journey that begins in Zurich and concludes in Lucerne, weaving through six Swiss cities and across four legendary trains. The trip combines self-guided exploration at hotel stops with curated guided excursions and included experiences: a day trip to the Rhine Falls near Zurich, rides on the Glacier Express through alpine gorges and viaducts, the GoldenPass Express along Lake Geneva's shores and into the Bernese Oberland, cable car ascents to mountain summits, and cruises on Lakes Thun and Brienz. On Day 4, travellers board the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the famous Landwasser Viaduct and the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres. Day 5 takes them up the Gornergrat cogwheel railway to 3,089 metres for Matterhorn views. The itinerary also includes stays in St. Moritz, a visit to Chateau de Chillon on Lake Geneva, and a guided walking tour of Lucerne's Old Town and Chapel Bridge. All 14 nights' accommodation in four-star hotels come with breakfast. Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support throughout the journey.

What to know before you look closer

Day 12's Glacier Canyon walk is available April through October only; outside these months Marvellous Escapes arranges alternative experiences such as Schilthorn or a lake cruise.
While the package includes 14 nights' accommodation and most rail journeys, the outbound and return flights (or rail option London to Zurich) are booked separately; confirm final travel costs with the operator.
The hotel accommodations in each city are not named in the itinerary; contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm the specific properties before booking.

Day by day

Day 1railovernight: Zurich
Zurich
Today, you will fly from London to Zurich. Alternatively, roundtrip rail is available from London via Paris. Upon arrival, take time to explore Zurich's charming Old Town, picturesque lakeside, or vibrant shopping streets before settling in for the night.
Day 2overnight: Zurich
Zurich
Travel through Switzerland's picturesque countryside, passing rolling vineyards and charming villages en route to Castle Laufen, perched above the mighty Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall. Continue to Schaffhausen, home to the historic Munot Fortress, then to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein, before returning to Zurich in the evening.
Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz
St. Moritz
Board your train from Zurich and journey through Switzerland's stunning landscapes en route to St. Moritz, travelling via Chur, Switzerland's oldest city. Upon arrival, settle into this world-famous resort town, known for its pristine lakes, luxury, and alpine charm.
Day 4railovernight: Zermatt
Glacier Express
Board the legendary Glacier Express for an unforgettable ride from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Sit back and relax in panoramic carriages as you traverse dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and iconic viaducts, including the famous Landwasser Viaduct, passing through the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey at 2,033m. After a leisurely day onboard, arrive in Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn.
Day 5railovernight: Zermatt
Zermatt
Take a spectacular ride on the Gornergrat Railway, Europe's highest open-air cogwheel train, to the Gornergrat summit (3,089m), for breathtaking panoramic views of the Matterhorn. After returning to Zermatt, visit the Matterhorn Museum, free with your included Swiss Pass.
Day 6overnight: Zermatt
Zermatt
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest cable car station at 3,883 meters above sea level, with panoramic vistas stretching across over 38 mountain peaks. Explore the Glacier Palace, a world of ice tunnels, sculptures, and shimmering ice formations, and enjoy snow activities even in summer.
Day 7railovernight: Montreux
Montreux
Depart Zermatt by train and descend through the Matter Valley, changing trains in Visp before continuing to Montreux, where the scenery transforms to the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva. Upon arrival, explore Montreux's charming lakeside promenade.
Day 8overnight: Montreux
Montreux
Today, step back in time with a visit to the Chateau de Chillon, one of Switzerland's most famous and well-preserved medieval castles, perched on the shores of Lake Geneva. After your castle visit, enjoy the rest of your day at leisure in Montreux, admiring the famous Freddie Mercury statue.
Day 9railovernight: Interlaken
Interlaken
Today, you'll board the GoldenPass Express for a spectacular journey from Montreux to Interlaken, travelling from the shores of Lake Geneva, through rolling vineyards and charming villages, before ascending into the heart of the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland.
Day 10overnight: Interlaken
Interlaken
Today, experience Switzerland's breathtaking lake scenery with a cruise on Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, two of the most stunning alpine lakes in the region, past historic castles, rolling vineyards, and the majestic peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
Day 11overnight: Interlaken
Interlaken
Embark on a breathtaking adventure to Schilthorn, famed for its panoramic views of the Swiss Alps, including the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau peaks. Visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, famous for its appearance in the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, before descending back to Interlaken.
Day 12overnight: Interlaken
Interlaken
Visit the Glacier Canyon, a spectacular geological wonder carved by nature over 250 million years, embarking on a sensory walk through dramatic rock galleries, tunnels, and pathways. (This activity is available April-October only; outside these months, alternative experiences such as Schilthorn or a scenic lake cruise can be arranged.)
Day 13railovernight: Lucerne
Lucerne
Today you'll hop aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express, one of Switzerland's most scenic rail routes, travelling from Interlaken to Lucerne past emerald lakes, lush valleys, and towering mountain peaks. Arriving in Lucerne, a city known for its charming Old Town and iconic landmarks like the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, check into your hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening.
Day 14overnight: Lucerne
Lucerne
Start your day with an unforgettable walking tour of Lucerne. Stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge with its octagonal Water Tower, visit the elegant Jesuit Church, marvel at the Culture and Convention Centre Lucerne (KKL Luzern), and explore charming alleys and the medieval Musegg Wall.
Day 15rail
Return home
Today you will return home starting with a scenic rail journey from Lucerne to Zurich. Once in Zurich, you'll have some time to explore before continuing your travels, either by direct train from Zurich to Paris followed by Eurostar to London, or by flying directly from Zurich to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Day 2: guided day trip to Castle Laufen above the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, continuing to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein.
Day 4Day 4: board the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and traversing the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 metres.
Day 5Day 5: ride the Gornergrat Railway, Europe's highest open-air cogwheel train, to 3,089 metres for panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
Day 9Day 9: travel on the GoldenPass Express from Montreux through vineyards and villages into the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken.
Day 13Day 13: board the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne, passing emerald lakes and mountain peaks before arriving in the Old Town.

Included

2 nights' hotel accommodation in Zurich with breakfast included
Overnight hotel accommodation in St. Moritz with breakfast included
3 nights' hotel accommodation in Zermatt with breakfast included
2 nights' hotel accommodation in Montreux with breakfast included
4 nights' hotel accommodation in Interlaken with breakfast included
2 nights' hotel accommodation in Lucerne with breakfast included
Flights to and from the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras)
Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt
GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken
Luzern-Interlaken Express
Lucerne Walking Tour
Lakes Thun & Brienz Cruise
Day trip to Rhine Falls
A trip to Schilthorn
Chateau de Chillon

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?: Yes. The package includes the Glacier Express (St. Moritz to Zermatt), GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken), Luzern-Interlaken Express, and the Gornergrat Railway, plus a day trip to Rhine Falls and cable car trips to Schilthorn and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
Is this trip guided or independent?: It is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions. Guided experiences include the Rhine Falls day trip, Lucerne walking tour, and lake cruises. Marvellous Escapes provides 24/7 on-trip support.
Which hotels are included?: The package includes 14 nights across six cities: 2 nights in Zurich, 1 in St. Moritz, 3 in Zermatt, 2 in Montreux, 4 in Interlaken, and 2 in Lucerne, with breakfast included. Specific hotel names are not listed; contact the operator for details.
How much walking is involved?: The trip includes city walking tours (Zurich and Lucerne), walks through the Glacier Canyon with tunnels and pathways (April-October), and casual exploration of medieval towns and lakeside promenades. Most mountain sightseeing is by cable car, cogwheel train, or gondola.
When does this trip run?: No fixed departure dates are listed in the operator's materials. Contact Marvellous Escapes to confirm available dates. Note that the Glacier Canyon experience (Day 12) is available April through October only.
What is not included?: The outbound and return flights from the UK (or roundtrip rail London to Zurich) are arranged separately. Optional meal bookings aboard the lake cruises can be arranged on request. Any activities or meals not explicitly listed are not included.