Is train travel included?

Yes. Included trains are the Glacier Express (Excellence Class, St. Moritz to Zermatt), GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken), Luzern-Interlaken Express, and Gornergrat Railway. The itinerary also involves standard rail between other destinations.

Is this escorted or independent?

It is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions. You travel between hotel stops at your own pace, but Marvellous Escapes includes guided tours to Rhine Falls, Lucerne, and mountain excursions, plus included lake cruises and cable cars. On-trip support is available 24/7.

What hotels are included?

Marvellous Escapes books hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich (2 nights), St. Moritz (1 night), Zermatt (3 nights), Montreux (2 nights), Interlaken (4 nights), and Lucerne (2 nights). Specific hotel names and ratings are not detailed in the itinerary.

How do I arrive from the UK?

Flights from a UK airport or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras via Paris are included. You may choose the option that suits you when booking.

What is the pace of the trip?

The trip is relaxed. Most locations have two to four nights per stop, allowing time to settle in and explore. Days include both guided excursions and leisure time.

How much walking or physical activity is involved?

Walking is moderate. City tours involve strolling Lucerne and Zurich. Mountain excursions use cable cars and trains (Gornergrat, Schilthorn, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) to reach high points; Glacier Canyon involves a walk through tunnels and galleries. Most activities are accessible by vehicle and short walks.

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Ultimate Switzerland - Excellence Class

Swiss alpine rail circle: Zurich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Montreux, Interlaken, Lucerne

Marvellous Escapes' Ultimate Switzerland is a 15-day tailor-made rail journey through six alpine destinations, from Zurich to Lucerne. The trip combines independent hotel stays with curated guided excursions and included experiences: you will ride the legendary Glacier Express in Excellence Class through dramatic mountain passes, ascend to the Gornergrat and Matterhorn Glacier Paradise on cogwheel and cable trains, cruise Lakes Thun and Brienz, and explore medieval lakeside towns. Days are paced to allow both structured activities (Rhine Falls, Schilthorn, Chateau de Chillon, Lucerne walking tour) and leisure time in each location. Accommodation includes breakfast at premium Swiss hotels. The journey suits luxury seekers and repeat rail travellers who value both celebrated train journeys and mountain experiences, with 24/7 on-trip support throughout. Flights or rail from London are included, and you may choose your preferred departure method when you book.

What to know before you look closer

The itinerary includes one seasonal activity: Glacier Canyon walking (available April to October only; Marvellous Escapes offers alternative experiences such as Schilthorn or a lake cruise in other months).
Single supplement pricing is not disclosed in the operator's information; confirm costs for solo travellers before booking.
Days 2, 10, and 12 in Interlaken and Montreux are partly unguided; you have leisure time to explore independently or arrange optional activities through your Travel Designer.

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 Excellence Class for an unforgettable ride from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Settle into your exclusive Excellence Class lounge seating and enjoy refined service, curated wines, and gourmet dining as you glide through dramatic landscapes, deep gorges, and iconic viaducts, including the Landwasser Viaduct, from floor-to-ceiling windows, crossing the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the journey at 2,033m. 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 excursion to Rhine Falls above Castle Laufen, Europe's largest waterfall, then to the medieval town of Stein am Rhein.
Day 4Day 4: board the Glacier Express Excellence Class from St. Moritz to Zermatt, viewing the Landwasser Viaduct and Oberalp Pass from floor-to-ceiling windows whilst enjoying gourmet dining and curated wines.
Day 5Day 5: ride the Gornergrat Railway, Europe's highest open-air cogwheel train, to 3,089 metres for Matterhorn views, then visit the Matterhorn Museum.
Day 9Day 9: travel on the GoldenPass Express from Montreux through vineyards and villages to Interlaken, ascending into the Bernese Oberland.
Day 14Day 14: guided walking tour of Lucerne crossing the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, visiting the Jesuit Church and exploring the medieval Musegg Wall.

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 Excellence Class 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. Included trains are the Glacier Express (Excellence Class, St. Moritz to Zermatt), GoldenPass Express (Montreux to Interlaken), Luzern-Interlaken Express, and Gornergrat Railway. The itinerary also involves standard rail between other destinations.
Is this escorted or independent?: It is an independent tailor-made journey with guided excursions. You travel between hotel stops at your own pace, but Marvellous Escapes includes guided tours to Rhine Falls, Lucerne, and mountain excursions, plus included lake cruises and cable cars. On-trip support is available 24/7.
What hotels are included?: Marvellous Escapes books hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich (2 nights), St. Moritz (1 night), Zermatt (3 nights), Montreux (2 nights), Interlaken (4 nights), and Lucerne (2 nights). Specific hotel names and ratings are not detailed in the itinerary.
How do I arrive from the UK?: Flights from a UK airport or roundtrip rail from London St. Pancras via Paris are included. You may choose the option that suits you when booking.
What is the pace of the trip?: The trip is relaxed. Most locations have two to four nights per stop, allowing time to settle in and explore. Days include both guided excursions and leisure time.
How much walking or physical activity is involved?: Walking is moderate. City tours involve strolling Lucerne and Zurich. Mountain excursions use cable cars and trains (Gornergrat, Schilthorn, Matterhorn Glacier Paradise) to reach high points; Glacier Canyon involves a walk through tunnels and galleries. Most activities are accessible by vehicle and short walks.