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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Venice to Basel via the Bernina and Glacier Express Trains

Venice to Basel by Bernina and Glacier Express through the Alps

Illustration of Venice to Basel via the Bernina and Glacier Express Trains

Railbookers runs this 7-day independent rail vacation from Venice to Basel, built around three of Switzerland's scenic rail routes. After two nights in Venice, with a private gondola ride and time to explore at your own pace, day 3 rides the Bernina Express from Tirano through the Poschiavo Valley and over the Brusio viaduct to St. Moritz. Day 4 continues on the Glacier Express, crossing the Landwasser viaduct on the way to Zermatt for a two-night stay. Day 5 climbs the Gornergrat Railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe, for views of the Matterhorn, with time for a short hike and fondue in the evening. On day 6, an included Swiss Pass allows a flexible departure time to Basel, where the Old Town and Art Gallery are open to explore in the afternoon. It suits travelers who want the Alps' named scenic trains as the centerpiece of the trip rather than a single luxury train journey.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence lists 21 accommodation options across tiers and cities, so the specific hotel in each city depends on the tier you choose.
  • Several days are left at your own pace, including day 2 in Venice and the flexible departure time from Visp on day 6, consistent with this being an independent rail vacation.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Venice

    Your Journey Begins in Venice

    Whisked to your hotel via a private boat for a two-night stay. Head out to enjoy the city, the Grand Canal, and the smaller canals and bridges.

  2. Day 2overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Explore Venice at your own pace - the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica, or watching the world go by with a Bellini from Harry's Bar. A private gondola ride is included in the afternoon.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: St. Moritz

    Venice to St. Moritz Via The Bernina Express

    Highspeed train to Milan, then a short ride to Tirano for the start of the Bernina Express, passing through the Poschiavo Valley and over the Brusio viaduct to St. Moritz.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    Ride the Glacier Express, crossing the Landwasser viaduct and other dramatic bridges at around 25mph, with lunch onboard, arriving in Zermatt for a two-night stay.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Railway

    Ride the highest open-air railway in Europe, the Gornergrat rack railway, for views of the Matterhorn. Enjoy a short hike, lunch, or the Zooom Experience, and sample fondue in the evening.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Basel

    Basel

    Your included Swiss Pass gives you the freedom to choose your departure time, with a change in Visp. Explore Basel's Old Town and Art Gallery in the afternoon.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Basel

    Check out and make your way to the airport or cruise port to continue your travels elsewhere.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A private gondola ride through Venice in the afternoon.
  • Day 3The Bernina Express climbs from Tirano through the Poschiavo Valley and over the Brusio viaduct to St. Moritz.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express crosses the Landwasser viaduct and other dramatic bridges at around 25 miles per hour on its way to Zermatt.
  • Day 5The Gornergrat Railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe, climbs to views of the Matterhorn, with a short hike and fondue in the evening.

Included

  • All rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Venice
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Basel
  • Private Gondola ride in Venice
  • Gornergrat railway day trip from Zermatt
  • Private water transfer from airport to hotel in Venice

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Railbookers includes all rail travel as per the itinerary, from Venice to Basel.
Which trains does this trip use?
The Bernina Express from Tirano to St. Moritz, the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, the Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to the Gornergrat summit, plus Swiss Railways and Trenitalia for the connecting legs.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. A private gondola ride in Venice and the Gornergrat day trip from Zermatt are included; other days, such as day 2 in Venice, are at your own pace.
What hotels are used?
Railbookers offers 21 accommodation options across tiers and cities, including hotels such as the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and options in St. Moritz, with the exact hotel depending on the tier chosen.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
Day 5 includes a short hike at the Gornergrat summit, reached via the highest open-air railway in Europe, with views of the Matterhorn.
How many nights does the trip include?
7 days and 6 nights: 2 in Venice, 1 in St. Moritz, 2 in Zermatt, and 1 in Basel.

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