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Railbookers · Self-guided rail vacation

Zermatt and St Moritz

Self-guided Swiss rail trip: Zermatt, Glacier Express, Bernina Express, St. Moritz

Illustration of Zermatt and St Moritz

Railbookers runs this 5-day, 4-night self-guided rail trip through Switzerland, starting in Zermatt and ending in Zurich by way of St. Moritz. After arriving in Zermatt for a two-night stay in the pedestrianized village, travelers can spend day 1 exploring on foot or tackle an optional two-hour hike to the summit of the Breithorn. Day 2 is a day trip on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, which climbs to 10,135 feet for views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers. Day 3 covers the full length of the Glacier Express to St. Moritz, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and passing glistening lakes, for two more nights. Day 4 is a Bernina Express day trip south into Italy's Poschiavo Valley, with a stop in Tirano for pizza, before the trip ends with a rail journey back to Zurich. A 4-day Swiss Pass and breakfast throughout are included. This suits travelers who want Switzerland's marquee scenic trains and mountain photography without a long, multi-country itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The 4-day Swiss Pass included in this trip covers 4 of the 5 days; the evidence does not specify what rail travel, if any, is included to reach Zermatt on day 1.
  • No current departure dates are listed in the evidence for this trip; confirm availability and exact pricing with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zermatt

    Your Journey Begins in Zermatt

    On arrival in Zermatt, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Your 4-day Swiss Pass allows you to travel from any point in Switzerland, so you can spend the rest of the day exploring this pedestrianized village famed for its history as a mountaineering base, or you could tackle the two-hour hike to the top of the Breithorn mountain, otherwise known as the 'Little Matterhorn.' In the evening, perhaps indulge in some traditional Swiss cuisine such as fondue or raclette.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Zermatt

    Gornergrat Day Trip

    After breakfast this morning, ride on the Gornergrat Cog Railway, which climbs from 5,262 feet above sea level to 10,135 feet in just 33 minutes, and is a marvel of 19th Century engineering. From the top, enjoy one of the most spectacular panoramas in all of Switzerland, taking in the iconic outline of the Matterhorn as well as surrounding peaks and glaciers. You might even be lucky enough to spot a chamois or marmot on the way up or while wandering through the nature reserve.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3rail

    The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz

    Enjoy the exhilarating experience of crossing Switzerland today, traveling the full length of the Glacier Express line. The train passes glistening blue lakes and quaint Swiss hamlets, as well as crossing numerous high passes and mountain peaks. Take pictures of the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct as the train rolls over. On arrival in St. Moritz, make your way to your hotel and check-in for a two-night stay. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a stroll around the lake or experience the glitz and glamour of the casinos. (Overnight in St. Moritz) B (**Between mid Oct and early Dec the Glacier Express train does not run, so the journey will be made on local trains, ask your Travel Consultant for more details)

  4. Day 4railovernight: St. Moritz

    Bernina Express Day Trip

    After breakfast, embark on one of the world's most scenic train lines, heading south into Italy. The Bernina Express is a spectacular journey from the snowcapped heights of the Alps down into the lush Poschiavo Valley and vineyards surrounding Tirano. Stop in Tirano for a traditional pizza, before returning north again on the Bernina Express as the awe-inspiring scenery changes drastically in the afternoon light. Make sure your camera batteries are fully charged because you are guaranteed to capture some amazing shots from the comfort of the panoramic carriages of the train.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5rail

    St. Moritz to Zurich

    After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and return to Zurich for your onward travels. Contact one of our Rail Specialists if you might like to extend your journey with additional days in a different city and we can help you with all the details.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1An optional two-hour hike to the summit of the Breithorn, known as the 'Little Matterhorn'.
  • Day 2The Gornergrat Cog Railway climbing from 5,262 to 10,135 feet for views of the Matterhorn and surrounding glaciers.
  • Day 3The full length of the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and passing glistening blue lakes.
  • Day 4The Bernina Express descending from the snowcapped Alps into Italy's Poschiavo Valley, with a stop in Tirano for pizza.

Included

  • 4-day Swiss Pass 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Zermatt 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in St Moritz Seat Reservations on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express Daytrip on the Gornergrat Cog Railway Rail ticket from St. Moritz to Zurich Airport

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The trip includes a 4-day Swiss Pass, seat reservations on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, the Gornergrat Cog Railway day trip, and a rail ticket from St. Moritz to Zurich Airport.
Is this trip guided or self-guided?
It is a self-guided rail vacation. The 4-day Swiss Pass lets you travel from any point in Switzerland, and day 1 in Zermatt is unstructured, including an optional hike to the Breithorn.
Which trains are used?
The Gornergrat Cog Railway, the Glacier Express (Zermatt to St. Moritz), and the Bernina Express (a day trip south into Italy's Poschiavo Valley), plus a rail ticket from St. Moritz to Zurich Airport.
How many nights are included?
Four nights with breakfast: two in Zermatt and two in St. Moritz.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $1,499 per person (USD), about $300 per day.
How much walking or hiking is involved?
Day 1 offers an optional two-hour hike to the summit of the Breithorn. Day 2's Gornergrat Cog Railway climbs to 10,135 feet above sea level; the rest of the trip is scenic train travel.

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