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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Zurich to Basel via the Bernina and Glacier Express Trains

Independent rail trip via the Bernina and Glacier Express to Basel

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

Railbookers operates this 5-day, 4-night independent rail vacation from Zurich to Basel, built around two of the world's most celebrated scenic trains. After arriving in St. Moritz for a two-night stay, day 2 rides the Bernina Express south into Italy, crossing mountain passes past Piz Bernina and over the Brusio spiral viaduct to Tirano for lunch. Day 3 boards the Glacier Express, which follows the Rhine Gorge and crosses the Oberalp Pass through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges to Zermatt for another two-night stay. Day 4 rides the Gornergrat cog railway for views of the Matterhorn before a stroll through Zermatt, and a final train continues to Basel via Visp. Breakfast is included daily. The trip suits independent travellers who want two of Switzerland's signature panoramic train routes without a group tour structure.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are chosen from a list of 15 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so which specific hotel you get depends on the option selected at booking.
  • No departure dates are listed in the evidence for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: St. Moritz

    Zurich

    Welcome to Switzerland! Take the train from the airport to St. Moritz for a 2-night stay in the heart of the mountains.

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2railovernight: 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 Piz Bernina and Palu's peaks, see the Brusio spiral viaduct, arrive in Tirano, northern Italy, enjoy lunch, then head back to St. Moritz.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    The Glacier Express

    Another amazing train journey today, on the legendary panoramic carriages of the Glacier Express. The train follows the Rhine Gorge and crosses the Oberalp Pass, passing through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, ending in Zermatt.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Day Trip

    After breakfast enjoy a ride on the Gornergrat cog railway for spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Head back down and take a stroll through the pretty village of Zermatt.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5rail

    Zermatt to Basel

    When you are ready make your way the station for your train to Basel via Visp.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in St. Moritz for a two-night stay in the heart of the mountains.
  • Day 2The Bernina Express crosses mountain passes past Piz Bernina and Palü's peaks, over the Brusio spiral viaduct, to Tirano in northern Italy.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express follows the Rhine Gorge and crosses the Oberalp Pass through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges on its way to Zermatt.
  • Day 4The Gornergrat cog railway climbs for spectacular views of the Matterhorn.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • Seat reservations on the Bernina and Glacier Express trains
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • Gornergrat Railway Day Trip from Zermatt

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Every day of the itinerary includes named train journeys, including the Bernina Express, the Glacier Express, and the Gornergrat Railway, plus seat reservations on the Bernina and Glacier Express.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. You travel and explore St. Moritz and Zermatt on your own schedule, with one included Gornergrat day trip.
What hotels are included?
The package offers 15 accommodation options across tiers and cities, from Soldanella and Hauser Hotel St. Moritz up to Hotel Schweizerhof St. Moritz and the 3100 Kulmhotel Gornergrat.
How many nights are spent in each stop?
2 nights in St. Moritz and 2 nights in Zermatt.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
Seat reservations on the Bernina and Glacier Express trains and the Gornergrat Railway day trip from Zermatt.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included every day of the trip.

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