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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Zurich to Lake Como via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Independent rail journey via the Glacier and Bernina Express to Lake Como

Illustration of Zurich to Lake Como via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Railbookers operates this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation from Zurich to Milan, threading together three of Switzerland's most celebrated train routes. After two nights in Zurich, including a guided walking tour and a boat trip on Lake Zurich, a train carries you to Zermatt for two nights, where day 4 rides the Gornergrat rack railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe, with constant Matterhorn views and a short hike at the top. The Glacier Express then crosses mountain passes to St. Moritz for a one-night stay, before the Bernina Express scales Alpine peaks and descends into northern Italy on the way to Lake Como for two nights, including a guided walking tour. A final train continues to Milan for a one-night stay near the Duomo. Breakfast is included daily. The trip suits independent travellers drawn to scenic rail journeys and alpine scenery over city sightseeing.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are chosen from a list of 29 accommodation options across different tiers and cities, so which specific hotel you get depends on the option selected at booking.
  • St. Moritz and Milan are each just a one-night stop, sandwiched between the two-night stays in Zurich, Zermatt, and Lake Como.
  • No departure dates are listed in the evidence for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Zurich

    Your Journey Begins in Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! Make your way to your hotel, and once checked in take a stroll around the city's beautiful Old Town where you will find a great selection of local restaurants for dinner.

  2. Day 2overnight: Zurich

    Zurich

    Following breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Zurich with an expert guide, a bus overview of the districts, and an audio-guided boat trip on Lake Zurich.

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Zermatt

    Zermatt

    Make your way to the station for a train south to the village of Zermatt. Check in at your hotel for a two-night stay then be sure to enjoy a traditional raclette or fondue for dinner.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: Zermatt

    The Gornergrat Railway

    Enjoy a ride on the highest open-air railway in Europe, the Gornergrat rack railway, with constant views of the Matterhorn. Enjoy a short hike, some lunch, or the Zooom Experience.

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: St Moritz

    The Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz

    Experience one of the world's greatest train journeys today, onboard The Glacier Express, crossing numerous mountain passes and impressive viaducts, ending in St Moritz.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6railovernight: Lake Como

    St Moritz to Lake Como Via The Bernina Express

    Onboard the legendary Bernina Express, the train scales some of the Swiss Alps' highest peaks before dropping into a palm tree lined valley of northern Italy. From here take a train to Como.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7overnight: Como

    Lake Como

    The town of Como combines beautiful historic architecture with stunning natural beauty and today you will explore with the help of a local guide.

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8railovernight: Milan

    Milan

    Following breakfast, depart Como and take a direct train to stay overnight in Italy's fashion capital – Milan! Make the most out of your one-night stay by going to visit the famous Duomo.

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Milan

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you would like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4The Gornergrat rack railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe, offers constant views of the Matterhorn and a short hike at the top.
  • Day 5The Glacier Express crosses numerous mountain passes and viaducts on its way from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
  • Day 6The Bernina Express scales some of the Swiss Alps' highest peaks before dropping into a palm tree lined valley in northern Italy.
  • Day 8A one-night stay in Milan includes a visit to the famous Duomo.

Included

  • All rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zurich
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Zermatt
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in St Moritz
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lake Como
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Milan
  • 6-Day Swiss Pass
  • Small-group walking tour of Zurich
  • Gornergrat day trip from Zermatt with Priority Boarding
  • Small-group walking tour of Como

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Rail travel is included throughout, including the Gornergrat Railway, Glacier Express, and Bernina Express, plus a 6-day Swiss Pass.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. Guided elements are limited to small-group walking tours of Zurich and Como, plus the Gornergrat day trip with priority boarding.
What hotels are included?
The package offers 29 accommodation options across tiers and cities, from the Crowne Plaza Zurich and Riffelhaus 1853 up to Baur Au Lac, Park Hyatt Zurich, and The Dolder Grand.
How many nights are spent in each stop?
2 nights each in Zurich, Zermatt, and Lake Como, and 1 night each in St. Moritz and Milan.
What is included besides rail and hotels?
A 6-day Swiss Pass, a small-group walking tour of Zurich, the Gornergrat day trip from Zermatt with priority boarding, and a small-group walking tour of Como.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is included every day of the trip.

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