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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Zurich to Venice via the Glacier and Bernina Express Trains

Zurich to Venice rail trip on the Glacier and Bernina Express

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

Railbookers operates this seven-day, six-night independent rail vacation from Zurich to Venice, routing through Zermatt and St. Moritz. There is no tour guide; travelers make their own way between stations, and Railbookers handles rail tickets, hotel bookings, and a few set extras. The days open gently, with a first night to settle into Zurich's Old Town before a two-night stay in Zermatt, where the Gornergrat Railway climbs to open-air views of the Matterhorn. From there the Glacier Express crosses the Swiss Alps to St. Moritz, and the following day the Bernina Express descends into northern Italy before onward trains reach Venice for two nights, including a private gondola ride. The pace suits independent travelers comfortable navigating stations and city streets on their own, and anyone who wants the scenery of the Alps and the canals of Venice without a group itinerary dictating each hour. A short optional hike at Gornergrat adds a bit of activity for those who want it.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are drawn from 23 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than a single fixed list, so the actual hotel booked depends on the tier and city option chosen.
  • The evidence for this package does not list specific departure dates; confirm current availability and pricing with Railbookers before booking.
  • This is an independent, unguided rail vacation: aside from the included Gornergrat day trip, private gondola ride, and private airport transfer in Venice, travelers make their own way between stations and around each city.

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 2railovernight: 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

  3. Day 3railovernight: 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 Mountain. Enjoy a short hike, some lunch, or the Zooom Experience.

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4railovernight: 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

  5. Day 5railovernight: Venice

    St. Moritz to Venice 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 Milan, then onto the Islands of Venice.

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Enjoy a relaxing day exploring Venice at your own pace, including the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica, the canals, and a private gondola ride included in the afternoon.

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7

    Your Journey Ends in Venice

    Following breakfast at your hotel enjoy what time you have left with some final souvenir shopping, before your private boat transfer collects you from hotel to whisk you off to the airport for your flight home.

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Gornergrat Railway, the highest open-air railway in Europe, climbs from Zermatt with constant views of the Matterhorn.
  • Day 4The Glacier Express crosses numerous mountain passes and viaducts from Zermatt to St. Moritz.
  • Day 5The Bernina Express scales some of the Swiss Alps' highest peaks before dropping into a palm tree lined valley in northern Italy, continuing by train to Venice.
  • Day 6A private gondola ride through Venice is included in the afternoon, alongside visits to the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. Railbookers includes all rail travel as per the itinerary, covering the Gornergrat Railway, the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, and onward Swiss Railways and Trenitalia connections to Milan and Venice.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with no tour guide. Travelers make their own way to stations and around each city, using the rail tickets and hotel bookings Railbookers arranges.
Which trains does this trip use?
The Gornergrat Railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat, the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz, the Bernina Express from St. Moritz into Italy, and onward Swiss Railways and Trenitalia trains to Milan and Venice.
What hotels are used on this trip?
Railbookers offers 23 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop; sample options include the Park Hyatt Zurich, The Dolder Grand, Baur Au Lac, and 25hours Hotel Zurich Langstrasse in Zurich, and Beausite Zermatt and Riffelhaus 1853 in Zermatt. The specific hotel depends on the tier and city option chosen.
How much walking is involved?
The trip includes a stroll around Zurich's Old Town, a day exploring Venice at your own pace including the Doges Palace and Golden Basilica, and an optional short hike at Gornergrat. There is no described strenuous activity beyond those.
What does this trip cost?
Railbookers prices this trip from $2,829.

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