12 Days • 11 Nights
Swiss Scenic Trains: Glacier & Bernina Express
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll cross Mt Titlis and ride to Jungfraujoch, stand beneath the Matterhorn at Zermatt, then board the famous Glacier Express, the world's slowest express train, on its all-day journey through the Alps to St Moritz. From there the Bernina Express climbs among glaciers and viaducts on the highest railway crossing in the Alps. It is a rail-lover's dream.
With comfortable hotels, first-class scenic rail and the key excursions arranged, it is the ultimate Swiss train adventure.
Trip Highlights
- The legendary Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz
- The Bernina Express among glaciers and viaducts
- Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', and Lauterbrunnen
- Car-free Zermatt and the Gornergrat Matterhorn panorama
- The glacier summit of Mt Titlis and a lake cruise
- Glamorous St Moritz in the Engadine
- The Rhine Falls and a Swiss fondue dinner
- Eleven nights of Switzerland's greatest railways
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 12-day journey.
Arrive in Zurich and settle in, with a welcome dinner to begin your grand rail journey.
A city tour of Zurich, then out to the thundering Rhine Falls for a boat to the central rock.
Travel to Lucerne, exploring the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument, then cruise the lake.
Ascend the glacier summit of Mt Titlis by revolving cable car for the Ice Flyer, glacier cave and snow play.
A scenic journey to Interlaken and up to Harder Kulm for the view of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.
The cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch at 3,454m for glaciers, the Ice Palace and the Sphinx deck, with a fondue dinner tonight.
Explore the waterfall valley of Lauterbrunnen and ride to Grindelwald First for the Cliff Walk and Alpine views.
Take the scenic train to car-free Zermatt beneath the Matterhorn.
Ride the Gornergrat cogwheel railway to a breathtaking Matterhorn panorama and the Glacier Paradise.
Board the legendary Glacier Express for its all-day journey across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels to glamorous St Moritz, with a lunch served at your seat.
A Bernina Express excursion over the highest railway crossing in the Alps, among glaciers, spirals and the famous Landwasser and Brusio viaducts.
A final Engadine breakfast before your transfer for the onward flight.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private arrival and departure transfers
- 2 nights Zurich, 2 nights Lucerne, 3 nights Interlaken, 2 nights Zermatt, 2 nights St Moritz
- Daily breakfast, a welcome dinner, a Glacier Express lunch and a Swiss fondue dinner
- First-class Glacier Express and a Bernina Express excursion with reservations
- A Zurich city tour and the Rhine Falls
- A Mt Titlis excursion, a Lake Lucerne cruise and Jungfraujoch
- The Gornergrat railway and Matterhorn views
- Scenic rail throughout and local assistance
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from the tour
- Schengen visa or ETIAS fees
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and cable cars beyond those stated
- City tourist tax, payable at your hotels
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Switzerland is in the Schengen area, so most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa (and ETIAS once it launches). Your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay — we can advise
- Currency: The currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF); Switzerland is not in the eurozone. Cards are accepted everywhere, and while some places take euros, change is given in francs
- It is expensive: Switzerland is one of the world's priciest countries, so budget generously for meals, drinks and incidentals beyond your package
- Scenic trains & passes: Your package includes rail travel and mountain excursions; the great scenic trains such as the Glacier and Bernina Express need seat reservations, which we arrange for you
- Mountain weather: Alpine weather changes quickly and summit trips like Jungfraujoch and the Matterhorn depend on conditions. Dress in warm layers year-round — there is snow at the top even in summer
- Swiss punctuality: Trains run famously on time to the minute, and connections can be tight, so always be on the platform a few minutes early
- Seasons: Summer (June-September) is glorious for hiking, lakes and clear peaks; winter (December-March) is magical for snow and skiing; spring and autumn are quieter and beautiful
- Altitude: Jungfraujoch sits at 3,454m and other summits are very high, so take it slowly up top and drink water — some visitors feel light-headed
- Alpine sun: The mountain sun is strong, especially on snow, so bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Switzerland is deeply eco-conscious, so please recycle and respect nature
- Tipping & water: Service is included, so simply rounding up is plenty. Tap water is excellent and free, and refillable bottles are the norm
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and a traditional Swiss fondue dinner, plus any lunches named in the itinerary (such as a scenic-train lunch). Other meals are left free so you can explore Switzerland's cafes and restaurants.
Are the scenic trains and excursions included?
Yes — your rail travel and the mountain excursions named in each itinerary (such as Jungfraujoch, Mt Titlis and Gornergrat) are included, with seat reservations for the scenic trains arranged for you.
Do I need a visa for Switzerland?
Most non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa. We can guide you through the requirements and provide the documentation you need for your application.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer (June-September) is ideal for hiking, lakes and clear peaks, while winter (December-March) is wonderful for snow and skiing. Spring and autumn are quieter and beautifully scenic.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, hotels, excursions and even the scenic-train routes can all be tailored, and we can combine Switzerland with France or Italy. Just tell us your wishes.
Are the mountain excursions weather-dependent?
The high summits can close briefly in poor weather. We build in flexibility and your guide will rearrange the days to give you the best possible conditions.
What is the Glacier Express?
Billed as the world's slowest express train, it takes around eight hours from Zermatt to St Moritz, gliding through the heart of the Alps with panoramic windows and an at-seat meal — a bucket-list ride.
Is the Bernina Express included?
Yes — a Bernina Express excursion is included, crossing the highest railway pass in the Alps past glaciers and the spectacular Brusio spiral viaduct.
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