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Austria & Switzerland

Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express

 
4.4 stars(67 reviews)
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
202620272028
Duration
6 days
From per person
$2,195 $1,795
Tour code
WE-ZSMR-27
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Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary
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Join the Gornergrat Railway, the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express for an in-depth discovery of Switzerland's alpine wonders and mountain towns

Uncover otherworldly mountain scenes from charming resort towns and some of the world's most scenic railways on this unforgettable vacation in Switzerland.

After arriving in Zürich, stay in two scenic bases in the Alps: the car-free village of Zermatt and the lakeside gem of St. Moritz. Enjoy an unforgettable perspective on the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Mountain Railway before traveling to St. Moritz on the Glacier Express and Tirano, Italy, on the UNESCO-listed lines of the Bernina Express - each line providing a new way to be impressed by Switzerland.

Unforgettable Experiences

Staying in a beloved mountain resort, Zermatt
Staying in a beloved mountain resort, Zermatt
Spend two nights in a village best accessed by train, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and well-preserved buildings that date back to as early as the 16th century.
Marveling at the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
Marveling at the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
Uncover unmatched views of more than 20 peaks, including the best view of Switzerland’s symbolic peak, from the highest open-air cog railway in Europe, the Gornergrat Mountain Railway.
Traversing the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
Traversing the Swiss Alps on the Glacier Express
Lose yourself in endless panoramas of dramatic mountains, sprawling valleys, sparkling waterways and charming villages while traveling from Zermatt to St. Moritz on the Glacier Express.
Taking in the lakeside ambiance of St. Moritz
Taking in the lakeside ambiance of St. Moritz
Set beside the eponymous Lake Saint Moritz, the resort town of St. Moritz offers scenic views and a fantastic location on the southern slopes of the Alps for your two-night stay.
Following the UNESCO-listed lines of the Bernina Express
Following the UNESCO-listed lines of the Bernina Express
Discover the contrasts between southern Switzerland and northern Italy on a stunning journey of scenic wonders, including the Palü Glacier, on the Bernina Express.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Arriving in your gateway to the Swiss Alps, Zürich

With gorgeous views of the Alps in the backdrop and the glittering blue water of the Limmat River running through the heart of the city, Zürich is a destination that is as scenic as it is enticing. This cosmopolitan city is steeped in modern amenities yet has centuries of history to ground it. Find yourself amid it all as you arrive today and make your own way to your hotel for the night.

Upon checking in, you are free to unwind amidst these scenic surroundings or spend the rest of the day delving into the many offerings of this dynamic city. You may wish to wander through Old Town on foot or explore the high-end shops on the Bahnhofstrasse. When it comes time for dinner, traditional restaurants where you could try cheese fondue or Zürcher Geschnetzeltes - veal cutlets in a white sauce - abound. Overnight Zürich.

DAY2To the car-free village of Zermatt

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, transfer independently to Zürich's train station to travel to Zermatt aboard Switzerland's efficient local railway network. The three-hour route sweeps through the Swiss interior, passing through pastoral terrain, small mountain towns, and big cities like Bern and Visp. Once the distinctive, pyramid-shaped peak of the Matterhorn comes into view, you have arrived. Transfer on your own to your centrally located hotel for check-in, then begin getting acquainted with your new destination.

There are numerous hiking trails throughout the Zermatt region, all of which boast idyllic views of the surrounding mountains. Staying in the heart of the village, you could pop into the shops lining the Bahnoffstrasse, a premier pedestrian-only shopping area, or wander through the Old Village, called Hinterdorf, which has over 30 preserved buildings - some of which are more than 500 years old. Overnight Zermatt.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY3Matterhorn views from the Gornergrat Mountain Railway

Today is your chance to soak in the full glory of the Matterhorn, and you do so from aboard the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, the highest open-air cog railway in Europe. Enjoy breakfast before walking to the Gornergrat station, which is conveniently located across from the central train station in Zermatt.

The ride takes just over half an hour to complete, and as you climb to a final elevation of 10,134 feet above sea level, you enjoy fantastic alpine vistas from both sides of the train, including mountainside lakes, deep ravines, evergreen forests and the Gorner Glacier. On arrival at the top, soak up the wonders from one of the viewing platforms or while hiking the 360-degree Scenic Loop at the top. Take the opportunity to see the summit chapel and seek out the shaggy Blacknose sheep that live on the mountainside, and visit the Matterhorn Photo Point to take your picture with the symbolic peak in the backdrop. Upon returning to your base amongst the low-pitched roofs of Zermatt, the rest of the day is free to explore. Overnight Zermatt.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY4Through the Alps on the Glacier Express

Moving no more than 24 miles per hour, the world's slowest express train, the Glacier Express, presents the marvels of the Swiss Alps today. Transfer on your own to Zermatt's train station after breakfast at your hotel, and settle into your comfortable seat with the promise of some of Switzerland's most dramatic scenery from your panoramic windows.

Begin your 7 1/2-hour train journey by crossing the Mattertal Valley alongside the Mattervispa River. Pass through Brig and the picturesque Rhone Valley, laden with idyllic Swiss villages that seem to be plucked right from a storybook. The train passes through the Furka Base Tunnel before climbing the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the line. Speak with a Rail Specialist about adding a three-course lunch at your seat during your journey.

From this point, the Glacier Express descends toward the beautiful Rhine Gorge. Continue through pretty towns, past a hilltop castle and over the Landwasser Viaduct before reaching the resort town of St. Moritz.

Transfer to your hotel independently, and then enjoy a relaxing evening in this scenic locale. Overnight St. Moritz.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5A journey to Italy on the Bernina Express

Another beloved rail line hosts your adventures today as you join the Bernina Express for a route that travels from the snowy peaks and glaciers of Switzerland to the palm trees of Tirano, Italy*. Impressively, the journey takes just a few hours to complete.

Soak in the changing views while crossing numerous bridges and viaducts and passing through carved mountain tunnels. Some stretches of the route have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, thanks to their masterful engineering and scenic delights. A true highlight comes as the Bernina Express crosses the Brusio Spiral Viaduct just before crossing the Italian border.

Arriving amongst Tirano's historic buildings, you have some time to explore - perhaps at the beautiful 16th-century cathedral - before enjoying an encore of the views as the Bernina Express travels back to St. Moritz. Overnight St. Moritz.

*Please note: During the winter, the Bernina Express route begins in Pontresina instead of St. Moritz. Travelers must utilize the local rail lines to travel to Pontresina, where the Bernina Express awaits.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY6Day 6 – Traveling home

Grand scenes of snow-capped mountains, sweeping valleys, ancient glaciers and glittering waterways set the tone for this incredible Swiss vacation. Your time here was split between Zürich and the mountain towns of Zermatt and St. Moritz and punctuated by bucket list-worthy rail journeys. Having seen Switzerland from three of the nation's most scenic lines, your vacation comes to a close this morning.

Using your included ticket, make your own way from St. Moritz to Zürich's airport station, from which you can begin your travels home.

If you are not ready to conclude your mountain explorations just yet, speak with a Rail Specialist about adding additional nights and experiences in Switzerland.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Trains

See more information about this tours trains.

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Bernina Express arriving in Tirano
Bernina Express

Following a UNESCO World Heritage route on the  Rhaetian Railway between Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express is one of the most beloved rail lines in the Swiss Alps. Mountains, lakes, spiral loops, and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct are all featured on the 76-mile course. Steep grades are negotiated with ease, and the train passes through 55 tunnels and crosses 196 bridges in pursuit of the Mediterranean landscapes of Northern Italy. Travelers soak in the sights from panoramic train cars during the 4-hour expedition.

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Glacier Express
The Glacier Express

Undoubtedly Switzerland's best-known train, the Glacier Express winds its way through some of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful scenery. Called 'the slowest express train in the world', the panoramic carriages allow us to soak in the spectacular views as we traverse incredible mountain passes, picturesque villages and valleys between the popular alpine resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt. Enroute, the train clings to the mountainsides on the Albula Line, zigzags and spirals its way round mountains and over bridges, and delves into the Rhine Valley - also known as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'.

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Gornergrat Mountain Railway
Gornergrat Mountain Railway

Running for less than six miles, the Gornergrat Mountain Railway transports passengers from the pretty town of Zermatt to the summit of the Gornergrat, some 10,135ft above sea level, where on a clear day you can see 29 peaks, including unparalleled views of the Matterhorn. First opened in 1898, this is the highest railway in Europe to run mostly in the open air (the Jungfrau Railway runs to a higher point but mostly in tunnels).

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Enhance your trip

Elevate Your Adventure

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.

Reviews

4.4 stars4.4 / 5 · 67 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (45)
  2. 4 stars
    (10)
  3. 3 stars
    (6)
  4. 2 stars
    (3)
  5. 1 star
    (3)

John Nielson

5 stars

Submitted 11/Aug

The mountains were beautiful, Zermatt was so inviting with the lovely flowers beneath the windows. The air was fresh and crisp and I could have stayed longer!

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John Nielson
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DONNA LEDWIN

5 stars

Submitted 10/Jul

Very well organized! We had absolutely no issues with hotels and train tickets, all we had to do was learn how to access the Swiss train schedules and the rest was easy. Trains were comfortable, quiet and on time. Spectacular scenery as billed. Also met some lovely people from other countries on the trains to chat with. Plenty of free time to explore in each city. Highly recommend this package with Vacations by Rail!

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VICKIE MARIE EGAN

5 stars

Submitted 23 Dec 2025

Hotels & train rides were great!

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HERBERT BUNT

5 stars

Submitted 20 Oct 2025

Beautiful train, comfortable and beautiful scenery.

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JAMES JOSEPH SULLIVAN

5 stars

Submitted 15 Oct 2025

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MARCIA KEARNS

5 stars

Submitted 03 Oct 2025

We enjoyed the ease of booking thru Vacations by Rail

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