Switzerland’s soaring mountains and quaint resort towns are a joy to explore by rail. Enjoy spectacular views as you travel on some of the world’s most famous trains including the Bernina Express and the Glacier Express.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Basel

Arrive in Basel, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers over a Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Interlaken, Giessbach

Wake up to the stunning beauty of Switzerland and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to the train station to embark on a scenic journey to Interlaken, where you’ll hop on the iconic Giessbach funicular railway, ascending to your mountaintop hotel. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Brienz’s turquoise waters, with picturesque towns and villages lining the shores, and the majestic mountains reflecting on the placid lake.

Day 3: Brienz, Rothorn

Board one of Switzerland’s most scenic railway routes today on the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. Depart from Brienz, where the steam-hauled train awaits, and begin your steady ascent through dramatic mountain landscapes, with the shimmering waters of Lake Brienz below. As you climb higher, the scenery becomes progressively greener, and jagged mountain peaks rise to eye level. At over 2,000 metres above sea level, you’ll reach Rothorn, the summit of the rail journey. Disembark and explore the peak at your own leisure. Then, return by train for your descent to Brienz and Giessbach.

Day 4: Brig, St Moritz

After breakfast, travel by coach to Spiez, then by rail to Brig where one of Switzerland’s most famous trains awaits. Lunch is served in the rail cars during your journey. Arrive in St. Moritz and check in to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy superb views over the lake from the front of the hotel.

Insider Experience – Glacier Express

The red and white Glacier Express is known for being the slowest express train, but also one of the most scenic. Board the train and chug through tunnels, and across countless bridges and viaducts. A sure highlight is when you ascend over 1,800 metres at the Oberalp Pass, with the train using cogwheels to conquer the steepest points. 

Day 5: Tirano

On your Insider Experience rail ride, you’ll travel at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, enjoying views of turquoise glacial lakes nestled below. Once in Tirano, it’s time to explore at leisure. There’s a peaceful old quarter towards the east of the town, which you might like to head to for a rest after the excitement of the rail adventure. Later in the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Switzerland.

Insider Experience – The Bernina Express

Connecting Italy and Switzerland on one of the highest railway lines in the Alps, the Bernina Express is a must on any train-lover’s list. Join this rail odyssey today, carving through the snow-capped landscapes and lush hillsides to Tirano in northern Italy. 

Day 6: Lucerne

Switzerland is renowned for its superb rail network, and today you’re in for another treat. Travel to Lucerne to board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway — the Mount Pilatus Railway. With a steep gradient that reaches up to 48%, there are moments on this journey more reminiscent of a roller coaster than a train ride. After ascending almost two kilometres from Alpnachstad, you’ll reach Pilatus-Kulm, where your mountaintop hotel awaits. You have free time to enjoy the hotel’s amenities and soak in the breathtaking mountain views.

Day 7: Lucerne

After breakfast at your hotel, return to Lucerne, where you have the opportunity for independent sightseeing. Perhaps visit Lucerne’s most famous site, Chapel Bridge, which spans the Reuss River in the heart of the city. Built in the 14th century, this wooden bridge once served as protection against outside attacks on the city. Today, a series of 17th-century paintings hang on the walls inside, telling the tale of Lucerne’s history. There are also plenty of churches to visit, and wandering along the cobbled stone streets is an equally enticing option. This evening, celebrate a memorable trip at a Farewell Dinner.

Day 8: Depart Zurich

Your incredible journey reaches an end this morning after breakfast. Transfer to Zurich airport by train.