SAMPLE ITINERARY
Scenic Switzerland
This all-encompassing eight-night rail odyssey of Switzerland takes in the best this wonderful country has to offer
Scenic Switzerland
This all-encompassing eight-night rail odyssey showcases Switzerland at its most spectacular, combining world-famous train journeys with iconic alpine scenery and elegant lakeside towns. Your journey begins with two nights in the glamorous resort of St Moritz, where you board the breathtaking Bernina Express, renowned for its dramatic mountain crossings and UNESCO-listed landscapes.
From here, travel aboard the legendary Glacier Express to the historic village of Zermatt, enjoying two nights beneath the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn, including a memorable ascent on the Gornergrat Cog Railway.
Continue to the shores of Lake Geneva for a relaxing stay in Montreux before following the scenic GoldenPass Line to the charming city of Lucerne. With three nights here, you’ll experience unforgettable day trips including the world’s steepest cogwheel railway on Mount Pilatus and a journey to Europe’s highest railway station aboard the Jungfrau Railway — completing a rail adventure that perfectly blends engineering marvels, alpine beauty and refined Swiss hospitality.
When you book with Travel Tailors, every itinerary starts as a guide — not a fixed package. Your journey can be refined around your interests, pace and wish list, ensuring a truly personalised rail experience from start to finish.
Tour Highlights
One of the world's most scenic rail journeys onboard the Bernina Express
Enjoy the spectacular Glacier Express through the mountainous heart of Switzerland
Amazing Matterhorn views from the Gornergrat Cog Railway
Beautiful Scenery of The GoldenPass railway
Alpine Adventure via boat and cable car or the worlds steepest cog railway to the top of Mount Pilatus
Highest railway station Europe atop the world-famous Jungfrau Railway
Switzerland is home to over 5,000 kilometres of railway, much of it built through mountains using tunnels, viaducts and cogwheel systems — making it one of the most advanced and scenic rail networks in the world.
What's Included?
Return Flights from the UK to Zurich
Travel to St Moritz from any starting point in Switzerland
2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in St Moritz
2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Zermatt
1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Montreux
3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Lucerne
8-day standard class Swiss Pass
Standard class seat reservations on the Bernina Express, Glacier Express and GoldenPass trains
Day trip on the Gornergrat Cog Railway from Zermatt
Day trip to the top of Mount Pilatus from Lucerne
Daytrip to Jungfraujoch from Lucerne
What your trip couldl look like in a bit more detail
This carefully paced rail journey has been designed to showcase Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes, legendary train routes and alpine highlights, while allowing time to relax and explore at each destination. The itinerary below offers a sample of how your days could unfold, blending world-famous scenic rail journeys with unforgettable mountain excursions and elegant lakeside towns — all of which can be tailored by Travel Tailors to suit your interests and preferred pace.
Days 1–2 | London to St Moritz & the Bernina Express
Day 1 - London to St Moritz
Begin your Swiss rail adventure with your journey from London to the glamorous alpine resort of St Moritz, where you’ll settle in for a two-night stay surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Day 2 – Bernina Express
After breakfast, board one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys aboard the Bernina Express. Travelling south across the snow-dusted heights of the Alps and over the Bernina Pass, the scenery gradually transforms as you descend into the lush Poschiavo Valley and on to Tirano in Italy. Here, enjoy a relaxed stop for a traditional Italian pizza before retracing your route north, watching the landscape shift once more as the afternoon light casts new colours across mountains, valleys and viaducts. Panoramic carriages ensure uninterrupted views throughout this unforgettable day. (Overnight St Moritz)
Days 3–4 | Glacier Express & the Matterhorn
Day 3 - The Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt
Today you enjoy the full splendour of Switzerland's most famous journeys, The Glacier Express. Early in the journey the train cruises over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, which is a marvel of Swiss engineering from a bygone era. This train is otherwise known as the slowest express train in the world, and winds its way over numerous high passes and meanders past many small Swiss lakes and villages until pulling into Zermatt nearly 8 hours after departure. (Overnight Zermatt)..
Day 4 - Gornergrat Day
This morning, ascend the mountainside aboard the historic Gornergrat cog railway, climbing from Zermatt to an altitude of 3,090 metres in just over half an hour. From the summit, take in one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking panoramas, with the unmistakable silhouette of the Matterhorn surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks. Enjoy time to explore the nature reserve, spot local wildlife such as chamois or marmots, or simply savour the view — perhaps accompanied by a traditional fondue — before returning to Zermatt to enjoy the village’s car-free streets, cosy bars and inviting restaurants. (Overnight Zermatt)
The Glacier Express travels across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels, earning its reputation as one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys despite being known as the “slowest express train.”
Days 5–6 | Lake Geneva & the GoldenPass Line
Day 5 – Montreux
Make the most of your Swiss Travel Pass as you journey at your leisure to the lakeside town of Montreux, changing trains in Visp. After checking in, spend the afternoon exploring the elegant promenade along Lake Geneva, visiting the fairy-tale Château de Chillon, or trying your luck at the historic casino. In the evening, enjoy a drink in the atmospheric Jazz Café, soaking up Montreux’s refined charm. (Overnight Montreux)
Day 6 – GoldenPass Line: Montreux to Lucerne
After breakfast, board the scenic GoldenPass Line for a memorable journey through some of Switzerland’s most varied landscapes. The route climbs steeply from Montreux, offering stunning views over Lake Geneva and the Swiss Riviera, before passing through alpine villages including Château-d’Oex and Gstaad. After changing trains at Zweisimmen, continue through the Simme Valley to Interlaken, nestled between Lakes Thun and Brienz, before making the final leg to Lucerne. On arrival, check in for a three-night stay in this beautiful medieval lakeside city. (Overnight Lucerne)
Days 7–9 | Alpine Summits & Lucerne
Day 7 – Mount Pilatus Excursion
Enjoy a full day exploring Mount Pilatus, travelling on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway for incredible views across central Switzerland, Lake Lucerne and the surrounding peaks.
Day 8 – Jungfrau Railway & Alpine Wonders
Today brings another unforgettable highlight as you travel to Interlaken and board the historic Jungfrau Railway, climbing to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 metres above sea level. The final section runs through tunnels carved deep into the mountains of the Eiger and Mönch, with viewing windows offering dramatic glimpses of the alpine world outside. At the summit, enjoy panoramic views that can stretch as far as Germany and France on clear days, explore the ice sculpture gallery, walk on a glacier, and even visit the world’s highest chocolate shop. Return via the picturesque village of Lauterbrunnen, famous for its cascading waterfall, before enjoying your final evening in Lucerne. (Overnight Lucerne)
Day 9 – Zurich to London
Depart Switzerland and return home, bringing an extraordinary Swiss rail adventure to a close.
