One of the best ways to experience Switzerland is by train and the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland combines the best of the country’s scenic train routes, where the journey is just as spectacular as the destination. Travellers can explore the spectacular alpine passes, wind along rivers and lakes and explore cosmopolitan cities, all on a single tour. Combine these five panoramic train tours for the ultimate Swiss rail adventure.
GLACIER EXPRESS
ZERMATT TO ST. MORITZ
The Glacier Express is one of the most spectacular train journeys in Switzerland, connecting the glitzy alpine resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt. Guests can travel either direction, and be rewarded with stunning views of the Matterhorn, with the added bonus of extended windows offering uninterrupted views of the alps along the way. Dubbed ‘the world’s slowest express train’, the trip takes roughly eight hours, passing over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels along the way.
GOTTHARD PANORAMA EXPRESS
LUGANO/BELLINZONA TO LUCERNE
Take a trip back in time to historic Switzerland on this journey from Lugano to Lucerne. Starting in the south, the trip winds through the heart of Switzerland, including the Gotthard tunnel that dates back to 1882, over the alps and into the north. A highlight of this trip is three viewings of the famous Wassen church, as the train winds up a series of loops and tunnels cut into the gorge as it makes its way up.
BERNINA EXPRESS
CHUR TO TIRANO AND LUGANO
Take a journey from the north to the south, via the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railway, where you’ll pass over incredible bridges and through mountain tunnels on the Albula and Bernina rail lines, before finishing in Lugano, where a distinct Mediterranean culture in the south contrasts the glaciers and fresh mountain air of Chur. In the summer, open coaches between Tirano and Davos Platz let travellers get closer to nature – and are ideal for getting the perfect holiday photo.
GOLDENPASS MOB PANORAMIC
INTERLAKEN TO MONTREUX
The GoldenPass line links the German-speaking and French-speaking cultural regions of Switzerland in one journey. Pass through classic Swiss countryside including green pastures and iconic wooden chalets with alpine peaks in the backdrop, before Lake Geneva opens up and the journey finishes in the lakeside city of Montreux.
8 DAY GRAND TRAIN TOUR OF SWITZERLAND
Encompassing these Premium Panoramic Trains is the 8-Day Grand Train Tour of Switzerland. This is a convenient way to see the very best of Switzerland, with seat reservations on the Premium Panoramic Trains, seven nights’ accommodation including breakfast and an excursion to Jungfraujoch included.
Day 1: Arrive Zurich and explore the city.
Day 2: Transfer to Lucerne and take the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Interlaken.
Day 3: Take an excursion to Jungfraujoch before continuing on the GoldenPass Line to Montreux.
Day 4: Journey from Montreux to Zermatt and explore the village.
Day 5: Depart Zermatt on the Glacier Express to the village of St. Moritz.
Day 6: Take the Bernina Express from St. Moritz over the Bernina Pass to Tirano. Connect to Bernina Express bus to Lugano.
Day 7: Aboard the Gotthard Panorama Express, travel north to Lucerne in the heart of Switzerland, finishing the day with a boat ride across Lake Lucerne.
Day 8: Depart Lucerne.