Arrive in Zurich and settle into your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Old Town, stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, or relax by Lake Zurich as you begin your Swiss journey.

No rail travel required – arrival day.
Overnight in Zurich

Travel by rail to St. Gallen, known for its UNESCO-listed Abbey Library and beautifully preserved Old Town. Explore historic streets and architectural highlights before returning to Zurich in the evening.

Approximate Rail Distance and time: Zurich → St. Gallen: ~85 km | 1h 10min
Return: St. Gallen → Zurich: ~85 km | 1h 10min
Overnight in Zurich

Journey by train into the Swiss Alps to Zermatt, the car-free village beneath the Matterhorn. Enjoy scenic views of mountains, lakes, and villages before arriving with time to relax.

Approximate Rail Distance and time: Zurich → Zermatt: ~280 km | 3h 30min
Overnight in Zermatt

Spend the day exploring Zermatt and its alpine surroundings. Optional excursions include the Gornergrat cogwheel railway, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn, glaciers, and surrounding peaks.

Optional short train for Gornergrat: Zermatt → Gornergrat: ~9 km | 33 min (one way)
Overnight in Zermatt

Board the legendary Glacier Express for a full-day panoramic journey across gorges, alpine passes, and mountain villages, enjoying uninterrupted views en route to the elegant resort of St. Moritz.

Approximate Rail Distance and time: Zermatt → St. Moritz: ~291 km | 8h 15min (Glacier Express scenic route)
Overnight in St. Moritz

Travel aboard the Bernina Express from St. Moritz into Italy, crossing glaciers, turquoise lakes, and the Bernina Pass on this UNESCO-listed route before returning to Switzerland.

Approximate Rail Distance and time:
St. Moritz → Tirano (Italy): ~61 km | 2h 15min
Return: Tirano → St. Moritz: ~61 km | 2h 15min
Overnight in St. Moritz

Travel by train back to Zurich, enjoying scenic Swiss landscapes along the way. Arrive with time to relax, explore the city, or enjoy a final evening at leisure.

Approximate Rail Distance and time: St. Moritz → Zurich: ~210 km | 3h 10min
Overnight in Zurich

Your Essential Switzerland journey concludes. Depending on departure time, enjoy a final stroll along Lake Zurich or through the Old Town before onward travel.

No rail travel required – departure day.