Glacier Express: Across the Roof of Europe

On arrival into Zurich Airport, you will be met by our representative, who will transfer you to Zurich Station for the beautiful journey to Zermatt, for those already in the city a transfer will take you straight from the hotel. In Switzerland the train is king and traveling by rail is very easy. Trains are clean, on time, and always depart from the same platform, so there’s very rarely any confusion. The journey time to Zermatt is approximately 3 hours and the route will take you across the fertile plains around Zurich and up into the Alps, via the country’s pretty capital, Bern. On arrival in Zermatt, it’s an easy walk across the street to your hotel. Note that alternative routes from other larger cities such as Geneva can be arranged at no extra cost.

Billed as Europe’s slowest express train, the Glacier Express is truly one of the world’s great train journeys. Taking 8.15 hours to travel just 180 miles the route takes you from Zermatt at the foot of the famous Matterhorn to St Mortiz the country’s most glamorous resorts. Along the route, the spectacular mountain scenery unfolds outside the train’s panoramic sightseeing windows, as you sit back and enjoy a luxury 5-course menu with accompanying wines. For an aperitif, some delicious cocktail or to exchange with fellow travelers the Glacier Bar is the perfect place to visit, and thanks to the compass on the ceiling none of the many turns will be missed. On arrival in St Moritz, it’s an easy transfer to your hotel.

For those wishing to extend their time in Switzerland we advise at least two nights here to enjoy the lake or some hiking. Alternatively, you may want to consider continuing via the equally stunning Bernina Express to Tirano in northern Italy.

Return to the station and return, first class, aboard the mainline train to Zurich. Here you will be met by a private driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city.

At the appropriate time today, you will be transferred from your hotel to Zurich Airport for your return flight home. If you’re not ready to leave Switzerland just yet, contact our travel experts who will be happy to create a bespoke addition to your itinerary.