• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Hotels

Scenic Switzerland: Bernina Express

Experience the Best of the Swiss Alps by Iconic Rail with our Scenic Switzerland Tour

Prepare to be swept away by the jaw-dropping alpine scenery, glamorous mountain villages, and Swiss experiences on this 9-day luxury rail tour. From your first homebase in Zurich, you’ll board the Glacier Express and be whisked away through the heart of the Swiss Alps toward Chur’s historic alegler streets. After exploring glitzy St. Moritz’s winter wonderland, the dramatic Bernina Express will deliver you to the Italian charms of Tirano before retracing your way toward home.

We’ve modelled an itinerary that maximizes your time trough Switzerland’s dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and fairy-tale villages. There will be plenty of opportunity to explore world-class cities, savor culinary traditions, take in soaring mountain views, and truly embrace the local “Gemütlichkeit” spirit.

But this is no ordinary tour – we will secure your seats on both the world-famous Glacier Express and the spectacular Bernina Express rail routes. As you wind through valleys and over towering mountain passes, you’ll be dazzled by visions of lush alpine meadows, powerful waterfalls, icy glaciers, and storybook villages straight from a Swiss fairy-tale.

Prepare to be utterly captivated by the unmatched majesty of the Swiss Alps on this memorable journey by rail. With incredible scenery and seamless travel every step of the way, it’s a true celebration of Switzerland’s mountaintop magic.

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Zurich

Welcome to Zurich! After checking into your hotel for a two-night stay, take a stroll along Lake Zurich's promenade. Visit the Fraumünster Church to admire its famous Chagall windows. In the evening, explore the lively Niederdorf district in the Old Town, enjoying dinner at a traditional Swiss restaurant. [Night in Zurich]

Day 2

Explore Zurich

Start your day with a visit to the Swiss National Museum. Take a boat trip on Lake Zurich for scenic views. In the afternoon, explore the trendy Zürich-West district, known for its innovative architecture and vibrant art scene. End your day with some shopping along the famous Bahnhofstrasse. [Night in Zurich]

Day 3

Zurich to Chur

After breakfast, take a train to Chur, Switzerland's oldest city. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the car-free Old Town. Visit the Chur Cathedral and the Rätisches Museum to learn about the region's history. Enjoy dinner at a local Graubünden restaurant. [Night in Chur]

Day 4

Chur to St. Moritz

Board the Glacier Express (panoramic train) for a scenic journey to St. Moritz. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon strolling around Lake St. Moritz and visiting the Segantini Museum, dedicated to the Alpine painter Giovanni Segantini. [Night in St. Moritz]

Day 5

Discover St. Moritz

Take the funicular to Muottas Muragl for panoramic views of the Engadin Valley. Spend the day hiking or simply enjoying the mountain scenery. In the afternoon, relax at the Mineralbad & Spa or try your hand at windsurfing on Lake Silvaplana. [Night in St. Moritz]

Day 6

Day Trip to Tirano

Embark on a day trip to Tirano, Italy, via the UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Express. Enjoy breathtaking views as you cross the Alps. In Tirano, explore the old town, visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Tirano, and savor Italian cuisine for lunch before returning to St. Moritz. [Night in St. Moritz]

Day 7

St. Moritz Activities

Start your day with a visit to the Diavolezza for more Alpine views. In the afternoon, explore the nearby villages of Sils Maria or Pontresina, known for their picturesque settings and hiking trails. End your day with a gourmet dinner at one of St. Moritz's renowned restaurants. [Night in St. Moritz]

Day 8

St. Moritz to Zurich

After breakfast, take the train back to Zurich. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend your afternoon visiting the Kunsthaus Zurich art museum or taking a food tour to sample local specialties. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city. [Night in Zurich]

Day 9

Depart Zurich

On your final morning, take a last stroll through Zurich's Old Town or do some last-minute shopping. Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure. Auf Wiedersehen!

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

Zurich

Our Included Favourite

Hotel Glockenhof

2 on site restaurants

Impeccable cleanliness

Popular Alternative

Townhouse Boutique Hotel

Small boutique hotel

Brand new Bar & Restaurant

Luxe Alternative

Central Plaza Hotel

Modern lifestyle and excellent service

3 on site restaurants

Chur

Our Included Favourite

ABC Swiss Quality Hotel

Fitness room open 24/7

Spa lounge

Popular Alternative

Hotel Post

Free entree to museums after check-in

Discount for cableway after check-in

Luxe Alternative

Hotel Stern Chur

Wooden cabin inspired design

On-site restaurant

St. Moritz

Our Included Favourite

Schweizerhof Swiss Quality Hotel

Rooms with breathtaking views

Rooftop terrace

Popular Alternative

Hotel Waldhaus am See

Wellness oasis

Selection of good Swiss and Italian cuisine

Luxe Alternative

Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

Rooftop spa

Sky Bar

Tirano

Our Included Favourite

Curt di Clement Eco Mobility Hotel

Eco mobility hotel

Bike facilities

Popular Alternative

Hotel Centrale, BW Signature Collection

Refined and elegant

Wellness and Beauty Center

Luxe Alternative

Lifestyle Room Binario Zero

Inaugurated in August 2017

Directly overlook the platforms of the Bernina Express