Glacier Express on world-famous Landwasser viaduct.

Self-Guided Scenic Alps by Rail

Ride the legendary Glacier Express train and cross over the world-famous Landwasser viaduct.

Credit : Glacier Express

We rate this trip as easy, but ACTIVE. You should be capable of walking about one to two miles per day. You should also be able to handle your own luggage to get to the trains and to/from your hotels. On two days, you will take a mountain railway excursion to an elevation of over 10,000 feet and you should be able to handle staying at this elevation for a couple of hours.

Walking: in addition to walking on flat surfaces, you also need to walk on uphills, uneven terrain, and cobblestones. You'll likely not walk this amount all at once, but you need to be able to get to/from train stations, hotels, and excursions. We can accommodate slow walkers, but you must still be able to walk the distance.

Stairs: at train stations when we have to change platforms; most of the station platforms only have stairs or ramps -- not elevators. Some train connections are tight and the group may need to walk quickly to catch the next train.

Getting on and off trains: be aware that many trains have a few steep steps to negotiate to get on or off. You need to be confident that you can get on and off the trains.

Standing time: you need to be able to stand on your feet for at least 10-15 minutes as benches at train stations are not in good supply.

Luggage: You need to be able to get your own bags on and off the trains and to/from each hotel.

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Switzerland Train Travel Tips

All Self-Guided tours are closed for 2026 as we have reached our maximum capacity for the year. We are happy to help you plan for 2027.

Self-Guided Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

Imagine gazing through the panoramic windows to enjoy the spectacular alpine scenery while riding the legendary railways of Switzerland. During your journey, you can enjoy stunning Swiss Alp peaks, glistening lakes, plush alpine meadows, prominent castles, deep-cut glacial valleys, terraced vineyards, and the iconic profile of the Matterhorn Mountain.

Switzerland's Legendary Rail System

Switzerland has some of the greatest railways in the world. Their ingenious network of trains, trams, rack railways, and funiculars gives you access to the most remarkable glaciers in the Alps and the highest peaks in Europe.

Incredible Scenic Journeys

You'll ride on the most famous alpine railway journey—The Glacier Express—and discover the beauty of other scenic routes such as the Bernina Express, GoldenPass Line and along the Gotthard route.

Alpine Excursions

During your tour, you will have many opportunities to get high into the Alps on a variety of scenic mountain excursions. You can travel through a tunnel in the Eiger Mountain to arrive at the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. You can choose to ascend on the Gornergrat cogwheel railway above Zermatt where you are surrounded by the most 4,000-meter peaks than anywhere else in the Alps. You can also ride on the steepest cogwheel train to Mt. Pilatus high above Lucerne. The Swiss have perfected making the alpine mountains accessible!

Train by Lake Brienz near the Jungfrau region

Train from Grindelwald going to Kleine Scheidegg

Overview Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel to Lucerne -- Mt. Pilatus Mountain Excursion

Day 2 – Gotthard Panoramic route in the Historic Heart of Switzerland

Day 3 – Bernina Route: Journey from Lugano, alongside northern Lake Como, to St. Moritz

Day 4 – Spectacular Swiss Alps, Lakes and Panorama Views

Day 5 – Glacier Express Train -- Alpine Peaks, Green Pastures, and Magnificent Scenery

Day 6 – Gornergrat Cogwheel train -- Best Views of the Matterhorn and Surrounding Highest Peaks in Europe

Day 7 – Montreux Riviera -- Vineyards, Mountain Peaks and Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)

Day 8 – Legendary GoldenPass Express on your way to the Jungfrau Region

Day 9 – Jungfraujoch Cogwheel train --Highest Railway Station in Europe

Day 10 – Depart Zürich for onward travel

View Detailed Itinerary

Tour Price

$3,995 USD per person, double occupancy

$1,550 single supplement

Reserve your place on this tour with a $750 per person deposit

Trip Dates

25 May 2026 - 10 October 2026 for 10 days Sold Out

25 May 2027 - 09 October 2027 for 10 days

Or, book a private departure

Trip Highlights

Ride the most iconic railway journeys including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panorama express route and the GoldenPass line.
Travel through the Alps on an unforgettable rail journey through all four language regions of Switzerland
Enjoy breathtaking views from the luxury of your first-class seat on the most popular scenic trains in Switzerland.