Switzerland's 5 Iconic Scenic Trains — 5-Night Package
Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Gotthard Panoramic, Golden Pass & Luzern-Interlaken Express — all five in one journey
Price Per Person
Starting at TWD 96,000
Category
Switzerland is synonymous with precision railways — and this 5-night itinerary is designed for travellers who want to ride every legendary line in a single journey. Beginning in Montreux, you'll board the newly relaunched Golden Pass Express through the Bernese Oberland to Interlaken; then take the Luzern-Interlaken Express to the medieval city of Lucerne. From there, the Gotthard Panoramic Express winds through the St. Gotthard Pass down to sun-drenched Lugano, before the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express carries you over glaciers and spiral viaducts to St. Moritz. The journey culminates aboard the Glacier Express — crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels to arrive beneath the Matterhorn in Zermatt. Five cities, five iconic trains, breakfast-included hotels, and luggage assistance throughout. Whether you're a rail enthusiast, a photography lover, or a first-time Switzerland visitor, this is the route that delivers everything the country is famous for.
Transportation
- Swiss Travel Pass, 6 Consecutive Days, First Class
- Golden Pass Express (Lunch and Beer Included)
- Luzern Interlaken Express
- Gotthard Panoramic Express
- Bernina Express, Train + Bus
- Glacier Express, Four-Course Package
- Ticketing Fee
Stay
- Interlaken x1
- Lucerne x1
- Lugano x1
- St Moritz x1
- Zermatt x1
- All of the above are 3- or 4-star hotels including breakfast.
Others
- Travel Insurance:
- NT$3,000,000 Overseas Travel Accident Coverage
- NT$1,500,000 Accident Medical (actual reimbursement)
- NT$1,000,000 Emergency Assistance
(Applicable only for departures from Taiwan)
- Liability Insurance:
- NT$5,000,000 Accident Coverage
- NT$200,000 Medical Coverage
(Applicable only for departures from Taiwan)
- Travel Inconvenience Insurance:
- Standard Plan Insurance (covers flight or baggage delay, etc.)
- Optional upgrade to Premium Plan available for an additional fee
- Europe Data SIM / Wi-Fi Option
- Travel Document Folder
Trip Rules
- For two people traveling together, the price per person is:
- Economy Class + Basic Room: NT$96,000;
- First Class + Room Upgrade: NT$132,000. A
- pplicable travel period: 2026 (subject to change based on peak season and hotel summer operating hours).
- Hotel rates may vary during peak seasons; the actual price at the time of booking will apply.
- Prices do not include airfare, passport, visa fees, or hotel city tax.
- Special dates:
- Glacier Express trains do not operate on certain dates.
- Bernina Express bus route between Lugano and Tirano is mostly closed in December, January, and February.
- Gothard Panoramic Train operates primarily from mid-April to mid-October, only running Tuesdays to Sundays (ship seating is unreserved).
Trip Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 | Montreux → Interlaken via Golden Pass Express
Board the Golden Pass Express — relaunched with new panoramic coaches in 2022 — from Montreux on Lake Geneva through rolling Bernese Oberland farmland and traditional chalets to Interlaken. Upgrade to the Prestige cabin for Europe's only forward-facing windowed seats, with lunch and a beer included. The run takes around 3.5 hours. On arrival, optional excursions include the Jungfraujoch cable car or the Brienzer Rothorn steam cog railway. Overnight at a 3–4 star hotel in Interlaken with breakfast.
GoldenPass Express
It offers direct train service from Montreux to Interlaken, with no transfers, taking only 3 hours and 15 minutes. It offers three classes: Prestige, 1st Class, and 2nd Class. Passengers with valid passes are required to make reservations.
Montreux
Montreux, located on the shores of Lake Geneva in western Switzerland, is a picturesque resort town known for its mild climate, stunning lake and mountain views, and vibrant cultural scene. It has long attracted famous residents and visitors, including Freddie Mercury of Queen. Montreux hosts the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival every summer. The town is also home to the famous Château de Chillon, one of Switzerland’s most visited historic landmarks.
Interlaken
Nestled between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, Interlaken is the adventure gateway to the Jungfrau Region — the ideal base for excursions to Jungfraujoch, Schilthorn, and beyond.
Day 2 | Interlaken → Lucerne via Luzern-Interlaken Express
The Luzern-Interlaken Express traces the shores of Lake Brienz before arriving in medieval Lucerne in about 1 hour 50 minutes. Wander the cobblestone streets, cross the 14th-century Chapel Bridge, and take in the alpine panorama reflected in Lake Lucerne. Optional add-on: Mt. Rigi by mountain railway and aerial cable car — the "Queen of the Mountains" rewards with views over five lakes simultaneously. Overnight at a 3–4 star hotel in Lucerne with breakfast.
Golden Pass Express – Luzern Interlaken Express
During this two-hour journey, passengers will pass by crystal-clear lakes, romantic waterfalls, and traverse the dramatic Brünig Pass. Thanks to panoramic windows, you'll enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Swiss Alps along the way.
Luzern
Lucerne is a picturesque city in central Switzerland, known for Lake Lucerne, the Chapel Bridge, and the Lion Monument. With its charming medieval old town and stunning mountain scenery, it serves as a gateway to Mount Pilatus and Mount Titlis and is one of the most popular destinations in Switzerland.
Day 3 | Lucerne → Lugano via Gotthard Panoramic Express
The Gotthard Panoramic Express begins with a scenic boat cruise across Lake Lucerne to Flüelen, then continues by train through the historic St. Gotthard Pass into Italian-speaking Ticino. The landscape transitions gradually from Germanic chalets and pine forests to palm-lined piazzas and red-roofed villas — Switzerland's south feels like a different world. Lugano sits on its own shimmering lake; optional funicular rides up Monte San Salvatore or Monte Brè reward with sweeping views. Overnight at a 3–4 star hotel in Lugano with breakfast.
Gotthard Panorama Express
Embark on a journey along the historic Gotthard Panoram, passing stunning scenery, countless bridges, and numerous spiral tunnels, from Flüelen to the Mediterranean-inspired Ticino region. The panoramic train features professional multilingual guides who will point out landmarks and share stories, making the journey more engaging. A special camera carriage with operable windows allows passengers to capture unobstructed views of the breathtaking Alps.
Lugano
Switzerland's southernmost Italian-speaking city, where palm trees line the lakefront promenade and the architecture shifts to Mediterranean terracotta. A warm, relaxed contrast to the Germanic Alps to the north. mmer in Lugano is perfect for enjoying water sports on the lake, taking funiculars up the mountains for panoramic views, and soaking in the Mediterranean vibe with outdoor festivals and vibrant plazas. Winter offers a milder climate ideal for exploring festive Christmas markets.
Day 4 | Lugano → St. Moritz via Bernina Express
The Bernina Express is a UNESCO World Heritage railway — and it earns the designation with every metre of track. Departing from Tirano just over the Italian border, the route climbs to the Bernina Pass (2,253m), past glaciers, high-altitude lakes, the Brusio spiral viaduct, and the breathtaking Landwasser Viaduct. Spanning 55 tunnels and 196 bridges, this is one of the world's steepest and most dramatic rail journeys. Arrive in St. Moritz — the legendary lakeside resort town — in time for an evening stroll through Engadin Valley. Overnight at a 3–4 star hotel in St. Moritz with breakfast.
Bernina Express
From the snowy world of the Alps to the warm sunshine of the Mediterranean, the Bernina Express is a dreamlike railway journey spanning all four seasons. Chur – Switzerland's oldest city. Begin your magnificent journey from Chur, Switzerland's oldest city. Finally, arrive in Tirano – a charming Mediterranean town in Italy. Experience the completely different sunshine, colors, and atmosphere of Tirano, Italy. Train: Chur - St. Moritz - Tirano; Bus: Tirano - Lugano.
St. Moritz
The world's most famous luxury ski resort, perched high in the Engadin Valley above a glacier-blue lake. St. Moritz is the endpoint of the Bernina Express and the launchpad for the Glacier Express. Summer: Enjoy hiking and mountain biking along scenic alpine trails, or partake in sailing and windsurfing on the pristine lakes.
Tirano
Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland, this beautiful mountain town is most famous as the starting and ending point of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bernina Express, connecting Italy and St. Moritz, Switzerland, making it an important transit point for travelers entering and leaving the Alps. With a history dating back to Roman times, it is renowned for its iconic Santuario Madonna di Tirano. The town blends Italian cuisine, gelato, and Alpine scenery.
Day 5 | St. Moritz → Zermatt via Glacier Express
The grand finale: board the Glacier Express — the self-proclaimed "world's slowest express train" — for a 6.5-hour crossing from St. Moritz to Zermatt. The journey spans 291 bridges and 91 tunnels, drifting through the Rhine Gorge, Andermatt's high Alpine meadows, and the source of the Rhône. First-class seats include a four-course lunch; there's no better way to spend an afternoon in Switzerland. Arrive in car-free Zermatt as the Matterhorn catches the last of the evening light. Optional mountain excursions: Glacier Paradise, Rothorn, or Gornergrat. Overnight at a 3–4 star hotel in Zermatt with breakfast.
Glacier Express
If you’ve already experienced the Glacier Express, consider upgrading to the newly introduced Excellence Class, launched in 2020. Each train features only 20 exclusive seats, all guaranteed window seats in plush reclining leather chairs—meaning everyone enjoys panoramic views of the Swiss Alps without compromise. A surcharge reservation is required. Highlights of Excellence Class Experience, Gourmet Dining, Glacier Bar with Rotating Compass Dome, Enhanced Service & Concierge, Infotainment & Comfort.
Zermatt
The world's most iconic car-free Alpine village, with the Matterhorn (4,478m) rising dramatically behind the main street. As the Glacier Express's terminus, Zermatt is the end to this five-train journey. In summer, Zermatt turns into a paradise for hikers and cyclists with stunning alpine views, while offering year-round skiing on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Winter transforms Zermatt into a world-class ski resort with vast international slopes connecting Switzerland and Italy.
FAQs
Who is this itinerary best suited for? Is it physically demanding?
Can I book as a solo traveller? How is the single supplement calculated?
What's included in the package price, and what do I need to pay separately?
What's the best time of year to take this trip?
Does the trip include a guide? Do I need to speak German or another local language?
Pre-Departure Tips
Packing List
- Lightweight suitcase (26" or smaller): You'll often carry your own luggage on and off train platforms between Swiss cities — keep it under 26" or use a soft-shell case
- Comfortable walking shoes: City transfers are short, but some hotels are a 10–15 minute walk from the station — supportive, comfortable shoes are recommended
- Light jacket or windbreaker: Mountain temperatures swing widely between morning and evening, even in summer at Zermatt or St. Moritz
- Swiss plug adapter (Type J): Switzerland uses a three-pin round plug, different from Taiwan and the rest of Europe
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: UV exposure is strong at altitude, especially with snow glare in winter
- Printed itinerary: Keep a paper backup in case your phone runs out of battery or signal
Insurance and Documents
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
- Schengen visa (if required): Taiwanese passport holders enjoy 90-day visa-free entry
- Travel insurance: This package includes accident, liability, and travel inconvenience insurance — please review your policy details before departure
- Download the SBB (Swiss Federal Railways) app: For real-time schedules and platform information
- Download offline Google Maps: Save maps for each city in advance for use without internet access
- Emergency contact: Save your travel consultant's LINE ID for real-time support
Fitness Preparation
This itinerary relies mainly on trains, so overall physical demands are low. Maintaining a daily walking habit (about 30 minutes a day) before departure will make exploring each city's streets easier. If you add optional cable car excursions (Glacier Paradise or the Matterhorn), you'll still need to walk from the cable car station to the viewing platform — thick-soled, non-slip shoes are recommended. No special training is required.
On-the-Ground Notes
- City Tax: Hotels in each city charge roughly CHF 2–5 per person per night, payable locally in cash or by card — not included in the package price
- Scenic train reservations are non-refundable: Some train reservation fees cannot be refunded — book as early as possible once your itinerary is confirmed
- Zermatt is car-free: Luggage is transported by electric taxi in Zermatt, at an additional cost
- Currency exchange: We recommend exchanging a small amount of Swiss francs before departure or on arrival at the airport — most places in the cities accept cards
- Weather contingency: Mountain weather is changeable and some cable cars may suspend operation due to low visibility — consider keeping flexible days or purchasing refundable tickets
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