Perfect itinerary for a 5-day train tour of Switzerland

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Perfect itinerary for a 5-day train tour of Switzerland

If you’re looking for a ready-made itinerary for you upcoming Swiss holiday, you’ve come to the right place.

Our 5-day train tour of Switzerland itinerary will take you through the heart of the Swiss Alps on board the famous Glacier Express. This private Switzerland rail trip was made for people who enjoy outdoor leisure and quality time together with their loved ones. 

Explore two breathtaking locations, St. Moritz and Zermatt with guided hiking day trips and immerse yourself in the Swiss culture.  

Let’s go!

switzerland private rail tour

Highlights of ECHO 5-day Tour Of Switzerland

The main highlights of your 5-day train tour of Switzerland itinerary include: 

  • Meet & Greet at the Zurich Airport
  • Full Day Guided hike in St. Moritz
  • Full Day Guided Hike in Zermatt
  • First Class Swiss Pass
  • Four nighs at 3* and 4* hotels including breakfast
  • Iconic Matterhorn at a hand’s reach
  • Flexible itinerary
  • Dedicated helpline

Day 1 - From Zurich to St. Moritz

If you’re coming to Switzerland from abroad, you’re likely to land in Zurich.

Zurich Kloten Airport is the largest and most modern in Switzerland and is seamlessly integrated into the national railway system. One of our guides will meet you at the arrivals gate and take you and your luggage to the train station.

Your guide will give you all the details of your journey, including where to change trains and how to get to your hotel. You will then enjoy a relaxing 3 ½ hour train journey to the world-famous resort of St. Moritz.

Depending on your time of arrival, you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening stroll around the town.

ECHO Rails will be happy to recommend the best places for dinner and drinks.

best day hikes from St. Moritz

Day 2 - Hiking in St. Moritz

Today you will explore the beautiful surroundings of St. Moritz. Nestled in the valley of the Upper Engadine and surrounded by the soaring peaks of Piz Corvatsch, Muragl and Surlej, St. Moritz is a fantastic base for day trips and hikes.

Today we suggest the hike around Muottas Muragl: one of the best hikes in the area, with panoramic views of the surrounding Bernina Alps, St. Moritz, the Engadine Valley and the lakes. It’s also relatively flat and easy – perfect for casual walkers.

The trail takes you along the sunny side of the Alps and offers some of the most breathtaking views of this part of the Engadine.

Stopping for lunch at a mountain hut or hotel is a must when walking in Switzerland. There are many mountain restaurants along the trail where you can sample local specialities. Treat your taste buds to a hearty plate of capuns, hash browns or cheese slices.

After your hike, you can explore the neighbouring village of Pontresina, take the funicular up to Corviglia or even ride up to Piz Corvatsch with a state-of-the-art gondola.

Take time to admire the characteristic architecture of the Engadine villages. It’s a mix of Swiss and northern Italian influences, adorned with fanciful murals.

In the evening, enjoy a local meal in one of St. Moritz’s cosy restaurants. 

Tip: An alternative activity for your stay at St. Moritz for you 5-day train tour of Switzerland is a day tour to Tirano with Bernina Express.

a day on a glacier express
Copyright: Stefan Schlumpf, Glacier Express

Day 3 - Glacier Express to Zermatt

Day three is the culmination of your 5-day train tour of Switzerland – today you travel aboard the Glacier Express.

Famous for its breathtaking panoramic views, the Glacier Express connects two beautiful mountain resorts: St. Moritz and Zermatt.

The 8-hour journey takes in countless mountain peaks, lush green valleys and shimmering lakes, and the Glacier Express route is also an engineering marvel – it passes over an astonishing 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels.

A day on the Glacier Express will surely make you peckish. If you wish, you can enjoy an on-board dining experience – whether you prefer a plate of cold snacks or a full hot meal, the Glacier Express has got you covered. It’s worth noting that all meals on board the Glacier Express are made from locally sourced ingredients.

After 8 hours you will arrive in Zermatt. Depending on the weather and your arrival time, you may wish to take a leisurely stroll around Zermatt and have dinner in one of the cosy restaurants in the village centre.

gornergrat cogwheel train

Day 4 - Zermatt and Gornergrat

Today your 5-day train tour of Switzerland  involves exploring the surroundings of one of the most famous mountains in the world, the Matterhorn.

A guided tour will take you on a panoramic trip to the Gornergrat, a peak near Zermatt. Board one of the oldest tourist mountain railways in Europe, the Gornergrat Bahn, and enjoy a breathtaking ride to the top station at a staggering 3089 metres/10,135 ft above sea level.

Marvel at one of the world’s best Alpine panoramas and take the opportunity to hike around Lake Riffel. On a clear day, the crystal-clear waters of the lake offer a postcard-perfect reflection of the famous Matterhorn.

In the afternoon you can still enjoy the village, shop for souvenirs or take one of the many cable cars to conquer another peak or two: the Rothorn, for example.

5-Day Switzerland Train Tour

Day 5 - Zermatt and Beyond

Today, your 5-day train tour of Switzerland comes to an end. You can still take time to enjoy Zermatt or board an early train back to Zurich or your next destination.

ECHO Rails guides will be happy to help you plan your departure or create a dedicated post-tour option for you and your fellow travelers.

Simply contact our agent, Monika, for more information.

how to travel in Switzerland by train

5-Day Train Tour Of Switzerland With ECHO Rails

Planning a holiday in Switzerland by train can be a challenge.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on their honeymoon or going on a family holiday, finding a smooth itinerary combining interesting sights and activities is never easy.

At ECHO Rails we love planning unforgettable holidays in Switzerland by train. With over 13 years of experience, we can turn your vacations by rail into a trip of a lifetime.

Our ECHO rails private tours take you wherever your heart desires with the support of a local guide.

Our private 5-day train tour of Switzerland will give you a perfect “Switzerland in a nutshell” experience with top-class amenities and comforts.

What else?

  • the best panoramic trains in Switzerland
  • seamless and flexible itineraries
  • optional hikes and walks
  • the assistance of a local guide
  • variety of cultural and outdoor experiences
  • luggage transfer 
  • Swiss dining experience at local restaurants and bars
  • the best panoramic trains of Switzerland

Let us take care of the organization and the logistics while you simply enjoy a rail adventure of a lifetime. 

Don’t wait, book you 5-day train tour of Switzerland today.