Switzerland by 1st Class Rail | June 2027
The breathtaking sights of Switzerland are in a league of their own. Experience the charming cities, gorgeous landscapes, and grandeur of the Swiss Alps on this rail journey. Beginning in Geneva, we’ll travel first class with stops in Zermatt (Matterhorn!), St Moritz (Lake St Moritz!), and end in beautiful Zurich. At each stop, you’ll be on your own, to do as you please—a rare itinerary-free trip with Ilse! This trip is all about slowing down and reveling in beauty.
Pricing + Deposit + Viator
THIS TRIP IS CUSTOMIZABLE IN 2 WAYS.
Each leg of our train ride will be in the first class cabins for everyone, but to allow for more customization for varying budgets, you have a choice from 3 hotel categories; the published price on this itinerary is for the equivalent of a 3+*/4* hotel in each city; you can bring this price down by requesting 3* hotels, or treat yourself to an upgraded experience by requesting 4+*/5* hotels or upgraded rooms.
You can also customize your trip by letting me know if you'd like to spend more time in Geneva, Zermatt, St. Moritz or/and Zurich — you don't need to be on the same train as anyone else, including me!
This trip includes the Swiss Pass, which is an all-in-one ticket that provides unlimited travel for 6 consecutive days on Switzerland’s extensive public transportation network, including trains, buses, and boats, as well as freeadmission to over 500 museums and discounts on mountain excursions. (Exclusively scenic trips are excluded.)
Deposit: $500 per person
Here is the Viator link for you to book your own safe, vetted experiences in each town: Browse Viator Tours
Sunday June 20
Arrive any time in Geneva, Switzerland
Arrive any time. A private transfer will meet you at the airport or train station and bring you to the Novotel Genève Centre.
The Novotel Genève Centre is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Lake Geneva, restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Basilica and Bains des Pâquis.
Spacious rooms, some with balconies, provide a comfortable retreat, while the spa area with sauna, steam room, and fitness room offers relaxation after a day of exploring. Guests can start their mornings with a generous breakfast and enjoy healthy gourmet dishes throughout the day at the Gourmet Bar.
No meals included.
Browse Viator for safe, vetted tours in Geneva HERE.
Check in at Novotel Genève Centre
Location
Centrally located in Geneva, this 4-star urban hotel is approximately a quarter mile from the beach. Guests can reach public transportation within around 100 yards.
Facilities
219 rooms, including 8 suites, 35 single rooms and 119 double rooms, are located on 7 stories and can be reached by 4 elevators. The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a coat check, baggage storage service, safe and currency exchange service. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. There are a number of shops as well. Children can enjoy the playground. Additional facilities include a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a 24-hour security service, a babysitting service, a childcare service, medical assistance, room service, a laundry service and a coin-operated laundry. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Monday June 21
Early morning departure to Zermatt
The Alpenhotel Fleurs de Zermatt is a 5-minute walk from the Gornergrat Railway, this casual alpine hotel is 1 km from the Matterhorn Museum and 6 km from the Sunnegga ski area.
Featuring natural wood furniture, the relaxed rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screens and desks, plus tea and coffee-making facilities. Upgraded rooms add balconies and sitting areas. Suites include living areas.
Breakfast is available. There's also an airy bar and a lounge. Additional amenities include a gym, a sauna, hot tubs and a steam room, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool.
No meals included.
Browse Viator for safe, vetted tours in Zermatt HERE.
Check out from Novotel Genève Centre
Check in at Alpenhotel Fleurs de Zermatt
Location
This hotel is located in Zermatt.
Facilities
The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Services such as a baggage storage service and a safe ensure a comfortable stay. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected while on vacation. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel offers various facilities for guests with disabilities. An elevator and wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. Everyday necessities can be purchased at the supermarket. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. Additional amenities include a playroom and a library. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a transfer service, room service, a wake-up call service, a laundry service, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests can make use of the bicycle rental service to explore the surrounding area. Complimentary newspapers are available. The business center is on hand for guests' business requirements and provides a fax machine.
Tuesday June 22
Gornergrat Cog Railway
Our ONE scheduled activity in our itinerary! The Gornergrat Cog Railway journey from Zermatt is a leisurely and scenic ride that takes you to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the Alps. As the train ascends to 3,089 meters above sea level, passengers are treated to stunning views of lush forests, alpine meadows, and a panorama of over 29 snow-capped peaks, including the iconic Matterhorn. (Note the elevation and discuss with your doctor if this is ok for you to do.)
At the summit, visitors can explore gentle walking trails, enjoy a meal or refreshment at the mountaintop restaurant, and visit the observatory for unparalleled views. The journey is a comfortable and unforgettable way to experience the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps.
Our trip includes the Gornergrat Priority Boarding upgrade, which grants early access to board the Gornergrat train, ensuring a prime seat for the journey to view the iconic Matterhorn. Priority boarding means you can select your seat first, and it's recommended to sit on the right for optimal scenic views. Note that priority access only applies to the specific train time chosen (TBD); if you board a different departure, your ticket remains valid, but the priority access is lost. Priority boarding is NOT a reserved seat--it's first come, first served.
No meals included.
Wednesday June 23
Ride the iconic GLACIER EXPRESS to St Moritz
One of Switzerland’s most scenic rail journeys, the Glacier Express’ reputation no doubt precedes it. The full route connects Zermatt, nestled peacefully in the shadow of the Matterhorn, to the resort-town-extraordinaire, St Moritz, through Brig, Chur and Andermatt. The train rolls at a remarkable 24 miles per hour, giving you ample time to soak up the views from the panoramic windows. Known as the “slowest express train in the world”, the leisurely pace is part of the charm, as it allows you to take in the stunning scenery at a relaxed pace.
The train passes through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges as it winds its way through the Swiss Alps, offering views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and picturesque villages along the way.
First Class:
First Class seats onboard the Glacier Express are configured in a two-by-one arrangement across the aisle. This means that opposite every table for four is a table for two, allowing for more seating options. As there are fewer seats, they are slightly larger, with more leg and elbow room as well as more space for luggage storage. All of the seats line up perfectly next to the large panoramic windows to really maximize the views of the stunning Swiss scenery. First Class passengers will be able to purchase a meal and drinks at their seat and can choose from both a set menu and à la carte dining options cooked onboard by a regional chef.
Want an upgraded experience?
Consider upgrading to Excellence Class for a true taste of luxury. As one of the exclusive 20 travelers in Excellence Class, you'll have priority boarding and receive a welcome drink upon boarding; you'll enjoy the largest windows on the train and personal white-glove concierge service throughout the journey; you'll experience an included regional 5-course meal with accompanying wines; you'll have access to unlimited complimentary beverages; and you'll be treated to an afternoon tea service with pastries.
This upgrade will add an additional $750-$1000 per person.
Train timing TBD.
Our hotel is the Crystal St Moritz, where mountain lakes mirror the highest peaks and the glorious natural scenery is like a promise. This charming and elegant hotel is located in the pedestrian zone in the center of St. Moritz, the dream location for exploring and enjoying the city. The Crystal St. Moritz boasts high-end accommodations, creative cuisine and its own spa.
No meals included.
Browse Viator for safe, vetted tours in St. Moritz HERE.
Check in at Crystal Hotel
Location
This luxurious hotel is located right in the heart of St. Moritz. Public transportation is about half a mile away.
Facilities
92 rooms, including 2 suites, 23 single rooms and 48 double rooms, are located on 6 stories and can be reached by elevator. Multilingual staff (English, German, French) at the reception desk in the lobby are ready to assist you with check-in and check-out. Amenities include a baggage storage service, safe, currency exchange service and ATM. Wireless internet access in public areas allows guests to stay connected. The hotel has wheelchair-accessible facilities. A fireplace creates a cozy atmosphere. There are a number of shops as well. Additional facilities include a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the parking lot. Further services and facilities include a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car rental service, medical assistance, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. A bicycle rental service gives guests the opportunity to explore the surrounding area independently. Complimentary newspapers are available. A business center with fax machine and projector is available.
Thursday June 24
Day at Leisure in St Moritz
St. Moritz in summer transforms into a vibrant alpine playground, perfect for outdoor lovers, offering spectacular hiking, mountain biking (with hundreds of trails), water sports on its lakes (sailing, kitesurfing), paragliding, and cultural experiences like museums, shopping, and lakeside dining, all amidst blooming meadows and sunny, mild temperatures, making it a luxurious, activity-packed alternative to its famous winter season.
No meals included.
Browse safe, vetted tours in St Moritz HERE.
Friday June 25
Check out from Crystal Hotel
Train to Zurich
The city of Zurich, a global center for banking and finance, lies at the north end of Lake Zurich in northern Switzerland. The picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), on either side of the Limmat River, reflect its pre-medieval history. Waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (town hall).
No meals included.
Browse Viator for safe, vetted tours in ZurichHERE.
Check in at Hotel Glockenhof Zürich
Location
The 4-star Hotel Glockenhof offers a welcoming city oasis in the very heart of Zurich, just steps from Bahnhofstrasse and a short walk from Paradeplatz and the Old Town. Its central location makes it easy to explore designer boutiques, lakeside promenades, and nearby cafés and galleries, while public transportation stops in the immediate vicinity make getting around the city especially convenient.
Facilities
Built in 1912, the hotel features 106 rooms, including 40 single rooms and 50 double rooms, spread across 5 stories and accessible by 2 elevators. Inside, guests find a warm, traditional ambience paired with contemporary comfort, where attentive service and thoughtful details create a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. Stylish rooms provide a peaceful retreat from the city bustle, while the hotel’s inviting restaurant and garden terrace offer an ideal setting to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
The friendly staff at the reception desk are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a coat check, baggage storage, safe, and currency exchange service. Wireless internet access allows guests to stay connected throughout their stay, and the tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel also provides facilities for guests with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible features.
A number of shops, including a supermarket, are available for browsing and convenience, while the garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation outdoors. Additional services include a newspaper stand, parking for a fee, babysitting and childcare services, car rental, medical assistance, transfers, room service, wake-up calls, laundry service, a coin-operated laundry, page service, and a hotel shuttle bus. Complimentary newspapers are available, and the business center is equipped with a fax machine. The hotel also offers 6 conference rooms for lectures, presentations, and meetings.
Saturday June 26
Depart any time
Please let me know if I can arrange an extension for you in Zurich or anywhere else in Switzerland.
A private car will take you to the airport or train station today.
Want to learn more about how you can join this extraordinary experience?