Train & Rail Tours & Trips in Italy and Switzerland

What our customers ask about Train & Rail Tours & Trips in Italy and Switzerland

• What are the most scenic train routes in Italy and Switzerland?

  The rail network connecting Italy and Switzerland includes several notable routes. The Bernina Express which is UNESCO-listed runs from Tirano in Italy to St. Moritz passing through 291 bridges and 91 tunnels in the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express takes passengers on an 8-hour route between Zermatt and St. Moritz with views of Alpine peaks and mountain lakes. The GoldenPass Express connecting Interlaken to Montreux shows off the Simmen Valley and Berner Oberland. A TourRadar traveler shared this about the Bernina Express: "The panoramic views from the train were absolutely incredible - seeing the Morteratsch Glacier and crossing the Bernina Pass at 2253m was a highlight of our entire trip."

• What types of trains and classes are available on these routes?

  These scenic routes offer first and second-class options on trains built for sightseeing. The Glacier Express provides panoramic windows table service and meal options during the journey. On the Bernina Express passengers travel in modern coaches with expansive windows and air conditioning. For mountain access specialized transport like the Gornergrat Railway and Mount Pilatus Railway use cogwheel systems. The Hotel d'Angleterre in Geneva serves as a convenient base for train connections. According to a TourRadar traveler: "First-class train travel (when available) made the journey incredibly comfortable with excellent viewing opportunities."

• What's included in typical train tour accommodations?

  Train tours typically book guests into 3-4 star hotels near stations and city centers. Examples include the Kempinski Palace in Engelberg and Hotel Monte Rosa in Zermatt which provide daily breakfast. Many rooms especially in places like Lake Como and St. Moritz offer views of mountains or lakes. While comfortable European hotel rooms tend to be more compact than North American ones. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Our hotel in St. Moritz the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains was perfectly situated near the station and offered stunning alpine views from our room."

• What meals are included on train tours through Italy and Switzerland?

  Tour packages generally cover daily hotel breakfasts and certain train meals like lunch on the Glacier Express. Local dining experiences often feature regional dishes such as Swiss fondue in Zermatt or traditional Italian cuisine in Venice. Properties like the Continental Parkhotel in Lugano serve Swiss-Italian fusion dishes. One TourRadar traveler commented: "The meals could be improved with more choices and better scheduling of dinner times during train journeys."

• How much leisure time is available during train tours?

  Tour schedules mix train travel with independent exploration time. Cities such as Lucerne and Interlaken usually offer half to full days for personal activities. In mountain destinations like Zermatt travelers can join optional excursions during free periods. The Hauser Hotel St. Moritz provides easy access to local attractions. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The tour wasn't rushed. You get time to explore on your own especially in scenic locations like Grindelwald."

• What should I pack for a train tour through Italy and Switzerland?

  Essential items include walking shoes for station transfers comfortable layers for temperature changes and casual-smart clothing for evening meals. Bring adapters that work with Swiss (Type J) and Italian (Types C F L) electrical outlets. Hotels like J5 Hotels Helvetie in Montreux provide storage space. TourRadar travelers advise: "Pack light as you'll be handling your own luggage between trains and hotels and storage space can be limited on some trains."