Morning: Arrive at Milan Malpensa from Leeds Bradford or Manchester, clear customs and collect luggage. Take a quick espresso and stroll to the iconic Duomo di Milano for breathtaking cathedral views.
Afternoon: Walk through the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, then enjoy a leisurely lunch of risotto alla milanese. Board a regional train to Tirano (≈2.5 hrs), where the Bernina line begins.
Evening: Check into a charming guesthouse in Tirano, explore the historic piazza, and savor a hearty Lombardy dinner of pizzoccheri.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the world‑famous Bernina Express in Tirano. The train climbs steeply, crossing the 2,253 m Bernina Pass with panoramic windows showcasing snow‑capped peaks and frozen lakes.
Afternoon: Arrive in luxurious St. Moritz, check into a boutique hotel, and stroll along Lake St. Moritz. Enjoy a light lunch at a lakeside café and perhaps a brief winter walk on the frozen shoreline.
Evening: Dine at a gourmet restaurant serving Engadine specialties, then relax in the hotel spa with a sauna session to unwind after the scenic ride.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a regional train from St. Moritz to Chur (≈2 hrs), Switzerland’s oldest city. Wander the medieval Old Town, visiting the historic St. Luzius Church and the vibrant market square.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Swiss tavern, then explore the nearby Rätisches Museum for insight into Alpine culture. Optional short hike to the hilltop viewpoint for sweeping valley vistas.
Evening: Return to your Chur hotel, have dinner featuring local cheese fondue, and prepare for the next day’s iconic train journey.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the legendary Glacier Express in Chur. The “slowest express train in the world” glides through 91 tunnels, across the famed Landwasser Viaduct, and over the Oberalp Pass.
Afternoon: Arrive in the car‑free alpine village of Zermatt. After checking in, take the cogwheel railway up to the Gornergrat for an unrivaled view of the Matterhorn bathed in winter light.
Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner at a chalet‑style restaurant, sample raclette, and perhaps join a guided night walk to see the mountains illuminated by the stars.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a scenic train from Zermatt to Zurich (≈3.5 hrs). Store luggage at the hotel and begin exploring the vibrant Bahnhofstrasse shopping boulevard.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Old Town (Altstadt), including the Grossmünster and Fraumünster churches, and enjoy lunch by the Limmat River.
Evening: Retrieve your bags, head to Zurich Airport for your flight back to Leeds Bradford or Manchester, carrying memories of Switzerland’s most spectacular rail journeys.
Find HotelsIf you have extra days, consider adding a visit to the Engadin Valley for its serene frozen lakes or extend your stay in Zurich to explore nearby Lucerne and Mount Rigi. To shorten the trip, you can combine Day 3 and Day 4 by taking the Glacier Express directly from St. Moritz (via a quick transfer to Chur) and skipping the Chur overnight stay, which reduces travel time while still experiencing both iconic train routes.