Great Rail Journeys of Switzerland: The Glacier Express and the Golden Pass

Following breakfast we depart from Zermatt on the Gonergrat Railway, the world’s first fully electrified cog railway, now a modern, eco-friendly railway, equipped with a regenerative braking system that generates electricity on the descent and so saves energy. The journey to the summit of the Gornergrat (3,089m) takes 33 minutes with a vertical climb of 1,469m, over dramatic bridges, through galleries and tunnels, across forests of larch and Swiss stone pine and past rocky ravines and mountain lakes. The panorama from the mountain-top is among the finest in the world. The views take in the Monte Rosa massif with Switzerland’s highest peak (Dufourspitze, 4,634 m); the second-largest glacier in the Alps, the Gorner Glacier; and a total of 29 mountains above 4,000 m, including, of course, the Matterhorn in all its iconic glory.

After time to enjoy and photograph the view we return to Zermatt, where the rest of the day is free to explore the bustling town which is a mecca for mountaineers.

After breakfast today we have a treat in store as we take the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Andermatt. The term Express is something of a misnomer, referring to the fact that there are no changes between Zermatt and St Moritz rather than the speed of the train, which averages around 24mph. This leisurely pace, coupled with the huge panoramic windows and skylights of the modern coaches, allows ample opportunity to enjoy the stunning mountain scenery as we descend the Matter Valley, in a journey of around three hours.

On arrival in Andermatt we continue by coach to our hotel in the glacier village of Grindelwald, another scenic journey of around two and a half hours featuring lakes and mountains. Note that our luggage will be transported separately.

Following breakfast today we travel by train and cable car via Lauterbrunnen and Mürren to the mountain summit of the Schilthorn (2,970m). The revolving restaurant here, Piz Gloria, shot to fame when it was used as the location for Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s lair in the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service and retains the name given to it then. The views are indeed glorious, taking in the iconic Alpine peaks of Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger as well as the Jura and Vosges mountains.

Descending from the mountain we enjoy some free time in Interlaken, situated as the name suggests between two lakes, Brienz and Thun. There will be an opportunity to visit the Japanese Garden, the garden of the Casino and the park surrounding the castle (entrances not included).

We return to our hotel in Grindelwald.

Following breakfast we check out of the hotel and transfer to Interlaken, from where we take the train to Zweisimmen. Here we board the Golden Pass panoramic train for a journey of just over two hours that takes us to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva, passing from the German-speaking Bernese Oberland to the francophone canton of Vaud. The afternoon is free to explore the town, famous for its music festivals – indeed it is the setting for the classic Deep Purple track Smoke on the Water which was also recorded here. 

We continue by rail to Vevey. Note that once again our luggage will be transported separately.

After breakfast this morning we explore Vevey, home to the world headquarters of the international food and beverage company Nestlé, founded here in 1867. Actor and comedian Charlie Chaplin lived here from 1952 until his death in 1977.

In the afternoon we take we take the train along the shore of Lake Geneva to Montreux, and there enjoy a return trip on the narrow gauge rack railway to the top of the mountain Rochers de Naye (2,042m), with breathtaking views back towards Lake Geneva. The electrically powered line is operated using original Belle Époque carriages.

Following breakfast we take the train along the shore of Lake Geneva once again, this time travelling as far as Lausanne, which hosts the International Olympic Committee as well as over 50 international sports associations. Here we visit the Olympic Museum, which tells the story of the history of the ancient Olympic Games and the rebirth of the modern Games in the 19th century, and its sculpture garden. We also spend some time exploring the lovely gardens surrounding the Belle Époque hotel, the Beau-Rivage Palace.

We then enjoy a cruise on Lake Geneva (known here as Lac Léman) to the Château de Chillon, one of the most visited medieval castles in Europe, built on a highly defensible islet at the eastern end of the lake.

Today we must check out of our hotel and travel by train to Geneva airport for our return flight to London. On arrival our group will disperse or travel on to regional airports.