What is the difference between 1st and 2nd class on the panoramic trains?

The main differences lie in the seating arrangement and the comfort . The seats are larger and more comfortable in 1st class, with more legroom and privacy space , as well as a 2+1 arrangement that offers additional comfort . The seats are arranged more tightly in 2nd class, with 2+2 seating, and offer slightly less space and legroom. Both classes have large panoramic windows .

Can I choose my seat on the panoramic trains in advance?

On the panoramic trains, you can specify your seat preferences during the booking process using the comment field . As the carriages can change direction, it is not guaranteed that your seat preferences will always be met. We will do our best to allocate you the best available seat and will inform you if a window seat is not available. The view is always impressive, regardless of where you sit.

Can I eat on board the panoramic trains?

Glacier Express: You can choose between a daily menu and a la carte dishes . The options will be shown to you during the booking process, and the choice is not included in the price of the seat reservation. We recommend that you specify your order directly when booking . GoldenPass Belle Époque train cars: Catering on board the GoldenPass Belle Époque train cars is only available for groups with advance reservation . We recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before the trip .

Where do the panoramic routes start and how do I get from the station to the hotel and vice versa?

The Glacier Express connects Zermatt with Chur . The GoldenPass Belle Époque train cars run between Montreux and Zweisimmen . The journey from Zweisimmen to Interlaken is by regional train . The itinerary can be started in both directions – the choice is yours. In the booking process , you will be shown the distance to the respective station when choosing a hotel. This allows you to choose nearby accommodation if required. Some hotels offer practical transfer services . For details about the transfer, please contact your hotel .

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early . Demand is particularly high for the main season (see above). You can book your package deal conveniently online or with our travel experts .

Is the trip accessible for the handicapped?

For accessible travel, we recommend that you contact us directly . This way, we can check the best options together and ensure that your travel needs are optimally met . Feel free to contact us by email or phone – the contact details can be found below .

Train journey

Grand Train Tour of Switzerland – Historic Tour

On this special edition of the Grand Train Tour of Switzerland, you will experience Swiss hospitality in selected Swiss Historic Hotels. You will spend the night exclusively in historic hotels at Swiss historic sites, each of which has its own fascinating story to tell. During the journey in a luxurious Belle Époque train car, you will immerse yourself in another era.

7 days / 6 nights

from CHF 1’620

A woman sitting in a train compartment, looking thoughtfully out the window at a landscape with vineyards and a castle.

View of a gorge with a river, wooded slopes, and a train on a bridge in the foreground.

Waterfall in a green forest with sun rays through trees.

4 Images

Highlights

Travel back in time in the Belle Époque train car on the GoldenPass Line
Experience history up close at Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva
Spectacular ride on the Glacier Express – the slowest express train in the world
The oldest city in Switzerland – Chur
The charm and stories of times long past in the Swiss Historic Hotels

A train crosses a bridge in a mountainous landscape with yellow flowers in the foreground.

An old castle on the lakeshore, surrounded by mountains under a cloudy sky.

5 Images

Travel itinerary

Overview

Map of Switzerland with the itinerary Grand Train Tour of Switzerland - Historic Tour from Chur to Lucerne

Day 1

Journey to Chur

Daily Itinerary

You travel to Chur by public transport. You will stay overnight at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Stern".

Overnight stay in Chur

A city view with a church in the background, surrounded by blooming trees in spring.

Day 2

Ride on the Glacier Express

Daily Itinerary

You travel on the Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt. You will spend the night in Zermatt in the Swiss Historic Hotel "Monte Rosa".

Trip time: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Zermatt

A red train is traveling through a green, mountainous landscape along a river.

Day 3

Trip from Zermatt to Montreux

Daily Itinerary

You travel to Montreux by train and stay overnight at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Masson".

Overnight stay in Montreux

A hillside town surrounded by trees with a lake in the foreground.

Day 4

Ride on the GoldenPass Express

Daily Itinerary

Take the GoldenPass Line in a Belle Époque train car from Montreux to Zweisimmen. Continue to Interlaken, from there onto Lake Brienz and then by cable car to the hotel. You will spend the night at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Grandhotel Giessbach" in Brienz.

Trip time: approx. 6h

Overnight stay in Brienz

Train passes through green hills in front of a mountainous landscape.

Day 5

Stay in Brienz

Daily Itinerary

Today is a free day for you. Explore the Giessbach Falls or visit the Beatus Caves and the Brienz Village of Carvers.

Overnight stay in Brienz

A large, elegant villa on a hill with autumn trees and a mountain view in the background.

Day 6

Ride on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

Daily Itinerary

In the morning, you travel from Giessbach across Lake Brienz to Brienz. There you board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Lucerne, where you spend the night at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Wilden Mann".

Overnight stay in Lucerne

An idyllic mountain landscape with a train passing by a lake.

Day 7

Return journey from Lucerne

Daily Itinerary

You start your return journey by public transport from Lucerne. Alternatively, you can extend your stay.

An old wooden bridge with a tower in the water at sunset.

When is the best time to travel?

Travel period

April to October

Recommended travel period

June to October

High season

July to September

Digital Swiss Coupon Pass with gift icon.

Included in your booking

Your Digital Swiss Coupon Pass

With every package holiday booking in 2026, we'll give you a Digital Swiss Coupon Pass – your key to over 100 exclusive 2-for-1 experiences throughout Switzerland. Discover more, enjoy more and save up to CHF 4,500.

Learn more

Important information about the trip

What our Switzerland expert says

Tradition, charm, and hospitality
The combination of historic architecture, Swiss tradition, charm, and hospitality of the Swiss Historic Hotels makes this trip a very special experience.
Martina