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

The main differences lie in the seating arrangement and the comfort . 1st class offers a particularly high level of comfort , with tables of two and four and more space. In 2nd class, the seats are a little denser with tables of four . Both classes have the same panoramic windows , which offer a spectacular view.

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 comments field . As the carriages can change direction of travel, it is not guaranteed that your seat preferences will always be met. We will endeavour 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 your seat.

Can I eat on board the panoramic trains?

Glacier Express: You can choose between a menu of the day and a la carte dishes . The options will be displayed during the booking process and the choice is not included in the price of the seat reservation. We recommend that you specify your at the time of booking . GoldenPass Belle Époque carriages: Catering on board the GoldenPass Belle Époque carriages is only available for groups with advance booking . We recommend that you stock up on snacks and drinks before the journey .

Where do the panoramic routes start and how do I get from the railway station to the hotel and back?

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

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. Demand is particularly high for the high season (see above). You can book your package online at the touch of a button or via our travel experts .

Is the journey accessible?

For accessible holidays, we recommend that you contact us directly. This way, we can check the best options together and ensure that your travel needs are taken into consideration. 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, each of which has its own fascinating story to tell. During the journey in a luxurious Belle Époque carriage, 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.

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Highlights

Travel back in time in the Belle Époque carriage on the GoldenPass Line
Experience history up close at Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva
Spectacular journey on the Glacier Express – the slowest express train in the world
The oldest town 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.

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Itinerary

Overview

Day 1

Arrival in Chur

Itinerary

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

Journey on the Glacier Express

Itinerary

Travel on the Glacier Express from Chur to Zermatt. In Zermatt, you will spend the night in the Swiss Historic Hotel "Monte Rosa".

Journey time: approx. 5h 30min

Overnight stay in Zermatt

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

Day 3

Journey from Zermatt to Montreux

Itinerary

Travel by train to Montreux 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

Journey on the GoldenPass Express

Itinerary

Travel from Montreux to Zweisimmen on the GoldenPass Line in a Belle Époque carriage. Continue to Interlaken, from there onto Lake Brienz and then by cable car to the hotel. Spend the night at the Swiss Historic Hotel "Grandhotel Giessbach" in Brienz.

Journey time: approx. 6 hours

Overnight stay in Brienz

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

Day 5

Stay in Brienz

Itinerary

Today is a day at your leisure. Explore the Giessbach Falls or visit the Beatus Caves and the woodcarving village of Brienz.

Overnight stay in Brienz

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

Day 6

Journey on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

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

Itinerary

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

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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.

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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