5 Breathtaking Swiss Train Journeys That Will Elevate Your Travel Packages

Hey there, it’s Dylan from Europe Incoming, your trusted European DMC, welcoming you back to EI’s Insights—your prime source for all things related to European travel. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s sure to add a touch of magic to your Swiss travel packages: breathtaking train journeys through the heart of the Alps. In our industry, we know that creating exceptional experiences is what sets your offerings apart. And when it comes to Switzerland, there’s no better way to showcase its stunning landscapes than through its world-renowned panoramic train routes. These aren’t just modes of transport; they’re attractions in their own right, offering your clients unparalleled views of snow-capped peaks, crystalline lakes, and charming villages that’ll have them pressing their noses against the windows in wonder. We’ve handpicked five of Switzerland’s most spectacular train journeys that promise to elevate your travel packages from great to unforgettable. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s embark on this rail adventure together.

1. Bernina Express: From Glaciers to Palm Trees

The Bernina Express is a feast for the eyes, taking you on a remarkable journey from the icy heights of the Alps to the sun-soaked Italian town of Tirano. It’s a train ride that feels like flipping through a living, breathing geography textbook.

Route Highlights:

– A UNESCO World Heritage journey from Chur to Tirano

– Crossing the jaw-dropping 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct

– Panoramic views of the Bernina massif and Morteratsch glacier

Unique Features:

– 55 tunnels and 196 bridges in just 4 hours

– Seamless transition from icy glaciers to Mediterranean landscapes

Must-Try Excursions:

– Arosa Railway: A 1000m climb in just one hour

– Railway Museum Albula: A treat for train enthusiasts

– Summer extension to Lugano via the Bernina Express Bus

2. Glacier Express: The World’s Slowest Express Train

Don’t let the name fool you – this ‘express’ train is all about savouring every moment. The Glacier Express is a day-long odyssey through some of Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes, where the journey truly is the destination.

Journey Highlights:

– 8 hours of pure scenic bliss from St. Moritz to Zermatt

– 91 tunnels and 291 bridges: an engineering marvel

Luxury Experience:

– Excellence Class: Think personal concierge, champagne, and a guaranteed window seat

– Gourmet dining with regional specialties served at your seat

Excursion Ideas:

– Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Stand in awe of the surrounding peaks

– Rhine Gorge: Switzerland’s “Grand Canyon” awaits the adventurous

3. GoldenPass Express: Redefining Luxury Rail Travel

Imagine gliding through three of Switzerland’s most distinct regions in seamless luxury. The GoldenPass Express does just that, offering a cinematic journey from the German-speaking heart of Switzerland to the sun-kissed shores of Lake Geneva.

Unique Selling Points:

– Seamless journey from Interlaken to Montreux

– Prestige class: Heated, rotating seats elevated for optimal views

Culinary Delights:

– Sip champagne and savour local delicacies as the scenery glides by

Must-Visit Stops:

– Château-d’Oex: Watch colourful hot air balloons dot the sky

– Montreux: Time your clients’ visit with the famous Jazz Festival

4. Gotthard Panorama Express: A Journey Through Swiss History

This isn’t just a train ride – it’s a voyage through time. The Gotthard Panorama Express combines rail and steamboat travel to tell the story of Switzerland’s past, from mediaeval legends to engineering marvels.

Historical Significance:

– Travel through the 1882 Gotthard tunnel

– View the famous church of Wassen from three different angles

Unique Combination:

– Historic train journey meets scenic steamboat cruise on Lake Lucerne

Excursion Tips:

– UNESCO World Heritage Castles of Bellinzona: A step back in time

– Mount Pilatus: Lucerne’s legendary mountain awaits

5. Luzern–Interlaken Express: Linking Two Tourist Hotspots

In just two hours, this express train connects two of Switzerland’s most beloved destinations, serving up a buffet of Swiss scenery along the way. It’s the perfect blend of efficiency and experience for travellers short on time but big on wanderlust.

Scenic Wonders:

– Five crystal-clear mountain lakes in just two hours

– Cogwheel ascent of the steep Brünig Pass

Excursion Suggestions:

– Mount Rigi: The “Queen of the Mountains” offers regal views

– Schilthorn: For James Bond fans and thrill-seekers alike

As we’ve journeyed through these five spectacular Swiss train routes, I hope you’ve felt the excitement building. Imagine your clients’ faces as they glide past glittering glaciers, or their gasps as the train rounds a bend to reveal a vista of snow-capped peaks. These aren’t just train rides; they’re moving vistas that transform travel time into the highlight of the trip.

By weaving these rail journeys into your travel packages, you’re offering more than a vacation – you’re crafting an immersive Swiss adventure. Whether it’s families pressing their faces against the panoramic windows of the Bernina Express, couples toasting to their honeymoon in the Excellence Class of the Glacier Express, or solo travellers making new friends over a gourmet meal on the GoldenPass Express, these trains create moments that will be shared over dinner tables for years to come.

Remember, in our fast-paced world, sometimes the luxury of slow travel is the greatest gift we can offer our clients. These train journeys provide just that – a chance to sit back, relax, and watch Switzerland’s natural beauty unfold, all while enjoying Swiss hospitality at its finest.

So, next time you’re crafting a Swiss itinerary, why not add a touch of rail magic? Not only will you be boosting your luxury travel offerings, but you’ll also be providing your clients with those “pinch me, I’m dreaming” moments that we all live for in this industry.

Until we meet again with more travel tips, keep discovering and stay smart. This is Dylan from Europe Incoming, saying goodbye. Safe travels and see you soon! ✈️🌍

What Our Clients Say

"EF and Europe Incoming have been working together for many years and each year just keeps getting better and better, the team always deliver professional quality services and products ensuring our high standards and expectations are met and our customers receive the best experience whilst on tour"

"Working with Europe Incoming has allowed our company to greatly expand our European market share. No longer having to mix and match suppliers and services across multiple countries affords our Sky Vacations team time to focus on curating and selling itineraries rather than what can often feel like endless emails and follow ups. For both our FIT and group clients, Europe Incoming provides us with expert support, quick responses and a level of professionalism that makes us rock stars."

Since the very first day of AlfA Travel – 25 years ago – we have been working together with Europe Incoming. The team have always done their utmost to fullfil all the requests made from our Danish group – and they have done that in the very best way. We don’t just see them as a incoming agent – they are friends of AlfA Travel and I have always enjoyed their Company. You just can’t get a better partner

The Europe Incoming team are a pleasure to work with always providing great service, professional demeanour and thorough, detailed replies to enquiries. We have worked with them for many years, with great results and happy clients, even through this past challenging year, and their solution-oriented approach helps us deliver successful concert tours to the high standards our clients expect from us. Looking forward to our continued collaboration!

Europe Incoming and Veena World are partners since it’s inception. We share a strong professional and personal bond which has resulted in many beautiful tours full of delightful moments and happy memories for us and our guests. We admire and appreciate them for their passion, integrity and enthusiasm. Here’s to growing together in the years to come!

What makes educational tourism business successful? It is the people I make business with. Passion for work and respect for clients as it is the background of our success. Personal treatment as we know the importance of being heard and appreciated. Flexibility as life is dynamic and changeable. Thinking out of the box as it helps us to find solutions to every potential problem. Never giving up as everything can be solved. Those are the main reasons that I choose to work with Europe Incoming.

Europe incoming have been nothing but professional since we began our collaboration 4 years ago. Fast and efficient turnaround times across European destinations, coupled with excellent local knowledge, contacts and expertise.

‘Europe Incoming is the partner for our school trips for many years. We love to work with them. The information provided is always very quick, correct and complete. Besides that the team is very dedicated to arrange the most beautiful programs for our schools

Europe Incoming is an outstanding partner for the organization of group travel in Europe. The entire team offers professional and efficient service, while having very competitive rates. From the submission to the field management of the groups, they are always available and we are always confident that a trip organized jointly with them will be a success.

Europe Incoming have been our trusted, long-term partner for years! Thanks to their reliable, flexible and professional on-the-ground team we’ve delivered a multitude of exceptional programs. That’s why they remain as our one and only partner.

If we had to keep only one DMC, very sincerely, it would be Europe Incoming. It’s a real pleasure to work together and it’s extremely sincere: top responsiveness, understanding of our needs, ability to adapt, care of the services, reasonable prices, what more could we ask for? We have been customers for almost 15 years, maybe more, and we remain loyal for all these reasons.