Par Excellence

The exhilarating rail journey between Switzerland’s Zermatt and St Moritz—on board the Glacier Express—gets even better with Excellence Class.

Ferrying travellers since 1930, the Glacier Express is one of Switzerland’s most iconic experiences. The sight of endless green valleys, snow-laden peaks, and alpine hamlets through its windows makes for what can easily be called the journey of a lifetime. Currently, it traverses the Swiss Alps through 91 tunnels and over 291 bridges, beginning from the ski town of Zermatt at the foot of Matterhorn and concluding at St Moritz. You can start the journey from either side, whatever the season may be, and get served some dreamy views and a multi-course meal. On the menu are the steepest glacier in Canton Valais, a rewarding route along River Vispa, a historic Benedictine monastery, Switzerland’s grand canyon, the Rhaetian Railway landmark, the loop tunnel between Preda and Bergün, and more. A journey through the Swiss Alps doesn’t get better than this.

Or maybe it does—if you reserve a spot for yourself in the train’s Excellence Class wagon. The experience on board one of the world’s most famous trains now becomes twice as exclusive with the choice of travelling Excellence Class. Featuring 20 individual seats and state-ofthe-art design, the Excellence Class has now become a permanent addition to the Glacier Express. It comes with a Glacier Bar, which serves aperitifs and cocktails, a regional five-course gourmet menu paired with select wines, and a special compass on the ceiling to keep pne abreast of the many twists and turns en route. A tablet with several infotainment options also comes in the package. To top it all with quality service, a concierge hosts you through the journey with personalised care—eight hours on board the world’s slowest Express could not be more luxurious.

From top: The Glacier Express passes through the Albulatal Valley; a peek into the Excellence Class wagon; expect delicious amuse-bouches when you travel Excellence Class.