Hello, this August 2025, three adults in our 60’s will be departing a cruise in Venice Italy. We plan to see some of Switzerland before flying home to Los Angeles from Zurich. We will only have about 5 days to explore and travel. I’ve been reading and researching so much that I’m very confused as to what a good rail itinerary would be. We would love to visit Zermatt, the famous Matterhorn. Glacier Express looks appealing. It seems there is more to do than we would have time for. Would love feedback from people who have been before.
Posted by
Chicago
8265 posts
You need to break it up take the train Venice to Milan and stay one night. Then get up early next day take the train to Zermatt. Go to Zurich the night before the flight. I have seen the Matterhorn twice, each time it was on a day trip from somewhere else, a decision made the night before after I saw the weather forecast.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you. I’ve. Read that it isn’t always possible to see the Matterhorn due to weather. Where is a good city to stay where you can decide last minute to do a Matterhorn day trip?
Posted by
Chicago
8265 posts
I think staying in Montreux gives you the best options to take day trips anywhere. Or just stay in Zermatt and take day trips if the Matterhorn is not visible.
Posted by
Green Bay
21543 posts
Does your cruise actually dock in Venice? Large ships now have to dock in other locations like Trieste or Ravenna these days.
Brig would also be a convenient place to stop. Hourly direct trains to Zermatt. Also day trips to Bettmeralp, Kandersteg. Brig also is good spot for a day with a nice pedestrian district and a few sites to visit like the Stockalper Castle.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Thank you for the feedback
Good info on the cruise ships. We will be on the Royal Clipper, so not a large ship. I will reconfirm that it will indeed be docking in Venice