The Glacier Express, known worldwide for its panoramic views and refined service, takes this experience to extraordinary levels with its Excellence Class.
This premium journey is designed for travelers who want to enjoy every detail of Swiss scenery while indulging in remarkable comfort. From delicious cuisine to attentive hosts, Excellence Class promises a day of discovery, luxury, and relaxation. If you are curious about what makes this experience unique, this guide will help you imagine the journey from start to finish.
What is Excellence Class
Excellence Class is the most exclusive way to travel on the Glacier Express, often described as the crown jewel of Swiss rail travel. With a maximum of just twenty seats, it creates an intimate environment that feels both personal and sophisticated. The carriage is designed with spacious armchairs, wide windows, and a central bar. Every guest is greeted with a glass of champagne before the journey begins, setting the tone for a day filled with indulgence. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and perfect for travelers who want to combine comfort with adventure.
Scenic Splendor
The Glacier Express is often called the slowest express train in the world, but this only enhances the beauty of the ride. Traveling between Zermatt and St Moritz, the route covers 291 kilometers of mountain valleys, gorges, and viaducts. In Excellence Class, you enjoy uninterrupted views through oversized windows that stretch from floor to ceiling. Highlights include the Landwasser Viaduct, the Rhine Gorge, and the climb to the Oberalp Pass. The pace allows time to soak in the views, photograph the landscapes, and truly feel the grandeur of the Alps.
Dining at its Finest
One of the most celebrated features of Excellence Class is the culinary journey. Guests are treated to a multi-course menu prepared with seasonal ingredients sourced from local regions. Each dish is carefully paired with wines selected to complement the flavors. The bar offers a range of spirits and cocktails, and attentive staff ensure glasses are never empty. Dining on board is more than a meal, it is an experience that enhances the entire journey, combining fine flavors with unforgettable scenery.
Personalized Service
Excellence Class is distinguished by its exceptional level of service. Each carriage is staffed with a dedicated concierge who looks after every detail of your day. From answering questions about the route to recommending the best vantage points for photographs, the staff add an enriching touch to the trip. Warm, genuine hospitality makes the journey feel relaxed and effortless, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the scenery and atmosphere.
Entertainment and Comfort
The Excellence Class package includes access to an iPad with interactive guides about the route. These digital tools provide fascinating insights into landmarks, history, and culture along the way. Comfortable armchairs rotate slightly to ensure the best viewing angles, and there is generous space for moving around the carriage. The central bar offers a social hub where travelers can mingle while sipping cocktails. Every feature is thoughtfully designed to make the day both entertaining and relaxing.
Why Choose Excellence Class
While the Glacier Express is remarkable in every class, Excellence Class offers something truly special. The exclusivity of the small carriage means peace, space, and attention that larger compartments cannot provide. For many, this becomes the highlight of their entire Swiss journey. It is an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion or simply to immerse yourself fully in the spirit of travel. By combining scenery, gastronomy, and hospitality, Excellence Class transforms a train ride into an unforgettable memory.
Enhancing Your Swiss Adventure
Excellence Class fits beautifully into broader itineraries across Switzerland. Many travelers combine this experience with stays in alpine resorts or journeys on other scenic trains. Booking through Switzerland rail holidays makes it easy to integrate the Glacier Express into a seamless adventure. Professional planners ensure all transfers and connections work smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery. With Switzerland rail tours, you can link the Glacier Express with the Bernina Express or GoldenPass Line, creating a comprehensive exploration of the country’s most beautiful routes.
