We too bought first-class tickets... the kind that are good for four countries and I believe four days. Changed trains when traveling from Paris to Zurich in Basal and we were in 2nd class which was fine too. We bought them in the US and they were $532 USD (three years ago) for two people.

As said many times here before the trains were wonderful... took a breathtaking trip from Zurich to Lugano.

Chris in soggy suburban Houston