Classic Glacier Express Brig-Chur - Discover the majestic Swiss Alps by First Class rail

Spectacular views and stunning scenery have made the Glacier Express famous the world over. Explore the Alps on Switzerland's terrific rail network during this incredibly popular mountain holiday. Find Out More »

Tour highlights

• Chur, Switzerland's oldest town
• The fabulous Bernina Express
• Poschiavo
• Interlaken & views of the Jungfrau
• The iconic Glacier Express
• Historic Brig
• Zermatt & the Matterhorn
• GRJ First Class Swiss Travel Card

Day 1 - London to Luxembourg

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels, in comfortable Standard Premier Class. We continue by train through the rolling hills of the Ardennes region to Luxembourg, where the overnight at the Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa, located opposite the railway station and close to Luxembourg's historic centre. (E,D)

Day 2 - By train to Switzerland

From Luxembourg, we travel by TGV into Switzerland to Basel and transfer onto the efficient Swiss rail network, which takes us on a picturesque journey to Brig. Brig is a small, historic town situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass, an ideal base from which to explore southern Switzerland by mountain railway. We enjoy a four-night stay at the Hotel Simplon. (B,D)

Day 3 - Excursion by mountain railway to Zermatt

Enjoy the dramatic Swiss scenery as we travel on the narrow-gauge mountain railway to Zermatt, a picturesque village overlooked by the Matterhorn. A fantastic option is to make the train journey up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally), situated at over 10,000 feet (3,048m) and giving spectacular views of the Matterhorn. (B,D)

Day 4 - The Bernese Oberland to Interlaken

Today our excursion sees us travel to Interlaken, situated between Lakes Thun and Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. Enjoy a lake cruise, take a mountain railway ride through the Alpine meadows or undertake the ultimate excursion to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch (supplement payable locally), at over 11,000 feet (3,353m) above sea level. (B,D)

Day 5 - At leisure

Your day is free to relax in Brig, or explore using your GRJ First Class Swiss Travel Card, which offers you 50% fares. We recommend travelling along the Rhône Valley to Montreux. From here you can enjoy a paddle steamer cruise on Lake Geneva or join the GoldenPass Line train. A trip on the Centovalli Railway across 'a hundred valleys' to Locarno is also an option. (B)

Day 6 - First Class on the Glacier Express

We leave Brig travelling First Class on the Glacier Express narrow-gauge train, along the fantastic 100 year old Bernina Line. The train climbs up the Rhône Valley to Andermatt and then snakes and spirals its way towards the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 6,670 feet (2,033m). The train descends through pasture and woodland to the Rhine and continues along the broad valley to Chur, arriving early afternoon. Lunch on board the Glacier Express is included and served at your First Class seat. We spend the next three nights at the Romantic Hotel Stern in Chur, an historic town where trains still run through the streets. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Over the Bernina Pass

The narrow-gauge Bernina Express takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past waterfalls and deep ravines as the train ascends the Albula Pass. The route was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage site status and loops and spirals into the Engadine Valley before climbing even higher over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks as we travel to Poschiavo in the Italian-speaking region, a picturesque town with pastel-coloured buildings. You have some free time for lunch in Poschiavo before we return to Chur, via St Moritz if time permits. (B,D)

Day 8 - A day at leisure in Chur

Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and a pleasure to explore. Stroll through the medieval alleyways and squares of the Old Town, and visit the vast 12th century cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Make the most of 50% fares with your tailor-made First Class Swiss Travel Card and travel into the wild and rocky landscape of the fantastic Graubünden region, passing some of the many dramatic valleys that make this one of the most breathtaking cantons in Switzerland. Alternatively, take the Arosa Express through Chur's streets, climbing through the pine forests to the pretty lakeside town of Arosa or visit Lucerne, a historic lakeside city of cobbled streets and ornate churches. In Lucerne, cross the Kapellbrücke bridge or enjoy a relaxing steamer cruise. (B)

Day 9 - To Germany by train

We leave Chur and travel by EuroCity train via Zürich and Basel into Germany, along the scenic Rhine Gorge passing fairytale castles and lush vineyards. We arrive late-afternoon in Cologne and spend one night at either the Four Points Hotel Central or the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, both located within walking distance of the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (B,D)

Day 10 - To Brussels and London

We depart for Brussels and connect with Eurostar to St Pancras International in Standard Premier Class. A light meal and drinks are served at our seats prior to arrival (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Classic Glacier Express - Luxury Escorted Rail Tour - Rail Holiday

Spectacular views and stunning scenery have made the Glacier Express famous the world over. Join this 10 day Luxury Escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
Classic, Glacier, Express, Brig, Chur,

Classic Glacier Express - Luxury Escorted Rail Tour - Rail Holiday

Spectacular views and stunning scenery have made the Glacier Express famous the world over. Join this 10 day Luxury Escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
Classic, Glacier, Express, Brig, Chur,