Traditional Glacier Express - Explore the Swiss Alps by rail

Stunning scenery and spectacular views are enough to take your breath away as we travel by rail through the heart of the Swiss Alps on the world-famous Glacier Express. Explore the region at leisure with an included Swiss Travel Pass. Find Out More »

Tour highlights

• Chur, Switzerland's oldest town
• The scenic Bernina Express
• Poschiavo
• The iconic Glacier Express
• Historic Brig
• Zermatt & the dramatic Matterhorn
• Swiss Travel Pass

Day 1 - By train to Germany

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. We change for the Thalys service to Cologne where our hotel for one night is either the Grand City Hotel Cologne or the Four Points Hotel Central, both close to the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (D)

Day 2 - Rhine Gorge into Switzerland

We leave Cologne by EuroCity train for Switzerland. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery during the journey along the Rhine Gorge with its many fairytale castles nestled amongst lush vineyards. We journey across the border via Zürich past a landscape of lakes and meadows to Chur, a historic town in southeast Switzerland where trains still run through the streets. We spend three nights here at the Hotel Freieck. (B,D)

Day 3 - A day at leisure in Chur

Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and a pleasure to explore. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town, and visit the 12th century cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Make the most of your Swiss Travel Pass and travel into the wild and rocky landscape of the fantastic Graubünden region, passing some of the many valleys that make this one of the most breathtaking cantons in Switzerland. Alternatively, take a train journey on the Arosa Express to the mountain town of Arosa, or visit Lucerne, a historic lakeside city of cobbled streets, squares and ornate churches. Whilst in Lucerne, see the Kapellbrücke covered bridge, enjoy a relaxing steamer cruise on the lake or perhaps visit the excellent Swiss Transport Museum. (B)

Day 4 - Over the Bernina Pass

Our excursion today sees the narrow-gauge Bernina Express take us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past waterfalls and deep ravines as the train ascends the Albula Pass. The ascent 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 views of the snow-capped peaks as we travel to Poschiavo, a picturesque town in the Italian-speaking region. After time in Poschiavo we return to Chur. En route there may be time to browse around the shops of St Moritz or enjoy a stroll alongside the lake. (B,D)

Day 5 - The Glacier Express

We leave Chur on the Glacier Express narrow-gauge train, probably the slowest 'express' in the world. The train makes its way along the broad valley before it starts to climb through pastures and woodland. The train then snakes and spirals its way towards the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 6,670 feet (2,033m), before it descends to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley to Brig. We arrive mid afternoon for a three-night stay at the Hotel Victoria. 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. (B,D)

Day 6 - Mountain railway to Zermatt

Enjoy the dramatic Swiss scenery as we take the narrow-gauge mountain railway to Zermatt, a pretty alpine town overlooked by the Matterhorn. Perhaps take a walk into the mountains or, if you have a head for heights, make the train journey up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally), situated at over 10,000 feet (3,048m). (B,D)

Day 7 - A day at leisure

Your day is free to explore this region using your Swiss Travel Pass. We particularly recommend travelling along the Rhône Valley to Montreux. From here you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Geneva or join the GoldenPass Line panoramic train for the journey over the Golden Pass to Spiez. The journey on the Centovalli Railway across 'a hundred valleys' to Locarno on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore is also an excellent choice for today. Alternatively travel to Interlaken, a charming town stunningly 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), at over 11,000 feet (3,353m). (B)

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

Day 8 - Through France to London

We depart from Brig to Lausanne or Geneva, where we join a direct TGV service to Paris, with the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery along the shores of Lake Geneva and the attractive rolling French hills. After crossing Paris by coach we connect with Eurostar to Pancras International. (B)

Traditional Glacier Express - Luxury Escorted Rail Tours - Rail Holidays

Glacier Express, Explore the Swiss Alps by Rail. Enjoy stunning scenery and views when you join this 8 day Luxury Escorted rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
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