Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

All Inclusive Glacier Express at Christmas

All Inclusive Glacier Express at Christmas, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Enjoy Christmas in Switzerland on an escorted rail tour featuring journeys on the Glacier and Bernina Express, based in the heart of the glorious Swiss Alps.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Basel

    London to Basel

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras and join the Eurostar service to Paris. In Paris, join the French rail network for an onward journey to Basel, Switzerland's cultural capital near the borders of France and Germany. Basel sits on the River Rhine and its Old Town boasts charming streets and a twin-spired Gothic minster with red sandstone walls and colourful roof tiles. Check in to the hotel and enjoy the first dinner together.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Tiefencastel

    Into the idyllic Swiss Alps

    Free morning in Basel after breakfast to explore the charming Swiss city, including the attractive Old Town and the striking red Rathaus in the Marktplatz. Later, continue by rail via Chur to the charming town of Tiefencastel. Check in to the traditional Swiss hotel, run by the same family for generations. Enjoy a three-course dinner with wine, beer and soft drinks included.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Tiefencastel

    Christmas Eve in sparkling St Moritz

    Travel to the luxurious resort town of St Moritz on the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, which twists and spirals through alpine scenery. Free time to explore the winter wonderland at your own pace, with sparkling Christmas lights and enchanting decorations. A picnic lunch is provided by the hotel. Return to the hotel by rail for a festive three-course Christmas Eve dinner with drinks.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Tiefencastel

    Christmas Day on the Bernina Express

    Celebrate Christmas Day aboard the famous Bernina Express, travelling across the Italian border to Tirano. The railway line is over 100 years old and has UNESCO World Heritage status. Journey through snow-capped mountain ranges, spectacular canyons and valleys, and alongside frozen lakes. Free time in Tirano on arrival. Return to Tiefencastel for a special Christmas dinner with drinks.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Tiefencastel

    Tiefencastel at leisure on Boxing Day

    Free day to relax at the hotel or explore Tiefencastel and the surrounding region. The small village sits at the confluence of the Albula and Julier rivers, surrounded by incredible scenery. The church of St Stephen, expanded in 1650 by Capuchin monks, contains intricate wood carvings. Premier mountain resorts of Davos and Klosters are within easy reach. Dinner served at the hotel this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Tiefencastel

    The Arosa Line and historic Chur

    Journey on the delightful Arosa Line, climbing to the charming lakeside town of Arosa with stunning vistas across the icy waters of Lake Obersee. After free time, continue by train to Chur, Switzerland's oldest settlement with a history dating back over 5,000 years. Explore the medieval Old Town with well-preserved walls and buildings, entirely traffic-free and adorned with Christmas decorations.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Basel

    The iconic Glacier Express

    Bid farewell to Tiefencastel and embark on an incredible journey on the world-renowned Glacier Express to Brig. Known as the 'world's slowest express train', the Glacier Express passes through snowy meadows, frozen waterfalls and white mountaintops. An audio guide narrates the journey. On arrival in Brig, change trains and head to Basel for an overnight stay. Dinner served at the hotel shortly after check-in.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, make your way to Basel train station and join the TGV train to Paris. In Paris, transfer to the Eurostar service returning to London St Pancras, where the festive holiday comes to an end.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Standard Class travel
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • 5 lunches
  • Drinks between 7pm–9pm each evening with dinner in Tiefencastel (beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee)
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Tiefencastel to Basel
  • Swiss Half Fare Card (50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railways)
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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