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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

All Inclusive Glacier Express at Christmas

Eight-day Christmas rail tour through Swiss Alps on Glacier and Bernina Express

Illustration of All Inclusive Glacier Express at Christmas

Great Rail Journeys operates this eight-day Christmas escorted rail tour from London to Brig, traveling through France and Switzerland from December 22 to December 29. The holiday combines famous Swiss alpine train journeys with a five-night base in the Albula Valley. Days begin with breakfast at the traditional family-run Hotel Albula & Julier in Tiefencastel, then branch into scenic rail routes: the UNESCO-listed Albula Line to St Moritz on Christmas Eve, the Bernina Express across the Italian border on Christmas Day, the Arosa Line to the lakeside town of Arosa, and the Glacier Express through snowy peaks to Brig. Evenings return to the hotel for three-course dinners with included drinks. Free time allows exploration of St Moritz, historic Chur, and the Tiefencastel valley. All Eurostar, TGV, and scenic rail travel, seven nights' accommodation, all meals, evening drinks, and a UK Tour Manager are included. The tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking a festive escape, and those who prefer escorted comfort over independent planning.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour maximum is 40 people; confirm group size dynamics with Great Rail Journeys before booking.
  • Hotel luggage transfers are arranged only between Tiefencastel and Basel; luggage handling at other stations is your responsibility.
  • The Swiss Half Fare Card is included for free days, but only covers 50% discounts; any additional rail or mountain railway journeys require separate payment.

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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Travel the UNESCO-listed Albula Line to St Moritz on Christmas Eve, watching the train spiral through alpine scenery toward the winter resort.
  • Day 4Celebrate Christmas Day aboard the Bernina Express, crossing into Italy through snow-capped mountains, spectacular canyons and valleys alongside frozen lakes.
  • Day 7Journey on the Glacier Express from Tiefencastel to Brig, passing through snowy meadows, frozen waterfalls and white mountaintops with an audio guide narrating the route.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The from-price of £2,799 includes Eurostar, TGV, Bernina Express, Glacier Express, Albula Line, and Arosa Line travel in Standard Class, plus all coach travel and rail transfers.
What trains does this tour use?
Eurostar (London to Paris), TGV (Paris to Basel), Albula Line (to St Moritz), Bernina Express (to Tirano, Italy), Arosa Line (to Arosa), and the Glacier Express (Tiefencastel to Brig).
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager travels with the group from start to finish.
Where do I stay?
Seven nights in three-star hotels: five nights at Hotel Albula & Julier in Tiefencastel and two nights in Basel.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner every day, plus five lunches. Wine, beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are included with dinner between 7pm-9pm each evening in Tiefencastel.
How much free time is there?
Day 2 includes a free morning in Basel; Day 3 offers free time in St Moritz after a train journey; Day 5 is entirely free in Tiefencastel; Day 6 includes free time in Arosa before travelling to Chur.

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