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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Classic Glacier Express & Bernina Express

Swiss alpine rail circle on Glacier and Bernina Express from London

Illustration of Classic Glacier Express & Bernina Express

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day independent alpine rail holiday combining two legendary Swiss trains: the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. You depart London by flight or Eurostar, arriving in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, where you spend two nights in a traffic-free setting among old stone buildings. On Day 2, the Bernina Express carries you through the UNESCO World Heritage route, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and winding past waterfalls in the Engadine Valley before returning to Chur. Day 3 takes you aboard the Glacier Express, which climbs from Andermatt through snow-capped peaks and descends the Rhone Valley to Brig, where you spend two more nights at the foot of the Simplon Pass. Day 4 is free to explore Brig and its surroundings. The trip suits first-time rail travellers seeking two-night hotel stability and experienced rail enthusiasts returning to these celebrated lines. Return travel to the UK is by either flight from Zurich or by Eurostar rail, so you choose your ending.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1,625 covers the package; rail passes or supplementary journeys may require additional cost.
  • Hotel options vary by choice: Ambiente Hotel Freieck (3-star) or Hotel Stern (4-star) in Chur, and Hotel Stockalperhof or Hotel Ambassador (4-star) in Brig.
  • Day 4 in Brig is unguided; optional excursions are available at extra cost.
  • The itinerary allows you to return either by flight from Zurich or by Eurostar rail via Paris; both end at different times.

Day by day

  1. Day 0railovernight: Chur

    Outbound Travel – Getting to Chur

    Begin your alpine adventure by flying from London to Zurich. On arrival, take the train from the airport to the old town of Chur. The train journey to Chur is an introduction to this region, revealing the pretty landscapes of Switzerland. Alternatively, choose to take the train from London to Chur starting at London St Pancras, travelling by rail to Paris on the Eurostar, changing stations in Paris before catching the train to Basel and onward to Chur, arriving early evening. Upgrades to First Class available.

    Meals: Breakfast

  2. Day 1overnight: Chur

    Chur

    On arrival in Chur you'll transfer to your chosen hotel. Choose between one of our handpicked 4* hotels on a B&B basis. Chur welcomes you with its authentic alpine charm and quiet old town. Chur is the capital of Graubunden, and it's a joy to wander around and discover the peaceful streets.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Bernina Express to Italy

    Take to the rails on the historic Bernina Express, a route that, at 100 years old, has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. The journey meanders through dozens of tunnels and bridges, including the landmark Landwasser Viaduct, and winds above deep ravines and past idyllic waterfalls. Looping and spiralling through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley, the ascent takes you through the Albula Tunnel and over the Bernina Pass. The train begins its descent towards colourful Poschiavo, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, where pastel painted houses line the street, before crossing into Italy. At the Italian town of Tirano, you'll make your return journey to Chur.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 3railovernight: Brig

    The Glacier Express

    Board the magnificent Glacier Express and get ready for a breathtaking journey of slow travel through this alpine landscape. Your panoramic journey begins with a climb towards the winter ski resort of Andermatt. From here the train then climbs steadily upwards into the snow-capped mountains reaching the journey's highest point, before descending along the beautiful Rhone Valley aboard 'The Slowest Express Train in the World'. You'll travel through classic Swiss scenes of green meadows and dramatic turquoise river gorges, and arrive in Brig in the afternoon. Enjoy one of Brig's many restaurants or choose to have lunch aboard the Glacier Express (two or three course menu available). Please note: There will be no Glacier Express trains running between 12th October to 5th December.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 4overnight: Brig

    Brig

    Enjoy a free day in Brig in the Canton of Valais, at the foot of the famous Simplon Pass which leads to the Italian border. Visit St. Sebastian Chapel and its 17th century Stockalper Castle, or choose from one of the optional excursions which are bookable at a supplement.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 5rail

    Brig to the UK

    Your tour ends today with your train back to Zurich airport. Sit back and relax and enjoy the incredible views one more time, before catching your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, continue your journey by rail from Brig taking the train to Geneva and then onward to Paris. Changing stations in Paris, you will join the Eurostar, arriving back at London St Pancras this evening. Upgrades to First Class available.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Bernina Express passes the Landwasser Viaduct and winds through the Engadine Valley on a UNESCO World Heritage route.
  • Day 3The Glacier Express climbs from Andermatt through snow-capped mountains and descends along the Rhone Valley.

Included

  • 4 nights in 3-star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Standard Class Rail in Switzerland & Italy
  • Panoramic Carriage Journey on the Glacier Express
  • Panoramic Carriage Journey on the Bernina Express
  • Return Flights between London and Zurich

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Great Rail Journeys includes Standard Class travel on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express, both with panoramic carriages. The Eurostar from London to Paris is available as an alternative to the flight leg.
Is this a guided or independent tour?
This is an independent tour. You stay in hotels with breakfast included and travel on scheduled trains; most days are unguided, though Great Rail Journeys arranges transfers and accommodation.
What are the flights and how many are included?
Return flights between London and Zurich are included. You may instead travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris and continue by rail to Chur and back.
What hotels are included?
Two nights in Chur (choice of Ambiente Hotel Freieck, 3-star, or Hotel Stern, 4-star) and two nights in Brig (choice of Hotel Stockalperhof or Hotel Ambassador, 4-star), all on a bed and breakfast basis.
Can I upgrade my train class?
Yes, Great Rail Journeys offers First Class upgrades on the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Eurostar.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Lunch, dinner, and optional excursions (such as Zermatt and the Gornergrat) are also at your own cost.

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