Great Rail Journeys
Classic Glacier Express in Winter: Brig to Chur
9 daysfrom $3,738
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Classic Glacier Express: Brig to Chur
Enjoy two iconic rail journeys through breathtaking Swiss scenery, uncovering picture-postcard towns and sparkling alpine views
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Brig
London to Brig in the Swiss Alps
Meet the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar Plus to Paris, enjoying a light meal at your seat. On arrival in Paris, board the high-speed TGV First Class east to Switzerland, joining the Swiss rail network in Geneva and climbing into the mountains. Arrive in Brig, check in to the four-star hotel for a three-night stay and enjoy a three-course dinner together.
Meals: Eurostar light meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Brig
Savouring Matterhorn views from Zermatt
After breakfast, take a local train to Zermatt, a tranquil mountain resort accessible only by foot or train. Pass lush wildflower meadows, alpine forests and waterfalls. Visit Air Zermatt Heliport to learn about mountain rescue, then enjoy a free afternoon to explore. Options include the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, cable cars past Schwarzsee, or relaxing in a café with views of the Matterhorn. Return to Brig for a three-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Brig
Spiez Castle and a cruise on Lake Thun
Travel by rail through the 21.5-mile Lötschberg Base Tunnel to Spiez. Tour the 10th-century Spiez Castle with its conical turrets, central keep and rustic church, then enjoy an exclusive private aperitif on the terrace. Cruise along turquoise Lake Thun to the historic town of Thun, then catch the train back to Brig for dinner. Note: on departures from 24th March to 28th April, Spiez Castle is closed and an alternative excursion by rail to Interlaken takes place.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: Chur
An epic journey on the Glacier Express
Board the iconic Glacier Express from Brig to Chur. The 'slowest express train in the world' travels at an average speed of 24mph through the Rhine Gorge ('Swiss Grand Canyon'), past serene lakes and snowy peaks in panoramic carriages. A two-course lunch is served at your seat. Traverse the nine-mile Furka Tunnel, pass through Andermatt and reach the Oberalp Pass at nearly 6,670 feet above sea level. Arrive in Chur, check in to the hotel near the station for a four-night stay, and enjoy dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Chur
A guided tour of Switzerland's oldest town
After a leisurely breakfast, meet a local guide for a walking tour of Chur's Old Town, strolling through the colourful town centre to Martinsplatz (St Martin's Square) with its 18th-century zodiac fountain, the 800-year-old Cathedral of the Assumption and the Bishop's Palace. Free afternoon to explore independently, options include the cable car to the high plateau of Brambüesch. Dine independently this evening; try the local speciality pizzoccheri.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6railovernight: Chur
A superb journey on the Bernina Express
Board the Bernina Express in panoramic carriages from Chur. The UNESCO-listed route twists south through the Engadine Valley, across the curved Landwasser Viaduct, through tunnels on the Albula Line, past the turquoise Lago Bianco and over the Bernina Pass (summit over 7,300 feet). Pause to view the Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm, then wind down to the Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo with its pastel-coloured buildings. Lunch independently in Poschiavo. Stop briefly in St Moritz on the return journey before arriving back in Chur for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: Chur
A free day to explore in and around Chur
A leisurely breakfast followed by a free day to explore independently. Use the Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% discounts on rail journeys. Popular options include the scenic Arosa Line (climbing over 3,000 feet in less than 17 miles), or the mountain resorts of Davos and Klosters. Dine independently this evening at Chur's gourmet restaurants or traditional pubs.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 8overnight: Strasbourg
Travel to Strasbourg
After breakfast in Chur, journey to Strasbourg for an overnight stay. Check in to the four-star hotel in the city centre, then enjoy a free afternoon exploring Strasbourg's grand squares, half-timbered houses, narrow waterways and the Gothic cathedral (dating from the 13th century). In the evening, walk to a local restaurant for the final group dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 9rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, depart Strasbourg on the high-speed TGV to Paris, then join the Eurostar Plus service back to London St Pancras, where the holiday concludes.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel (outbound and return)
- First and Standard Class rail travel options available
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Eurostar light meals
- Breakfast each day
- 1 lunch
- 6 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between hotels from Brig to Chur
- Swiss Half Fare Card permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railways
- All guided tours and excursions
Not included
- Some dinners (independent dining on guided tour day in Chur, free day in Chur)
- Optional excursions on free days (e.g. Gornergrat Mountain Railway, cable cars)
