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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Classic Glacier Express in Winter: Brig to Chur

Alpine rail journey on Glacier and Bernina Express through Swiss winter peaks

Illustration of Classic Glacier Express in Winter: Brig to Chur

Great Rail Journeys operates this nine-day escorted winter tour from London to Strasbourg, featuring two of Europe's most celebrated mountain railways: the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express. The journey spans five countries, beginning with Eurostar Plus and TGV First Class to Geneva, then climbing into Switzerland's alpine heartland. You stay four nights in Chur, a 360-year-old town, and three nights in Brig, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. A UK Tour Manager leads the group throughout, organising guided walks in historic town centres, a Lake Thun cruise, and excursions to the Matterhorn and Grindelwald. Day 4 brings the signature Glacier Express experience: a panoramic carriage journey through the Rhône Valley and the dramatic Rhine Gorge with a two-course lunch at your seat. Day 6 follows the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express over the Landwasser Viaduct and across the Bernina Pass toward the Italian-speaking village of Poschiavo. Four-star hotels, daily breakfast, and most dinners are included, alongside a Swiss Half Fare Card for independent exploration on your free day. This tour suits repeat rail travellers, couples seeking guided comfort, and photographers drawn to alpine winter scenery.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (from GBP 2,999) represents a premium over half the double rate; confirm the exact premium when booking
  • Day 5 dinner is not included; you dine independently from Chur's restaurants
  • Day 7 is unguided; you explore independently using the included Swiss Half Fare Card, which covers 50% discounts on rail, boat, and mountain railways

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brig

    London to Brig in the Swiss Alps

    Meeting the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar Plus to Paris for a light meal at your seat. On arrival in Paris, board the high-speed TGV in First Class and travel east to Switzerland. Join the Swiss rail network in Geneva and climb into the mountains. On arrival 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

  2. Day 2railovernight: Brig

    Savouring Matterhorn views from Zermatt

    After breakfast in Brig, take a local train to Zermatt, a tranquil mountain resort only accessible by foot or train. Zigzag through the dramatic Matter Valley past sugar-coated trees and chalets. Free afternoon to explore, visit Hinterdorfstrasse, take the Gornergrat Mountain Railway to the glacier, or hop into a cable car past Schwarzsee for winter wonderland views. Return to Brig for a three-course dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Brig

    Grindelwald mountain views and Lake Thun cruise

    Travel by train to Grindelwald, one of Europe's oldest mountain resorts, for free time to explore. Optionally take the cable car to Grindelwald-First summit for views of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger, or stroll through the village. Continue to Interlaken to cruise across Lake Thun, with views of Spiez Castle and snow-capped peaks. Return to Brig by train for a final dinner together.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Chur

    A magical journey on the Glacier Express

    Board the iconic Glacier Express after breakfast. Travel through the nine-mile Furka Tunnel along the Rhône towards Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland. Enjoy a two-course lunch at your seat in panoramic carriages. Delve into the Rhine Gorge, the 'Swiss Grand Canyon', as the train snakes alongside the River Rhine. Check in to the 360-year-old hotel in Chur for a four-night stay, then dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Chur

    A guided tour of Switzerland's oldest town

    Leisurely breakfast followed by a local guide-led walking tour of Chur's Old Town. Stroll through the colourful town centre to Martinsplatz (St Martin's Square), featuring an 18th-century stone fountain adorned with zodiac signs. View the 800-year-old cathedral and terracotta-fronted Bishop's Palace. Free afternoon, optionally take the cable car to the high plateau of Brambüesch for panoramic views. Dine independently tonight; try local speciality pizzoccheri.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6railovernight: Chur

    A superb journey on the Bernina Express

    After breakfast, walk to Chur station and board the Bernina Express in panoramic carriages. The UNESCO-listed route twists south through the Engadine Valley, across the curved Landwasser Viaduct and through tunnels on the Albula Line. Reach the summit at over 7,300 feet, pass Lago Bianco and cross the Bernina Pass. Pause at Alp Grüm to view the Palü Glacier, then wind down to Italian-speaking Poschiavo with its pastel-coloured buildings and Piazza Comunale. Lunch independently in Poschiavo. Stop briefly in St Moritz on the return journey. Dinner in Chur.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Chur

    A free day to explore in and around Chur

    Leisurely breakfast, then a free day to explore the scenic region independently. Use the Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% discounts on all rail journeys. Popular options include the scenic Arosa Line (climbing over 3,000 feet in less than 17 miles to lakeside Arosa) or the stylish mountain resorts of Davos and Klosters. Dine independently tonight from Chur's range of gourmet restaurants and traditional pubs.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. 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 free afternoon to explore Strasbourg's compact Old Town. Admire the Gothic cathedral dating from the 13th century, grand squares, charming half-timbered houses and narrow waterways. In the evening, walk to a local restaurant for the final group dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, leave Strasbourg in First Class, journeying back to Paris with snow-covered mountains lining the route. In Paris, join the Eurostar service in Plus class for the final leg home. Arrive at London St Pancras and make your way home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Board a local train to Zermatt through the Matter Valley; the Matterhorn appears across dramatic winter scenery accessible only by train or foot
  • Day 4Day 4: The Glacier Express departs Brig after breakfast, passing through the nine-mile Furka Tunnel and the Rhine Gorge while a two-course lunch is served at your seat in panoramic carriages
  • Day 6Day 6: The Bernina Express twists south from Chur across the UNESCO-listed curved Landwasser Viaduct and through the Albula Line, climbing to 7,300 feet past Lago Bianco and the Palü Glacier
  • Day 5Day 5: A guided walking tour explores Chur's Old Town, including the 800-year-old cathedral, the Bishop's Palace, and Martinsplatz with its 18th-century zodiac fountain

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 Class TGV travel Paris to Geneva
  • Standard Class rail travel throughout Switzerland
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals (outbound and return)
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch (on the Glacier Express)
  • 6 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Brig to Chur
  • 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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Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys includes Eurostar Plus (London-Paris return), TGV First Class (Paris-Geneva), Swiss rail throughout, the Glacier Express, the Bernina Express, and a Lake Thun cruise. Optional extras are the Gornergrat Mountain Railway, Grindelwald-First cable car, and Brambüesch cable car.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Escorted. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from London through Strasbourg. Most days include guided walks and structured activities; Days 2, 3, and 7 also offer free time to explore independently.
Which hotels are included?
Hotel Ambassador in Brig (4-star, 3 nights), Hotel Stern in Chur (4-star, 4 nights), and a 4-star hotel in Strasbourg (1 night). All are included, with group luggage transfers between Brig and Chur.
When does it depart?
Great Rail Journeys offers three departures: January 2027, February 2027, and March 2027.
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, one lunch on the Glacier Express, Eurostar light meals outbound and return, and six group dinners. Day 5 dinner and Day 7 dinner are independent (dine on your own from local restaurants).
How much walking is involved?
Days include guided town walks in Chur's Old Town over cobbled streets, village exploration in Grindelwald and Zermatt, and optional cable car rides to viewpoints. Most days allow time to rest at your hotel.

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