Great Rail Journeys
Classic Glacier Express: Brig to Chur
9 daysfrom $3,605
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Classic Glacier Express in Winter: Brig to Chur
Enjoy iconic rail journeys on the Glacier Express and Bernina Express through breathtaking winter scenery, uncovering picture-postcard towns and sparkling alpine views.
Day by day
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
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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