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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Classic Glacier Express in Winter

Glacier Express and Bernina Express through Swiss Alps in winter from Zürich

Illustration of Classic Glacier Express in Winter

Vacations By Rail operates this 8-day escorted winter tour through the Swiss Alps, departing from Zürich and concluding in Interlaken. The journey centers on two of Europe's most celebrated panoramic trains: the Bernina Express, which crosses the Albula Line and Bernina Pass with views of Lago Bianco, and the Glacier Express, which descends through the Rhine Gorge from Chur to Brig. Travelers base themselves for three nights in Chur, the nation's oldest town, and four nights in Brig, a traditional alpine gateway. Days combine structured rail excursions with free time to explore at leisure, supported by a Swiss Half Fare Card that unlocks discounted fares on optional cable cars, lake cruises, and regional trains. The itinerary includes stops at Zermatt, where the Matterhorn dominates the horizon, and Grindelwald, with onward travel by lake cruise across Lake Thun. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, handling logistics and leading guided experiences. Seven nights occupy four-star hotels, with breakfast, most dinners, and the major rail journeys included. This trip suits repeat rail travelers, couples seeking both structure and autonomy, and those drawn to winter Alpine landscapes.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 3 and Day 6 are free days; meals and activities are not guided or included on those days
  • The from-price of USD 2,999 does not include flights, airport transfers, or travel insurance

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chur

    Arrival in Chur in the heart of the Swiss Alps

    Land at Zürich airport and travel independently to Chur (rail ticket included). Check in to a central hotel, meet the Tour Manager and group, welcome drink and three-course dinner in the 360-year-old hotel.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Crossing the Alps on the Bernina Express

    Board the Bernina Express from Chur through the Engadine Valley, Landwasser Viaduct and Albula Line, past Lago Bianco over the Bernina Pass to Poschiavo (lunch, e.g. pizzoccheri), returning via St Moritz to Chur for dinner.

  3. Day 3overnight: Chur

    A free day in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town

    Free day to explore Chur's Martinsplatz, the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Bishop's Palace, or take the cable car up Brambrüesch, or use the Swiss Half Fare Card for the Arosa Line or Davos/Klosters. Dine independently.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Brig

    A magical journey on the Glacier Express

    Board the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig via the Rhine Gorge ("Swiss Grand Canyon") and the Furka Tunnel, two-course lunch at your seat. Check in to a family-run hotel near Brig station for a four-night stay.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Brig

    Admiring Matterhorn views from scenic Zermatt

    Train along the Matter Valley to car-free Zermatt, with the Matterhorn coming into view. Option to ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway to the summit. Return by rail to Brig for dinner.

  6. Day 6overnight: Brig

    Free time in Brig or further afield

    Day at leisure to explore Brig (Stockalper Palace) or use the Swiss Half Fare Card to reach Montreux (GoldenPass Line to Gstaad, Château de Chillon), the Aletsch Glacier by cable car, or Domodossola, Italy.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Brig

    Grindelwald mountain views and Lake Thun cruise

    Train to Grindelwald with free time (optional cable car to Grindelwald-First for views of the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger), then on to Interlaken for a cruise across Lake Thun past Spiez Castle, returning to Brig by train for a final group dinner.

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    Vacation ends after breakfast; rail ticket included to travel independently from Brig to Zürich airport for the flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Board the Bernina Express from Chur through the Engadine Valley, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and Albula Line to Poschiavo
  • Day 4Ride the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig via the Rhine Gorge with a two-course lunch at your seat
  • Day 5Train to car-free Zermatt and watch the Matterhorn come into view from the Matter Valley
  • Day 7Cruise across Lake Thun past Spiez Castle after visiting Grindelwald

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • First & Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Chur to Brig
  • Swiss Half Fare Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes all rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour, plus a Swiss Half Fare Card for optional day trips at 50% discount on free days.
Which trains will we ride?
You board the Bernina Express from Chur to Poschiavo and the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig. Both run in panoramic carriages.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager travels with the group from start to finish and leads all guided tours and excursions.
What hotels are included?
The Romantik Hotel Stern in Chur for three nights and the Hotel Ambassador in Brig for four nights. Both are four-star properties.
How many meals are included?
Breakfast each day, one lunch (on the Glacier Express), and five dinners, including a welcome dinner on arrival and a final group dinner.
How much walking is involved?
The tour has a Mobility Rating of 2, involving city walking tours and optional cable-car excursions to mountain viewpoints.

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