Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

First-Class Mountaintops of Switzerland

First-Class Mountaintops of Switzerland, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Stay in some of Switzerland's most spectacular hotels, enjoying remarkable experiences and journey on the country's incredible trains

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Basel

    London to Basel in First Class

    Your memorable Swiss holiday begins at London St Pancras as we board the Eurostar in Plus class. Enjoying a light meal at our seats, we make our way to Paris, then take a direct train to Basel - the quickest route to Switzerland. This First Class journey transports us through Jura and Alsace before arriving in the Rhine-side city of Basel. Our hotel near the station is popular with our passengers and we have some time to explore this typically Swiss city. Basel's redbrick, twin-spired Gothic cathedral is believed to have 9th-century origins and sits in a charming square next to characterful buildings. This evening, we gather at our hotel and enjoy our first dinner together as a group.

    Meals: Eurostar light meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Giessbach (Grandhotel Giessbach)

    A lake cruise to our spectacular Giessbach hotel

    Waking in Switzerland, we take a short walk to the train station after breakfast for our rail journey to Interlaken. From here, we board a boat to cruise across Lake Brienz. Sailing through the heart of scenic Switzerland, the turquoise tones of the glacial waters contrast with the green mountain slopes. During the cruise, we can spot picture-book villages dotting the shores of the lake. As we disembark, the Giessbach funicular railway is ready to transport us to our hillside hotel, the stunning Grandhotel Giessbach. On arrival, we enjoy a welcome drink and can begin to discover the history and charm of this perfectly located Belle Époque hotel. From its secluded setting, the hotel enjoys views across the lake and onto the cascading Giessbach waterfall nearby. We have time to explore our new surroundings before enjoying a three-course dinner at the hotel in the evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Giessbach (Grandhotel Giessbach)

    A steam-hauled heritage railway up the Rothorn mountain

    After breakfast, we set sail from our idyllic hotel to the town that gives Lake Brienz its name. Here, we board the charming steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. This rack-and-pinion line traverses steep mountain trails and verdant alpine meadows - all while providing views of glistening Lake Brienz below. A real heritage rail experience, the small steam engine chugs its way up this dramatic route to its destination at an altitude of more than 7,000ft. On a clear day, the scenery is spectacular. Returning to Brienz, we have time to explore this pretty Swiss town with its traditional wooden chalets, most notably the geranium-decorated buildings on cobbled Brunngasse. There is time to relax or explore before reuniting for a three-course dinner in the restaurant with views across Lake Brienz. Note: on departures in April and early May, an excursion to Harder Kulm with tea, coffee and cake at the summit is substituted. On departures from early May to June, the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway will only travel as far as Planalp.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Engadine Valley (or Bad Ragaz on selected departures)

    Experiencing the iconic Glacier Express in First Class

    Today is a highlight of our Swiss holiday. Taking the train to Brig, we board the incredible Glacier Express to the Engadine Valley. The 'slowest express train in the world' traverses incredible mountain passes, with views of picturesque villages and valleys. Our panoramic First Class carriages provide front-row seats to the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' as the emerald Rhine winds its way past limestone cliffs. Enjoying a two-course lunch at our seats, the breathtaking scenery is constant. After Thusis, we join the UNESCO-listed Albula Line as it clings to mountain edges, zigzagging and spiralling its way round mountains and over bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct, before arriving in the impressive Engadine Valley. This evening is free to explore our new base and dine independently. Note: on the 27th April, 2nd May and 7th September departures, we will travel on the Glacier Express to Chur and stay in Bad Ragaz.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  5. Day 5railovernight: Engadine Valley / St Moritz

    The Bernina Express: Crossing the Alps in elegance

    Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, crossing the Alps into Italy on the Bernina Express is an incredible experience. From our First Class panoramic carriages, the exceptional alpine scenery continuously impresses as we wind our way up to Ospizio Bernina. Reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, we pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco before we cross the Bernina Pass. Pausing to admire jaw-dropping views of the Palü Glacier, the UNESCO-listed route then winds down the mountains, spiralling round the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio before arriving in the Italian valley town of Tirano. Crossing the Adda River and entering the Old Town through the Porta Poschiavina, we are greeted by scenes of rustic cobbled streets and stout palazzos. With free time to explore, you could wander the narrow, cobbled streets, uncovering the Collegiate Church of St Martin or the preserved 16th-century Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Tirano. We return to Switzerland in First Class on a local train in the afternoon before enjoying a three-course dinner at our hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Pilatus Kulm

    Lake views on the journey to our mountaintop hotel

    This morning, we travel by rail to Chur in First Class seats, continuing to Lucerne. The fourth most populous city in Switzerland, Lucerne is draped across an inlet of the expansive Lake Lucerne. We have time to wander independently round the picturesque Old Town. One of the most striking landmarks is the 14th-century Kapellbrücke, which is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe and was constructed to help protect the city from attacks. Our hotel for the next two nights, Pilatus Kulm, is reached by way of the steepest cogwheel railway in Europe. Reaching a gradient of 48%, the half-hour ascent takes us past alpine meadows and rocky outcrops to a land above the clouds. With such a jaw-dropping location nestled between two peaks, Pilatus Kulm provides stunning views. Due to its position, there are unforgettable sunrises and sunsets (weather permitting) - and we arrive in good time for the latter, before enjoying a three-course dinner in the restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Pilatus Kulm

    Sunrise over the 'City of Lights'

    If you wake in time, you could witness a sunrise that gradually illuminates the mountainous surroundings. While today is spent exploring independently, you might not want to leave this heavenly location. However, with a complimentary return ticket on the Pilatusbahn, you could explore Lucerne or beyond. The 'City of Lights' has a charming Old Town of cobbled streets, ornate churches and frescoed historic houses. Alternatively, with your Swiss Half Fare Card, you receive a 50% discount on rail, boat and most mountain railways, so you could hop on a boat for a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. The Rigi Mountain Railway, Europe's first mountain railway, has been departing from here since 1871 and offers beautiful views across to Mount Pilatus. Returning to the hotel via the Pilatusbahn, there is another opportunity to delight in the sunset as we indulge in a three-course dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8railovernight: Strasbourg

    From Lucerne to the Alsace city of Strasbourg

    After breakfast, we descend the mountain by funicular, ready to catch a late-morning train from Lucerne in First Class. We arrive in Strasbourg in mid-afternoon, and there is chance to explore after we check in to our four-star hotel. With an interesting blend of German and French culture, Strasbourg's architecture ranges from Gothic to modern. Located on an island, the historic Old Town is dominated by the spectacular 13th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, while Place Kléber is the city's main square lined on one side by the imposing l'Aubette. La Petite France is one of Strasbourg's most popular districts. In the evening, we gather for a three-course dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9rail

    Homeward bound

    Leaving Strasbourg after breakfast on a morning train bound for Paris, we pass the vineyards of the Champagne region before arriving in the French capital. Changing to Plus class on the Eurostar, we enjoy a light meal as we travel back to the UK, arriving at London St Pancras early this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar light meal

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 8 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus class travel
  • First Class rail travel where available
  • All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals
  • Breakfast each day
  • 1 lunch
  • 7 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • Swiss Half Fare Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys
  • Daily return ticket on the Pilatusbahn from Pilatus Kulm hotel to Alpnachstad
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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