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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Glacier and Bernina Expresses

Swiss alpine rail loop from London on two signature trains

Illustration of Glacier and Bernina Expresses

Tailor Made Rail's 4-day Glacier and Bernina Expresses holiday lets you reach Switzerland from London entirely by train, without flying. Eurostar takes you to Paris, where a TGV carries you through the Alps into Brig, where you overnight. On day 2, you board the Glacier Express, the world's slowest express train, climbing past the Rhône source and over the Oberalp Pass at 2,000 metres, with commentary and an on-board lunch service (payable locally) before arriving in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town, for a 2-night stay. Day 3 is a day trip on the Bernina Express, crossing the engineering marvel of the Landwasser Viaduct and descending into Italy at Tirano for lunch and a wander before returning to Chur. On day 4, you reverse the journey by TGV and Eurostar back to London. This independent holiday suits repeat rail travellers and couples who want to experience two of Switzerland's most celebrated rail journeys without the commitment of a longer tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Lunch on the Glacier Express and lunch in Tirano are not included and are payable locally.
  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar', meaning your final accommodation depends on availability at booking.
  • Single occupancy costs GBP 1,199, GBP 100 more than half the twin/double price, a modest but noticeable supplement.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Brig

    London to Brig

    Eurostar to Paris, connecting with a high-speed TGV to Lausanne, then a Swiss domestic service through dramatic landscape to Brig.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Chur

    Glacier Express to Chur

    Board the Glacier Express, climbing alongside the source of the Rhône to Andermatt and over the Oberalp Pass (2,000m+), following the Rhine into Chur. Commentary provided; lunch served on board (payable locally). 2-night stay in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Chur

    Bernina Express day trip

    A scenic day trip on the Bernina Express towards St Moritz, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct, into Italy at Tirano for a wander and lunch, then back to Chur.

  4. Day 4rail

    Chur to London

    Journey back to Basel, a return TGV to Paris, then rapid metro to the Gare du Nord and the Eurostar back to London.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Glacier Express climbs alongside the Rhône source to Andermatt and over the Oberalp Pass at 2,000 metres, with commentary provided and lunch served on board.
  • Day 3The Bernina Express crosses the Landwasser Viaduct, then descends into Italy at Tirano for a wander and lunch before returning to Chur.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 3 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
  • A Seat61 Recommended Holiday

Not included

  • Lunch on board the Glacier Express (payable locally)
  • Lunch in Tirano

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes Eurostar, TGV connections, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Express in standard class, plus all required seat reservations.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
This is an independent rail holiday. You travel with easy-to-follow documentation; there is no guide accompanying the group.
What is included in the price?
The price covers all rail journeys in standard class, 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast, seat reservations, travel documentation, email ticket despatch, and proactive rerouting if strikes or disruptions occur.
Which trains do I ride?
Eurostar London to Paris, TGV to Lausanne and then to Brig, the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur, and the Bernina Express from Chur towards St Moritz and Tirano as a day trip.
What is not included?
Lunch on board the Glacier Express and lunch in Tirano are not included and are payable locally.
How does the trip avoid flying?
The entire journey from London uses surface transport: Eurostar to Paris, then TGV trains through France and Switzerland.

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