Great Rail Journeys
Classic Lakes & Mountains of France & Switzerland
8 daysfrom $3,738
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Highlights of the Glacier Express in Winter
Experience spectacular views of Switzerland on this twin centre rail holiday. Travel from Chur to Kandersteg and ride the Bernina and Glacier Express.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Strasbourg
London to the Alsace city of Strasbourg
Your wonderful winter journey begins this morning at London St Pancras as you meet the Tour Manager and your travelling group. Boarding the Eurostar, we make our way under the English Channel and into France towards its capital. In Paris, we switch to the high-speed service to Strasbourg. A stunning blend of traditional French and picture-book, half-timbered German architecture greet us as we arrive in this attractive Alsace city this evening. Admire the grand squares and pretty walkways as we walk from the station to our conveniently located hotel for check-in. There is time to freshen up after our day of travel before we head out once more and walk to a local restaurant to enjoy our first dinner together.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Chur
A wintry welcome in alpine Chur
There's a leisurely morning after breakfast to explore Strasbourg. You could wander amongst the cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of La Petite France, a charming UNESCO World Heritage site. In the early afternoon, we board the train to Basel and then continue along the superb Swiss railway network to Chur. On arrival, we check in to our hotel in Chur's delightful Old Town, a 16th-century building reflecting traditional Swiss architecture. After settling in, we enjoy a three-course dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Chur
Exploring Switzerland's oldest town at leisure
Your day is free to explore historic Chur and the surrounding region. With more than 5,000 years of history, Chur is Switzerland's oldest town. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town to visit the 12th-century cathedral. Today is also a superb chance to discover the area by mountain railway using your included Swiss Half Fare Card. Options include the Arosa Line to lakeside Arosa, or mountain resorts of Davos, Klosters or St Moritz. Dining independently tonight.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Chur
Riding the Bernina Express through a mountainous wonderland
After breakfast, we board the Bernina Express at Chur station for a spellbinding journey. This 100-year-old route twists and spirals south through the Engadine Valley, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and looping through tunnels as it climbs the UNESCO-listed Albula Line. At the summit at Ospizio Bernina, admire views of snow-blanketed lakes and alpine peaks. After pausing to view the Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm, we wind down to Poschiavo for free time. An encore of the striking scenery awaits on the return journey to Chur, where we have a three-course dinner tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: Täsch
An incredible experience aboard the Glacier Express
We leave Chur after breakfast, enjoying an unforgettable trip on the iconic Glacier Express - the 'slowest express train in the world'. Our journey features snow-covered pastures, wintry forests, and towering sugar-frosted peaks. We travel along the Rhine Valley, climbing over the Oberalp Pass, then descend through sleepy villages before entering the Furka Base Tunnel and the Rhône Valley. Passing expansive vineyards, we approach Brig, then travel the short distance to Täsch via the beautiful Matter Valley. We check in to our hotel and enjoy a three-course dinner in the on-site restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Täsch
The sights and flavours of Zermatt
After breakfast, we travel by rail to Zermatt, nestled below the Matterhorn. We first visit Bäckerei Fuchs for a tasting of specialities from breads to chocolates with coffee or hot chocolate. You're then free to explore the car-free resort, perhaps visiting the Matterhorn Museum or riding the Gornergrat Mountain Railway. Later, an expert-led tour of Zermatt unveils its surprising connections to the UK, including the story of English mountaineer Edward Whymper. You are free to return to Täsch independently; Zermatt has many inviting restaurants for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7railovernight: Täsch
Free day in Täsch and further afield
From our picture-perfect base in Täsch, you have many ways to spend a day at leisure. With the Swiss Half Fare Card, enjoy 50% discounts on train journeys. Within easy reach is Brig with its pretty Old Town and the Baroque Stockalper Palace. Alternatively, journey along the Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva, exploring Montreux or Vevey on the Swiss Riviera. On returning to the hotel this evening, we gather for our final dinner as a group.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast this morning, we begin the journey home. From Täsch to Brig and on to Lausanne, we enjoy final glimpses of the spectacular scenery. Continuing on to Paris, we board the Eurostar back to London, where your tour comes to a conclusion on arrival this evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
- Standard Class rail travel throughout
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 5 dinners
- Group luggage transfers between hotels from Chur to Täsch
- 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
