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Wexas Travel · Tailor-made rail holiday

Swiss Alps by Rail: Best of Winter

Ten-day Swiss Alps rail loop from Zurich through five named trains

Illustration of Swiss Alps by Rail: Best of Winter

Wexas Travel operates this 10-day, 9-night tailor-made rail holiday centred on Switzerland's winter Alpine peaks and valleys. The journey begins in Zurich, moves west to Lucerne and Interlaken, then through the Upper Valais to Brig and Zermatt, and finishes in the Chur region before returning to Zurich. Most days feature a named mountain or scenic train; highlights include the journey to Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres with stops inside the North Wall at Eigerwand and Eismeer stations, a day excursion to Zermatt and the Gornergrat cog railway with views of the Matterhorn, the Glacier Express from Brig to Chur with a 3-course lunch, and the Bernina Express to Poschiavo past the Morteratsch Glacier and Palu Glacier. Accommodation is bed and breakfast in Superior hotels in five cities. The pace is relaxed, with two-night stays in most locations, and all train journeys are in First Class where the trains offer it. This package suits repeat rail travellers, photographers seeking alpine vistas and glacial scenery, and couples looking for a structured yet flexible winter escape into the heart of the Swiss Alps.

What to know before you look closer

  • Several hotels are listed as 'or similar', meaning your final accommodation may differ from those named; confirm with Wexas Travel before booking.
  • The from-price (GBP 2,710) covers the package and flights but the Swiss Railways Half Fare Card and all named train tickets must be redeemed during the trip; check with the operator whether rail is pre-paid or purchased on arrival.
  • Day 1 includes an optional private guided sightseeing tour with a private guide and driver in Zurich, which is not included in the base price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Marktgasse Hotel, Zurich (Superior)

    UK to Zurich

    After complimentary airport lounge access, fly to Zurich and transfer to the Marktgasse Hotel, a 15th century building in the old town near the river Limmat, Lake Zurich and the main train station. Spend the rest of the day admiring the views, or take an optional sightseeing tour with a private guide and driver.

  2. Day 2overnight: Hotel Continental Park, Lucerne or similar (Superior)

    Zurich to Lucerne

    Travel from Zurich to Lucerne. The romantic old town is perfect for a late afternoon stroll, with the Chapel Bridge and charming shops and restaurants along the lakeside.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Hotel Stella, Interlaken or similar (Superior)

    Lucerne to Interlaken

    Board the Lucerne-Interlaken Express and enjoy the winter landscapes. Interlaken sits in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, gateway to the Jungfrau region with the peaks Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, nestled between the lakes of Thun and Brienz.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Hotel Stella, Interlaken or similar (Superior)

    Interlaken to Jungfraujoch to Interlaken

    The journey to the Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres - Europe's highest altitude railway station - with panorama windows at the 'Eigerwand' and 'Eismeer' stations inside the North Wall, and the observatory platform above the Aletsch Glacier, plus the 'Alpine Sensation' subway connecting the Ice Paradise with the Sphinx Hall.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Hotel Ambassador, Brig or similar (Superior)

    Interlaken to Brig

    Transfer by rail to Brig in the Upper Valais at the foot of the Simplon Pass, with a lively old quarter of stately homes and cozy inns, and the nearby Stockalper Palace.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Hotel Ambassador, Brig or similar (Superior)

    Brig to Zermatt & Gornergrat to Brig

    A full day excursion to Zermatt, home to the Matterhorn, with a mountain excursion on the Gornergrat cogwheel train to an altitude of 3089m for views dominated by the Matterhorn, with stops for hiking and walking trails.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Hotel Stern, Chur or similar (Superior)

    Brig to Chur - Glacier Express

    The Glacier Express route between Brig and Chur, eastwards into the Upper Rhone valley, past Andermatt and over the Oberalp Pass at 2034m (the highest point), descending along the Rhine valley through the dramatic Rhine gorge between Ilanz and Reichenau to Chur at 595m (the lowest point).

  8. Day 8railovernight: Hotel Stern, Chur or similar (Superior)

    Chur to Poschiavo to Chur - Bernina Express

    Board the Bernina Express past the Morteratsch Glacier and up the Bernina Pass, past Lago Bianco (snow-covered) to the highest point of 2253m at Ospizio Bernina, descending via Alp Grum with views of the Palu Glacier, finishing in Poschiavo. Return directly by regional train to Chur, or stop in St. Moritz for a few hours.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Marktgasse Hotel, Zurich (Superior)

    Chur to Zurich

    A free morning, then board your train on the scenic route past three lakes, spending your final night in Zurich.

  10. Day 10

    Zurich to UK

    Make your way to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Ascend to Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres, Europe's highest railway station, via panorama windows at Eigerwand and Eismeer stations inside the North Wall, then visit the observatory platform above the Aletsch Glacier.
  • Day 6Day excursion to Zermatt with the Gornergrat cogwheel train to 3,089 metres for views of the Matterhorn, with stops for hiking and walking trails.
  • Day 7The Glacier Express travels from Brig to Chur, ascending the Oberalp Pass at 2,034 metres, then descending through the dramatic Rhine gorge in a First Class seat with a 3-course lunch included.
  • Day 8The Bernina Express climbs past the Morteratsch Glacier and over the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres to Poschiavo, descending past Alp Grum with views of the Palu Glacier.

Included

  • Complimentary UK airport departure lounge access
  • Return flights to Zurich
  • 2 nights accommodation in Zurich on a BB basis
  • Swiss Railways Half Fare Card
  • Zurich to Lucerne train ticket
  • 1 night accommodation in Lucerne on a BB basis
  • Lucerne to Interlaken train ticket in First Class
  • Train ticket to Jungfraujoch
  • 2 nights accommodation in Interlaken on a BB basis
  • Excursion to Zermatt including Gornergrat cog wheeled railway
  • 2 nights accommodation in Brig on a BB basis
  • Seat reservations on the Glacier Express in First Class with 3-course lunch (Brig to Chur)
  • Seat reservations on the Bernina Express in First Class (Chur to Poschiavo) and return to Chur in standard rail
  • 2 nights accommodation in Chur on a BB basis
  • Rail journey from Chur to Zurich in 1st Class

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The package includes the Swiss Railways Half Fare Card and tickets for the Zurich-Lucerne, Lucerne-Interlaken Express (First Class), Jungfraujoch return, Glacier Express Brig-Chur (First Class with 3-course lunch), Bernina Express Chur-Poschiavo (First Class) and return to Chur in standard rail, plus the Chur-Zurich train in First Class. The Gornergrat cogwheel train is included as part of the Zermatt excursion.
Is this an escorted tour or independent?
Wexas Travel describes this as a tailor-made rail holiday. The itinerary is pre-planned and accommodation is arranged, but there is no mention of a travelling guide. An optional private guided sightseeing tour is available in Zurich for an extra cost.
What are the hotels?
The itinerary includes the Marktgasse Hotel in Zurich (2 nights), Hotel Continental Park or similar in Lucerne (1 night), Hotel Stella or similar in Interlaken (2 nights), Hotel Ambassador or similar in Brig (2 nights), and Hotel Stern or similar in Chur (2 nights). All rooms are Superior and include breakfast.
How much walking is involved?
Days involve mountain travel by cogwheel and mountain railways to high altitudes (Jungfraujoch at 3,454 metres, Gornergrat at 3,089 metres), with optional hiking and walking trails near Zermatt. Late afternoon strolls are mentioned in Lucerne and Zurich.
What is not included?
The package does not include lunch and dinners (except the 3-course lunch on the Glacier Express), activities beyond those named, or the optional private guided sightseeing tour in Zurich.
When does this trip run?
The evidence does not specify departure dates or seasons; contact Wexas Travel to check availability.

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