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Tailor Made Rail · Independent rail holiday

Venice via the Glacier Express

Eight-day independent rail journey from London through Swiss Alps to Venice

Illustration of Venice via the Glacier Express

Venice via the Glacier Express is an eight-day independent rail holiday operated by Tailor Made Rail. The journey begins in London and unfolds across four countries, combining celebrated European train routes with extended time in Venice. Day one takes you via Eurostar and TGV to the Swiss town of Chur. Day two is the centrepiece: the Glacier Express, a panoramic red and white train that crosses 291 bridges and climbs to 6,670 feet through the Swiss Alps. You then descend to Venice, where three full days allow exploration of St Mark's, the Rialto, or the quieter islands of Murano and Burano. The final stretch carries you through the Brenner Pass to Munich, then north to Brussels, before returning to London. Hotels include breakfast and are paired with all standard-class rail fares and reservations. This suits independent travellers seeking a structured yet self-paced experience, repeating rail travellers drawn to flagship European trains, and first-time rail holidaymakers confident with clear documentation.

What to know before you look closer

  • From-price GBP 1,349 applies November to March; April to October departures cost GBP 1,549 or more.
  • Hotels listed as 'or similar', so your exact accommodation may differ by location and tier.
  • Day 8 Eurostar return to London is arranged separately and charged in addition to the package price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Chur

    London to Chur

    Catch the Eurostar and travel under the English Channel and into France. Make an easy change at Paris onto the fast TGV service direct to Basel in Switzerland before changing onto a Swiss domestic train through to Chur, a short walk from the ABC Swiss Quality Hotel (or similar).

  2. Day 2railovernight: Brig

    Chur to Brig aboard the Glacier Express

    Board the distinctive red and white panoramic coaches of the Glacier Express for a journey across the Swiss Alps, passing through dramatic valleys and gorges, crossing 291 bridges, and climbing to the 6,670 foot high Oberalp Pass. Arrive in Brig in the mid-afternoon for an overnight stay at the Ambassador Hotel (or similar), with time to visit Stockalper Castle.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Venice

    Brig to Venice via the Simplon Route

    Take the direct train to Venice, via Milan, Lake Garda and Verona, pulling into Venice Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal. Make your way to the Hotel Ala (or similar) for a 3-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Venice

    Venice

    Enjoy time to wander through the narrow alleys, crossing canals as you go, or discover famous landmarks like St Mark's Cathedral and the Rialto Bridge. Take the elevator to the top of St Mark's Campanile for sweeping panoramic views.

  5. Day 5overnight: Venice

    Venice

    A further full day in Venice, with time to explore sights including the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, or the islands of Murano and Burano.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Munich

    Venice to Munich

    A free morning in Venice before catching a vaporetto along the Grand Canal back to the station for your rail journey to Munich, via Austria and through the scenery of the Brenner Pass. Overnight stay at the Eurostars Book Hotel (or similar).

  7. Day 7railovernight: Brussels

    Munich to Brussels

    Catch a high-speed ICE train through to Cologne where an easy platform change brings you to Brussels Midi. Your hotel, The Dominican (or similar), is a short walk from Brussels Centraal. Spend the evening around the Grand Place.

  8. Day 8rail

    Brussels to London

    A Eurostar back to London St Pancras can be arranged at a time to suit you, likely with at least a morning at leisure in Brussels first.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Board the Glacier Express in its distinctive red and white panoramic coaches, crossing 291 bridges and climbing to the 6,670-foot Oberalp Pass.
  • Day 3Day 3: Arrive at Venice Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal, stepping directly into the city from the water.
  • Day 4Day 4: Explore St Mark's Cathedral, the Rialto Bridge, or climb St Mark's Campanile for panoramic views across Venice.

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • Glacier Express reservations from Chur to Brig
  • 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Tailor Made Rail includes all rail journeys in standard class, seat reservations where required, and specific Glacier Express reservations from Chur to Brig.
Is this tour guided or independent?
This is a self-guided independent holiday. Tailor Made Rail provides easy-to-follow travel documentation and tickets by email, but you travel and explore at your own pace.
Which trains are included?
Eurostar (London to Paris), TGV (Paris to Basel), Glacier Express (Chur to Brig), regional trains to Venice, and ICE (Munich to Cologne) are included. The return Eurostar on day 8 is arranged separately.
What are the hotels?
ABC Swiss Quality Hotel in Chur (1 night), Ambassador Hotel in Brig (1 night), UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia in Venice (3 nights), Eurostars Book Hotel in Munich (1 night), and The Dominican in Brussels (1 night), or similar properties.
How much walking or climbing is involved?
Venice days include walking through narrow alleys and crossing canals. St Mark's Campanile requires climbing stairs to reach the top, though this is optional.
Can I upgrade?
Yes. Optional upgrades include first-class rail for GBP 150 per person, hotel upgrades, and additional nights or destinations.

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