Classic Glacier Express

Staggering peaks and shimmering lakes provide the backdrop for this incredible rail adventure through the Swiss Alps, which includes visits to the enchanting towns of St Moritz, Chur and Zermatt.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive London

On arrival in London, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.  

Day 2: London, Paris, Strasbourg

Depart St Pancras International railway station by Eurostar for Paris, then change trains and continue on your journey by rail to the French city of Strasbourg. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.  

Day 3: Strasbourg, Basel, Chur

Today you’ll travel to one of the largest cities in Switzerland, Basel, then start the picturesque journey through the Swiss Alps to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town.   

Day 4: Chur, Poschiavo, St Moritz

From Chur, you’ll journey on the Bernina Express. Enjoy wonderful views of the snow-capped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes as you travel to Poschiavo for time at leisure. Wander amid pastel-coloured houses as you explore this picturesque town, part of the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. Continue to the elegant alpine resort town of St. Moritz before returning to Chur in time for dinner at your hotel this evening. 

INSIDER EXPERIENCE — Bernina Express 

Join the historic narrow-gauge Bernina Express for a railway journey on the superb Bernina Line. The ascent takes you through the Albula Tunnel and over the stunning Bernina Pass, crossing by mighty glaciers, rushing mountain streams and flower-filled alpine meadows.

Day 5: Chur

With the entire day at leisure, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Chur and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the cobbled streets of Chur’s charming Old Town, home to a variety of restaurants and shops. Alternatively, you may like to journey through the Graubünden region, home to towering peaks and breathtakingly wild landscapes.  

Day 6: Chur, Glacier Express, Brig

Bid farewell to Chur today and take the Glacier Express to Brig. Your journey takes you through the classic landscapes that have made Switzerland famous. Pass sloping meadows, sprawling vineyards and lush forests as your train crosses the impressive Landwasser Viaduct into the Rhine Valley. A two-course lunch is served at your seat during the journey – the perfect accompaniment to your time on board the slowest express train in the world. The train climbs steeply over the Oberalp Pass and spirals down before arriving into Brig.  

INSIDER EXPERIENCE — Glacier Express 

Take the famous Glacier Express narrow-gauge train to Brig, enjoying incredible views through the panoramic windows of your carriage along the way.  

Day 7: Zermatt

Today will be spent discovering the charming, car-free resort town of Zermatt. Board a train in Brig and head south along the River Rhône to Visp where the steep ascent to Zermatt begins. While here, visit the Air Zermatt Heliport, where you are given a behind-the-scenes look at the role the crew play in rescue operations in this alpine region. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure in Zermatt. This pretty, eco-friendly town is home to timbered buildings and a beautiful English church. You may like to make the ascent up to the summit of the Gornergrat aboard the Gornergrat Mountain Railway. The train climbs to the 3,000-metre-high summit and offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn. Later, return to Brig for dinner at your hotel.

Day 8: Brig

Explore Brig at your own pace. You might like to explore the town’s historic old quarter or use your Swiss Travel Pass to explore further afield

Day 9: Brig, Spiez

Travel to Spiez Castle, in the town of Spiez, overlooking the waters of Lake Thun. A Swiss heritage site dating as far back as the 10th century, this impressive castle and its decorative gardens play host as you wander its halls and enjoy a wine tasting on the terrace. Afterwards, cruise across the lake to Thun, before returning to Brig for a Farewell Dinner.   

Day 10: Brig, London

Today you will journey through France to Paris, where you’ll connect with a Eurostar service and continue to London.   

Day 11: Depart London

After breakfast this morning, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.