Enjoy Switzerland's best rail journeys, uncovering the
beautiful lakes, glaciers and historic towns of the stunning Swiss
Alps
Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a
family-run hotel in the heart of the forested Albula Valley,
including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss
Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on the UNESCO-listed
Bernina Express, before viewing the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' and
incredible alpine scenery from the panoramic carriages of the
iconic Glacier Express.
Visit the popular resort of St Moritz, historic Chur and journey
high into the mountains on the delightful Arosa Line.
Unforgettable Experiences
Riding the incredible Glacier Express
Embark on a stunning journey on one of Europe’s most famous trains, passing awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys in panoramic carriages from Tiefencastel to Brig.
Crossing the Alps to Italy aboard the Bernina Express
Travel on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express from Tiefencastel to Tirano in Italy, admiring the spectacular Palü Glacier and traversing the corkscrew Brusio Viaduct along the way.
Exploring the Albula Line and visiting stylish St Moritz
Experience the historic and UNESCO-listed route as it clings to mountains and travels over the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, winding through breathtaking scenery to the stylish resort of St Moritz.
Journeying to a beautiful lakeside resort on the Arosa Line
From the historic town of Chur, board the train for a captivating journey through dense forests into the mountains to the delightful lakeside village of Arosa, climbing more than 3,000 feet in 16 miles.
Interested in experiencing this tour in winter?
Still deciding? Explore other journeys that might capture your
imagination. From iconic rail adventures to cultural discoveries,
there's something to suit every kind of traveller.
Glacier Express All Inclusive at New Year
See in the New Year while enjoying Switzerland's best rail
journeys, uncovering the beautiful lakes, glaciers and historic
towns of the stunning Swiss Alps.
Enjoy Switzerland's best rail journeys at this enchanting time
of year, uncovering the beautiful lakes, glaciers and historic
towns of the stunning Swiss Alps.
Experience a magical, memorable Christmas on this all-inclusive
festive holiday, based in the heart of the glorious Swiss Alps and
featuring Switzerland's best-loved rail journeys.
Day 1 – London to Strasbourg: From the Thames to the Rhine
Gathering at London St Pancras, we join our fellow travellers
and Tour Manager to board the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. In
the French capital, we walk to neighbouring Gare de l'Est for a
two-hour journey on the high-speed TGV to the Alsace. We pass
through the Champagne region and the historic area of Lorraine on
our way to Strasbourg.
After checking in to our hotel near the station, there is time
to explore this attractive city and its eclectic mix of French and
German architecture. Its historic centre, the Grande Île, is
dominated by its main square, Place Kléber, while the red sandstone
façade of the 13th-century Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral is a marvel
of intricate carving best viewed when bathed in the golden glow of
dusk.
This evening, we take a short stroll from our hotel to a local
restaurant where we enjoy our first dinner together.
Please Note - For departure 19th April, we will travel out
via Mulhouse staying at the Mercure Mulhouse.
Please Note - For departure 16th June, we will travel
out via Mulhouse staying at the Du Parc Mulhouse.
Includes
Dinner
Day 2 – A dramatic journey to your hotel in scenic Switzerland
After breakfast, you have a free morning to explore Strasbourg.
A short walk along the canal from the hotel is La Petite France -
an area of half-timbered houses and picturesque waterways bedecked
with flowers in the warmer months.
After midday, we transfer to Strasbourg's station for the
journey to Switzerland. Travelling to Tiefencastel via Basel and
Chur, the dramatic scenery increases as the gentle slopes guide us
towards the sparkling waters of Lake Zürich. Entering the
Graubünden canton, imposing mountains begin to encircle the track
on the approach to the UNESCO-listed Albula Line.
Arriving in the early evening, we check in for a five-night stay
in the small village of Tiefencastel. Located on the route of the
Glacier Express and Bernina Express, Tiefencastel has an incredible
rail heritage. A warm welcome awaits at our riverside hotel that
has been run by the same family for more than five generations.
Each evening, we have a three-course dinner, while wine, beer and
soft drinks are included during dinner every night.
Includes
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Alpine scenery, upmarket resorts or gentle walks on a free day
Today is a free day to explore our new surroundings at leisure,
with a picnic lunch provided by the hotel. Tiefencastel is a small
village but due to its location there is plenty to discover,
including the wood carvings inside the 14th-century Church of St
Stefan and many nearby woodland walks.
With your Swiss Travel Card providing a 50% discount on rail
fares in the area, you might want to explore further afield.
Travelling on the UNESCO-listed Albula Line across the curved
Landwasser Viaduct to nearby Filisur gives you many options. From
here, you can continue to Bergün, where you can learn about the
importance of trains to the region at the Albula Railway Museum -
found on the small station's platform. Alternatively, you could
travel through the spectacular Zügen Gorge to the upmarket mountain
resorts of Davos and Klosters, loved by the British Royal family.
Between May and October, the historic 'Crocodile' train also runs
between Filisur and Davos.
Returning to Tiefencastel, dinner with selected drinks is
provided tonight as it is each evening.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – A journey on the historic Albula Line to stylish St Moritz
Heading to Tiefencastel station after breakfast, we travel on
the Albula Line to the famous resort of St Moritz. This historic
route snakes across deep ravines and scenic viaducts, past
impressive mountain peaks and evergreen forests before arriving in
vibrant St Moritz. Set amidst the mountains and lakes of the
Engadine Valley and renowned for its grand hotels, glamorous cafés
and stylish shops, free time in St Moritz lends itself to an
abundance of possibilities for you to discover on your own.
Taking a relaxing stroll provides the opportunity to enjoy your
picnic lunch by the serene lake, admiring the backdrop of
incredible mountains. Via Serlas is one of the world's most
glamorous shopping streets and is brimming with upmarket fashion
boutiques for those who fancy indulging in a spot of retail
therapy. Alternatively, pause to sip an apéritif or cocktail in a
bar, or ride the Diavolezza cable car to reveal exquisite views
over the Morteratsch Glacier. Later, we return by train to our
Tiefencastel hotel for dinner and drinks.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Crossing the Alps to Italy on the Bernina Express
Travelling across the Alps to Italy on the UNESCO-listed route
of the Bernina Express is a highlight of our holiday - and we set
off on this fantastic journey after breakfast. One of rail's
best-kept secrets, this spectacular route clings to mountainsides
and passes dramatic waterfalls before climbing up to Lago Bianco
and the summit at Ospizio Bernina, 7,400ft above sea level. From
panoramic carriages, we can marvel at the ethereal Palü Glacier
before twisting round the incredible spiral viaduct at Brusio. When
we reach the delightful Italian town of Tirano, there is free time
to explore at leisure.
Crossing the Adda river and entering the Old Town through the
Porta Poschiavina, you are greeted by rustic cobbled streets and
palazzos. Entering the Collegiate Church of St Martin and the
16th-century Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Tirano, you can
discover intricate interiors decorated with beautiful frescoes and
remarkable statues. Alternatively, indulge in a taste of Italy with
a glass of local wine, before we return to Tiefencastel by local
train in time for dinner and drinks.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Historic Chur and the Arosa Line
We board the train to Chur after breakfast this morning,
continuing on the Arosa Line for an hour-long journey to the
charming lakeside resort of Arosa. Climbing more than 3,000 feet in
16 miles, the train winds its way through unspoilt verdant valleys
and across the historic Langweiser Viaduct before arriving beside
the crystal-clear waters of Obersee. There is free time here to
bask in incredible views of surrounding peaks, savouring your
picnic lunch beside the lake while drinking in the views. Arosa is
a nature-lovers' paradise and, for those who want to see more, you
can venture higher on a cable car.
Before we return to Tiefencastel for dinner and drinks, you have
some time to explore Switzerland's oldest town. Backed by
mountains, picturesque Chur's historic cobblestone centre has
quietly impressed visitors for many years with its colourful
buildings and attractive squares. The focal point of the Old Town
is Martinsplatz, dominated by the tower of St Martin's Church.
Pretty Chur also contains a number of galleries and museums,
including the Rätisches Museum and Cathedral Treasure Museum.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – The incredible Glacier Express and on to Basel
One of Europe's most iconic trains awaits this morning as we
make the short journey to Tiefencastel station to board the Glacier
Express - an epic way to conclude our time in the Swiss Alps.
The 'slowest express train in the world' heads west from Chur
before delving into the Rhine Gorge, dubbed the 'Swiss Grand
Canyon'. With a picnic lunch included and luggage transfer to
tonight's hotel, panoramic carriages allow us to sit back and soak
up the ever-changing views of wildflower meadows and pine forests.
The spectacular route snakes over the Oberalp Pass, beside glacial
lakes and through the nine-mile-long Furka Base Tunnel before
arriving in Brig. Here, we change trains to head north through the
mountains to Basel, passing the emerald Lake Thun and fairytale
Spiez Castle on the way.
Bustling Basel is a dynamic city rooted in history and dominated
by its red sandstone Gothic minster on the banks of the Rhine. Our
hotel tonight is next to the train station and is popular with our
passengers. We check in and enjoy our final dinner together.
Please Note - For departure 3rd May, 14th June and 21st June
we will travel back via Mulhouse staying at the Mercure
Mulhouse.
For departure 1th May we will travel back via
Strasbourg staying at the Ibis Strasbourg Centre Gare.
Please Note - For departures 15th May we will travel back
via Mulhouse staying at the Du Parc Mulhouse.
Includes
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Homeward bound
Making our way to Basel train station after breakfast, we begin
our journey home. Joining the high-speed TGV to Paris, lush fields,
dense forests and perched châteaux flash by the window as we travel
through the heart of historic Burgundy. In the French capital, we
change to the final train of our all-inclusive holiday to the
spectacular Swiss mountains, travelling by Eurostar back to London
St Pancras, where we arrive by early evening.
Enroute, we can look back at the many highlights of our trip to
Switzerland, including the warm hospitality we enjoyed at our
family-run hotel in Tiefencastel. This perfectly placed hotel gave
us easy access to the area's amazing sights and iconic railways.
From the attractive towns of St Moritz, Arosa and Chur to the
stunning views of canyons and snow-dusted peaks on the Glacier
Express and Bernina Express, the Swiss Alps showcased their
breathtaking beauty in majestic fashion.
Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great
price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable,
locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and
expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of
30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available
Departure times
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be
found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices
& Availability' button. We write to all booked customers
approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise
the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
Mobility information
Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.
What’s included on the tour?
Tour Manager
Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
Transportation
Eurostar Standard
Standard Class rail travel
All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
Accommodation
7 nights’ 3-Star hotel accommodation
Luggage
Group luggage transfers between hotels from Tiefencastel to Basel
Excursions & Entertainment
Swiss Travel Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys
All guided tours and excursions
Food & Drink
Breakfast and dinner each day, 5 picnic lunches
Beer, wine and soft drinks each day with dinner in Tiefencastel
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour
The Bernina Express is dubbed the rail experts' best-kept
secret. Connecting northern and southern Europe, the narrow-gauge
railway offers a spectacular means of crossing the Alps. The
breathtaking route runs through the ancient landscape of
Switzerland's beautiful Graubünden region and beside spellbinding
glaciers, providing a stunning connection to Lombardy in northern
Italy.
Undoubtedly Switzerland's best-known train, the Glacier Express
winds its way through some of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful
scenery. Called 'the slowest express train in the world', the
panoramic carriages allow us to soak up the spectacular views as we
traverse incredible mountain passes, picturesque villages and
valleys between the popular alpine resorts of St Moritz and
Zermatt. Enroute, the train clings to the mountainsides on the
Albula Line, zigzags and spirals its way round mountains and over
bridges, and delves into the Rhine Valley - also known as the
'Swiss Grand Canyon'.
Your holiday begins the moment you meet your Tour Manager at St
Pancras International and board the Eurostar train for mainland
Europe. If you wish to get your holiday off to an extra special
start, why not consider upgrading your on-board accommodation from
Standard Class to Plus Class?
As well as all the amenities enjoyed in Standard Class, Plus Class travellers benefit from extra spacious, comfortable seats, complimentary newspapers and magazines and a light snack with drinks served at your seat during the journey. Before 11am, the light snack comprises breakfast pastries, yoghurt, fruit juice and tea or coffee. After 11am there is a choice of 2 main dishes and a dessert, accompanied by soft drinks, wine or beer and tea or coffee.
Prices for an upgrade from £95 each way. Please call us for more details.
Door to door luggage service
Enjoy hassle-free travel to and from Switzerland with our return
door-to-door luggage transfer service for only
£249 per bag.
The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel in Switzerland. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.
If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag. If flying to or from your destination, you will take your own luggage with you on the flight.
London Hotels
Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a
difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the
capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager
the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West
End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your
return to London, you would like to break your journey with an
overnight stay before continuing home.
We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.
UK rail connections
Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business -
there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules
and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international
departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible
ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday
change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.
We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.
For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.
Reviews
4.3 / 5 · 511 reviews
5 stars
(259)
4 stars
(168)
3 stars
(60)
2 stars
(11)
1 star
(13)
Clara Wells
Submitted 24 Oct 2024
Great holiday - amazing scenery, fantastic tour manager, lovely hotel, friendly group and most importantly iconic trains
I wanted a rail trip, and I got one ! An eight day tour and I spent 7 days travelling by train to various destinations, wonderful! The Glacier and Bernina Express were amazing, and destinations like St.Moritz, Chur and Arosa were a joy. This together with a lovely hotel and very good food, made the whole trip great. Not forgetting a great tour manager, which made the tour all the more memorable, Thanks Les!
from Great Rail Journeys
Dear Mr Hills,
Thank you for your 5 star review. That is wonderful to hear!
I will be sure to pass your feedback across to my tour management and all other relevant teams directly.
Kindest regards,
Sarah
Great??
2 comments
Collected by Trustpilot
Bill Sutcliffe
Submitted 19 Oct 2024
Well organised trip, good tour manager with good food.