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Discover the Swiss Alps on the acclaimed Bernina Express and Glacier Express on this magical winter holiday in Switzerland. At this time of year, the dramatic landscape sparkles with fresh snow, creating picture-perfect winter scenes.
Stay in four-star hotels in Brig and Chur, traditional Swiss towns surrounded by snow-capped peaks, alpine valleys and sparkling lakes. Soak up the seasonal atmosphere in the famed mountain resort of Grindelwald, and visit the colourful, Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo.
From the valley town of Zermatt, marvel at the towering Matterhorn, a national symbol and the inspiration for the design of Toblerone.
What’s included
Meeting the Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras, your winter holiday begins by boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Travelling in Plus class, we enjoy a light meal at our seats and dash through the French countryside.
On arrival in Paris, we board the high-speed TGV in First Class and travel east to Switzerland. We join the efficient Swiss rail network in Geneva and begin our climb into the mountains. From our windows, we watch as the landscape increases in beauty and altitude. As we approach our destination later this evening, the Swiss Alps surround our route, creating stunning scenes.
On arrival in Brig, we check in to our four-star hotel for a three-night stay and enjoy a three-course meal together.
After breakfast in Brig, we take a local train to Zermatt, a tranquil mountain resort only accessible by foot or train. Zigzagging through the dramatic landscape of the Matter Valley, we pass sugar-coated trees blanketing the rising slopes and huddles of chalets lining the valley floor.
On arrival, you have a free afternoon to explore. Zermatt itself has many beautiful sights, such as the picturesque historic chalets of Hinterdorfstrasse. From Zermatt's location at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, you might take the Gornergrat Mountain Railway up to the immense glacier or hop into a cable car past Schwarzsee for views of the winter wonderland. Alternatively, warm up in a café in view of the iconic peak.
In the evening, we return to Brig for a three-course dinner at our hotel.
Travelling by train to the picturesque mountain village of Grindelwald, you have free time to look around one of Europe's oldest mountain resorts. Due to its spectacular location, visitors began arriving in the late 18th century - and with free time to explore, it's easy to understand its appeal.
Nestled in a beautiful valley, Grindelwald is surrounded by some of Switzerland's most famous mountains. You could continue to the summit of Grindelwald-First mountain by cable car to marvel at a skyline of incredible peaks, including the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger. Alternatively, stroll through the village itself to admire the attractive wooden chalets and town squares combining the old comforts of classic alpine architecture with contemporary winter sports facilities.
Afterwards, we continue to Interlaken to cruise across glimmering Lake Thun, the emerald waters surrounded by enchanting snow-capped peaks. On the cruise, look out for the fairytale Spiez Castle, which juts out into the lake. From Thun, we return to Brig by train for our final dinner together as a group.
Today, one of Europe's most iconic train journeys awaits. After breakfast in our hotel, we board the incredible Glacier Express. Our route takes us through the nine-mile Furka Tunnel along the Rhône towards Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland.
Travelling at an average speed of 24mph on the 'slowest express train in the world', we can admire dramatic landscapes from our panoramic carriages while enjoying a two-course lunch at our seats. As we approach Chur, we delve into the Rhine Gorge, where panoramic carriages provide front-row seats to the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' as our train snakes alongside the River Rhine.
We check in to our 360-year-old for a four-night stay, before dinner tonight.
Today begins with a leisurely breakfast before we meet a local guide at the hotel for a short walking tour of Chur's Old Town. On this fascinating tour, we stroll through the colourful town centre towards Martinsplatz, or St Martin's Square. At the heart of the town's oldest district, the square features a beautiful 18th-century stone fountain adorned with signs of the zodiac. Overlooking the historic centre are the 800-year-old cathedral and the terracotta-fronted Bishop's Palace.
After the tour, you're free to take in the lovely sights of Chur independently. You might choose to take the cable car up to the high plateau of Brambüesch, where you can look out at panoramic views of the frosty landscape.
Dining independently in Chur tonight, you could opt for the local speciality of pizzoccheri, a hearty dish of pasta, potato, cabbage and cheese.
Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, a journey on the Bernina Express in panoramic carriages is a highlight of this wintertime holiday. After breakfast in our hotel, we take the short walk to Chur train station and join this amazing train. The UNESCO-listed route twists its way south through the frozen landscape of the Engadine Valley, across the curved Landwasser Viaduct and through tunnels as it climbs the Albula Line.
Reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, we pass Lago Bianco before crossing the Bernina Pass. Pausing to view the sparkling Palü Glacier beside the tracks at Alp Grüm, we then wind down to the Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo.
Pastel-coloured buildings line the streets of this compact alpine town. Hues of pale blue, pink and yellow surround pretty Piazza Comunale, and there are numerous restaurants in which to lunch independently. On the return journey, we stop briefly in St Moritz before arriving back in Chur for dinner.
After a leisurely breakfast, today is yours to explore the scenic region independently.
You could use your Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% discounts on all rail journeys across the country. The scenic Arosa Line, which climbs more than 3,000 feet in less than 17 miles to the beautiful lakeside town of Arosa, is a popular option. Also easily reachable are the stylish mountain resorts of Davos and Klosters, favourites of British royals.
Dining independently tonight, choose from Chur's range of gourmet restaurants and traditional pubs.
After breakfast in Chur, we journey to Strasbourg for an overnight stay in this historic city. On arrival, we check into our four-star hotel in the centre before having a free afternoon to explore Strasbourg's compact but captivating Old Town.
Blending German and French architectural influences, the picturesque heart of the city is dominated by the Gothic cathedral. Dating from the 13th century and featuring a façade of ornately carved portals, the cathedral is topped by an octagonal tower. Wander through grand squares and take in views of the city's charming half-timbered houses and narrow waterways.
In the evening, we take a short walk to a local restaurant to enjoy our final dinner together.
This wintertime journey has featured spectacular snowy scenery, cosy chalets and iconic trains. Having experienced many of the delights of this beautiful country, from the Bernina Express and Glacier Express to the mountain panoramas of Zermatt and Grindelwald, your Swiss holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
Leaving Strasbourg in First Class, the snow-covered mountains line our route as we journey back to Paris. In the French capital, we join the Eurostar service, travelling in Eurostar Plus class for the final leg of the trip home.
On arrival in London St Pancras, your holiday draws to a close and you are free to make your way home.
| 6 December 2026 | From £3,099 |
| 17 January 2027 | From £3,199 |
| 7 February 2027 | From £3,199 |
| 7 March 2027 | From £3,099 |
All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.
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'.
This 4-Star hotel is set within an Art Deco-style building, conveniently located close to Brig's railway station and town centre. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant, cosy brasserie and delightful garden terrace. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
This stunning 4-Star hotel reflects traditional Swiss architecture and has stood for more than 360 years in central Chur, just a short distance from the train station. In a property that perfectly blends rustic heritage and modern convenience, the well-established on-site restaurant specialises is delicious Swiss cuisine and you can access the rooftop terrace for wonderful views across the stunning surrounding countryside. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!
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.
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.