The Glacier Express
Ride “the slowest express train in the world”
Witness breathtaking Alpine scenery from panoramic train windows
Spend a day in Zermatt, home to the magnificent Matterhorn
Relax in thermal baths in Brig
Explore mediaeval Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city
Ride the Bernina and Glacier Express
Explore the Swiss Alps and its lakes
Enjoy the comfort of European train travel
Marvel at the Matterhorn peak towering over Zermatt
Itinerary
Start your adventure in Zurich, a city that perfectly marries its mediaeval roots with a vibrant cultural scene. After settling into your accommodation, take an evening stroll along the Limmat River, exploring the quaint streets of Old Town, and perhaps enjoying Swiss specialties at a local eatery.
Overnight in Zurich
Journey from Zurich to Chur aboard a comfortable train, enjoying the shift in landscape from urban sprawl to the captivating vistas of the Graubünden region. In Chur, explore the cobbled streets and historic buildings, and consider a visit to the Rhaetian Railway Museum to deepen your appreciation of the upcoming rail adventures.
Overnight in Chur
Today, you’ll get to experience the dramatic alpine landscapes aboard the Bernina Express. This panoramic train will take you over soaring bridges and through loops encircling the pristine glaciers and towering peaks of the Alps. You can choose to spend the afternoon in Poschiavo or return to Chur for dinner.
Overnight in Chur
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the historic town of Chur and its picturesque surroundings. From Chur, several railway routes can take you to the nearby peaks and valleys, or you can head on a panoramic hike such as the Dreibündenstein Panoramaweg. If you wish to stay within the city limits, you may want to visit the Chur Cathedral or take a stroll through Arcas Square.
Overnight in Chur
The highlight of your journey is here – the world-renowned Glacier Express to Brig! Widely known for its slow travel allowing ample time to absorb the breathtaking scenery of deep gorges and towering viaducts, it is also named the “slowest express in the world”. The entire ride takes up to 8 hours and crosses over 200 bridges! However, our segment to Brig is approximately 4 hours long. As you disembark in Brig, you can settle in and visit the local thermal baths for relaxation after the journey.
Overnight in Brig
From Brig, take a short train ride to Zermatt, the gateway to the mighty Matterhorn. Explore this picturesque mountain village, opt for a cable car ride to Klein Matterhorn for close-up views of the peak, or enjoy a leisurely day wandering through the charming streets. Return to Brig in the evening and enjoy one last dinner.
Overnight in Brig
After breakfast, say goodbye to the embrace of the Swiss Alps and board a fast train to Zurich, from where you will return home richer in memories and unforgettable experiences.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Not enough? Why not spend a few more days here! Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing, and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
Want to make some changes?
Self guided
Included in price
Description
The Glacier Express first chugged its way across the Swiss Alps in 1930, connecting the mountain resorts of Zermatt and St. Moritz. Dubbed the “world’s slowest express train,” its route was engineered to awe, offering unrivalled views of Switzerland’s most pristine landscapes through panoramic, ceiling-high windows.
Begin your journey in Zurich, where the blend of mediaeval architecture and vibrant street life provides a perfect introduction to Swiss culture and as the train meanders to Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, you’ll be captivated by the historical treasures and the warm welcome of its cobblestone streets. A visit to the Rhaetian Railway Museum will add a layer of depth to the upcoming rail adventures, enriching your understanding of the region’s rail legacy.
To ensure your adventure is truly memorable and hassle-free, we take care of all travel logistics, ensuring seamless transitions between cities and handpicked accommodations. With our 24/7 support, you’re free to immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the region without a worry.
Book your tour today to discover why this journey is a cornerstone of Swiss heritage!
Start planning today!
Things to know
On our tours, we want to adjust to your needs as much as possible. That’s why we use a few different accommodations with the same quality. The place of your stay depends on your preferences, budget and availability, especially if we travel during peak season. But don’t worry, we will inform you in advance of all the details!
Your accommodations mostly include breakfast. For other meals, we are aware that everyone has different preferences, which is why we have decided to give you a free hand in choosing restaurants so everyone can eat what they want. We can recommend some places to you, and if you would like to eat at a particular restaurant or try local delicacies, we can make a reservation for you – just let us know. One thing is for sure – you will not go hungry!
Our train tours include local, regional, long-distance and sleeper trains, depending on the tour. We firmly stand behind environmentally friendly travel and authentic experiences, and train travel on established routes is the perfect combination of both. Some of our tours might include special experiences, such as riding aboard a steam train where that is possible.
We strongly encourage you to arrive at the train stations at least 15-30 minutes before your departure time to avoid any potential mishaps. Some of the train tickets may be flexible, meaning the departure time is not tied to the ticket and you can hop on another train, however, that is not always possible.
Self-guided
HASSLE-FREE
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
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