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Classic Glacier Express at Christmas

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A festive journey through the winter landscapes of Switzerland, this rail vacation brings the true meaning of winter wonderland to life.

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager

Mobility Rating 2

2024 Tour code: GEX25

About the tour

Perhaps those who say "there is no place like home for the holidays," have never had the opportunity to spend Christmas surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Swiss Alps. You, on the other hand, enjoy just this while embarking on this 9-day wintertime adventure through Switzerland. Traveling into Switzerland by way of London, our journey begins aboard a high-speed train that takes us to Paris then Strasbourg before arriving in the alpine town of Brig in southern Switzerland. Here, enjoy a leisurely ride through the mountains to the resort town of Zermatt and a full day to explore Brig and the surrounding region at your own pace. Then it is off to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, aboard the country's most famous train. Admire the panoramic views of the snowy mountains and dramatic gorges from your first-class seats on the Glacier Express. It is in Chur that we enjoy the festivities of Christmas, including a train ride to Lucerne - a city that becomes aglow with twinkling lights and Christmas spirit to welcome the holidays - and a delicious five-course dinner on Christmas Eve. Spend Christmas at leisure, soaking in the sights, smells and cheer of the day before embarking on one last grand adventure, a ride aboard the Bernina Express, and heading home. This rail tour offers the best of the holiday season in Switzerland.

Highlights

What’s included

Itinerary

Days 1-2 - Strasbourg and Switzerland

We meet at our Departure Office in St Pancras International, before boarding the Eurostar to Paris, traveling in Standard Premier Class. We change trains and continue to Strasbourg, where we overnight. On Day 2, we enjoy a morning at leisure before traveling to our destination, Brig.

Includes
  • Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, Dinner
  • Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner
Days 3-4 - By mountain railroad to Zermatt

Today, we board a narrow-gauge train, traveling through picturesque vineyards and alongside the River Rhône to Visp. Here, we join the mountain railroad to the charming resort of Zermatt, nestled below the peak of the Matterhorn. On Day 4, we are at leisure. Why not make use of the included Swiss Travel Card, giving you 50% off local rail fares?

Includes
  • Day 3 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 4 - Breakfast
The Glacier Express
Day 5 - First Class on the Glacier Express

We leave Brig today, traveling on the iconic Glacier Express - the 'slowest express train in the world' - in First Class. The panoramic windows allow us to look out over a veritable winter wonderland of towering peaks and spectacular gorges, while enjoying lunch served at our seats. Our journey finishes in Chur.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Days 6-7 - Christmas Eve in Lucerne and Christmas Day

On Christmas Eve, we travel by train to Lucerne, an ancient lakeside city of cobbled streets, squares, and the famous Kapellbrücke bridge. The festive atmosphere here adds an almost magical touch, as you have time to wander the illuminated streets and decorated plazas. In the evening, we begin our celebrations with a five-course dinner that includes wine and carol singing by the Christmas tree. Day 7, Christmas Day, is at leisure ahead of a Festive dinner at the hotel.

Includes
  • Day 6 - Breakfast, Dinner
  • Day 7 - Breakfast, Dinner
Lucerne
Day 8 - The Bernina Express

Today we enjoy a trip on the narrow-gauge Bernina Express, that takes us from Chur to Poschiavo. This stunning railroad truly takes in the best of the Swiss landscapes, from the rolling green meadows and ancient mountains, to the rushing mountains streams and the deep pine forests. Following time in this Italian town, we return to Chur.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
The Bernina Express
Day 9 - Homeward Bound

Your Swiss rail tour ends this morning with breakfast after which you will return to Zurich Airport by rail. Your Tour Manager will provide your train ticket and hotel departure time details based on your return flight schedule.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Prices are land-only, per person based on double occupancy. Prices are correct at the time of this web page going live; however are subject to confirmation at time of booking. Hotels & Accommodations are subject to change based on availability.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

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 vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hotel Ambassador, Brig

Hotel Ambassador, Brig

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Romantik Hotel Stern, Chur

Romantik Hotel Stern, Chur

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Trains

Bernina Express
Eurostar
The Glacier Express

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Reviews

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CAMPBELL, NANCY BLACK

5 stars

Submitted 03 Jan 2023

Excellent optional trips. Superb food. High quality service at each hotel.

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