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 First Class Mountaintops of Switzerland

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9 days From $5,395 $4,895 per person
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 Stay in some of Switzerland’s most spectacular four-star hotels while enjoying remarkable experiences and First Class journeys on the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express

Travel among a group of like-minded travelers led by a professional tour manager
Save up to $500

Early Booking Offer: Save up to $500 per person on 2026 Escorted Europe Vacations. Ends May 16th.

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Mobility Rating 3

2026 Tour code: MTS26

About the tour

 Enjoy having your head in the clouds as we stay in a selection of Switzerland's best four-star mountaintop hotels, all with sweeping views of mountains and lakes.    

The Grandhotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz is only accessible via boat and funicular railway, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by Europe's steepest cogwheel railway.     

We also experience the country's most magnificent rail journeys as we board the iconic Glacier Express, the awe-inspiring Bernina Express across the Alps to Italy, and the charming Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. 

Unforgettable Experiences

Stay at the Pilatus Kulm mountaintop hotel
Stay at the Pilatus Kulm mountaintop hotel
 Witness the sunset and sunrise from Pilatus Kulm, a historic hotel accessible by cogwheel railway and nestled between two peaks nearly 7,000 feet above sea level with stunning panoramic views. 
Enjoy exquisite views from the historic Grandhotel Giessbach
Enjoy exquisite views from the historic Grandhotel Giessbach
 Overlooking turquoise Lake Brienz, our Belle Époque hotel at the top of its own funicular offers tranquility in beautiful surroundings, with a mountain forest and an impressive waterfall in addition to the lake views.
Experience the Glacier Express in First Class with lunch
Experience the Glacier Express in First Class with lunch
 Embark on one of the world’s greatest rail experiences on a First Class journey from Brig to the Engadine Valley with a two-course lunch served in our panoramic carriages as we pass awe-inspiring peaks and deep valleys. 
Journey across the Alps to Italy on the Bernina Express in First Class
Journey across the Alps to Italy on the Bernina Express in First Class
 Travel on the Bernina Express from St. Moritz to the Italian town of Tirano, passing the spellbinding Palü Glacier and spiraling around the corkscrew Brusio Viaduct en route to Italy. 
Ride the steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway
Ride the steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway
 Glide over the lake from your hilltop hotel to ride this nostalgic steam-hauled mountain railway, witnessing beautiful views of Lake Brienz and a panorama of impressive peaks. 
Explore the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne
Explore the picturesque lakeside city of Lucerne
 On the shore of an expansive lake, the “City of Lights” contains two covered wooden bridges, including Kapellbrücke, the oldest in Europe, while its Old Town brims with frescoed buildings.  

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 -  London to Basel: Straight to Switzerland 

 Your memorable Swiss vacation begins today at London St. Pancras as we board our Eurostar Plus carriages. Enjoying a light meal at our seats, we make our way to Paris, where we board our train to Basel, following the quickest route to Switzerland.    

This First Class journey transports us through Jura and Alsace before arriving in the Rhine-side city of Basel. Our hotel here is located near the station, and after checking in, we have some time to explore this typically Swiss city. Basel's redbrick, twin-spired Gothic cathedral is believed to have 9th-century origins and sits in a charming square. Its Old Town is brimming with character-filled buildings that are a joy to discover.

  This evening, we gather at our hotel and enjoy our first dinner together as a group. Overnight Basel.

Includes
  •  Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
Day 2 -  A lake cruise to our spectacular Giessbach hotel 

 Waking in Switzerland, we take a short walk to the train station after breakfast for our rail journey to Interlaken. From here, we board a boat to cruise across Lake Brienz.  

  Sailing through the heart of scenic Switzerland, the turquoise tones of the glacial waters contrast with the green mountain slopes. During the cruise, we can spot picture-book villages dotting the shores of the lake. As we disembark, the Giessbach funicular railway is ready to transport us to our hillside hotel, the stunning Grandhotel Giessbach.    

On arrival, we enjoy a welcome drink and can begin to discover the history and charm of this ideally located Belle Époque hotel. From its secluded setting, the hotel offers views across the lake and onto the nearby Giessbach waterfall. We enjoy a three-course dinner at the hotel in the evening. Overnight Giessbach.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 -  A steam-hauled heritage railway up the Rothorn Mountain 

 After breakfast, we set sail from our hotel to the town that gives Lake Brienz its name. Here, we board the charming steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway*.  

  This line traverses steep mountain trails and verdant alpine meadows - all while providing views of Lake Brienz below. A true heritage rail experience, the small steam engine chugs its way up this dramatic route to its destination at an altitude of more than 7,000 feet. On a clear day, the scenery is spectacular, as we are only a few miles from the lakeshore. Viewing Lake Brienz from a different perspective brings out the remarkable color, and you may also be able to make out Grandhotel Giessbach.    

Returning to Brienz, we have time to explore this pretty Swiss town with its traditional wooden chalets, most notably, the geranium-decorated buildings on cobbled Brunngasse. There is time to relax or explore before reuniting for a three-course dinner in the hotel restaurant with views across Lake Brienz. Overnight Giessbach.

  *Please note: on April departures, we will enjoy an excursion to Harder Kulm with tea, coffee and cake at the summit. On May departures, the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway will only travel as far as Planalp. 

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 -  Experiencing the iconic Glacier Express in First Class  

 Today is a highlight of our Swiss vacation. Taking the train to Brig, we board the incredible Glacier Express to the Engadine Valley. The "slowest express train in the world" traverses incredible mountain passes with views of picturesque villages and valleys.    

Our panoramic First Class carriages provide front-row seats to the "Swiss Grand Canyon" as the Rhine winds past limestone cliffs. Enjoying a two-course lunch at our seats, we enjoy a constant showcase of breathtaking scenery. After Thusis, we join the UNESCO-listed Albula Line as it clings to mountain edges, zigzagging and spiraling around mountains and over bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct, before arriving in the impressive Engadine Valley.    

This part of the Graubünden canton epitomizes the beauty of alpine Switzerland with lush meadows on the valley floor surrounded on all sides by imposing mountains. Even in summer, many of the peaks are dusted with snow. This evening is free to explore our new base and dine independently. Overnight Engadine Valley.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 - The Bernina Express: Crossing the Alps in elegance 

 Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, the Bernina Express follows an incredible course across the Alps to Italy. From our First Class panoramic carriages, the exceptional alpine scenery continuously impresses.  

We wind up to Ospizio Bernina, reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco, and then cross the Bernina Pass. Pausing to admire jaw-dropping views of the Palü Glacier, the UNESCO-listed route then winds down the mountains, spiraling through the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio before arriving in the Italian valley town of Tirano.   

Crossing the Adda River and entering the Old Town through the Porta Poschiavina, we are greeted by scenes of rustic cobbled streets and stout palazzos. With free time to explore, you could wander the narrow streets, uncovering the Collegiate Church of St. Martin or the preserved 16th-century Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Tirano. You might also like to grab lunch at sidewalk café in this charming destination.  

We return to Switzerland in First Class on a local train in the afternoon before enjoying a three-course dinner at our hotel. Overnight Engadine Valley.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 -  Lake views on the journey to our mountaintop hotel 

 This morning, we travel by First Class rail to Chur, continuing from here to Lucerne. The fourth most populus city in Switzerland, Lucerne is draped across an inlet of the expansive Lake Lucerne.  

  We have time to wander the picturesque Old Town independently. One of the most striking landmarks is the 14th-century Kapellbrücke - the oldest wooden bridge in Europe constructed to help protect the city from attacks.    

Our hotel for the next two nights, Pilatus Kulm, is reached by way of the steepest cogwheel railway in Europe. Reaching a gradient of 48%, the half-hour ascent from Lucerne takes us past alpine meadows and rocky outcrops to a land above the clouds. With such a jaw-dropping location nestled between two peaks, Pilatus Kulm provides stunning views and unforgettable sunrises and sunsets (weather permitting). We arrive in good time for the latter and then enjoy a three-course dinner in the restaurant. Afterward, perhaps step outside to view the display of stars if the night sky is clear. Overnight Pilatus Kulm.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 -  Sunrise over the “City of Lights”

 If you wake in time, you could witness a sunrise that gradually illuminates the mountainous surroundings. While today is spent exploring independently, you might not want to leave this heavenly location. However, with a complimentary return ticket on the Pilatusbahn, you could explore Lucerne or beyond. According to local legend, Lucerne was founded after an angel beamed a light onto the spot where a chapel should be built. The "City of Lights" has a charming old town of cobbled streets, ornate churches and frescoed historic houses.    

Alternatively, you may want to explore further afield. With your Swiss Travel Card, you receive a 50% discount on rail, boat and most mountain railways, so you could hop on a boat for a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. The Rigi Mountain Railway, Europe's first mountain railway, has been departing from here since 1871 and offers beautiful views of Mount Pilatus.      

Returning to the hotel via the Pilatusbahn, there is another opportunity to delight in the sunset as we indulge in a three-course dinner. Overnight Pilatus Kulm.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 -  From Lucerne to the Alsace city of Strasbourg 

 After breakfast, we descend the mountain by funicular railway, ready to catch a late-morning train from Lucerne in First Class. We arrive in Strasbourg in mid-afternoon, and there is a chance to explore after we check into our four-star hotel. With an interesting blend of German and French culture, Strasbourg's architecture ranges from Gothic to modern.   

Located on an island, the historic Old Town is dominated by the spectacular 13th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, while Place Kléber is the city's main square lined on one side by the imposing l'Aubette. This 18th-century building was redecorated in the 1920s by three avant-garde artists and has since been known as the "Sistine Chapel of abstract art."   

La Petite France is one of Strasbourg's most popular districts. In the Middle Ages, it was home to the city's millers, tanners and fishermen, but today, it draws tourists with its colorful half-timbered buildings and bridges crisscrossing peaceful canals.

We gather for our final dinner at a local restaurant in the evening. Overnight Strasbourg.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Tour conclusion

 Switzerland's spectacular mountains and lakes have been uncovered on some of the world's most famous train journeys, while our incredible hotels have elevated the experiences by providing exquisite views. Sailing across Lake Brienz to the Grandhotel Giessbach, we admired stunning vistas from our idyllic vantage point before enjoying a trip on the charming Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. First Class journeys on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express showcased the jaw-dropping scenery of this astonishing country, while the panoramas from our Pilatus Kulm hotel were truly breathtaking. 

  Leaving Strasbourg after breakfast on a morning train bound for Paris, we pass the vineyards of the Champagne region before arriving in the French capital. Changing to Eurostar Plus, we enjoy a light meal as we travel back to London St. Pancras, arriving early this evening. You are free from this point to continue your onward journey home.

Includes
  •  Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

Additional information

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

 Grandhotel Giessbach, Giessbach 

 Grandhotel Giessbach, Giessbach 

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 Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, Mount Pilatus 

 Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, Mount Pilatus 

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Hotel Schweizerhof, St Moritz

Hotel Schweizerhof, St Moritz

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Hotel Bernina 1865, Samedan

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Trains

Bernina Express
Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway
The Glacier Express

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Upgrades to rooms with views of the waterfall at Grandhotel Giessbach are available.
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