Traditional Glacier Express in Winter

Your seasonal vacation in Switzerland begins today as your plane touches down in Zürich. Upon arrival, join the local train on its route to Chur - a journey that takes less than two hours yet provides a great introduction to Switzerland's breathtaking scenery. As the train climbs higher into the snow-capped mountains and past frosted lakes toward its destination, you can begin to imagine the possibilities to come in this winter wonderland.

   On arrival, make your own way to our hotel in Chur's delightful Old Town. The 16th-century building reflects traditional Swiss architecture, and the family-run hotel offers warm hospitality during our three-night stay. Take some time to get settled in and acquainted with your surroundings, and then this evening, meet the Tour Manager and your travel group ahead of our first three-course dinner together. Overnight Chur.

• Dinner

 Your day is free to explore historic Chur and the surrounding region. With more than 5,000 years of history, Chur is Switzerland's oldest town. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town to visit the 12th-century cathedral, which is built with a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.      

Today also provides a chance for you to discover the area by mountain railway using your included Swiss Card for 50% fares. The wild, wintry and rugged landscapes of the glorious Graubünden region are waiting to be discovered. Superb railway journeys are available from Chur to take you across the dramatic valleys that make this one of the most attractive parts of Switzerland. A journey on the Arosa Line to lakeside Arosa, surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks, is a popular option. Alternatively, you could head to the nearby mountain resorts of Davos, Klosters or even St Moritz to soak up the atmosphere.        

Dining independently tonight, you could look for local specialties, including hearty pizzoccheri and röstis, or traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue and raclette. Overnight Chur.

• Breakfast

 Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, the Bernina Express is a highlight of any trip to the Swiss Alps.     

After breakfast this morning, we board this remarkable train at Chur station for a spellbinding journey. This 100-year-old route twists and spirals its way south through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and looping its way through tunnels as it climbs the UNESCO-listed Albula Line. As we reach the summit at Ospizio Bernina, we can admire views of snow-blanketed lakes and alpine peaks. After pausing to view the captivating Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm, we wind down to Poschiavo. There is free time to explore this valley town in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Pastel-colored buildings line the pretty squares, and appealing eateries provide many options for lunch on your own.        

An encore presentation of the striking scenery awaits as we make the return journey to Chur, where we have a three-course dinner tonight. Overnight Chur.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 We leave Chur after breakfast, enjoying an unforgettable trip on the iconic Glacier Express - the "slowest express train in the world."     

Our journey is accompanied by views for which Switzerland is rightly famous: snow-covered pastures, wintry forests rising up the hillsides, and towering, sugar-frosted peaks. We travel along the beautiful Rhine Valley, climbing steadily and steeply as we make our way up and over the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route. The descent is lined by sleepy villages nestled in the foothills of the surrounding mountains before we enter the Furka Base Tunnel and the Rhône Valley. On the final part of our journey, we pass expansive vineyards draped across surrounding hillsides as we approach the small town of Brig. From Brig, we travel the short distance to Täsch via a stunning rail route that climbs through the beautiful Matter Valley.   

The gateway to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Täsch is a peaceful village surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. We check into our hotel and enjoy a three-course dinner together in the on-site restaurant this evening. Overnight Täsch.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 The charming mountain town of Zermatt is our destination after breakfast this morning. Traveling by rail, we enjoy views of snow-covered meadows and rugged mountains of the dramatic Matter Valley en route.   

Zermatt is nestled below the snowy pyramidal peak of the Matterhorn, and as we arrive, we first experience its traditions at a local bakery. Heading to Bäckerei Fuchs, we sit down to a tasting of the shop's specialties, from breads to chocolates, and enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.    

  Following our visit, you're free to explore the car-free resort. You might like to peruse the Matterhorn Museum or get a closer look at the iconic peak while riding the Gornergrat Mountain Railway.      

We reconvene at Gornergrat Station later this afternoon for an expert-led tour of Zermatt, which unveils its surprising sites and stories, including the story of English mountaineer Edward Whymper, before enjoying the rest of the day at leisure. You are free to return to Täsch independently, though Zermatt has many inviting restaurants for dinner this evening. Overnight Täsch.

• Breakfast

 From our picture-perfect base in Täsch, you have many ways to spend a day at leisure today. 

With the complimentary Swiss Travel Card, you can enjoy 50% discounts on train journeys from Täsch station. Within easy reach is the town of Brig, with a pretty Old Town and the Baroque Stockalper Palace. Brig's rail connections allow you to travel further afield, perhaps visiting Spiez and its fairytale castle on beautiful Lake Thun, made all the more stunning by winter's embrace. 

  Alternatively, journey along the Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva, where you could explore the Swiss Riviera towns of Montreux or Vevey. Montreux is a cultural town, with many actors and musicians having chosen to live nearby along the shore of Lake Geneva. Two of its most famous residents were Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury - and there is a statue of the Queen frontman on the shoreline walk.   

Wherever you choose to explore, on returning to the hotel this evening, we gather for our final dinner as a group. Overnight Täsch.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Snow-covered mountain peaks, fairytale towns, warm hospitality and iconic trains venturing through stunning scenery: Switzerland puts on an incredible show in winter. From the charming towns of Chur and Täsch, we experienced spellbinding landscapes during two of the world's greatest rail journeys. Whether marveling at glaciers on a trip across the Alps aboard the Bernina Express or relishing a front-row seat to uninterrupted views of snow-bound meadows on the Glacier Express, this winter vacation has showcased Switzerland's natural beauty.     

After breakfast this morning, your journey comes to a close. Walk from our hotel to Täsch's station, where you will settle in for your independent rail transfer to Zürich's airport. On arrival, you are free to continue your onward travels home.

• Breakfast