Travel on the Classic Glacier Express train (Brig-Chur)

Discuss this classic rail holiday with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182.

Day 1
We travel by Eurostar and TGV to Dijon, where we pass the night at the Mercure Dijon Clémenceau.

Day 2
We travel from Dijon to Switzerland, up the Rhône Valley to the historic town of Brig, at the foot of the Simplon Pass - here we'll enjoy a four-night stay at the Hotel Simplon.

Day 3
Today we take a trip on the narrow-gauge mountain railway to Zermatt, nestled beneath the Matterhorn. You can enjoy a wander through the stunning mountain scenery or make the train journey all the way up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally), at over 10,000 feet (3,048m).

Day 4
Interlaken, between Lakes Thun and Brienz, is our destination for the day - with opportunities to take a lake cruise, a mountain railway ride or travel to Europe's highest railway station, Jungfraujoch (supplement payable locally), at over 11,000 feet (3,353m).

Day 5
Today is free to use your GRJ Swiss Travel Card to explore this beautiful part of Switzerland at leisure: particular recommendations are the lovely lakeside resort of Montreux and the Centovalli Railway journey to Italian-flavoured Locarno on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Day 6
We depart from Brig on the famous Glacier Express, snaking through the mountains to the Oberalp Pass before descending through verdant scenery to the Rhine and on to historic Chur, our base for three nights in the Romantik Hotel Stern, found in the Old Town.

Day 7
Today we take the UNESCO World Heritage listed route of the narrow-gauge Bernina Express to the beautiful Engadine Valley and over the Bernina Pass at more than 7,000 feet (2,134m), whilst enjoying spectacular views en route to Italian-speaking Poschiavo for lunch.

Day 8
Switzerland's oldest town, Chur is a delight to explore, with its historic architecture including an impressive 12th century Gothic-Romanesque cathedral. Alternatively, you could take a train to the mountain resort of Arosa or lakeside Lucerne.

Day 9
We leave Switzerland and travel through the lovely Rhine Gorge to Cologne, with its splendid Gothic cathedral, where we'll spend a final night in a hotel.

Day 10
Return to London St Pancras with a complimentary meal on the Eurostar.

Discuss this classic rail holiday with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182. 

More about the trains

Glacier Express journey between Zermatt, Brig, Chur and St Moritz

The Glacier Express is undoubtedly Switzerland's best known train. The 181 mile (290km) trip from Zermatt to St Moritz lasts around eight hours winding its way through some of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful scenery.

Beginning in Zermatt, a pretty Alpine resort close to the Matterhorn, the Glacier Express glides northwards from under the shadow of the Matterhorn, following the Matter Vispa River and the Rhône Valley to Visp and then heading east to Brig. Then, the train climbs through Betten, Grengiols and Oberwald on its journey to the 9¼ mile (15km) long Furka Base Tunnel emerging towards the village of Andermatt. Afterwards it commences an ascent towards the Oberalp Pass which at 6,670 feet (2,033m) is the highest point on the line, followed by the steep descent towards Disenti. From here we pass the historic town of Ilanz, descending to the stunning Rhine Gorge where we continue on to the attractive cantonal capital of Chur. We then head south along the valley of the Hinterrhein, where the train ascends to Thusis, and continues through green forests before crossing the elegant Landwasser Viaduct railway bridge and disappearing into a 705 foot (215m) tunnel carved into a sheer wall of rock. The train passes through the village of Flisur, before climbing 1,364 feet (416m) in just 7.8 miles (12.6km) thanks to a series of loop tunnels, coils, bridges and viaducts.

After passing through Preda, the train enters the 3.6 mile (5,864m) long Albula Tunnel, the highest railway tunnel in the Alps at 5,971 feet (1,820m). On emerging the Glacier Express begins its descent through pasture and woodland to the broad Engadine valley. Nearing the end of the journey the train passes through Celerina and across the channel of the famous bob-sleigh run, the 'Cresta Run'. After one more short tunnel your train arrives in St Moritz.

The Bernina Express between Chur, Poschiavo and Tirano

The narrow-gauge Bernina Express connects northern and southern Europe and offers a spectacular means of crossing the Alps. The route runs through the ancient landscape of Switzerland's beautiful Grisons/Graubünden region and provides essential links to the Italian-speaking population in the south.

Beginning in Chur, the oldest town in Switzerland, the route travels south along 76 miles (122km) of track, through 55 tunnels and 196 bridges including the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct. The route meanders past glaciers, an alpine garden and rushing mountain streams, passes through the 5,955 foot (1,815m) long Albula Tunnel and climbs over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m) before crossing the Italian border to arrive in the village of Tirano.

Where you’ll stay

Hotel Simplon, Brig

The 3-star Hotel Simplon in Brig is situated in the heart of the Old Town within walking distance of the station. Popular with our customers, the hotel has a café restaurant and a bar. The comfortable, modern rooms are all equipped with a television, radio, telephone, minibar and hairdryer and many rooms have views over the town and the mountains.

In 2010 the Hotel Simplon won Great Rail Journeys' Bronze Award for its excellent customer service.

Romantik Hotel Stern, Chur

The 3-star Romantik Hotel Stern has been welcoming guests for over 300 years and is a great favourite with our customers. Located in Chur's Old Town, this historic hotel combines traditional features such as beautiful wood panelling with the best of modern comforts. The hotel has a bar and a restaurant. The rooms are traditionally furnished and feature a television, radio, telephone and hairdryer. Winner of Great Rail Journeys Bronze Award for Food.

Best Western Grand City Hotel Cologne, Cologne

The modern Best Western Grand City Hotel Cologne (formerly called the Four Points Hotel) is located immediately opposite Cologne's railway station and a short walk from the impressive Gothic Cathedral. The hotel houses a bar and restaurant. Rooms feature minibar, television, tea/coffee making facilities, hairdryer and air conditioning.

Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, Cologne

The 4-star Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre is situated just a short walk from Cologne's main railway station and the Cathedral. The hotel benefits from a bar, lounge, and sauna. Room facilities include a telephone, television, hairdryer and a safe.

Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa, Luxembourg

The 4-star Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa is located opposite the railway station in the heart of Luxembourg's business and shopping district. The hotel has a restaurant serving French and Luxembourg-inspired cuisine, and a bar offering a range of drinks and light snacks. The rooms are air conditioned and equipped with a telephone, television, minibar, safe and a hairdryer. Winner of the Great Rail Journeys' Silver Award for best overall hotel in the France and Benelux region in 2010

See also Greentraveller's Grand Tour of Switzerland by Train and the video of our trip: Video of Switzerland by rail