Travel on the Glacier Express to St Moritz

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

Day 1
We head to Cologne for our first night's stay, starting on the Eurostar from St Pancras.

Day 2
We travel onwards to Switzerland, through the fairytale Rhine Gorge, Basel and Zürich, and up into the Alps to St Moritz, where we start a three-night stay at the Hotel Monopol.

Day 3
We depart from St Moritz and join the UNESCO-listed narrow-gauge Bernina Express, which climbs over the Bernina Pass at more than 7,000 feet (2,134m) - offering astounding views of the Alpine peaks - and on to Tirano in Italy. On selected dates we travel in 1930's Art Deco Pullman coaches.

Day 4
Today you have free time to explore St Moritz and the beautiful scenery around it - including the Diavolezza at 9,970 feet (3,039m), where you can take in panoramic views, Davos and Klosters - and you can use your First Class Swiss Travel Pass and St Moritz Travel Pass to explore the surrounding region by rail and cable car.

Day 5
Today we take the Glacier Express along its celebrated, century-old route from St Moritz to Zermatt, through some of the Alps' most spectacular scenery, ending with the jagged peak of the Matterhorn above pretty Zermatt, where we'll be staying for four nights in the Parkhotel Beau-Site.

Day 6
The Gornergrat Mountain Railway ascends to the summit (10,134 feet/3,089m) of the Gornergrat, offers breath-taking views across to the Matterhorn, which can be enjoyed before a guided tour of picturesque Zermatt and its Alpine Museum.

Day 7
Today we head to beautiful Lake Maggiore, the second largest of the Italian lakes, where we'll cruise to atmospheric (and tiny) Isola Pescatore, home to quality restaurants and charming shops.

Day 8
Today you're at liberty to explore Zermatt and the surrounding area. You can relax in the hotel pool and spa, indulge in some retail therapy, discover well-marked mountain trails or use the First Class Swiss Travel Pass to venture further afield.

Day 9
We travel from Zermatt through France to Dijon where we spend our final night.

Day 10
We head back to London St Pancras on the Eurostar, enjoying complimentary food and drink.

Discuss this luxury 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

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

Hotel Monopol, St Moritz

We stay at the 4-star Hotel Monopol, a comfortable, modern hotel located on St Moritz's main square. The hotel has a restaurant and three bars - including a rooftop terrace bar offering stunning views of the lake and mountains beyond. There is also a small Wellness centre with a fitness room, indoor pool, saunas and whirlpools. Rooms are comfortable and well-equiped with a television, telephone, safe and hairdryer.

Parkhotel Beau-Site, Zermatt

In the resort town of Zermatt we stay at the 4-star Parkhotel Beau-Site, a lovely hotel dating back to the turn of the century. Facilities include lounge and bar, three restaurants, a wellness centre, and a swimming pool. Room amenities include a minibar, safe, television and hairdryer. Winner of Great Rail Journeys' Gold Award for its outstanding customer service in 2009 and the Gold Award for best overall hotel in Switzerland in 2010