Glacier Express and Alpine Highlights
All aboard the Glacier Express!
The Swiss Alps are a landscape of majestic mountains, snow-capped peaks, rushing streams, Alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes. Begin your Swiss adventure and take this opportunity to enjoy all of this from one of the best viewpoints in the country – on board the Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world! The route takes you through the three cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden, and offers breathtaking and varied panoramic views. Eight hours of sheer pleasure for your eyes and your palate, too. As well as this, explore Lake Thun on a relaxing cruise.
Furthermore, the tour has an optional ride on the Bernina Express train to have lunch in Italy.
Dates
May - September 2024
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1-2
Travel to Interlaken
Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel to south through France for an overnight stop before arriving in Interlaken on day 2.
Day 3
Interlaken and ‘Sherlock Holmes’
Today we visit Interlaken, which sits on a narrow stretch of valley between the emerald-coloured waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The gateway to the Bernese Oberland, the town offers a mix of old timber houses and a high street full of designer shops. Perhaps make an excursion into the surrounding mountains: soar to Schilthorn’s summit by cable car or potter through the charming town of Jungfrau. We then drive along the shores of Lake Brienz to visit Meiringen, made famous in the stories of Sherlock Holmes, and home of the ‘Meringue’. Take an optional ride on the funicular railway to visit the famous Reichenbach Falls or take a walk along the natural wonder of the Aare River Gorge.
Day 4
Thun and Lake Cruise
This morning, we follow the shore of Lake Thun to visit its charming town. Dominated by its impressive castle, Thun has a picturesque medieval old town with many splendid buildings and museums. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the lake.
Day 5
Glacier Express to Davos
Today it’s the essential trip for any lover of the Alps, as we travel across Switzerland to Davos on the Glacier Express. We drive to Brig to join the famous train for the spectacular journey through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. You’ll travel across mountains and descend through the Rhine Gorge, known as the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’. At Filisur you’ll transfer to your coach for the scenic drive to Davos, your base for the next three nights.
(Subject to train schedules)
Day 6
At leisure in Davos
Enjoy a day to relax in the hotel and explore the highest town in Europe. It’s actually two villages – Davos Dorf and Davos Platz, connected by a long street full of shops, boutiques, restaurants and other amenities. Perhaps take a walk up to the picturesque Lake Davos or take the train to the popular resort of Klosters.
Day 7
St. Moritz
We embark on another scenic drive today, this time over to the chic resort of St. Moritz, playground of the rich and famous. Take a stroll along the promenade to St. Moritz Lake or take a 10-minute ride on the funicular up to the summit of the Corviglia for some magnificent views over the Alps. On the return, a stop can be made in the picturesque villages of Zuoz and Guarda to see the little houses decorated with ‘graffiti’. Alternatively, take the Bernina Express train for a spectacular two-and-a-half-hour journey through the Bernina Pass to Tirano in Italy. After a traditional lunch, return by regional train.
Day 8-9
Return to the UK
It’s time to leave Switzerland and return to the UK.
Suggested hotels
City Oberland Hotel, Interlaken ***
A stylish hotel in the heart of Interlaken with its traditional ‘Chalet Bar’. You are right in the heart of the action in central Interlaken, just steps from shops, restaurants and cafés. There is offsite coach parking available for a small fee.
Central Sporthotel, Davos ****
Located within walking distance of Davos’ promenade. The hotel has a lobby, restaurant, piano bar with live music and all bedrooms have a balcony. The hotel offers free onsite coach parking.
Important Note
Glacier Express trains are reserved for groups who book the whole journey between Zermatt / Brig and St. Moritz. Passengers travelling on shorter routes are automatically booked on regional trains. In some cases, such as low season, Glacier Express trains will be used on the shorter journeys. Depending on timetables / availability, departure and arrival station may vary. First class upgrade and lunch on board packages available at a supplement.
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2023 Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
May – September | From £975.00 per person | Price on Request |
Prices also available on request for travel by air