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Classic Glacier Express in Winter

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20252026
9 days From £2,299 £2,099 per person
4.6 stars(116 reviews)
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Enjoy a wonderful winter rail adventure through the Swiss Alps on the iconic Glacier Express and Bernina Express

Save up to £200pp

Save up to £200pp on Europe 2025 holidays, when you book by 31st January 2025.

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No Single Supplement

No Single Supplement subject to availability on selected departures. 

Mobility Rating 2

2025 Tour code: GEW25

About the tour

Snow-bound views and stunningly seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year, while glistening winter peaks and sugar-frosted forests provide a picture-postcard backdrop as we explore Zermatt in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn.

Unforgettable experiences

Experience the Glacier Express in winter
Experience the Glacier Express in winter
Embark on one of the world’s greatest rail journeys at an incredible time of year as we board the epic Glacier Express for an unforgettable winter journey through awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and alpine valleys as we travel in panoramic carriages from Chur to Zermatt.
Journey on Bernina Express to chic St Moritz
Journey on Bernina Express to chic St Moritz
Travel on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express from Chur to the charming Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo. The route takes in the spectacular, twisting Albula Line before passing the Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm, before we return to spend time in the stylish alpine resort of St Moritz.
Discover Chur and Brig at wintertime
Discover Chur and Brig at wintertime
Stay in these beautiful Swiss towns nestled in valleys surrounded by incredible mountains. Both have charms of their own with typically Swiss architecture and narrow, cobbled streets of the historic town centres.
Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Zermatt and the Matterhorn
Enjoy the tranquility of this quintessential mountain resort and long-time mecca for climbers with its clusters of half-timbered chalets at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn.
Seasonal Grindelwald and a cruise across Lake Thun
Seasonal Grindelwald and a cruise across Lake Thun
Experience the beautiful mountain village of Grindelwald with views across to the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch. Return by way of a charming cruise the full-length of the glistening Lake Thun.

What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - London and Strasbourg

After meeting at London St Pancras, we board the Eurostar to Paris, continuing by highspeed rail to Strasbourg for an overnight stay.

Please Note - For departure 07/12/25 we will overnight at the Hotel Schweizerhofin Basel.

For departures 22/01/25, 11/02/25 and 12/03/2025 we will overnight at the Grand Hotel Bristol in Colmar

Includes
  • Dinner
  • Eurostar Meal
Day 2 – Chur

After a morning to explore the Alsace city of Strasbourg, we continue our rail journey to Switzerland, arriving in the quaint town of Chur - our home for the next three nights. We stay at a charming 360-year-old hotel and are greeted with a welcome drink. Chur is the country's oldest town and is home to a number of historic attractions, including a 12th-century church, the 15th-century town hall and Martinsplatz, found in the heart of the Old Town.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – Crossing the Alps on the Bernina Express

We take the Bernina Express to Poschiavo, enjoying a seasonal journey over the Alps, admiring views of ancient castles and the magnificent, mountain-ringed Lake Bianco as we wind above deep ravines and past idyllic waterfalls, emerging from the Albula Tunnel and crossing the mighty Bernina Pass. Our destination is Poschiavo, an Italian-speaking town where pastel-coloured buildings line the narrow cobblestone streets. Piazza Comunale is the quaint main square, providing views of the snow-covered mountains and the campanile tower of the Church of Saint Victor. You may wish to enjoy a lunch of local specialities, such as pizzoccheri - a hearty pasta dish with cabbage, cheese and potatoes - before we return to Chur via St Moritz.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Free time in Chur

Enjoy a free day to look around Chur, a destination with a history dating back over 5,000 years. Its quaint Old Town boasts some fantastically preserved medieval buildings and is entirely traffic-free, making it the ideal place to explore on foot. It's here you'll find the city's 800-year-old Cathedral of Assumption, as well as the terracotta-fronted Bishop's Palace. And once you've marvelled at the historical landmarks and wintry mountain setting, there's nothing better than spending a couple of hours warming up in a cosy café, sampling some of the local specialities such as crisp potato röstis and buttery pork schnitzel.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 5 – The magical Glacier Express to Brig

We leave Chur, travelling on the iconic Glacier Express to Brig, our base for four nights. Switzerland's striking natural beauty is revealed on our journey which, with it being winter, is transformed into a picture-postcard landscape of snowy meadows, frozen streams and white mountaintops. The Glacier Express passes icy forests and frozen rivers, all playing their part to create a jaw-dropping winter wonderland setting, as we marvel at the alpine scenery from our panoramic windows while we enjoy a lunch served at our seats. Unmissable views come as we travel over the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route, and make our way through the wintry Rhine Gorge to Disentis.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Zermatt

We visit the charming, car-free resort of Zermatt. We board a narrow-gauge train alongside the River Rhône to Visp. From here, we join the mountain track heading south through wintry vineyards for our steep journey to Zermatt. The spectacular approach takes us through eight tunnels and across forty-two bridges as the Matterhorn comes into view. On arrival, you're free to spend your time as you choose. One option is to make the ascent to the summit of the Gornergrat by funicular railway. Running for just under six miles, the route travels to the mountain's peak where you can enjoy stunning views across to the Matterhorn. The town itself is a quintessential mountain resort with many beautiful sights, such as the picturesque historic chalets of Hinterdorfstrasse, or the many inviting cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a warming drink or a hearty lunch.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Free time in Brig

A historic town in the Valais canton, Brig dates back to the Roman era and your day is free to explore further. The cobblestones of the Stadtplatz are well worth visiting, capped by the remarkable Stockalper Palace - built in the 17th century by a prosperous silk merchant. Alternatively, you could make the most of your Swiss Travel Card, taking the train along the Rhône Valley to Montreux, on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here, you can join either the GoldenPass Line panoramic train to Gstaad or explore the striking Château de Chillon and the sights of Montreux - including its beautiful lakefront promenade and statue of former Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.

Includes
  • Breakfast
Day 8 – Grindelwald and a lake cruise

Travelling by train to the picturesque mountain village of Grindelwald, you have free time to look around. You could continue to the summit of Grindelwald First mountain by cable car to marvel at a skyline of famous peaks, including the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger. Alternatively, stroll through idyllic Grindelwald to admire the attractive wooden chalets and town squares which combine the old comforts of classic alpine architecture with more contemporary winter sports facilities. Travelling to Interlaken, we then cruise the full length of the glimmering Lake Thun, the emerald waters surrounded by enchanting snow-capped peaks. On the cruise, look out for the fairytale Spiez Castle, which juts out into the lake. From Thun, we return to Brig by train.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 – Homeward bound

Gathering for our final breakfast as a group, we leave Brig by train on our way to Geneva. Travelling along the Rhône Valley, and skirting the shores of Lake Geneva, the soaring snow-covered mountains bid us farewell as our fantastic winter adventure draws to a close. From Geneva, we travel to Paris and, ultimately, the Eurostar back to London St Pancras. Along the way, we reflect on the wondrous winter holiday in incredible Switzerland that has treated us to many unforgettable experiences.

Includes
  • Breakfast
  • Eurostar Meal

Additional information

Departure times

Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.

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 holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hotel Ambassador, Brig

Hotel Ambassador, Brig

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Hotel Stern, Chur

Hotel Stern, Chur

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Trains

Eurostar
The Glacier Express

Enhance your holiday

Upgrades

Upgrade to a Deluxe Double room in Brig
London Hotels
UK rail connections

Reviews

4.6 stars4.6 / 5 · 116 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (80)
  2. 4 stars
    (31)
  3. 3 stars
    (5)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Melinda

5 stars

Submitted 22/Dec

The most extraordinary scenery. The train is comfortable and food service first class. It was one of the best parts of our entire trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

Valerie

5 stars

Submitted 22/Dec

Awesome holiday, well organised. All questions answered along the way. I would holiday again with Great Rail Travel

Collected by Trustpilot

Sherelle Lucas

4 stars

Submitted 19/Apr

The train tour itself was amazing and memorable. I just wish our tour manager used any of the languages in their bio that would’ve helped the group or people that didn’t speak that language. I also wish we were informed if sending your luggage ahead was an option. Lastly, I would’ve preferred the hotel in some places to have been closer to the train station if we didn’t have a shuttle. But the trains were lovely.

from Great Rail Journeys
Dear Ms Lucas, Thank you for taking the time to leave your review. It is great to hear that you found the tour amazing and memorable. I understand that there was some miscommunication regarding the luggage. Unfortunately this service is only available from the UK however, i will pass your feedback on so we can look at improving this for future tours. I will also pass your feedback over to my product team. Kindest regards, Sarah
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

Susan Walsh

3 stars

Submitted 15/Apr

The trip was good but there was no boat trip and no other option or even a drink offered as way of apology. We were herded quite a bit as a group and I did not like being told where to sit at dinner, this was stressful. The hotels were good.

Collected by Trustpilot

Donna smart

5 stars

Submitted 12/Apr

Amazing from start to finish

from Great Rail Journeys
Dear Mrs Smart, Thank you for your 5 star review. That is wonderful to hear! Kindest regards, Sarah
1 comment

Collected by Trustpilot

D Millard

5 stars

Submitted 12/Apr

Incredible trip, incredible scenery, highlight of recent trip to Switzerland! Great organisation by Great Rail Journeys too!

from Great Rail Journeys
Dear Mr Millard, Thank you for your 5 star review and sharing your amazing photos. That is brilliant to hear! Kindest regards, Sarah
Was the best holiday ever and Shirley Hames, our Tour Manager, was outstanding! Already looking at our next trip with you, which could be Switzerland again !
2 comments

Collected by Trustpilot

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