Delve into the Swiss Alps by rail, experiencing two world-famous train journeys through incredible mountain landscapes: the Glacier Express and the Bernina Express

Your Swiss rail holiday begins today as you meet the Tour Manager and your travel group at London St Pancras, ready to board the Eurostar for a journey through the scenic French countryside to Paris. In the French capital, we walk to the neighbouring station and continue to Strasbourg for an overnight stay.

The compact but captivating historic centre of this Alsatian city is dotted with grand squares and narrow waterways. Blending German and French architecture, Strasbourg's picturesque Grande Île is dominated by the incredible Gothic cathedral. Dating from the 13th century and featuring a façade of ornately carved portals, the cathedral is topped by a piercing, octagonal tower.

After checking in to our hotel in the centre of Strasbourg, we head out to a local restaurant to enjoy our first dinner together, savouring the cuisine of the Alsace.

There is a free morning after breakfast to uncover the sights of Strasbourg. Its main square, Place Kléber, or beautiful La Petite France are only a short stroll from our centrally located hotel. A UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses lining gentle canals, La Petite France bustled with tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages but now attracts tourists to its flower-lined lanes.

This afternoon, we board a train down the Rhine to Basel and switch trains to reach our destination, Chur. Travelling through Switzerland, the scenery quickly increases in beauty and altitude. From the gentle shoreline of Lake Zurich, the Swiss Alps surround our route as the landscape becomes more dramatic. As the country's oldest town, Chur is full of history, and our charming hotel is perfectly located to explore.

Tonight, we enjoy a three-course dinner before settling down to spend the first of three nights in Chur.

Please Note - For departures 6th, 13th & 20th May and 16th & 30th September we will stay at the Central Hotel Post in Chur.

The day is yours to get acquainted with Switzerland, and there are many excellent destinations within reach. Backed by mountains and with an old town boasting many colourful buildings, Chur is a great town to stroll around. There is also an array of museums, from the Bündner Art Museum and Cathedral Treasury Museum to the Rätisches Museum, which documents the region's history.

With your complimentary Swiss Half Fare Card providing 50% discounts on rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys, you could join the scenic Arosa Line, which climbs more than 3,000 feet in less than 17 miles to the beautiful lakeside town of Arosa. The stylish atmospheres of mountain resorts such as Davos and Klosters, a firm favourite of the Royal family, are easily reachable, too.

Dining independently tonight, you could sample one of Chur's many restaurants, where local specialities include hearty pizzoccheri and röstis.

A journey on the Bernina Express is a highlight of any holiday to the Swiss Alps, and we embark on a memorable trip after breakfast today.

Leaving Chur, this route twists and spirals its way south through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley as it has done for more than a century. With amazing scenery and eye-catching feats of engineering, the route has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. One of the manmade marvels we can admire is the curved Landwasser Viaduct, which we cross before twisting through spiral tunnels as the track climbs nearly 2,300 feet to Preda. Sat beside glacial Lago Bianco, Ospizio Bernina is the route's summit station at more than 7,300 feet above sea level. Shortly after leaving here, the train pauses to allow us to view the Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm before winding its way down to the Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo.

There is free time to explore Poschiavo, its pastel-coloured buildings and pretty squares, before returning to Chur, where we dine at a local restaurant this evening.

After breakfast, we embark on one of Europe's most iconic train journeys: travelling aboard the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig.

With an average speed of 24mph, the 'world's slowest express train' delves into the Rhine Gorge, where our panoramic carriages deliver great views of the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. The breathtaking scenery continues to impress as we admire snow-dusted peaks and picture-perfect Swiss villages while ascending to Andermatt and entering the nine-mile-long Furka Base Tunnel, emerging near Brig. In Brig, we switch trains and travel the short distance to Täsch via a stunning route that climbs the beautiful Matter Valley.

The gateway to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Täsch is a peaceful village huddled in a lush valley surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. We check in to our hotel, where we can absorb the beautiful vistas, for a three-night stay and enjoy a three-course dinner together in the on-site restaurant this evening.

Please note, certain departures stay in Kandersteg days 5-8. See Dates & Pricing for further info.

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

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 specialities, 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 connections to the UK, 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.

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

With the complimentary Swiss Half Fare 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 sat on the shores of Lake Thun. 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.

Chur and Täsch provided wonderful bases from which to explore the Swiss Alps, and our trips on the Bernina Express and Glacier Express - opened our eyes to the sheer majesty of this nation. A trip to Zermatt gave us the opportunity to admire the Matterhorn, while the warm hospitality of our family-run hotels ensured Switzerland delivered unforgettable experiences from beginning to end.

Switzerland puts on another grand show for our journey home. After our final breakfast in Täsch, we board the train to Brig and continue to Lausanne, where we change trains and head to Paris. The final leg of our journey sees us board the Eurostar to London St Pancras, where this Swiss holiday concludes.

Our Discoveries range offers everything you need at a great price so you can travel with confidence. It provides comfortable, locally run accommodation*, standard rail or economy flights and expert-led group tours. You'll be in groups with an average of 30-35 travellers and a maximum of 40. *where available

The Bernina Express is dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret. Connecting northern and southern Europe, the narrow-gauge railway offers a spectacular means of crossing the Alps. The breathtaking route runs through the ancient landscape of Switzerland's beautiful Graubünden region and beside spellbinding glaciers, providing a stunning connection to Lombardy in northern Italy.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Undoubtedly Switzerland's best-known train, the Glacier Express winds its way through some of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful scenery. Called 'the slowest express train in the world', the panoramic carriages allow us to soak up the spectacular views as we traverse incredible mountain passes, picturesque villages and valleys between the popular alpine resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt. Enroute, the train clings to the mountainsides on the Albula Line, zigzags and spirals its way round mountains and over bridges, and delves into the Rhine Valley - also known as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'.

Named after the famous British express service, InterCity trains are long-distance services operating in a variety of different countries, such as Germany, Switzerland and Austria. InterCity trains are distinct from Inter City Express (ICE) and EuroCity services in that they operate on domestic routes within country borders.

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially constructed high-speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long-distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

In the heart of the Old Town, this 3-Star, family-owned hotel is a short distance from the local art museum and medieval cathedral. Built in 1575, the hotel has a beautiful blend of historic design and modern furnishings. Guests can enjoy the cosy Bar Federal and relax in the evening in the adjoining winter garden. Guest rooms are furnished in traditional Swiss style and are equipped with Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, electric kettle and hairdryer.

An attractive and large chalet-style hotel in peaceful Kandersteg, the Seiler's Vintage Hotel is surrounded by panoramic mountain views. The interior of this family run hotel is laid-back and cosy with a focus on a warm Swiss welcome. An on-site restaurant serves up creative local cuisine, while the spa and wellness facilities including a pool induces a relaxed atmosphere. The individually furnished rooms come with impressive views and free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TVs, hairdryer, desk and toiletries.

Newly opened in December 2024, this centrally located 4-Star hotel combines luxury with relaxation. A short distance from the train station, it also boasts beautiful views of the Matter Valley. Facilities include an on-site restaurant and a bar, while guests also have access to the wellness facilities at the partner hotel in Zermatt (at a supplement). Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, a safety deposit box, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Your holiday begins the moment you meet your Tour Manager at St Pancras International and board the Eurostar train for mainland Europe. If you wish to get your holiday off to an extra special start, why not consider upgrading your on-board accommodation from Standard Class to Plus Class?

As well as all the amenities enjoyed in Standard Class, Plus Class travellers benefit from extra spacious, comfortable seats, complimentary newspapers and magazines and a light snack with drinks served at your seat during the journey. Before 11am, the light snack comprises breakfast pastries, yoghurt, fruit juice and tea or coffee. After 11am there is a choice of 2 main dishes and a dessert, accompanied by soft drinks, wine or beer and tea or coffee.

Prices for an upgrade from £125 each way. Please call us for more details.

Enjoy hassle-free travel to and from Switzerland with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £269 per bag.

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel in Switzerland. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag. If flying to or from your destination, you will take your own luggage with you on the flight.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.