Embark on a winter holiday through the Alps featuring Switzerland's snowy resort towns and journeys on the iconic Glacier Express and Bernina Express 

Your wonderful winter journey begins this morning at London St Pancras as you meet the Tour Manager and your travelling group. Boarding the Eurostar, we make our way under the English Channel and into France towards its capital. In Paris, we switch to the high-speed service to Strasbourg.

A stunning blend of traditional French and picture-book, half-timbered German architecture greet us as we arrive in this attractive Alsace city this evening. Admire the grand squares and pretty walkways as we walk from the station to our conveniently located hotel for check-in. There is time to freshen up after our day of travel before we head out once more and walk to a local restaurant to enjoy our first dinner together. Savour the region's cuisine while surrounded by the timeless elegance of this border city.

There's a leisurely morning after breakfast to explore Strasbourg. You could wander amongst the cobbled streets and half-timbered houses of La Petite France. This charming UNESCO World Heritage site bustled with tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages but now attracts tourists to its picturesque canals and historic buildings.   

In the early afternoon, we board the train to Basel and then continue along the superb Swiss railway network to Chur. The route provides a great introduction to Switzerland's breathtaking scenery as we climb higher into the snow-capped mountains and past frosted lakes to our destination.      

On arrival, we check in to our hotel in Chur's delightful Old Town. The 16th-century building reflects traditional Swiss architecture, and the family-run hotel offers warm hospitality during our three-night stay. After settling in, we enjoy a three-course dinner at a local restaurant. 

Your day is free to explore historic Chur and the surrounding region. With more than 5,000 years of history, Chur is Switzerland's oldest town. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town to visit the 12th-century cathedral, which is built with a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles.    

Today is also a superb chance for you to discover the area by mountain railway using your included Swiss Half Fare Card. The wild, wintry and rugged landscapes of the glorious Graubünden region are waiting to be discovered. Superb railway journeys are available from Chur to take you across the dramatic valleys that make this one of the most attractive cantons in Switzerland. A journey on the Arosa Line to lakeside Arosa, surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks, is a popular option. Alternatively, you could head to the nearby mountain resorts of Davos, Klosters or even St Moritz to soak up the atmosphere.   

  Dining independently tonight, you could look for local specialities, including hearty pizzoccheri and röstis, or traditional Swiss dishes such as fondue and raclette. 

Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, the Bernina Express is a highlight of any holiday to the Swiss Alps.    

After breakfast this morning, we board this remarkable train at Chur station for a spellbinding journey. This 100-year-old route twists and spirals its way south through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and looping its way through tunnels as it climbs the UNESCO-listed Albula Line. As we reach the summit at Ospizio Bernina, we can admire views of snow-blanketed lakes and alpine peaks. After pausing to view the captivating Palü Glacier at Alp Grüm, we wind our way down to Poschiavo. There is free time to explore this valley town in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Pastel-coloured buildings line the pretty squares, and appealing eateries provide many options for lunch on your own.    

  An encore presentation of the striking scenery awaits as we make the return journey to Chur, where we have a three-course dinner tonight. 

We leave Chur after breakfast, enjoying an unforgettable trip on the iconic Glacier Express - the 'slowest express train in the world'.    

Our journey is accompanied by views for which Switzerland is rightly famous: snow-covered pastures, wintry forests rising up the hillsides, and towering, sugar-frosted peaks. We travel along the beautiful Rhine Valley, climbing steadily and steeply as we make our way up and over the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route. The descent is lined by sleepy villages nestled in the foothills of the surrounding mountains before we enter the Furka Base Tunnel and the Rhône Valley. On the final part of our journey, we pass expansive vineyards draped across surrounding hillsides as we approach the small town of Brig. From Brig, we travel the short distance to Täsch via a stunning rail route that climbs through the beautiful Matter Valley.  

The gateway to Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Täsch is a peaceful village surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. We check in to our hotel and enjoy a three-course dinner together in the on-site restaurant this evening.

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 on beautiful Lake Thun, made all the more stunning by winter's embrace.

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.

Snow-covered mountain peaks, fairytale towns, warm hospitality and iconic trains venturing through stunning scenery: Switzerland puts on an incredible show in winter. From the charming towns of Chur and Täsch, we experienced spellbinding landscapes during two of the world's greatest rail journeys. Whether marvelling at glaciers on a trip across the Alps aboard the Bernina Express or relishing a front-row seat to uninterrupted views of snow-bound meadows on the Glacier Express, this winter holiday has showcased Switzerland's natural beauty.  

After breakfast this morning, we begin the journey home. From Täsch to Brig and on to Lausanne, we can enjoy final glimpses of the spectacular scenery. Continuing on to Paris, we board the Eurostar back to London, where your tour comes to a conclusion on arrival this evening. 

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Discoveries collection

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'.

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.

Near La Petite France and the beloved Strasbourg Cathedral, this modern hotel offers 4-Star accommodations in the Alsace region. Decorated with African influences, this unique hotel includes a bistro, wellness centre, and options for in-room massages and personal training. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, ironing equipment, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer and complimentary 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.

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.