Combine glorious Swiss walks with an iconic rail journey. Savour jaw-dropping Matterhorn views, ride the renowned Glacier Express and explore the idyllic Engadine Valley

Your walk and tour holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager ahead of a Eurostar journey to Paris. Travelling in spacious Plus class, we enjoy a light meal at our seats enroute to the French capital. On arrival, we transfer by coach to the Gare de Lyon, where we continue to Dijon in First Class.

As the former capital of the wealthy Duchy of Burgundy, Dijon is an attractive and historic city. In the grand Place de la Libération, a crescent of honey-hued restaurants and bars look out to the medieval Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy.

Our hotel is near the station and a short distance from the ancient centre. After checking in this evening, we enjoy our first dinner together at a local restaurant.

After breakfast, we return to Dijon station to continue our rail journey to Switzerland. Travelling to Lausanne, we cross the scenic Jura region and enter the Mont-d'Or tunnel before winding our way to the shores of Lake Geneva.

From Lausanne, we head further into Switzerland, passing Montreux and Martigny, before the scenery becomes even more dramatic as we traverse the Rhône Valley to Visp. Changing trains here, it's a short but breathtaking rail journey to Täsch. The route zigzags past the wildflower meadows, dense alpine forests and thundering waterfalls of the Matter Valley. Rugged, snow-capped mountains guide our way to Täsch, our ideally situated base for the next three nights.

Our modern, four-star hotel is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and, after checking in, we have dinner together this evening.

The world-famous mountain town of Zermatt has been a magnet for climbers since the ill-fated first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865, led by English explorer Edward Whymper.

However, you don't have to be a climber to enjoy this natural paradise, with nearly 250 miles of marked hiking trails providing exceptional walking for every ability. Our included guided walks with an expert local guide offer a choice of different grades, but both options enjoy classic views and a memorable mountain experience.

Both routes end in Zermatt, where there's time to soak up the views before we return to our hotel for dinner.

View this tour's walking maps and elevation profiles here.

A free day provides the opportunity to explore using your included Swiss Half Fare Card, which gives 50% discounts on the area's many mountain railways and cable cars.

From Zermatt you could take the Gornergrat Mountain Railway up to the Alps' second largest glacier or hop into a cable car past Schwarzsee to reach a year-round winter wonderland known as the Matterhorn Glacier paradise. Both provide sensational views of the Matterhorn. Among other scenic hikes is the Gorner Gorge walk, which takes visitors through the narrow upper stretches of the gorge where glacial waters thunder down from the mountains. Formed by the Gornera River, the gorge is known for its stunning waterfalls and unique serpentine stone rock formations. A great introduction to Zermatt's heritage is the Matterhorn Museum. Here, you can learn more about alpine life and Zermatt's natural history, especially that of mountaineering which began with the Whymper expedition of 1865.

This evening, you dine independently and could indulge in regional dishes, such as fondue, raclette or dried meats.

One of the world's most renowned train journeys awaits. Leaving our hotel in Täsch, we board the incredible Glacier Express for a scenic day of first-class travel.

Known as the 'slowest express train in the world', the Glacier Express trundles past jaw-dropping landscapes at an average of 24mph, with the panoramic windows providing a front-row seat to quintessential alpine vistas. As we travel, we are served a two-course lunch in our seats, admiring the dramatic landscapes from our panoramic carriages. The ever-changing views enroute feature the snowy peaks of the Oberalp Pass near Andermatt, serene lakes and the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. After Chur, we continue south into the Albula Valley on a UNESCO-listed section. The railway snakes through dense forests and above verdant valleys, traversing the curved Landwasser Viaduct on its way to the Engadine Valley.

Our destination is Celerina, an attractive old town surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. On arrival, we make our way to our historic four-star spa hotel, in a picturesque location beside a river, where we enjoy dinner together this evening.

Another highlight of this walking holiday awaits as we explore the idyllic Engadine Valley, named after the River Inn, a tributary of the Danube which flows through the valley's largest lakes and into Austria. We include a choice of two guided walks with expert local guides, both options highlighting the scenic splendours of this unspoilt, high-altitude landscape.

While the Engadine may be best known for the resorts of St Moritz and Pontresina, this high alpine region in the far southeast of Switzerland offers so much more. This is an area of rich traditions and pristine landscapes, characterised by gentle valleys, clear mountain lakes, crisp peaks and colourful historic villages.

After returning to our hotel, there is some time to relax and make use of the excellent spa facilities. This evening, we sit down for a second dinner at our delightful riverside hotel.

View this tour's walking maps and elevation profiles here.

Today, you could make use of your Engadine Guest Pass for free travel on local mountain railways, cable cars, buses and trains, allowing you to tour traditional Engadine Villages. The village of Zuoz is a hidden gem, with sgraffito adorned houses, civic buildings and churches, while Samedan offers similar rewards. The rail route along the valley becomes increasingly spectacular as it narrows, and the tiny village of Lavin beyond Zernez is a worthwhile destination.

Another choice today is to take the local bus to Punt Muragal then continue by funicular to Muottas Moragl. At the top, enjoy a drink with wonderful views of St Moritz and the lakes of the Upper Engadine valley. Alternatively, from Celerina you could take the cable car, via Marguns and Corviglia up to Piz Nair for epic views at nearly 10,000 feet.

For a different experience, use your Swiss Half Fare Card on the local train from Celerina Staz station, which follows the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express, over the scenic pass to Poschiavo or Tirano.

Leaving our riverside hotel in Celerina after breakfast, we travel back along the beautiful Albula Line and onwards to Landquart, where we change trains to Basel. From here, we continue by First Class rail across the French border to the Alsace town of Colmar.

This charming Alsace town is one of the region's most popular destinations. Its picturesque streets brim with colourful, half-timbered houses reflecting its mixed French and German heritage. Cobbled lanes open on to flower-lined waterways, including in the Little Venice district.

Our hotel is right outside the railway station and, we can soak up the atmosphere on our way to dinner at a local restaurant.

Basking in iconic alpine views, your walk and tour holiday to the Swiss Alps has combined Zermatt and the spectacular Matter Valley, headed by the pyramidal Matterhorn, with the striking Engadine Valley around St Moritz. We have strolled through fairytale forests and alpine pastures while discovering hidden historic villages - and, of course, travelled between these two areas on the unforgettable Glacier Express.

After breakfast this morning, we return to Colmar station to board the train to Paris in First Class. In the French capital, we switch to the Eurostar service in Plus class and enjoy a light meal at our seats as we travel to London St Pancras, where you exploration of the Swiss Alps concludes.

Walking with Great Rail Journeys is about blending scenic walks and enjoyable excursions into one memorable holiday.

Choosing the right holiday and grade for your ability is essential for your enjoyment and safety. All our walking holidays are designed for our Level 4 Active Adventurers. You will be an active person more than capable of walking the distances and ascents, descents and types of terrain described for the walk options.

The walks will cover distances of between 3mi/5km and 8mi/13km, and each walking day has a choice of two walks that cater for different levels of ability and fitness.

You should consider your fitness levels and be confident that you'll be able to manage the distances, ascents, descents and types of terrain described for the walk options that you're likely to choose. Remember - each walking holiday will include walks of varying grades.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

If your tour is marked as Small Group, enjoy a more immersive holiday experience, exploring with a like-minded group of 16-25 travellers, with an average of 22.

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'.

Located right on the banks of the Inn River, this 4-Star hotel in the heart of the attractive village is just a short walk from Celerina train station. Spread over four traditional buildings dating back 300 years, the hotel has three restaurants serving traditional and modern cuisine, reflecting the flavours of Switzerland and the Engadine Valley. Spa facilities include a sauna and steam bath. Alpine-style guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, desk, minibar, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

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.