Glacier Express All Inclusive
Majestic mountains and superb rail journeys
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9 Days from£1,760
per person
You are viewing the 2018 itinerary
Itineraries and pricing may vary by departure year
Discover the magnificent scenery of Switzerland on this fabulous tour. Enjoying an all inclusive stay, we explore elegant St Moritz, Tirano and beautiful Arosa, as well as journeying on the world famous Glacier Express.
After meeting your Tour Manager at our dedicated St Pancras Departure Office, take the Eurostar service to Paris. You change trains here for Strasbourg where you spend the night. After some free time on Day 2, continue by rail to Tiefencastel via Basel and Chur. On arrival check in to the 3* Hotel Albula & Julier.
Today travel by rail to St Moritz, along the UNESCO-listed Albula Railway line. A pioneering project, the line traverses the steep valleys with an array of spiralling loops - offering incredible views of the beautiful scenery. Following the journey you will arrive in St Moritz, a town synonymous with glamour. This town was the original cradle of tourism in Switzerland and it's easy to see why, the spectacular surrounding scenery of soaring mountain peaks and the crystal clear waters of the lake make for a charming atmosphere. In St Moritz you can explore independently - enjoy some serious people watching from one of the pavement cafés, partake in some window shopping at the chic boutiques in the town, or perhaps ascend the Diavolezza cable car, reaching 9,970 feet (3,039m) for a wonderful panorama - before making the return trip.
Embark on an excursion on the Bernina Express today, one of the highlights of this tour. The line winds its way over steep ravines and past wild waterfalls, travelling through countless tunnels and over almost 200 separate bridges. Journey through the Engadine Valley and the Albula Tunnel and cross the Bernina Pass, ascending to around 7000 ft and traversing the spiralling distinctive Brusio Viaduct on your way to Tirano in northern Italy. The railway line is over 100 years old and has been rewarded with UNESCO World Heritage status - as a testament to the incredible civil engineering that was required to create the line, as well as for the breathtaking scenery through which it travels. You have some free time in this idyllic town before returning to Tiefencastel for dinner.
Spend Day 5 at leisure in Tiefencastel. The Church of St. Stefan is listed as a Swiss heritage site, as the first mention of the building goes back as early as 1343. In 1650 it was rebuilt and expanded by the Capuchin monks, and at this time it was adorned with the extensive wood carvings and paintings you can still see today. Alternatively, as the town is situated within Parc Ela, Switzerland's largest Natural Park, there are plenty of marked walks in the area, all set amongst stunning scenery. Otherwise why not visit the Albula Railway Museum in nearby Bergun? You can enjoy 50% fares on local transport with your Rail Discoveries Tailor-Made Swiss Card.
Board the train to Chur this morning, where you join the Arosa Line. This stunning journey climbs from Chur, crossing the elegant Langwieser Viaduct, before reaching charming, lakeside Arosa where you have time to explore and to drink in the views. Later you return to Chur, Switzerland's oldest town. You have time to discover the historic centre, home to the 12th century cathedral and the arcaded Rathaus (Town Hall) which dates back to 1464. There are also many pedestrianised streets here for you to explore, boasting a fantastic selection of shops. Alternatively you may like to enrich your mind at one of Chur's museums.
Enjoy another free day on Day 7, in which to make the most of your surroundings and take advantage of discounted fares using your Rail Discoveries Tailor-Made Swiss Card. The Swiss rail network is renowned for being amongst the most efficient and well run in the world; combined with Switzerland's fantastic scenery there is never a lack of places to discover by rail.
Experience the climax of your tour today as you depart Tiefencastel, travelling back to Chur where you connect with the iconic Glacier Express, renowned for being the slowest express train in Europe. Travelling along the narrow-gauge railway, idyllic vistas unfold as you wind through striking ravines and snow-covered peaks, making your way towards Andermatt. The train features fantastic panoramic windows which afford superb views of the delightful Alpine scenery for which Switzerland is known. From the comfort of your seat, pass through neat vineyards, charming Alpine meadows and woodland rising up to meet the mountains. After snaking its way along the beautiful Rhine Valley the Glacier Express makes its final approach into Brig. Here you will change trains, and head on to Basel, for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, join the high-speed train from Basel to Paris. Here, connect with the Eurostar service, which transports you back to London St Pancras, where your tour comes to an end.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.
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of travellers would recommend this tour
Tour Rating
based on 36 verified reviews
We were given first class service, great hotels, top quality trains and stunning scenery.
The actual tours and activities were good and well organised. Our Tour Manager, Ros added to this experience with her enthusiasm and local knowledge.
Overall the tour was what we expected. The Customer service at Rail Discoveries was good in all respects, as was the tour manager.
Upgrade on return journey not booked by rail discoveries
Would only do it again with a more restricted itinerary
Well planned tour, hotels excellent esp Tiefencastel and the rr station. One of best guides we've ever had. Helpful, experienced and gave us space to explore on our own.
We enjoyed ourselves the trip was well organized and the content was up to expectations.
Hotel was only thing slightly below par
The holiday itinerary very good but journey from UK to Switzerland and return rather protracted. Not at all impressed with Eurostar! Hotel at Strasbourg (Ibis) rather poor, hotel at Basel on return journey excellent. Very happy with the holiday hotel at Tiefencastel.
Very enjoyable, and memorable, trip to some beautiful parts of Switzerland, Just remember you need to be reasonably fit-23 trains in 8 days , often with a case, needs a degree of agility! Well worth it once you are at your seat, though, as stunning scenery wafts effortlessly past your window. Glaciers ( of course), mountain valleys all from a comfortable seat. Good food and accomodation as well-just remember that wine in Switzerland is expensive in restaurants and hotels by British standards-but hey, it's a holiday!
Majestic mountains and superb rail journeys
Call:
Enquire
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