Snow-bound views and seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year as the Swiss Alps' glistening peaks and sugar-frosted forests provide picture-postcard backdrops.
Journey through the Swiss Grand Canyon and over the Oberalp Pass on the world-renowned Glacier Express. Spend Christmas Day in historic Chur on this memorable vacation, before passing icy lakes and the ethereal Palü Glacier on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express. Soak in the atmosphere of idyllic Zermatt and visit lakeside Lucerne.
What’s included
Your festive adventure gets underway as you land at Zürich airport. From here, you travel independently to Brig with your rail ticket included.
As you head deeper into Switzerland, the scenery quickly increases in seasonal beauty. The snow-capped Swiss Alps begin to surround the route, and the landscape becomes more dramatic.
Brig is a charming valley town nestled beside the Rhône at the northern edge of the famed Simplon tunnel. Checking in to our family-run four-star hotel near the station for a three-night stay, you meet the Tour Manager and traveling group before enjoying a three-course dinner.
A dramatic journey along the Matter Valley follows breakfast this morning. Flanked on either side by steep cliffs, our train winds between jaw-dropping winter scenes. Sugar-coated trees blanket the rising slopes, while huddles of chalets gather in small villages lining the valley floor.
On the approach to the car-free resort of Zermatt, the Matterhorn comes into view. This pyramidal peak is the Swiss national symbol and inspired the design of the Toblerone. This popular mountain resort exudes a charming atmosphere in winter, and you're free to spend the rest of your time here as you choose.
One option is to ride the 125-year-old Gornergrat Mountain Railway to the summit for some of the best Matterhorn views. Zermatt itself has many beautiful sights, such as the picturesque historic chalets of Hinterdorfstrasse. Later this afternoon, we return by rail to Brig in time for dinner this evening.
A day at leisure provides the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Switzerland after breakfast. As well as a charming historic center, Brig also boasts the impressive 17th-century Stockalper Palace. Built by wealthy local silk merchant Kaspar Stockalper, it is recognizable from miles around due to its three stone towers topped by large, gilded onion domes.
Alternatively, you could make the most of your Swiss Half Fare 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.
For those wanting to remain in the mountains, the Aletsch Glacier can be reached by cable car, and the Italian town of Domodossola is a short ride from Brig through the tunnel formerly used by the evocative Simplon-Orient Express.
Leaving Brig after breakfast today, we enjoy a sensational journey on the iconic Glacier Express.
Traveling on this world-famous train, Switzerland's striking natural beauty is revealed throughout. Spellbinding scenes of snowy meadows, frozen streams and white mountaintops all play their part to create a jaw-dropping winter wonderland setting. From our panoramic windows, we can marvel at the alpine scenery while we enjoy lunch served at our seats. After climbing through the nine-mile Furka Tunnel, unmissable views are revealed as we ascend to the roof of the route on the Oberalp Pass. Making our way through the elemental 'Swiss Grand Canyon', we arrive at our destination.
Chur is the country's oldest town and full of history - as is our 360-year-old hotel. After a welcome drink, we settle down to spend the first of four nights in a 360-year-old hotel beloved by our customers.
Making our way by rail to Lucerne after breakfast today, there is time to explore this attractive town situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Swiss Alps.
At this time of year, Lucerne lives up to its nickname as the 'City of Lights'. Twinkling festive displays illuminate the Old Town's cobbled streets, casting a shimmering glow on the half-timbered buildings and frescoed exteriors. Christmas market stalls can be found on the lakefront, so you could enjoy a warming hot chocolate or glühwein while admiring panoramic views of the mountains and tranquil waters. One of the main attractions of Lucerne is the famous Kapellbrücke, a 14th-century wooden bridge that increases the fairytale feel to this picturesque Swiss city. Alternatively, travel on the Rigi mountain railroad or enjoy a paddle steamer cruise across Lake Lucerne using your Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% fare reductions.
Back in Chur this evening, the celebrations begin with a special dinner, accompanied by wine and followed by carols around the Christmas tree.
Merry Christmas! Enjoy a leisurely free day today to relax or look around Chur, a destination with a history dating back more than 5,000 years.
Chur itself is backed by mountains and the colorful buildings of its charming Old Town mean it is a delightful place to wander at this time of year. The center of the Old Town is the idyllic Martinsplatz, where you can find the arcaded 15th-century Town Hall. Overlooking the historic center are the 800-year-old Cathedral of the Assumption and the terracotta-fronted Bishop's Palace.
Once you've marveled at the historical landmarks and wintry mountain setting, back at the hotel we sit down to enjoy a three-course dinner with wine.
Our final full day in Switzerland delivers an unforgettable journey after breakfast as we board the panoramic carriages of the Bernina Express.
This stunning journey over the Alps reveals views of ancient castles, frosted forests and snow-bound plateaus. Twisting along the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, our route then climbs high into the mountains to an altitude of 7,392 feet. Views of frozen lakes and peaks blanketed in pristine white greet us as we skirt Lago Bianco and descend towards our destination. Poschiavo is a pretty, Italian-speaking town of pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. The quaint main square, Piazza Comunale, enjoys views of the wintry mountains and the campanile tower of the Church of Saint Victor.
There's time to explore this small town as it emerges from its festive celebrations. Afterward, we return to Chur via a short stop in St Moritz, dining at our hotel this evening.
A winter wonderland of spectacular snow-bound scenery, cozy chalets, festive atmospheres and iconic trains - Switzerland is breathtaking at this time of year. Having experienced many delights of this beautiful country, from the Bernina Express and Glacier Express to the mountain panoramas of Zermatt and lakeside Lucerne, your yuletide Swiss adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
Leaving Chur, your rail ticket is included as you make your way independently to Zürich airport ready for your flight back home.
All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.
Following a UNESCO World Heritage route on the Rhaetian Railway between Chur, Switzerland, and Tirano, Italy, the Bernina Express is one of the most beloved rail lines in the Swiss Alps. Mountains, lakes, spiral loops, and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct are all featured on the 76-mile course. Steep grades are negotiated with ease, and the train passes through 55 tunnels and crosses 196 bridges in pursuit of the Mediterranean landscapes of Northern Italy. Travelers soak in the sights from panoramic train cars during the 4-hour expedition.
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 in 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'.
The 4-star Hotel Ambassador in Brig is conveniently located close to the railroad station and the town center. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant, cozy brasserie and delightful garden terrace. Each of the stylishly renovated rooms is equipped with a telephone, television and a hairdryer.
A traditionally Swiss hotel, the stunning Romantik Hotel Stern has stood for 360 years in central Chur and is the perfect blend of rustic heritage and modern convenience. The well-established onsite restaurant specializes is delicious Swiss cuisine and there is also a rooftop terrace that provides wonderful views of the surrounding natural environs. The Romantik Hotel Stern is just a short walk from Chur's regional station.
We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!
Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.