Expert-led
Roll through the Swiss mountains by first-class rail and meet Michael Portillo
Switzerland has natural beauty to discover around every corner, from the serene Lake Geneva, to the imposing peaks of the Bernina Mountains and the mighty, knife-edge splendour of the Matterhorn, one of the world's most instantly recognisable mountain peaks.
Discover the Matterhorn and the Swiss Alps for yourself on this luxury fully escorted tour by first-class rail. You'll travel from the picture-perfect shores of Lake Geneva deep into Switzerland's mountainous heart.
Joining you on one of your excursions and hosting an exclusive talk and Q&A will be journalist and broadcaster Michael Portillo, whose enthusiasm for train travel is well known. Michael has presented various TV series about the world's most famous railways, and has travelled extensively on the Swiss railway network.
You'll ride first-class on board some of Europe's most renowned railways throughout the tour, staying in four-star hotels with excellent facilities as you travel.
You'll have a first-class ticket for the iconic Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz. Known as the 'slowest express train in the world' this journey allows you lots of time to admire the Alpine scenery over a three-course lunch at your seat.
You'll also travel to and from Tirano in Italy on the lovely Bernina Railway, a memorable train ride which takes you along the highest railway crossing in the Alps, providing an ideal viewpoint for soaking in the best views of Switzerland's crystal lakes and stunning mountain peaks.
There's a return trip on the Gornergrat Railway included too, treating you to the most breathtaking views of the towering Matterhorn in the whole country.
Reasons to book
Meet Michael Portillo
Stay in sleek four-star hotels
Travel on first-class rail
Bernina Express
Glacier Express
See the mighty Matterhorn
Your expert guide
Price includes
- Six nights' four-star hotel accommodation on a half board basis (please note most meals provided are a set menu)
- First-class rail from the UK and throughout your holiday (excluding the Gornergrat)
- Talk, Q&A and excursion with Michael Portillo
- Journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
- Journey on the Glacier Express
- Journey on the Bernina Express
- Scenic rail journey through the Rhine Gorge
- Overseas transfers as detailed
- City taxes
- Services of a tour manager throughout
Availability
Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in GenevaGeneva, Switzerland
You'll depart London by Eurostar Premier in the morning and head towards Geneva by first-class rail for an overnight stay, ahead of your journey into the Alps tomorrow.
On arrival in Geneva, you'll check in for the night at the four-star Hotel Bristol Geneva. You'll have dinner with the group at a local restaurant before settling in for a good night's sleep.
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Day2ZermattZermatt, Switzerland
Today, a first class rail journey will take you alongside the shores of Lake Geneva and into the mountainous heart of Switzerland.
You'll be greeted by the sight of the mighty Matterhorn as you arrive into Zermatt by train, where you will stay for two nights. You won't need to worry about bringing your luggage, just pack a bag for the day, as your bags will be transported via road to Zermatt, and will be waiting for you on arrival.
You'll spend two nights at the lovely four-star Hotel Mirabeau in Zermatt on a half board basis.
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Day3Zermatt and the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat RailwayZermatt, Switzerland
You'll have a full day to enjoy Zermatt today, including a return trip on the Gornergrat Railway in standard class from which you will enjoy outstanding views of the Matterhorn at 3,089m above sea level.
This afternoon you'll be joined by Michael Portillo for an exclusive talk and Q&A, followed by an early dinner.
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Day4Glacier ExpressSt Moritz, Switzerland
Today it's all aboard the 'slowest express train in the world' for a spectacular ride.
The Glacier Express trundles at 24mph for 181 miles towards your base for the next two nights, St Moritz. At that pace there is plenty of time for you to take in the ever-changing scenery, including the magnificent Landwasser Viaduct, perfectly framed by the train's large-scale windows.You'll have a first-class ticket for the iconic train, as you travel from Zermatt to St Moritz, which Includes a delicious three-course meal served at your seat. All dishes are lovingly and freshly prepared on board every day using carefully selected regional produce.
When you arrive at St Moritz your luggage will be waiting for you in your room at the four-star Hotel San Gian St Moritz, where you'll stay for two nights on a half board basis.
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Day5Bernina ExpressSt Moritz, Switzerland
During your stay in St Moritz, you'll have a round-trip to Tirano and back on the glorious Bernina Express, where you'll be spellbound as you watch the Swiss mountains and lakes give way to Italian greenery.
This remarkable train and the surrounding countryside was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, and it's not difficult to see why. It twists and turns ever upwards towards the summit at Ospizio Bernina, at 7,400 feet. You loop around the Bernina Alps, through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, past the chic resort of St Moritz and just across the border to Tirano.
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Day6St Moritz to the Rhine ValleyKönigswinter, Germany
Today's first-class train journey makes the most of some of Europe's prettiest views as you skirt the edges of Lakes Wellensee and Zurich, before sweeping through the beautiful Rhine Gorge and following the river to Königswinter, where you'll check in at four-star Maritim Hotel Königswinter
Here you can spend your final evening in an enchanting setting admiring the beautiful Drachenfels, which rises up over the town.
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Day7Return to LondonKönigswinter, Germany
Today you will make your way back to London by rail as your Swiss adventure comes to an end.
Accommodation
Hotel Bristol Geneva
With elegant Art Deco inspired interiors and a fabulous location on the Square du Mont-Blanc, this four-star boutique hotel has been voted one of the best in Geneva and has a spa and wellness centre.
Hotel Mirabeau, Zermatt
Conveniently located just minutes from Zermatt’s main train station, Hotel Mirabeau Zermatt is a peaceful haven offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn (Matterhorn view bedrooms at a supplement). Facilities at the hotel include a hot tub, fitness centre, sauna, indoor pool, spa.
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