Switzerland, the Matterhorn & the Glacier Express

Spectacular mountain scenery, the iconic and unmistakeable Matterhorn, dramatic rides on railways, awe-inspiring views of glaciers and summits, lush meadows dotted with cowbells and chalets, this is Switzerland at its most wonderful. Enjoy the very best this unique country has to offer for eight remarkable days that will stay with you forever.

Full Itinerary

Day 1: UK TO BRIG

Fly to Zurich or take the Eurostar from London St Pancras International via Paris and transfer to your hotel. On arrival, you'll be taken to the charming town of Brig, perfectly located in the Rhône Valley at the head of the Simplon Pass and surrounded by the lofty peaks. Brig grew in prominence during the 17th century after monopolising the trade in silk, salt, and mail between adjacent France and Italy. The wealth that resulted led to the creation of the country’s largest private residence - The Stockalper Palace. 

Day 2: ZERMATT AND THE MATTERHORN

Your first day trip takes you up the Mattertal Valley. Climbing upwards, the scenery becomes ever more spectacular. Lush meadows covered with wildflowers and studded with tiny shepherds’ shelters give way to dense forests, crowned by snow-capped mountains. As the road traverses towering viaducts and jaw-dropping precipices, you'll admire the finesse of Swiss engineering. You'll also pass torrential mountain streams and tumbling waterfalls before arriving at legendary Zermatt; nestling at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car-free jumble of typical Swiss chalets, hotels, and ancient wooden farm huts along the valley floor; cable cars and footpaths weave upwards to the surrounding lofty and majestic summit.

The Matterhorn is the ultimate Alpine peak. Yet it remains hidden until you reach the end of the village, turn a corner, and is revealed in all its glory - truly one of life’s ‘WOW’ moments! If you wish to gain an even better view, there's the possibility of taking the cog railway up 10,000 feet to Gornergrat - this can be arranged locally with your Tour Manager - an awe-inspiring mountain wonderland of glaciers and summits awaits you. If you prefer, you can relax in one of the many delightful cafés – or take a gentle ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

Day 3: LAKE MAGGIORE

This morning, you'll travel over the Simplon Pass to Italy's Lake Maggiore and the town of Stresa. Mediterranean in character, its shores are lined with oleanders and palms and backed by classic belle époque hotels. Arriving in Stresa you'll have some free time to wander around the cobbled streets; you’ll find them lined with traditional shops and bakers and butchers displaying cakes, salamis, hams, and other delicacies - ideal ‘goodies’ to take home. Relax in one of the cafes in the main square and indulge in people watching, whilst enjoying real Italian coffee. Literacy enthusiasts can relax at the Grand Hotel's bar; featured in Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’ and also frequented by George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin.

Later, you'll get to cruise across Lake Maggiore towards the Borromean Islands and see Isola Bella. You'll disembark at Verbania, drive to Locarno, and board the narrow-gauge Centovalli railway (2023 departures only). Sit back and gaze at cascading waterfalls, deep ravines, chestnut forests, and hillside villages. Passing over viaducts and bridges, you'll arrive in Domodossola and return to your hotel by coach.

If travelling on a tour in 2024 - you’ll cruise across central Lake Maggiore to take in the Borromean Islands. Pride of place goes to the amazing Baroque Palazzo on Isola Bella, and you’ll tour the fascinating and elaborate interior with an expert. The resplendent rooms feature refined furniture, sculptures, and paintings; intricate parquet flooring, and elegant pastel-covered plasterwork. Explore the exquisite grounds featuring overlapping terraces planted with orange and lemon trees, magnolias, and other fragrant and colourful shrubs and plants.

Day 4: MONTREUX

Today, you'll travel to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva where you'll have a full day at leisure to choose what you’d like to do. You could take a cruise with lunch aboard one of the many beautiful belle époque style paddle-steamers or you could take the spectacular cog-wheel railway to the peak of Rochers de Naye. Back down by the lakeshore, the famous 13th-century Chateau de Chillon stands guard over the Rhône Valley just outside the town and is the epitome of a romantic medieval fortress. Or perhaps you’d prefer to simply stroll along the charming lakeshore promenade, admiring the surrounding vine-clad terraces and the view of France’s snow-capped Haute-Savoie mountains on the opposite bank.

If you prefer to stay closer to Brig and like to walk in the fresh mountain air; there are some easy footpaths close by, just a couple of stops down the railway. From here a spectacular cable car and gondola ride whisks you up to 8,684 feet to the Bettmerhorn from where you can enjoy an amazing panoramic view over the Aletsch glacier, Europe’s longest and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Signature Experience: 
Today you'll drive through the Mont Blanc range, winding down the hairpins to the River Rhone, before crossing into Switzerland to Chateau Chillon on Lake Geneva – inspiration for Byron’s “Prisoner of Chillon”. This almost perfectly preserved medieval castle boasts original features, including coats of arms, iron fireplaces, and much of the original wooden structure and interior decoration. This being Switzerland, the castle’s medieval clock still works! (2024 only)

Day 5: THE GLACIER EXPRESS

Today you'll take the legendary ‘Glacier Express’ – one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the world and for many will be the highlight of the holiday. Travel on this specially-designed train with its large panoramic windows and experience the several changes of locomotive needed to cope with the gradients. The four-hour, 120-kilometre journey winds and twists its way through stunning scenery, and passes mountain ranges, cascading waterfalls, forest-covered hillsides, and ravines with torrential rivers; over high viaducts, and through mountain tunnels. The journey's highest point is the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet, where you’re well above the tree line. Another highlight is the Upper Rhine Gorge, sometimes called the ‘Swiss Grand Canyon’. 

After lunch on board (payable locally), you'll arrive in Chur. From here, winding ever-upwards, your coach takes you to charming Klosters, renowned as the Royal Family’s favourite ski resort. The village is a huddle of typical dark-wood chalets, surrounded by alpine peaks creating a charming and cosy atmosphere in which to immerse yourself. Your hotel for the next three nights with dinner is the four-star Silvretta Parkhotel, located in the village centre. It has a large indoor pool with a whirlpool and fitness area, the Panorama restaurant where you'll take dinner, a lounge bar, and spacious, well-appointed rooms.

Signature Experience:
Your seat will be upgraded to First Class (2023 only) to enhance your experience on the Glacier Express. Enjoy the stunning alpine views from the comfort of a more spacious seat with plenty of legroom and make your journey even more memorable. Just sit back, relax, and relish your journey aboard the Glacier Express. Your ticket now includes a complimentary lunch on board - get comfortable and indulge in a delicious meal while admiring the stunning mountain views (2024 only). NB: Signature options are not available if you choose to travel by train.

Day 6: KLOSTERS

While in Klosters you have free access via all the nearby cable cars and chair lifts to the surrounding peaks. You’ll get to enjoy a wonderland of stunning Alpine views linked by spectacular walks. The homely chalet restaurants serve local specialities on their sunlit terraces.

Day 7: THE BERNINA EXPRESS

Today, you'll get to enjoy a contrasting day of spectacular scenery and extraordinary Swiss engineering, taking the famous Bernina Express to Tirano just over the Italian border. This remarkable train twists upwards in an amazing sequence of spirals, loops, 55 tunnels, and 196 bridges past the chic resort of St Moritz to the summit at Ospizio Bernina and at 7,400 feet, Europe’s highest through station. Here you’re surrounded by stunning vistas over the snow-clad peaks and ice-cold glacial lakes that mark the watershed between the Mediterranean and Black Sea river systems. The views will take your breath away!

Next, you'll wind your way down through pretty pastures and dense pine forests to Tirano. You have some free time here before you board your coach returning to Klosters via the stunning Upper Engadine Valley over the Fluela Pass (normally open from late May to mid-October). The Bernina Express railway and its surrounding countryside were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. No surprise then that it’s acknowledged as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world!

Signature Experience:
No visit to Switzerland is complete without sampling a fondue, a sumptuous dish with humble beginnings which date back to the 18th century. During the harsh winter months when fresh food was not available, Alpine farmers would combine leftover cheese and wine to make this well-known dish. Experience all the flavours and traditions at a private fondue evening in the atmospheric surroundings of your hotel.

Please note for your comfort that this day may operate in reverse. NB: Signature options are not available if you choose to travel by train

Day 8: RETURN FLIGHT

At the end of a truly spectacular tour, you’ll be transferred to the train station or airport for your return journey to the UK.