Peruse any list of the world’s greatest rail journeys, and you’re bound to find the Glacier Express. It takes eight hours to travel the 290 km (180-mile) route that connects the Alpine resort towns of St Moritz and Zermatt. But given the panoramic views to be had, you’ll be glad of the sedate speed as you cruise along this narrow-gauge marvel of engineering. It was granted Unesco World Heritage status in 2008 in recognition of its extraordinary engineering, architecture and connection to the Alpine landscape – passing up and over brooding mountains, sailing above vertiginous gorges and gliding alongside rushing rivers. This jewel of a train journey opened 94 years ago as a summer adventure, but today the Glacier Express can be enjoyed most of the year, in snow or sun. Now, windows extend into the roofline of each train car, allowing for awe-inspiring views all along the way. The spectacle outside is a contrast to the serene interior of the train, where you will enjoy a two-course gourmet lunch with prosecco as you travel.
course gourmet lunch with prosecco as you travel.
The pretty Alpine resort town of Zermatt is surrounded by 38 four-thousand-metre peaks Credit: Shutterstock
The iconic rail route is an undoubted highlight on Great Rail Journeys’ First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn escorted tour, which also includes a journey on the scenic Bernina Express. This eight-night adventure takes you deep into the monumental landscapes of Switzerland and includes first class travel, stays in characterful four-star hotels, and most meals. All with a knowledgeable UK tour manager by your side from start to finish. Here’s what to expect…
Day one and two: Swiss culture, Rhine valley, and the upward climb
Travel by Eurostar to Paris, continuing via Strasbourg to Basel, where you will spend your first night. Set on the Rhine River, this is Switzerland’s cultural capital, rich in museums and intellectual heritage. On your second day, you will journey southeast by train across Switzerland into the heart of the Alps to stylish St Moritz. The town’s hotels offer the perfect panoramic view of the gleaming lake, making it the ideal spot for a three-course dinner in the evening.
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Rail journey of a lifetime – step aboard the Glacier Express to the Matterhorn
Zigzag across Switzerland’s most dramatic landscapes on a Great Rail Journeys’ escorted rail tour
Ride the Glacier Express on one of the world’s greatest journeys to Zermatt, beneath the Matterhorn mountain Credit: Shutterstock
Peruse any list of the world’s greatest rail journeys, and you’re bound to find the Glacier Express. It takes eight hours to travel the 290 km (180-mile) route that connects the Alpine resort towns of St Moritz and Zermatt. But given the panoramic views to be had, you’ll be glad of the sedate speed as you cruise along this narrow-gauge marvel of engineering. It was granted Unesco World Heritage status in 2008 in recognition of its extraordinary engineering, architecture and connection to the Alpine landscape – passing up and over brooding mountains, sailing above vertiginous gorges and gliding alongside rushing rivers.
This jewel of a train journey opened 94 years ago as a summer adventure, but today the Glacier Express can be enjoyed most of the year, in snow or sun. Now, windows extend into the roofline of each train car, allowing for awe-inspiring views all along the way. The spectacle outside is a contrast to the serene interior of the train, where you will enjoy a two-course gourmet lunch with prosecco as you travel.
The pretty Alpine resort town of Zermatt is surrounded by 38 four-thousand-metre peaks Credit: Shutterstock
The iconic rail route is an undoubted highlight on Great Rail Journeys’ First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn escorted tour, which also includes a journey on the scenic Bernina Express. This eight-night adventure takes you deep into the monumental landscapes of Switzerland and includes first class travel, stays in characterful four-star hotels, and most meals. All with a knowledgeable UK tour manager by your side from start to finish. Here’s what to expect…
Day one and two: Swiss culture, Rhine valley, and the upward climb
Travel by Eurostar to Paris, continuing via Strasbourg to Basel, where you will spend your first night. Set on the Rhine River, this is Switzerland’s cultural capital, rich in museums and intellectual heritage. On your second day, you will journey southeast by train across Switzerland into the heart of the Alps to stylish St Moritz. The town’s hotels offer the perfect panoramic view of the gleaming lake, making it the ideal spot for a three-course dinner in the evening.
Soak up some Swiss culture in Basel, set on the beautiful Rhine river Credit: Getty
Day three and four: Cross the Alps on the Bernina Express and get a taste of St Moritz
Cross the Alps into Italy on this Unesco-listed route, traversing the Bernina Pass at more than 7,300ft above sea level. The stunning route then twists down the mountains, spiralling round the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio, before arriving in Tirano, a delightful Italian town for a wander before returning to Switzerland and St Moritz. This mountain town has been a destination for outdoors-loving high society since 1864, and its upmarket boutiques offer plenty to peruse. But, perched at 6,090ft in the sunny Engadin Valley, it is also a glorious spot for walking. Thanks to your St Moritz resort card, you will have free travel on the cable cars and funiculars surrounding the town so you can head up into its snow-capped peaks in minutes.
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