Swiss Winter Wonderland & Glacier Express

Day One

Our Swiss winter adventure begins with an early-hours departure, travelling south to Folkestone for our Eurotunnel crossing to Calais. We then continue through northern France to Reims, in the heart of the celebrated Champagne region, for our overnight stay.

Day Two

After breakfast, we continue through France and into Switzerland, arriving in the beautiful lakeside city of Lucerne for a two-night stay. With its medieval bridges, colourful old town and mountain backdrop, Lucerne makes an enchanting introduction to our Swiss adventure.

Once settled into our centrally located hotel, enjoy time to explore your surroundings. Perhaps stroll across the famous wooden Chapel Bridge, admire the neighbouring Water Tower or wander through cobbled squares lined with painted buildings and inviting shops. Along the waterfront, views across the lake towards the Alpine peaks provide a lovely setting for your first evening in Switzerland, with a choice of restaurants nearby for dinner.

Day Three

Today brings a wonderful journey by boat and mountain railway, taking us from the shores of Lake Lucerne to the lofty heights of Mount Rigi. A short walk from our hotel brings us to the landing stage in Lucerne, where we board our boat for a leisurely cruise to Vitznau. Watch pretty lakeside villages slip past as wooded slopes and mountain peaks frame the views across the water.

At Vitznau, we join the historic cogwheel railway for the climb to Rigi Kulm. Opened in 1871 as Europe’s first mountain railway, the line offers an unforgettable ascent, with the lake falling away below and an ever-widening panorama unfolding around us. Known as the Queen of the Mountains, Rigi rewards us with sweeping views across the surrounding Alps. Enjoy free time at the summit to take photographs and savour the scenery, with snow-covered peaks and distant lakes stretching towards the horizon on a clear day.

Our journey continues down the opposite side of the mountain by cogwheel train to Arth-Goldau. Here, we join a connecting train back to Lucerne, completing a varied circular excursion through some of central Switzerland’s finest scenery.

Day Four

A highlight of our holiday awaits as we travel by coach to Andermatt and board the world-famous Glacier Express. Settle into your panoramic carriage for a journey through a magnificent Alpine landscape, where the scenery is as much a part of the experience as the train itself.

Leaving Andermatt, we climb towards the snow-covered Oberalp Pass. At 2,033 metres above sea level, this is the highest point of the Glacier Express route, offering far-reaching views across the wintry mountain landscape. With broad windows bringing the scenery into view, there is time to sit back and appreciate every turn of the journey. We descend into the Rhine Valley before entering the dramatic Rhine Gorge, often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon”. Here, pale cliffs rise above the winding river, with forested slopes adding to the striking contrasts of the landscape.

Our journey ends in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city, where we settle into Hotel ABC for three nights. Afterwards, enjoy time to discover the old town’s winding pedestrianised streets, decorative fountains and attractive squares, or find a welcoming spot to relax and reflect on a memorable day.

Day Five

Wrap up warmly for a day that captures the charm of an Alpine winter. We travel into the mountains to Davos, one of Europe’s highest towns, where a traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride offers a delightful way to experience the surrounding scenery. Sit back and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the horses as we make our way through the winter landscape. With crisp mountain air, snowy surroundings and time to take it all in, this is a chance to slow down and enjoy one of the holiday’s most atmospheric experiences.

There will also be free time in Davos to browse the shops, enjoy lunch or warm up over a coffee before we continue to nearby Klosters. Framed by mountains and dotted with traditional wooden chalets, this attractive resort retains a welcoming village feel. Wander at your leisure, explore its small shops or settle into a cosy café before we return to Chur.

Day Six

Our final full day in Switzerland brings another scenic railway adventure. Boarding the Arosa Railway in Chur, we begin with the unusual experience of travelling through the city streets before leaving the buildings behind and climbing into the mountain landscapes of the Schanfigg Valley. Over just 26 kilometres, the railway gains almost 1,000 metres in altitude. Forested slopes, snowy meadows and traditional mountain villages unfold along the way, with fresh views around each bend. A memorable moment comes as we cross the impressive Langwies Viaduct, high above the valley below.

We arrive in Arosa, set at around 1,800 metres above sea level amid a magnificent backdrop of Alpine peaks. Enjoy time to explore this inviting winter resort at your own pace, browsing the shops or finding a restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Perhaps finish with a warming hot chocolate and a chance to admire the mountain scenery.

Later this afternoon, we board our train for the return to Chur, enjoying another opportunity to take in the views as we wind back down through the valley.

Day Seven

After breakfast, we leave Chur and begin our homeward journey through Switzerland and into France. We return to the Champagne region for our final overnight stay in Reims, with time to relax after the day’s travel.

Day Eight

Following breakfast, we continue to Calais for our Eurotunnel crossing to Folkestone, then travel onwards to North Wales, bringing home memories of snowy Alpine peaks, remarkable railway journeys and Switzerland’s winter charm.

B=Breakfast Included