Itinerary
- Day 1
Chur
You'll arrive in Chur, Switzerland's oldest city, either by train from the Swiss border or driving in yourself. The car-free old town is your first stop for wandering around and getting oriented. If you drove, there's parking available in the city (you'll cover the cost). After checking into your accommodation, you'll have the rest of the evening to settle in and explore the immediate area.
Optional Activities
- Explore car-free old town of Chur
- Walking tour of historic Chur
Landmarks Chur Old Town - Day 2
Bernina Express Route
This is the Bernina Express day. You'll board the train in Chur and experience one of the most notable railway journeys in the Alps, traveling roughly 122 km with 55 tunnels and 196 bridges along the UNESCO World Heritage Albula Line. The route climbs to Bernina Pass, passes through Poschiavo, then crosses the famous Brusio hairpin bend before reaching Tirano in Italy. From there, you'll return to Chur via Pontresina and Samedan on a regular Rhaetian Railway train, getting back in the late afternoon.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Bernina Express train journey - UNESCO World Heritage Albula Line route
- Journey to Bernina Pass (2,033 m)
- Passage through Brusio open hairpin bend
- Return journey via Pontresina and Samedan
Landmarks Albula Line Bernina Pass Brusio Viaduct Tirano Pontresina Samedan - Day 3
Glacier Express to Brig
Today you're boarding the Glacier Express, often called the world's slowest express train, for a full day journey through the Alps. The route showcases the Rhine Gorge with dramatic cliffs and crosses the Oberalp Pass at 2,033 m/6,670 ft. A 3-course meal arrives at your seat during the journey. You'll pull into Brig in the afternoon and check in for a two-night stay in Valais, so you can relax once you arrive.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (3-course menu (excl. drinks) at seat)
Included Activities
- Glacier Express train journey through the Alps
- Passage through Rhine Gorge
- Crossing of Oberalp Pass (2,033 m)
- 3-course meal service at seat during journey
Landmarks Rhine Gorge Oberalp Pass - Day 4
Zermatt
The Matterhorn Gotthard Railway takes you to Zermatt, a charming mountain village, and the day is mostly free to spend how you like. You could ride up to Gornergrat for views of 38 three- and four-thousand-meter peaks with the Matterhorn visible, or take mountain railways to Rothorn or Klein Matterhorn instead, or check out the Matterhorn Museum. You'll head back to Brig by train in the afternoon, so plan accordingly and don't stray too far.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Matterhorn Gotthard Railway journey to Zermatt
- Return journey by train to Brig
Optional Activities
- Gornergrat excursion with panoramic views of 38 three- and four-thousand-metre peaks and Matterhorn
- Mountain railroad trip to Rothorn
- Mountain railroad trip to Klein Matterhorn
- Matterhorn Museum visit
- Exploration of Zermatt village
Landmarks Zermatt Matterhorn Gornergrat Rothorn Klein Matterhorn Matterhorn Museum - Day 5
Return to Chur or Swiss Border
You'll depart Valais today with a return train journey to either Chur or the Swiss border (both options are included in your trip). Alternatively, if you drove and parked in Chur originally, you can leave independently by car instead. Plan your departure time based on your transportation choice and any connections you need to make.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Individual departure by car from Chur
