First Class Glacier Express at Christmas

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First Class Glacier Express at Christmas



Tour Description:

A FESTIVE JOURNEY THROUGH THE WINTER LANDSCAPES OF SWITZERLAND, THIS RAIL VACATION BRINGS THE TRUE MEANING OF WINTER WONDERLAND TO LIFE.

Perhaps those who say “there is no place like home for the holidays,” have never had the opportunity to spend Christmas surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the Swiss Alps. You, on the other hand, enjoy just this while embarking on this 9-day wintertime adventure through Switzerland. Traveling into Switzerland by way of London, our journey begins aboard a high-speed train that takes us to Paris then Strasbourg before arriving in the alpine town of Brig in southern Switzerland. Here, enjoy a leisurely ride through the mountains to the resort town of Zermatt and a full day to explore Brig and the surrounding region at your own pace. Then it is off to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, aboard the country’s most famous train. Admire the panoramic views of the snowy mountains and dramatic gorges from your first-class seats on the Glacier Express. It is in Chur that we enjoy the festivities of Christmas, including a train ride to Lucerne - a city that becomes aglow with twinkling lights and Christmas spirit to welcome the holidays - and a delicious five-course dinner on Christmas Eve. Spend Christmas at leisure, soaking in the sights, smells and cheer of the day before embarking on one last grand adventure, a ride aboard the Bernina Express, and heading home. This rail tour offers the best of the holiday season in Switzerland.

Highlights:
* Rail travel on board the high-speed Eurostar train
* First class Swiss Travel Card including all Swiss rail journeys and 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railroad journeys
* Two scenic rail excursions: Glacier Express and Bernina Express
* Mountain rail excursion to Zermatt
* Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
* 15 meals, including a 4-course Christmas dinner with wine and 5-course Christmas Eve dinner with wine
* Visit to Lucerne
* Dedicated Departure Office in St Pancras
* Services of a professional tour escort and knowledgeable local guides for touring

Map for First Class Glacier Express at Christmas
Click for larger view.

Dates & Pricing



Destination & Sightseeing

ITINERARY

Days 1-2 - Strasbourg and Switzerland
We meet at our Departure Office in St Pancras International, before boarding the Eurostar to Paris, traveling in Standard Premier Class. We change trains and continue to Strasbourg, where we overnight. On Day 2, we enjoy a morning at leisure before traveling to our destination, Brig. (Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, D; Day 2 - B, D)

Days 3-4 - By mountain railroad to Zermatt
Today, we board a narrow-gauge train, traveling through picturesque vineyards and alongside the River Rhône to Visp. Here, we join the mountain railroad to the charming resort of Zermatt, nestled below the peak of the Matterhorn. On Day 4, we are at leisure. Why not make use of the included Swiss Travel Card, giving you 50% off local rail fares? (Day 3 - B, D; Day 4 - B)

Day 5 - First Class on the Glacier Express
We leave Brig today, traveling on the iconic Glacier Express - the 'slowest express train in the world' - in First Class. The panoramic windows allow us to look out over a veritable winter wonderland of towering peaks and spectacular gorges, while enjoying lunch served at our seats. Our journey finishes in Chur. (B, L)

Days 6-7 - Christmas Eve in Lucerne and Christmas Day
On Christmas Eve, we travel by train to Lucerne, an ancient lakeside city of cobbled streets, squares, and the famous Kapellbrücke bridge. The festive atmosphere here adds an almost magical touch, as you have time to wander the illuminated streets and decorated plazas. In the evening, we begin our celebrations with a five-course dinner that includes wine and carol singing by the Christmas tree. Day 7, Christmas Day, is at leisure ahead of a Festive dinner at the hotel. (Day 6 - B, D; Day 7 - B, D)

Day 8 - The Bernina Express
Today we enjoy a trip on the narrow-gauge Bernina Express, that takes us from Chur to Poschiavo. This stunning railroad truly takes in the best of the Swiss landscapes, from the rolling green meadows and ancient mountains, to the rushing mountains streams and the deep pine forests. Following time in this Italian town, we return to Chur. (B, D)

Day 9 - Homeward Bound
Today, we leave Chur, heading to the Geneva Airport where your tour concludes. (B)