The Glacier Express, Lucerne & Zermatt
- Our suggested itinerary could include:
- A visit to Lucerne with a Cruise
- A journey on the Mount Rigi Cog Railway
- A full day Glacier Express excursion to Brig
- The Narrow-guage railway to Zermatt
- Group Organiser benefits
- No single room supplements (selected tours only)
The Glacier Express is often known as the 'Orient Express of the Alps' and is renowned for being the slowest express train in Europe. Travelling along the narrow-gauge railway, picturesque vistas unfold as you wind through spectacular gorges and snow-covered peaks. Travelling towards Zermatt, which is situated near the foot of the Matterhorn, you will enjoy a wonderful tour through Switzerland's most beautiful landscapes. The train features fantastic panoramic windows and a glass skylight which allows you optimum views of the Alpine scenery.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 –Check–in at St Pancras for your rail journey by Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Transferring to the Gare de Lyon you will take an afternoon train service to Switzerland. Check in at your hotel for a three night stay.
Day 2 – Lucerne is a delightful city located on the lakeside. It has beautiful historic buildings and selection of shops, Lucerne is a pleasure to explore. See the Chapel Bridge, the oldest preserved wooden bridge in Europe, and the famous Lion Monument. The Swiss Museum of Transport is also worth visiting.
Day 3 – A relaxing cruise across Lake Lucerne bound for Vitznau where you will join the Mount Rigi Railway, Europe's first cog railway which climbs to the top of Rigi Kulm. On a clear day it is possible to see 13 of Switzerland's lakes, and as far as France and Germany. Descending the opposite side of the mountain by cog railway to Arth Goldau, we join our train passing pretty Lake Zugersee, returning to the hotel.
Day 4 – Boarding the world-famous Glacier Express, affectionately known as the slowest 'express' in the world. This journey takes us through a variety of landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to peaceful meadows and dramatic passes. Making its way along the broad valley the train climbs towards the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 2033m. The express then descends to Andermatt and continues down the Rhône Valley to Brig, a small historic town situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass. Check in to your hotel here where you will stay for two nights.
Day 5 – Picturesque Zermatt is the excursion today, which encompasses dramatic Swiss scenery as you travel there by mountain railway. Overlooked by the mighty Matterhorn, Zermatt is ideally situated for walks into the mountains or for the more adventurous, you might like to take the train journey to the Gornergrat.
Day 6 – Checking out of your hotel we return by train via Paris where you re-join the Eurostar to London.
With all packages we supply a tailor-made flyer to assist in the promotion of your group holiday, along with a booking form which provides us with all the details we require from each participant.