Mountaintops of Switzerland

Arrive in Basel, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and fellow travellers over a Welcome Dinner.

Wake up to the stunning beauty of Switzerland and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Transfer to the train station to embark on a scenic journey to Interlaken, where you'll hop on the iconic Giessbach funicular railway, ascending to your mountaintop hotel. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Brienz’s turquoise waters, with picturesque towns and villages lining the shores, and the majestic mountains reflecting on the placid lake.

Board one of Switzerland’s most scenic railway routes today on the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. Depart from Brienz, where the steam-hauled train awaits, and begin your steady ascent through dramatic mountain landscapes, with the shimmering waters of Lake Brienz below. As you climb higher, the scenery becomes progressively greener, and jagged mountain peaks rise to eye level. At over 2,000 metres above sea level, you’ll reach Rothorn, the summit of the rail journey. Disembark and explore the peak at your own leisure. Then, return by train for your descent to Brienz and Giessbach.

After breakfast, travel by coach to Spiez, then by rail to Brig where one of Switzerland’s most famous trains awaits. Lunch is served in the rail cars during your journey. Arrive into the Engadine Valley and check into your hotel. This part of the Graubünden canton epitomises the beauty of alpine Switzerland with lush meadows on the valley floor surrounded on all sides by imposing mountains. Even in summer, many of the peaks are dusted with snow.

Insider Experience - Glacier Express

The red and white Glacier Express is known for being the slowest express train, but also one of the most scenic. Board the train and chug through tunnels, and across countless bridges and viaducts. A sure highlight is when you ascend over 1,800 metres at the Oberalp Pass, with the train using cogwheels to conquer the steepest points. 

On your Insider Experience rail ride, you’ll travel at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, enjoying views of turquoise glacial lakes nestled below. Once in Tirano, it’s time to explore at leisure. There’s a peaceful old quarter towards the east of the town, which you might like to head to for a rest after the excitement of the rail adventure. Later in the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Switzerland.

Insider Experience - The Bernina Express

Connecting Italy and Switzerland on one of the highest railway lines in the Alps, the Bernina Express is a must on any train-lover’s list. Join this rail odyssey today, carving through the snow-capped landscapes and lush hillsides to Tirano in northern Italy. 

Switzerland is renowned for its superb rail network, and today you're in for another treat. Travel to Lucerne to board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway — the Mount Pilatus Railway. With a steep gradient that reaches up to 48%, there are moments on this journey more reminiscent of a roller coaster than a train ride. After ascending almost two kilometres from Alpnachstad, you'll reach Pilatus-Kulm, where your mountaintop hotel awaits. You have free time to enjoy the hotel's amenities and soak in the breathtaking mountain views.

After breakfast at your hotel, return to Lucerne, where you have the opportunity for independent sightseeing. Perhaps visit Lucerne’s most famous site, Chapel Bridge, which spans the Reuss River in the heart of the city. Built in the 14th century, this wooden bridge once served as protection against outside attacks on the city. Today, a series of 17th-century paintings hang on the walls inside, telling the tale of Lucerne’s history. There are also plenty of churches to visit, and wandering along the cobbled stone streets is an equally enticing option. This evening, celebrate a memorable trip at a Farewell Dinner.

Your incredible journey reaches an end this morning after breakfast. Transfer to Zurich airport by train.