Matterhorn and the Glacier Express
- 9 Days
- From £1,649
- Switzerland
- The Matterhorn and the stylish resort Zermatt
- Glacier Express: indulge in the scenery as you travel from Zermatt to St Moritz
- St Moritz: mix with the jetset and see the famous Cresta Run
- Return via the scenic Rhine Gorge in Germany
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 8 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast as necessary
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
PLEASE NOTE: The Glacier Express does not run between mid-October and early December. Between these dates, you can still make the journey of the Glacier Express using public trains.
Suggested Itinerary
Leave London aboard the Eurostar bound for Paris. On arrival in the French capital, transfer to the Gare de l’Est (a short walk) for your onward service to Strasbourg. Arrive into Strasbourg and make your way to the Hotel Hannong (or similar) for an overnight stay.
Strasbourg is an historic city with a stunning Gothic Cathedral and a charming half-beamed old town area threaded with canals.
After breakfast, travel across the Swiss border to Visp, where you’ll connect onto a local train through beautiful Swiss scenery to Zermatt at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. You will be staying here for 3 nights at the Hotel Pollux (or similar).
At 5,275 feet above sea level, Zermatt truly is a mountain destination! You might like to enjoy a walk along one of the clearly marked trails and then reward yourself with a drink and a typical Swiss meal in one of the many bars and restaurants.
Spend two days enjoying the fantastic scenery around Zermatt and the Valais region. Zermatt is a famous ski resort in the winter months, but there’s also plenty to enjoy here in the summer, with some fantastic walking trails to choose from and quirky boutiques, bars and restaurants.
Your holiday includes a day trip on the Gornergratbahn, Europe‘s highest open-air cog railway, which takes you up onto the Gornergrat, at 10,135 feet above sea level, from where you have spectacular views across to the distinctive peak of the Matterhorn.
Today, take the world famous Glacier Express across Switzerland to St Moritz. Your seven and a half-hour journey takes in 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. You’ll also travel up to 6,700 feet above sea level at the Oberalp Pass.
Arrive into the ski resort town of St Moritz and check in for a 3-night stay at the San Gian Hotel (or similar).
You have two days at leisure in St Moritz. St Moritz is one of Switzerland’s oldest and most fashionable ski resorts, boasting three-hundred days of sunshine a year. Get out and enjoy the glacier landscape or maybe visit the Segantini Museum, dedicated to the life of the Italian-born painter.
You have one extra free day of travel with your rail pass, so you might like to visit the resorts of Davos and Arosa, which are a short train journey away. You could even take a day trip on the world-famous Bernina Express! Please call for details and prices.
Take the train through the Graubünden region of Switzerland in the morning and change in regional capital Chur on to a direct service to Cologne Hbf. Watch the passing scenery as you head through Germany and up to the Rhine Valley. There is a restaurant car and bar buffet on board.
Spend the night in Cologne at the centrally located Mondial am Dom MGallery (or similar), close to the city’s famous twin-spired cathedral.
After a leisurely breakfast in your hotel, depart Cologne late-morning on the high-speed ICE train to Brussels and then connect onto the Eurostar for your last journey back to London.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Strasbourg
The Hannong Hotel is conveniently located in the centre of Strasbourg, within walking distance of the train station. The contemporary-style bedrooms come with air-conditioning, sound-proofing, hardwood floors and satellite TV. There is also a popular wine bar in the hotel as well as a large terrace where you can enjoy a drink on a summer evening. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Zermatt
The welcoming Hotel Pollux in located the centre of Zermatt, within easy reach of the train station. Bedrooms are furnished in an Alpine style with complimentary Wi-Fi, tea & coffee making facilities and a flat-screen TV. There are three restaurants to choose from, including a vegetarian restaurant.
St Moritz
The 4-star superior Hotel San Gian offers various massages and relaxation treatments in its spa, free WiFi, and two restaurants to choose from. Decorated with contemporary furniture, each room has a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a seating area, and a bathroom. Bathrobes and slippers are provided for all rooms.
Cologne
Hotel Mondial am Dom Cologne MGallery by Sofitel is located right in the centre of Cologne, close to the famous cathedral and the main station. All of the modern bedrooms feature air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts a restaurant overlooking the cathedral, a sauna, a steam room and a fitness room.
Upgrade your accommodation
Zermatt
A member of “Leading Hotels of the World”, the Mont Cervin Palace was opened in 1851. It is situated in the heart of Zermatt, boasting a pool and 1700 m² wellness and spa area where guests can indulge in a wide range of treatments. Most of the guest rooms face south and have a balcony or a patio with views of the Matterhorn.
St Moritz
Situated in the heart of St Moritz, the majestic Kulm Hotel offers stunning views over Lake St. Moritz. Facilities include an extensive spa and wellness area and a gourmet restaurant. One of the finest hotels in Switzerland, the Kulm is an ideal retreat for your stay in St Moritz.
Cologne
Occupying a great location opposite the famous cathedral in the centre of Cologne, the Excelsior Ernst is one of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, with a history dating back to 1863. The Michelin starred Taku restaurant has an Asian-inspired menu and innovative French cuisine is served in the Hanse Stube restaurant. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property.
