Switzerland by Rail: Glacier Express, Jungfrau & Bernina Express

Your memorable Swiss railway expedition begins today as you land in this small but scenic European country and make your own way to your Zürich hotel by rail or taxi. Upon checking in for the night, the remainder of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring on your own.

Zürich is Switzerland's largest city and sits at the northern edge of a beautiful lake that shares its name. With a history spanning to the Romans, there are endless attractions to uncover here. The city is also a haven for art enthusiasts, whether lovers of contemporary or classical art. The Kunsthaus displays major works of fine art, modern and Constructivist pieces can be found in Museum Haus Konstruktiv (located inside a former power station) and Cabaret Voltaire is the spiritual home of Dadaism.

When it comes time for dinner this evening, Zürich is brimming with dining options. Restaurants throughout the city serve everything from global cuisine to Swiss favorites, such as Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, veal cutlets in gravy. Overnight Zürich

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer on your own to Zurich's train station, where you board a train to Interlaken. The journey takes just over two hours to complete, venturing through the heart of the country while pursuing the breathtaking scenery of the Bernese Oberland.

Interlaken is located between lakes Thun and Brienz and offers stunning views from all angles. Evergreen forests sit beside turquoise waters, and snow-capped giants loom in the backdrop. The destination is a proper resort town with much to offer.

On arrival, transfer independently to your hotel for check-in, and then you are free to explore Interlaken at your own pace. With your Swiss Half Fare Card, you might like to board the Harderbahn funicular railroad to ascend Harder Kulm. At the top, you can enjoy spectacular views across Interlaken and to the Jungfrau Massif in the distance. Overnight Interlaken.

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Some of Switzerland's most dramatic scenery lies ahead today as you venture to the Top of Europe, Jungfraujoch, aboard the Jungfrau Express. Your trip begins after breakfast, at which time you make your own way to the station to board a local train to Grindelwald. On arrival, join the Wengernalp Railway, the world's longest cog railway, to continue climbing in elevation to Kleine Scheidegg. Finally, join the Jungfrau Express in Kleine Scheidegg for the final miles of the climb to an elevation of nearly 10,000 feet.

Arriving at Jungfraujoch, breathe in mountain air while looking over some of the tallest peaks in the Swiss Alps from the Sphinx Observation Deck. The panoramic vistas are astounding - including those of the Aletsch Glacier. Other options at the summit station include tasting hand-made sweets at Lindt Chocolate Heaven, walking through the impressively carved Ice Palace or visiting Alpine Sensation.

Retrace your journey back down the mountain later this afternoon, and then return to Interlaken by train with the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Interlaken.

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With a full free day, enjoy a chance to stroll through Interlaken's charming Old Town or to use your Swiss Half Fare Card to set out on a lake cruise on Lake Brienz or Lake Thun. You could also travel further afield, perhaps revisiting Grindelwald or venturing to Wengen to see impressive views of the Launterbrunnen Valley.

Today also brings an optional excursion to the Schilthorn*. Walk to the station to join the train to Murren, where a series of cable cars take you up this 9,744-foot peak. At the summit, soak in 360-degree panoramas, including prominent views of the Jungfrau, Eiger and Mönch mountains, and on clear days, Germany's Black Forest. You may also wish to dine at Switzerland's first rotating alpine restaurant, Piz Gloria, or explore the connections to the James Bond film "On Her Majesty's Secret Service" throughout the summit facilities. Overnight Interlaken.

*Please note: the Schilthorn is a payable extra that can be added on at the time of booking this vacation.

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Enjoy a highlight of your vacation as you step aboard the world's slowest express train, the Glacier Express, for a journey from Brig to Chur.

Travel to Brig by local train before stepping on the Glacier Express for a route of incredible views. The train crosses the Rhône River and presents lovely views of the Upper Rhône Valley. Soak in views of lush evergreen forests and quintessential Swiss villages from the comfortable seat of your panoramic train car as you travel. The pinnacle of the journey comes as the Glacier Express passes through the Furka Base Tunnel and climbs Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the route, before descending through the Rhine Gorge, also known as the Swiss Grand Canyon. River-carved rocks adjoin the mountainous scenery, providing an excellent finale for your train route.

Arrive in Chur shortly after passing through the gorge, and transfer on your own to your hotel. Impeccably preserved medieval buildings backed by soaring peaks make for incredible scenery as you get acquainted with your new base this evening. Overnight Chur.

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Enjoy a free day to delve into the rich history, culture and scenic wonders of Chur at your own pace. You might like to start your day by exploring the charming Altstadt (Old Town), where you can meander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with arty boutiques, authentic restaurants and relaxed bars, all contributing to the town's enchanting atmosphere.

Alternatively, to enjoy a unique perspective on the stunning alpine landscapes surrounding Chur, you could take a cable car ride. The trip takes you to the high plateau of Brambrüesch, where you can find sprawling views over Chur and the magnificent mountains.

You could also use your Swiss Half Fare Card to enjoy a scenic rail journey to Arosa, a hidden gem among Switzerland's mountain resorts, where you can explore hiking trails or visit the Bear Sanctuary. Overnight Chur.

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Marvel at great contrasts in scenery today as you join the Bernina Express for a journey from the mountain scenes of Switzerland to the palm trees of Tirano, Italy. Make your way to the train station independently, and take your seat in the panoramic train car for a UNESCO-listed route filled with breathtaking sights.

As you wind through the landscape, travel through 55 tunnels and across nearly 200 bridges and viaducts, including the impressive Landwasser Viaduct. Twist and turn through valleys, and climb alongside forested mountains. Marvel at views of the Rhine River and the Morteratsch Glacier, among other fantastic natural sights.

The train crosses the Brusio Spiral Viaduct before crossing the Italian border. When palm trees, vineyards and colorful buildings come into view, the Bernina Express has arrived in Tirano. You can grab lunch at a sidewalk café or visit the town's 16th-century cathedral before rejoining the train and following the stunning route in reverse. By day's end, it will be clear why the Bernina Express is one of the world's most scenic train journeys. Overnight Chur.

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With rugged mountains, plunging valleys and charming resorts tucked amongst it all, Switzerland is a joy to discover - and even better by rail. On this incredible journey, you relaxed onboard some of the country's best railways as remarkable scenery was unveiled one iconic route at a time. From the soaring heights of the Jungfrau Express to the legendary Glacier Express and the UNESCO-listed feat of engineering that is the Bernina Express, each line offered a memorable way to explore.

Your Swiss vacation comes to a close this morning after breakfast at the hotel. Join a local train at Chur's rail station and return to Zürich for your onward journey home.

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