Compare First Class Glacier Express at New Year by Great Rail Journeys vs Magical Switzerland - Small Group, Winter 2021 2022 Small Group by Insight Vacations

DAYS 1-2
STRASBOURG AND SWITZERLAND
We depart our St Pancras International Departure Office by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served during the journey. In Paris we change trains and continue through the French countryside to Strasbourg. Here we overnight. Spend a morning at leisure exploring the half timbered houses of Strasbourg's historic centre on Day 2, before we travel south into Switzerland to Basel. Here we join the famously efficient Swiss rail network, which takes us on a wonderful journey into the Swiss Alps to Brig for a four-night stay at the welcoming Hotel Ambassador. Brig is a small town situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass, and is an excellent base from which to explore.
INCLUDES:Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, DinnerDay 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 3
BY MOUNTAIN RAILWAY TO ZERMATT
Today we experience the first mountain railway journey of the holiday as we travel to the charming, traffic-free resort of Zermatt. We walk to Brig railway station to board our narrow-gauge train, heading south through picturesque vineyards and alongside the River Rhône to Visp. From here we join the mountain track for the steep ascent to Zermatt. The train clings to the track as we wind left and right, ascending past small clusters of houses and tiny hamlets that together form the region's village communities. The spectacular approach to Zermatt takes us through 8 tunnels and across 42 bridges, the gradient of the ascent requiring cogwheels to be engaged. Finally we reach the grandiose scenery of Zermatt, nestled below the peak of the instantly recognisable Matterhorn. In Zermatt you are free to spend your time at leisure. One option that you will find hard to resist is the ascent to the summit of the Gornergrat by funicular railway (payable locally). At over 10,000 feet (3,048m), the Gornergrat is a truly spectacular place to visit, offering dramatic vistas over the valley below.
INCLUDES:Breakfast, DinnerBreakfast, Dinner

DAY 4
A DAY EXPLORING THE WESTERN ALPS
You are free today to explore the area at leisure, enjoying 50% fares using your included Swiss Card. We particularly recommend travelling down the Rhône Valley to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here you can join the GoldenPass Line panoramic train to make the spectacular trip to the chic resort of Gstaad, a favourite destination of the rich and famous. Alternatively, the wonderful journey on the Centovalli Railway across 'a hundred valleys' is an excellent choice for today.
INCLUDES:Breakfast

DAY 5
NEW YEAR'S EVE ON THE GLACIER EXPRESS
We leave Brig today, travelling from the pretty Valais to the rocky landscape of the fantastic Graubünden canton on the iconic Glacier Express. We make the journey in First Class, enjoying unspoilt views through panoramic windows - views of the scenery for which Switzerland is justly famous, all covered in a thick blanket of snow; sloping snowy meadows and frosted forests, rising up the hillsides beside the track towards towering mountain peaks. A two-course lunch is served at our seats during the journey, followed by tea and coffee - the perfect accompaniment to our time on board 'the slowest express train in the world'. We follow the wintry Rhône Valley and climb towards and through the Furka Base Tunnel. We continue past the countless small villages that line our route, decorated for the festivities and nestled in the foothills of the surrounding mountains, before our steep ascent over the Oberalp Pass - at 6,670ft the highest point of the route and where the views south include the distant peaks of the Italian Alps. Our descent from Oberalp takes us along the beautiful Rhine Valley and into Chur - Switzerland's oldest town, for four nights at the Romantik Hotel Stern. This evening we enjoy a New Year's Eve celebration at the hotel with a five-course meal accompanied by wine. We ascend to the rooftop terrace at midnight to watch the fireworks over Chur, accompanied by a glass of wine.
INCLUDES:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6
NEW YEAR'S DAY AT LEISURE
New Year's Day is at leisure to relax in Chur. Set against a breathtaking backdrop of towering mountains, Chur is Switzerland's oldest town, and a pleasure to explore. Take time to stroll through the medieval alleyways and tranquil squares of the Old Town, and visit the beautiful 12th century cathedral. Alternatively, use your GRJ First Class Swiss Travel Card for 50% fares, perhaps to make the spectacular train journey on the Arosa Line to the scenic mountain resort of Arosa.
INCLUDES:Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7
THE BERNINA EXPRESS
We enjoy a journey on the narrow-gauge Bernina Express, which takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past frozen waterfalls and deep ravines and ascends the Albula Pass, on an amazing route which enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. The ascent loops into the Engadine Valley before climbing even higher over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks as we travel to Poschiavo, a picturesque town in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.
INCLUDES:Breakfast

DAY 8
LUCERNE
Today we travel by train to the historic lakeside city of Lucerne. You have plenty of time to discover the cobbled streets lined with pretty, frescoed buildings, picturesque squares and the famous Kapellbrücke bridge. The bridge has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury in its long history. The Swiss Transport Museum, with its fascinating collection of artefacts relating to land, air and sea transportation is also well worth a visit.
INCLUDES:Breakfast, Dinner

DAYS 9-10
ALONG THE SCENIC RHINE GORGE TO LONDON
We leave Chur and travel by First Class EuroCity train via Zürich and Basel into Germany. Our journey continues up the stunning Rhine Gorge, past fairytale castles and vineyards to Cologne. We arrive late afternoon and spend one night at the Wyndham Hotel, situated close to the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Day 10 we leave Cologne and travel on the high-speed rail service to Brussels, where we join the Eurostar, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board before arriving at London St Pancras.
INCLUDES:Day 9 - Breakfast, Dinner Day 10 - Breakfast, Eurostar Meal

Day 1: Zürich and Lovely Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland - an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cosy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges, crowned by famous peaks. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner with good food and wine.

Day 2: Lucerne and St. Moritz Relaxed Start

Experience Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will reveal the covered wooden bridges, the painted gables and the sorrowful Lion Monument. Then there’s time to enjoy the excellent shops and lakeside walks before heading along the dramatic Walensee, past Chur, to the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Set in the sparkling Engadine Valley, this elegant resort nestles below the awe-inspiring, majestic Grisons Alps.

Day 3: St. Moritz at Leisure Relaxed Start

T his whole day is completely at leisure, so maybe enjoy a late breakfast to start? Afterwards you may choose to explore the spa quarter of this chic resort, see the houses with their traditional sgraffito facades or indulge in the stylish boutiques? You may even consider joining the Bernina Express for a scenic rail journey of such epic proportions that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Day 4: Aboard the Glacier Express

Board the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride with lunch included, through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Descend through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverse the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Your train then joins the broad Rhine Gorge and meanders beside rock-strewn rivers before climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages with chalet-style houses glide by. After a series of spirals, you will reach the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass. Modern, panoramic viewing cars ensure that you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley. Around mid-afternoon, you will disembark in Brig.

Day 5: Zermatt, Matterhorn Village

Marvel at the dramatic Swiss scenery, as you follow the narrow valley which leads to Täsch. Here, you leave the coach to board the cogwheel train that takes you to the traffic-free haven of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Wander along its cobbled streets to browse among the shops, explore the ancient wooden farmhouses and mazot barns in the back alleys, or visit the Matterhorn Museum to pass through the homes of yesteryear. If you have a head for heights, then you may like to board the cable car up the Klein Matterhorn. From the summit, marvel at the incredible views of the icebound Swiss Alps, should weather permit. Return to your hotel in Brig where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 6: Chillon Castle and Geneva

Journey along the Lower Rhône Valley to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. With your Local Expert, visit beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your newfound friends at the local restaurant, Le Petit Chalet, as you are treated to a delicious, traditional fondue Celebration Dinner complete with wine.

Day 7: Depart Geneva

Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport at 08:00 or 10:00.