
Expert-led
Travel Switzerland's mountain scenery by first-class rail and meet Michael Portillo

From the sublime beauty of Lake Geneva, to the towering peaks of the Bernina Range, Switzerland holds enough natural beauty for an entire continent. One of the most notable natural beauties is the mighty, knife-edge splendour of the Matterhorn, one of the world's most recognisable peaks.
You'll see the Matterhorn and much more on this luxurious tour of Switzerland by first-class rail, taking you from the shores of Lake Geneva and into the country's mountainous heart.
Joining you for part of your trip will be Michael Portillo, a journalist and broadcaster whose love for rail travel is well known. Michael has presented several television series about the world's greatest railways, and has travelled through Switzerland by rail. Michael will join you on an excursion and give an exclusive talk and Q&A.
Throughout the tour, you'll ride first-class on board some of Europe's most famous railway lines, staying in stylish four-star hotels with excellent facilities as you travel.
You'll travel first-class on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz. Known as the 'slowest express train in the world' this luxurious journey allows you plenty of time to soak in the scenery, and you'll be treated to a three-course lunch at your seat as you marvel at the views from your panoramic window.
You'll travel to Tirano and back on the glorious Bernina Railway, an unforgettable train ride that takes you along the highest railway line in the Alps, a perfect viewpoint for admiring the best of Switzerland's crystal lakes and stunning mountain peaks. You will travel through a huge variety of terrain, from snowy mountain peaks to tropical palm trees
There's a return trip on the Gornergrat Railway included too, which will treat you to some of the finest views of the towering Matterhorn in the whole of Switzerland.
Find out more about Michael Portillo's journey aboard the Glacier Express here.











Reasons to book

Exclusive events with Michael Portillo

Stay in stylish four-star hotels

Travel by first-class rail

Glacier Express

Bernina Express

See the magnificent Matterhorn
Your expert guide

Price includes
- Six nights' four-star hotel accommodation on a half board basis (please note most meals provided are a set menu)
- First-class rail from the UK and throughout your holiday (excluding the Gornergrat)
- Talk, Q&A and excursion with Michael Portillo
- Journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway
- Journey on the Glacier Express
- Journey on the Bernina Express
- Scenic rail journey through the Rhine Gorge
- Overseas transfers as detailed
- City taxes
- Services of a tour manager throughout
Availability
* From price is FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,100. Deposit £200pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. This trip is not suitable for those with mobility issues. This trip includes destinations at high altitude and so is not suitable for those with breathing difficulties or a heart condition. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded) and Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd T/A Fred.\ Holidays. To redeem your exclusive subscriber offer, visit telegraph.co.uk/tt-extra. Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
* From price is FOR ALL OTHER TRAVELLERS, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,100. Full payment required at time of booking. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. This trip is not suitable for those with mobility issues. This trip includes destinations at high altitude and so is not suitable for those with breathing difficulties or a heart condition. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded) and Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd T/A Fred.\ Holidays. To redeem your exclusive subscriber offer, visit telegraph.co.uk/tt-extra. Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
Itinerary
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Day1Arrive in GenevaGeneva, Switzerland
You'll depart London by Eurostar Premier in the morning and head towards Geneva by first-class rail for an overnight stay, ahead of your journey into the Alps tomorrow.
On arrival in Geneva, you'll check in for the night at the four-star Hotel Bristol Geneva. You'll have dinner with the group at a local restaurant before settling in for a good night's sleep.
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Day2ZermattZermatt, Switzerland
Today, a first class rail journey will take you alongside the shores of Lake Geneva and into the mountainous heart of Switzerland.
You'll be greeted by the sight of the mighty Matterhorn as you arrive into Zermatt by train, where you will stay for two nights. You won't need to worry about bringing your luggage, just pack a bag for the day, as your bags will be transported via road to Zermatt, and will be waiting for you on arrival.
You'll spend two nights at the lovely four-star Hotel Mirabeau in Zermatt on a half board basis.
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Day3Zermatt and the Matterhorn from the Gornergrat RailwayZermatt, Switzerland
You'll have a full day to enjoy Zermatt today, including a return trip on the Gornergrat Railway in standard class from which you will enjoy outstanding views of the Matterhorn at 3,089m above sea level.
This afternoon you'll be joined by Michael Portillo for an exclusive talk and Q&A, followed by an early dinner.
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Day4Glacier ExpressSt Moritz, Switzerland
Today it's all aboard the 'slowest express train in the world' for a spectacular ride.
The Glacier Express trundles at 24mph for 181 miles towards your base for the next two nights, St Moritz. At that pace there is plenty of time for you to take in the ever-changing scenery, including the magnificent Landwasser Viaduct, perfectly framed by the train's large-scale windows.You'll have a first-class ticket for the iconic train, as you travel from Zermatt to St Moritz, which Includes a delicious three-course meal served at your seat. All dishes are lovingly and freshly prepared on board every day using carefully selected regional produce.
When you arrive at St Moritz your luggage will be waiting for you in your room at the four-star Hotel San Gian St Moritz, where you'll stay for two nights on a half board basis.
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Day5Bernina ExpressSt Moritz, Switzerland
During your stay in St Moritz, you'll have a round-trip to Tirano and back on the glorious Bernina Express, where you'll be spellbound as you watch the Swiss mountains and lakes give way to Italian greenery.
This remarkable train and the surrounding countryside was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, and it's not difficult to see why. It twists and turns ever upwards towards the summit at Ospizio Bernina, at 7,400 feet. You loop around the Bernina Alps, through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, past the chic resort of St Moritz and just across the border to Tirano.
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Day6St Moritz to the Rhine ValleyKönigswinter, Germany
Today's first-class train journey makes the most of some of Europe's prettiest views as you skirt the edges of Lakes Wellensee and Zurich, before sweeping through the beautiful Rhine Gorge and following the river to Königswinter, where you'll check in at four-star Maritim Hotel Königswinter
Here you can spend your final evening in an enchanting setting admiring the beautiful Drachenfels, which rises up over the town.
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Day7Return to LondonKönigswinter, Germany
Today you will make your way back to London by rail as your Swiss adventure comes to an end.
Accommodation


Hotel Bristol Geneva
With elegant Art Deco inspired interiors and a fabulous location on the Square du Mont-Blanc, this four-star boutique hotel has been voted one of the best in Geneva and has a spa and wellness centre.


Hotel Mirabeau, Zermatt
Conveniently located just minutes from Zermatt’s main train station, Hotel Mirabeau Zermatt is a peaceful haven offering breathtaking views of the Matterhorn (Matterhorn view bedrooms at a supplement). Facilities at the hotel include a hot tub, fitness centre, sauna, indoor pool, spa.
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Availability
* From price is FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,100. Deposit £200pp. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. This trip is not suitable for those with mobility issues. This trip includes destinations at high altitude and so is not suitable for those with breathing difficulties or a heart condition. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded) and Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd T/A Fred.\ Holidays. To redeem your exclusive subscriber offer, visit telegraph.co.uk/tt-extra. Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.
* From price is FOR ALL OTHER TRAVELLERS, per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £1,100. Full payment required at time of booking. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. This trip is not suitable for those with mobility issues. This trip includes destinations at high altitude and so is not suitable for those with breathing difficulties or a heart condition. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd (ATOL-bonded) and Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd T/A Fred.\ Holidays. To redeem your exclusive subscriber offer, visit telegraph.co.uk/tt-extra. Calls are made at local rates. All tours featured are operated by the partner specified, a company wholly independent of Telegraph Media Group Ltd. Please refer to the Data Protection Notice in today's Personal Column or telegraph.co.uk/privacypolicy.