Swiss Grandeur featuring the Glacier Express

Experience nature's beauty by scenic train and cable car in 5-star Luxury with Albatross Tours.

Swiss Grandeur featuring the Glacier Express

from $21,447* per person, twin share

Experience nature’s beauty by scenic train and cable car in 5-star Luxury with Albatross Tours.

Soaring mountain peaks, lakeside retreats and cable car adventures interspersed by arguably the finest Swiss rail journeys and hospitality! From the Art Nouveau style of Château Monfort in the heart of Milan, we journey north, to the shores of Lake Lugano. Nestled within a private, subtropical park, two nights at Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola provides the perfect retreat to explore. Our rail journeys are first-class and the Bernina Express takes us into Saint Moritz where we reside at the 5-star Kulm Hotel. A 3-night stay at Tschuggen Grand Hotel allows us to explore the Arosa region by cable car before the famed Glacier Express whisks us to The famous Chedi Hotel in Andermatt, altitude 1,444m! Our journey continues with a relaxed 3-night stay at Lakeside Luzern before a final night in the heart of Zurich.

  • Departs 24 August 2026
  • 15 Days
  • Milan to Zurich
  • from

    $21,447*

    per person, twin share
    Price based on 24 August 2026 departure date
    Online Enquiry

    Itinerary

    Day 1 | Milan Welcome

    Your tour commences this evening in Milan. Dinner tonight is included, but first enjoy a welcome drink. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your Tour Manager and fellow travellers.

    Day 2 | Villa Carlotta and stylish Bellagio on Lake Como

    This morning, we drive to the town of Como and follow the shore of the lake to Tremezzo, where we visit the striking Villa
    Carlotta. This wonderful Villa is set in 70,000 square metres of romantic Italianate Gardens and faces across Lake Como to
    the Bellagio peninsula. The classic gardens boast fountains and pergolas and in springtime is famous for its rhododendrons
    and azaleas. Later we board our private boat and enjoy a cruise on Lake Como, past a number of striking lakeside villas, to
    delightful Bellagio. This beautiful town is situated at the tip of the peninsula separating the lake’s two southern arms, with the Alps visible across the lake to the north. It’s time to relax in this delightful town which boasts peaceful villas and gardens nestled by the lakeside, elegant shops and walkways plus stylish al fresco dining at its very best. Later we continue to lakeside Lugano, in Switzerland where we stay the next two nights.

    Day 3 | Lugano ‘foodies’ walking tour and ‘My Time’

    Lugano sits in the Italian speaking Ticino region of Switzerland, and boasts Mediterranean-style squares and arcades, lakeside parks and flower gardens and the pastel-coloured main square of Piazza della Riforma is a delight to explore. After a leisurely start we have included a ‘food & wine’ guided walking tour through the historical city centre of Lugano, during which we will make several stops to enjoy various specialities from Ticino, including a delicious white Merlot. More than a tasting tour, the walk is a real traveling menu! Your afternoon and evening is completely free – ‘My Time’ in this beautiful, Swiss lakeside town.

    Day 4 | Tirano and 1st class Panoramic Bernina Express

    Skirting the northern shores of Como, our path takes us along an Alpine valley to Tirano where we have time to enjoy lunch
    before boarding the famous Bernina Express to St Moritz. This is one of Europe’s classic scenic train rides, and our seats are in
    the panoramic carriages. As the train winds its way up over the Brusio Circular Viaduct we head into the mountains past the three lakes of Lej Pitschen, Lej Nair and Lago Bianco. Mountains now soar either side and at the Montebello curve we have striking views of the Bernina massif, and the Morteratsch glacier. Mid afternoon we arrive at the chic ski resort town of St
    Moritz where we stay two nights.

    Day 5 | St Moritz ‘My Time’ and a Horse and Carriage around the lake

    In the morning, your Tour Manager will accompany you on a brief orientation walking tour of the town, and then most of the day is yours to explore St Moritz. Want to be active? Maybe catch a train or cable car up to a mountain restaurant for lunch?
    In the afternoon we enjoy a delightful horse and carriage ride around the St Moritz lakeside and into the forest. Your evening
    is at leisure.

    Day 6 | UNESCO listed Landwasser Viaduct, and Arosa mountain railway

    Along today’s train route from St Moritz to Chur, we cross the famous, 65-metre-high Landwasser Viaduct, the signature structure of the Rhaetian Railway and a UNESCO World Heritage site. A marvel of engineering, the complete Glacier Express
    and the Bernina Express route from Tirano to Chur, upon which we will travel over during this tour, passes through 55 tunnels
    and over 196 bridges! Lunchtime will be enjoyed exploring Switzerland’s oldest town, Chur. The centre of this medieval gem is car free, and the perfectly narrow cobbled streets and squares are a delight to walk around. In the afternoon we will catch
    the train up to the Alpine resort town of Arosa. This hour-long ride will captivate you as it clings to rock faces, and spans tumbling streams to end up in the high Alpine meadows. Arosa, where we will stay the next three nights, sits in a pretty valley and wraps its way around two lovely lakes.

    Day 7 | Arosa, cable car and Hörnlihütte alpine lunch

    For our mountain adventure today we catch the local bus to the end of the valley where we board a cable car that will glide slowly upwards, over the meadows to the Hörnlihütte, set high on a ridged peak. Here there is a charming, older style restaurant, with an exceptional outside dining terrace, and huge views. The food up here is exceptional, and we have included a Swiss rosti style lunch. (The restaurant toilets are a must see, with full glass panoramic window and binoculars for the views!) The rest of your day is free.

    Day 8 | Cable car to Weisshorn peak, the Bear Sanctuary and Squirrel trail

    Every mountain peak has its own unique view and individual style and character, and the 2,653m Weisshorn is no exception.
    Ascended by a two-stage cable car, it is the highest peak in the Arosa region, and the 360-degree views across 400 mountain
    peaks are breathtaking. At the summit is a restaurant in a large, modern, futuristic style building. Later we will descend to the middle station and a short walk away we will visit the Arosa Bärenland, a sanctuary for rescued mountain bears. You now have choices on how you get back to Arosa. Either take the cable car back down or enjoy a gentle walk via Prätschli and amble through the Red Squirrel trail just above town.

    Day 9 | 1st class Panoramic Glacier Express to Andermatt

    This morning back in Chur, we board the famous Glacier Express train which takes us along the ‘Valais’ through Switzerland’s
    finest mountain scenery. Ranked as one of the world’s top train trips, you will be seated in 1st class panoramic carriages as we cross Switzerland and follow the route high above the broad ‘Valais’ below. A 2-course lunch is included onboard. After stopping to take in the incredible scenery on the 2033 metre Oberalp Pass, we arrive in Andermatt where we stay the next two nights. The picturesque village of Andermatt is an Alpine gem that offers authentic Swiss charm and a storybook mountain landscape. Andermatt’s historic landmarks include century-old houses, chapels, and cultural sites that paint a vivid picture of the village’s rich heritage and traditions.

    Day 10 | Cable car ride to Gütsch and ‘My Time’ in Andermatt.

    We take the Gütsch-Express cable car to Gütsch at 2376m, passing the Nätschen middle station on the way. Experience the
    breath-taking views over the picturesque valley and of the surrounding Swiss Alps. Once up at the peak maybe stay a while and enjoy lunch in one of the two gourmet restaurants situated on the peak. The rest of your day and evening are at leisure, ‘My Time’ to explore the charming mountain village of Andermatt with its historic old town.

    Day 11 | Lakeside Luzern

    After a leisurely start, we continue by train to the lovely lakeside town of Luzern. After checking in to our hotel, a local guide will accompany you on a short walking tour to orientate you with the quaint old town and the famous Chapel and Mill wooden bridges which cross the river. We stay here for the next three nights right in the heart of town.

    Day 12 | Mt Titlis - rotating aerial cable car

    Today we visit nearby Mt Titlis for yet another, but different mountain adventure. Soaring high we ride on the innovative Titlis
    Rotair – the first rotating aerial cable car in the world – up to the summit of Mt Titlis at 3,020 metres. As you ride higher and higher the cable car gently rotates, giving you uninterrupted, 360-degree views of the dozens and dozens of the alpine peaks that surround you. At the top you will find restaurants and cafes, a man-made glacier grotto you can walk through, and Europe’s highest cliff top suspension bridge walk. Set 500 metres above an abyss the 150 steps across to the viewing platform will be memorable! Not so sure? Then just take photos of it! We have also included a Swiss Rosti specialty lunch in the
    Panoramic Restaurant. What an amazing day!

    Day 13 | Luzern lake cruise to exclusive Bürgenstock & ‘My Time’

    We have included a cruise down the length of the beautiful lake to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock where we board a short, but steep funicular railway that takes us up to the 500-metre high, exclusive Bürgenstock Resort, which stretches along a spectacular 1
    km long mountain ridge overlooking Lake Lucerne. The rest of your day is ‘My Time’ back in beautiful, lakeside Luzern. There is
    so much to see and do exploring its historic twin wooden covered bridges, the famous ‘Dying Lion Monument’ and relaxing lakeside cafes and restaurants.

    Day 14 | Zurich walking tour and Farewell Dinner

    Arriving in Zurich, we are met by a local guide for a walking tour through the old town. Zurich is set beside a pretty lake, but the main attraction is lovely old town which lines the shores of the River Limmat. Your afternoon will be free, and the shopping here is excellent. Tonight, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

    Day 15 | End Zurich

    Sadly, your grand Swiss adventure tour is completed after breakfast in our hotel.

    *Itinerary subject to change

    Inclusions

    • Travel by scenic trains and cable cars as described
    • Welcome drink on Day 1
    • 24 meals including breakfast daily (B), 3 lunches (L) and 7 evening meals (D)
    • A complimentary glass of wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
    • Hotel porterage of 1 bag per person (where available)
    • 14 nights specially selected hotel accommodation
    • Free WiFi at most hotels (where available)
    • Personal audio system whilst on tour (where available)
    • Local guides as described in the itinerary
    • ALL tips for your Tour Manager, Driver and Local Guides
    • Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
    • Hand Selected Albatross Experiences including Lake Como cruise, visit Villa Carlotta and Bellagio, Lugano food and wine walking tour, Glacier Express and Bernina Express rides in 1st class panoramic carriages, a horse and carriage ride in St Moritz, visit the alpine village of Arosa & a Bear Sanctuary, ride the Titlis Rotair cable car and Luzern lake cruise to visit Bürgenstock
    • ALL excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described

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    Terms & Conditions

    Pricing is correct as of 3.06.2025. All discounts mentioned are included in the price displayed. Itineraries are subject to change, and operation is subject to weather conditions, prevailing conditions, and local arrangements that may cause variation. Travel insurance is recommended; please ask us for a quote. Payment by credit card attracts a merchant fee. We act as an agent on behalf of the travel supplier/provider. Our Terms & Conditions are in addition to the Terms and Conditions of each Travel Supplier listed; the Travel supplier/provider determines the terms of cancellation and refunds, if any. Full terms and conditions are provided at the time of booking.