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Christmas Dream – A Magical Winter Journey Through Switzerland by Scenic Trains

Not Rated
Duration

6 nights

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

30 people

Languages

English

Overview

Enjoy an exclusive nostalgic gourmet experience in the Gourmino dining car & alpine romance on rails

When the scent of cinnamon and roasted almonds fills the air, fairy lights bathe the streets in a warm golden glow, and gentle Christmas melodies can be heard, the most magical time of the year begins.

Join us for a festive winter journey through Switzerland aboard the panoramic trains Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express, combined with a culinary experience in the nostalgic Gourmino dining car of the Rhaetian Railway.

  • Duration:
    7 days
  • Trains and railways:
    Albula Railway
    Bernina Express / Bernina Railway / Bernina Express Pullman Class
    Glacier Express
    Gornergrat Railway
    Rhaetian Railway
    Muottas Muragl Funicular
  • Countries and regions:
    Switzerland, the Alps, Graubünden, Valais

Enjoy a comfortable Christmas journey aboard Switzerland’s most renowned trains!

Experience the spectacular Swiss winter landscapes aboard the panoramic trains Glacier Express, Bernina Express and GoldenPass Express, combined with a culinary highlight in the exclusive Gourmino dining car of the Rhaetian Railway. From Lucerne and Interlaken to Zermatt and Chur, breathtaking mountain scenery and unforgettable railway experiences accompany you throughout this festive journey.

Your highlights:

  • Visit the Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne
  • First-class journey aboard the GoldenPass Express and Lucerne–Interlaken Express to Montreux
  • Christmas round trip aboard the exclusive nostalgic Gourmino dining car of the Rhaetian Railway
  • UNESCO World Heritage Albula Railway line
  • Panoramic journey on the Bernina Express
  • Aperitif at Alp Grüm or traditional cheese fondue on Muottas Muragl
  • Journey on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to Chur
  • Visit to Zermatt and optional ride on the Gornergrat cogwheel railway

A magical Christmas journey – where winter dreams come true!

Itinerary:

21 December 2026 – Arrival in Lucerne & Swiss Museum of Transport

From 2:00 pm, our tour guide will welcome you at Basel SBB. At 2:30 pm, we will depart together for Lucerne, located on the shores of Lake Lucerne and considered one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities.

Today, a special highlight of our journey awaits you: a visit to the famous Swiss Museum of Transport in Lucerne. Discover fascinating exhibitions dedicated to mobility, technology, and communication, and immerse yourself in the exciting worlds of railways, automobiles, aviation, space travel, and navigation. As Switzerland’s most visited museum, it offers interactive experiences and impressive exhibits for visitors of all ages.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner together. Overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel in the city centre of Lucerne.

Thanks to the central location, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere of Lucerne during a relaxing evening stroll. The next morning, a rich breakfast awaits you before we start the next stage of our journey refreshed and well prepared.


22 December 2026 – Panoramic Journey aboard the Lucerne–Interlaken Express & GoldenPass Express

Breakfast.

Today, enjoy a spectacular panoramic train journey aboard the Lucerne–Interlaken Express and the GoldenPass Express via Interlaken to Montreux. During the journey, breathtaking views of crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountains, and picturesque landscapes unfold – an unforgettable railway experience through the heart of Switzerland.

Upon arrival in Montreux, discover this elegant town on the shores of Lake Geneva, famous for its stunning location against the backdrop of the Alps, the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, and attractions such as the romantic Chillon Castle. Take a relaxing stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this enchanting region.

Your luggage will be transferred comfortably from Lucerne to Montreux by SBB luggage service.

Enjoy a shared dinner and overnight stay at a comfortable 4-star hotel in Montreux.

23 December 2026 – Journey to Zermatt & Excursion on the Gornergrat Railway

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning, enjoy a short walk to the railway station together. From there, we travel with the standard-gauge Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) along the Rhône Valley towards Visp. Here, we change to the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway.

During this impressive three-hour journey through the steeply ascending Matter Valley, we reach the car-free village of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn around midday. Arrival is scheduled for approximately 12:00 pm.

Until check-in, you will have free time to explore the village – your luggage will of course be safely stored at the hotel.

In the early afternoon, a special highlight awaits: the optional round trip on the Gornergrat Railway. During this spectacular journey on the historic cogwheel railway, enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Matterhorn and the impressive alpine landscape. Afterwards, return to the valley.

Enjoy a shared dinner and overnight stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Zermatt.


24 December 2026 – Journey aboard the Glacier Express

Breakfast.

Walk to the railway station and luggage transfer.

Your Christmas journey begins with an unforgettable ride aboard the Premium Glacier Express from Zermatt via Brig, following the Rhône Valley upstream to Oberwald and continuing through the impressive 15.5 km Furka Base Tunnel.

The train then takes you into the picturesque Urseren Valley. Around midday, the Glacier Express reaches the canton of Uri with the charming mountain village of Andermatt. From here, the train climbs through numerous hairpin bends towards the Oberalp Pass, reaching an altitude of 2,033 metres – one of the most spectacular sections of the entire route.

24 December 2026 – Glacier Express Journey (continued)

During the journey, a delicious lunch will be served in the panoramic carriage, allowing you to fully enjoy the breathtaking scenery along the route.

From the Oberalp Pass, the train follows the Vorderrhein River downstream and travels through the impressive Rhine Gorge, often called the “Swiss Grand Canyon”, before arriving in Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city and the capital of the canton of Graubünden.

Upon arrival in Chur, take a short walk to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are at your leisure. The picturesque old town of Chur invites you to enjoy a relaxing stroll through its historic streets.

In the evening, enjoy a shared dinner at a special restaurant in Chur’s historic old town.

Overnight stay at the 4-star Hotel Stern – swiss historic in Chur.


25 December 2026 – Bernina Express Day Trip & Glacier Fondue

Breakfast.

Today, an unforgettable railway experience awaits you: a spectacular journey from Chur aboard the panoramic carriage of the Bernina Express. The route takes you across the technically impressive Albula Railway line of the Rhaetian Railway, climbing into the magnificent Engadine Valley.

Passing St. Moritz and Pontresina, the train continues towards the Bernina Pass summit at 2,253 metres above sea level, the highest railway crossing in Europe.

Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of the Morteratsch Glacier and Cambrena Glacier, before descending on the southern side of the Alps into a fascinating mountain landscape. The route continues down to the final stop of Tirano in the Italian Valtellina Valley, located at only 429 metres above sea level.

It is truly impressive how the Bernina Railway overcomes more than 1,800 metres of altitude difference over a short distance – completely without a rack railway system.

In Tirano, you have time to explore the historic old town or enjoy a traditional Italian snack.

In the afternoon, return aboard the Bernina Express to the scenic mountain station Alp Grüm, where a unique view of the Palü Glacier awaits you. Here, enjoy a delicious glacier fondue in a cosy mountain restaurant.

After dinner, continue your journey via Pontresina and the Albula Railway line back to Chur, arriving in the evening.

Changes to the dinner location may be possible.

Overnight stay at the 4-star Hotel Stern – swiss historic in Chur.


26 December 2026 – Exclusive Christmas Special Train Journey with the Rhaetian Railway

Breakfast.

During a guided city walking tour, discover fascinating facts and entertaining stories about the alpine city of Chur and the surrounding region.

Enjoy an exclusive culinary Christmas train journey from Chur to Arosa and back aboard the historic Gourmino dining car of the Rhaetian Railway.

Experience a festive 3-course winter menu featuring outstanding culinary creations served against the backdrop of Graubünden’s spectacular alpine scenery. While your taste buds are treated to exquisite specialities, enjoy the unique views from the elegant royal blue Gourmino dining car.

At the train, you will be welcomed with an aperitif. Afterwards, the team will serve you a refined menu in the nostalgic dining carriage.

Return to Chur in the late evening.

Schedule subject to change: Chur departure approx. 6:00 pm – Arosa – Chur arrival approx. 9:00 pm. Beverages not included.

Overnight stay at the 4-star Hotel Stern – swiss historic in Chur.


27 December 2026 – Journey Home

Today, it is time to say goodbye after an unforgettable Christmas railway adventure through Switzerland.

Departure between 9:00 and 10:00 am.

Individual onward journey back to your original destinations.

Services included:

  • First-class train tickets from/to the Swiss border (Basel, Schaffhausen, Constance, St. Margrethen)
  • Seat reservations on all reservable trains
  • Bahnurlaub.de tour guide from/to Basel SBB
  • 1 night with breakfast at the 4-star Hotel Astoria in Lucerne
  • 1 dinner in Lucerne
  • 1 night with breakfast at the 4-star Eden Palace au Lac in Montreux
  • 1 dinner in Montreux
  • 1 dinner and overnight stay with breakfast at the 3-star Hotel Excelsior in Zermatt
  • Ride on the Gornergrat Railway – optional, if booked
  • Journey aboard the Premium panoramic carriage of the Glacier Express in 1st or 2nd class from Zermatt to Chur, depending on allocation by Glacier Express AG
  • Lunch served at your seat aboard the Glacier Express
  • 3 nights with breakfast at the 4-star Hotel Stern – swiss historic in Chur
  • 1 dinner in a selected restaurant in Chur (first evening)
  • Journey aboard the panoramic carriage of the Bernina Express in 1st or 2nd class from Chur to Tirano, depending on allocation by the Rhaetian Railway
  • UNESCO World Heritage Albula Railway route from Chur to Alp Grüm
  • Glacier fondue at Alp Grüm or Muottas Muragl, depending on opening hours
  • Guided city walking tour in Chur with the Bahnurlaub.de tour guide
  • Exclusive evening round trip in the nostalgic Gourmino dining car including a 3-course menu (Chur – Arosa – Chur) – beverages not included
  • Alpine Railways travel guide
  • SBB luggage transfer from Lucerne to Montreux
  • Luggage transfer from/to the railway station forecourt in Zermatt
  • Luggage tags

Important Information:

  • Minimum number of participants: 20 / maximum number of participants: 30
  • This journey is not wheelchair accessible. Please contact us for detailed information regarding accessibility.
  • Regional train services during the journey will operate in 2nd or 1st class, depending on availability and allocation by the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB).
  • Boat trips are operated in standard class (2nd class) for the group.
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached by 4 weeks before departure, the organiser reserves the right to cancel the journey.
  • Timetable and programme changes due to weather conditions or operational reasons are generally reserved.
  • If you book an additional night before or after the tour in Basel, an extra charge for the DB train journey may apply.

Entry Requirements

For all journeys starting from 1 April 2023 onwards, the applicable entry requirements of the destination countries and the regulations of the respective service providers apply regarding vaccination status and testing requirements. Subject to change.

Accommodation Options:

  • Journey: Christmas Dream – Through Winter Wonderland Switzerland by Scenic Trains
  • Travel dates: 21 December 2026 – 27 December 2026
  • Availability: Bookable

Please select the number of travellers for your preferred accommodation

Accommodation Price per person
Double room (from/to Swiss border) € 3,199.00
Single room supplement € 500.00
DB rail journey in 1st class including seat reservations € 199.00
Gornergrat Railway round trip € 89.00

Leitfaden für Bahnreisen in der Schweiz

Fully Protected Rail Journeys through Switzerland

Your festive winter train adventure through the Swiss Alps is backed by comprehensive payment security. In strict compliance with German tour operator legislation, all customer payments are fully protected by the Deutscher Reisesicherungsfonds (DRSF).
An official Secured Payment Certificate (Sicherungsschein) is automatically generated and issued directly to you alongside your booking confirmation. This documentation guarantees 100% insolvency protection for all elements of your luxury rail holiday.
Contact our booking team: info@vacationize.com

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from 3.390,94$

Organized by

Fredy

Member Since 2021

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