Venice via the Glacier Express
- 8
- £1,349
- Switzerland Italy Venice
- Spend nights in the pretty Swiss towns of Brig and Chur
- Experience the famous Glacier Express, the ‘slowest express train in the world’
- Spend two nights in the unique city of Venice
- Travel back to the UK with stops en route in Munich and Brussels
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- Glacier Express reservations from Chur to Brig
- 7 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
PLEASE NOTE: The Glacier Express does not run between mid-October and mid-December. Between these dates, you can still make the journey of the Glacier Express using public trains.
Suggested Itinerary
Catch the Eurostar and travel under the English Channel and into France. Make an easy change at Paris onto the fast TGV service direct to Basel in Switzerland before changing onto a Swiss domestic train that will take you all the way through to Chur.
On arrival, it’s only a short walk to the ABC Swiss Quality Hotel (or similar), where you will have an overnight stay.
After breakfast this morning, it’s time to board the distinctive red and white panoramic coaches of the Glacier Express for a stunning journey across the Swiss Alps. Pass through dramatic valleys and gorges, cross a total of 291 bridges, and climb up to and across the 6,670 foot high Oberalp Pass, connecting the cantons of Graubünden and Uri.
You will arrive in Brig in the mid-afternoon and disembark here for your overnight stay at the Ambassador Hotel (or similar). Spend the rest of the day exploring this pretty town. Don’t miss a visit to Stockalper Castle and the nearby lookout over the surrounding area.
Leave Brig this morning and take the direct train to Venice, via Milan, Lake Garda and Verona. Pull into Venice Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal and make your way to the Hotel Ala (or similar) where you will have a 3-night stay.
Venice is not only one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but was also at the centre of a powerful republic that existed for a thousand years. Once you’ve settled in at your hotel, you can head out to begin your exploration.
Enjoy two full days in Venice, with time to wander through the narrow alleys, crossing canals as you go, or discover famous landmarks like St Mark’s Cathedral and the Rialto Bridge (pictured). For sweeping panoramic views, take the elevator to the top of St Mark’s Campanile.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Stay for an extra night in Venice and give yourself more time to explore the sights, including the Peggy Guggenheim Museum, the islands or Murano and Burano, or the beaches of Venice Lido. Please ask us for more details.
Enjoy a free morning in Venice today before catching a vaporetto along the Grand Canal back to the station after lunch for your rail journey to Munich. This takes you via Austria, through the stunning scenery of the Brenner Pass before arriving into Munich in the evening. During the winter months, we’d suggest taking a morning service and changing in Verona so that you can enjoy the passing views in daylight.
On arrival in Munich, check in for an overnight stay at the Eurostars Book Hotel (or similar).
Leave Munich after breakfast this morning and catch a high-speed ICE train through to Cologne where an easy platform change brings you to Brussels Midi. You can take a taxi from here to your accommodation for the night, but we’d recommend jumping on any train one stop to Brussels Centraal. Your hotel, The Dominican (or similar) is a short walk from here.
Spend the final evening of your holiday wandering around the historic centre of Brussels, paying a visit to the magnificent Grand Place and heading for dinner to one of the city’s many restaurants.
Depending on how far you have to travel to get home today, we can arrange a Eurostar back to London St Pancras at a time to suit you. It’s likely that you’ll have at least a morning at leisure in Brussels before you return to the Gare du Midi to start your rail journey back to the UK.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Chur
This 4-star hotel is located just 400 yards from the railway station and offers a sauna and a steam room on site. With a pleasant bar/lounge, you’ll find the perfect place to have a drink. Guests are also welcome to make use of the free high-speed Wi-Fi available throughout the property.
Brig
This small, family-owned hotel enjoys a quiet and central location only 300 yards away from the train station in Brig. The hotel features an excellent restaurant serving French and Swiss specialities. The rooms combine a traditional ambience with modern comfort, and sound proof windows.
Venice
The UNAHOTELS Ala Venezia is located in a quiet campo close to Santa Maria del Giglio vaporetto stop and St Mark’s Square. Rooms are well-equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a safe, amongst other amenities, and downstairs you will find the fabulous American Bar – the ideal spot to reflect on the magic of Venice.
Munich
The Eurostars Book is a modern, literary-themed hotel within easy walking distance of Munich’s main station. Modern bedrooms are all dedicated to a famous book, with free Wi-Fi access, en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs. There is also a chic lobby bar and a restaurant serving a menu of international dishes.
Brussels
The Dominican is a boutique design hotel occupying the site of a 15th century abbey just behind the Grand Place. The bedrooms and public areas blend modern and antique décor, reflecting the history of the building. There is an on-site bar and restaurant as well as Nespresso coffee maker and tea making facilities in each room.
Upgrade your accommodation
Venice
With panoramic views over the Grand Canal, Hotel Palazzo Giovanelli dates back to the 16th century. St Mark’s Square is just a few stops away on the water bus. This former palace has been home to the Doge of Venice, and Mozart’s family. The spacious lounges feature Murano-glass chandeliers and elegant Italian furniture.
Venice
One of the Leading Hotels of the World, the Luna Baglioni is simply the best in Venetian opulence. Housed in a magnificent Venetian Palace, the hotel boasts an award-winning restaurant, Canova, as well as Caffe Baglioni, where delicious coffees and pastries are available throughout the day.
Munich
Built into the southern wing of the railway station, this superb French-style property is amongst Munich’s best hotels. Relax in your spacious bedroom or in the heavenly spa and swimming pool. Enjoy a full, varied breakfast in the hotel’s fabulous restaurant.
Brussels
The Sofitel Le Louise is a modern luxury hotel located a short distance from the elegant Avenue Louise shopping street. The spacious bedrooms feature flat-screen TVs, tea & coffee making facilities and bathrooms with rain showers. Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel. There is also a restaurant on site, offering cocktails and a menu of international dishes.
