Across the Spine of the Alps

The world-famous Glacier Express lets you enjoy the stunning scenery of the Swiss Alps from the considerable comfort of your seat. The panorama windows mean you won’t miss a single peak or valley as you twist and turn through the mountains, and friendly staff will serve lunch at your seat (payable locally). An informative and entertaining commentary is available in a variety of languages.

On arrival in Chur, make your way to the ABC Swiss Quality Hotel (or similar) where you will stay for 3 nights.

Chur is one of Switzerland’s oldest cities and boasts Roman-era architecture and a Mediterranean feel thanks to the restaurants and cafés, artisan shops, and museums and galleries which line the charming streets of the medieval Old Town.

On one of your two days in Chur, you will enjoy a spectacular return trip on the Bernina Express. This famous train travels across viaducts, alongside rivers and through some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere in Europe, before arriving in Tirano, Italy, in time for lunch.

Depart Chur after breakfast and head to the station for your next rail journey which will take you over the Alps and into Austria. Your day will include a straightforward change at Sargans to connect with a fast and comfortable Austrian RailJet train, which travels through Liechtenstein and over the Arlberg Pass; a trading route for thousands of years.

Arriving into the picturesque town of Innsbruck, you will check into your hotel, the Grand Hotel Europa (or similar) for a 2-night stay.

Spend a full day exploring the unofficial ‘capital of the Alps’. Innsbruck has a charming old town centre for visitors to explore, or you can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty using the well-marked trails which take you into the mountains.

TMR RECOMMENDS: Take a day trip to Garmisch. This wonderful rail journey takes you on a scenic journey through the Austrian Tyrol to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The train heads through some of the Alps’ most striking scenery and a tempting array of shops, restaurants and galleries await you in Germany’s premier mountain resort.

The journey from Innsbruck to Lake Bled is one of Europe’s hidden gems. Threading its way east from Innsbruck, your comfortable train will pick its way through picture-perfect villages and alongside lakes and glacial streams, connecting with an Intercity service at the junction station of Schwarzach-St Veit.

This fast train will whisk you through the Austrian Alps and the Karawanks Tunnel into Slovenia. Shortly after emerging into Slovenia, your train will pull into Lesce Bled, where you will transfer to the Park Hotel (or similar) on Lake Bled, for a 3-night stay.

Despite its diminutive size, Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful spots in Europe. In addition to its sparkling waters which attract swimmers, fishermen and boat-lovers, the lake is home to a 17th century church on a picturesque island. For energetic visitors, the nearby Triglav National Park offers fantastic hiking in hundreds of square miles of protected flora and fauna.

After a day on your feet, try fresh fish from the lake or perhaps the local custard and cream cake, Kremšnita. 1906 Restaurant in the Hotel Triglav is well worth a visit during your stay!

Make your way to Lesce Bled station and take your seat on the daily service to Heidelberg. The journey will take you through a range of breath-taking vistas, from Alpine views to the rolling hills of Bavaria as you enter Germany. On arrival in Heidelberg, check in at the Crowne Plaza (or similar) for an overnight stay.

​Heidelberg is a beautiful city that stretches along the banks of the Neckar. It has a fascinating medieval Old Town and an imposing castle which is arguably best explored during the annual Castle Festival in the summer.

When you are ready, it’s time to head for the airport and your onward flight from Frankfurt. Alternatively, we can arrange rail travel to any other departure airport – or extend your holiday. Take the train along the Rhine Valley (pictured) to Cologne, or perhaps make your way to Bavaria and the Black Forest?