Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip in One Day Private Tour From Basel

The Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip in One Day Private Tour from Basel offers a captivating journey through the awe-inspiring Swiss Alps. Travelers embark on a scenic ride from Basel to Chur, followed by the iconic 4-hour Glacier Express experience from Chur to Brig. This tour promises stunning vistas, including the breathtaking Oberalp Pass at an impressive 6,669 feet, as well as a delectable 3-course lunch onboard. With knowledgeable Swiss guides providing cultural insights, this tour provides an unforgettable opportunity to take in the natural beauty of Switzerland. For those seeking an extraordinary day filled with picturesque landscapes and unique experiences, this private tour is certainly worth considering.

Good To Know

• The private full-day Glacier Express tour from Basel includes a scenic 4-hour train ride through the Swiss Alps, reaching an elevation of 6,669 feet (2,033 meters).
• The tour includes a 3-course lunch onboard the Glacier Express and short walks in the towns of Chur and Brig.
• The tour is accompanied by a knowledgeable Swiss guide throughout the day, with a total duration of around 12 hours.
• The Glacier Express train does not offer direct views of glaciers, and alternative destinations like Gornergrat or Jungfraujoch are recommended for closer glacier sightings.
• The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a meeting point at the Basel SBB train station for convenient public transportation access.

Tour Overview

This private full-day Glacier Express tour from Basel offers an immersive rail journey through the stunning Swiss Alps.

The scenic route climbs to an impressive 6,669 feet (2,033 meters) at the Oberalp Pass, showcasing valleys, mountain gorges, and charming wooden villages.

The tour includes the iconic Glacier Express train ride from Chur to Brig, which takes approximately 4 hours.

Travelers will enjoy a 3-course lunch onboard and have the opportunity to take short walks in Chur or Brig.

With a total duration of around 12 hours, this tour provides an in-depth exploration of the Swiss Alps by rail, led by a knowledgeable Swiss guide.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at Centralbahnstrasse 10, the Basel SBB train station, with an 8:15 am departure.

Travelers then journey from Basel to Chur, which takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

Next, they’ll board the iconic Glacier Express for a 4-hour scenic ride from Chur to Brig.

Along the way, the train climbs to an impressive elevation of 6,669 feet (2,033 meters) at the Oberalp Pass.

The return trip from Brig to Basel takes around 2 hours.

Notable stops include the charming town of Andermatt and the impressive Furka Pass tunnel.

Tour Inclusions

For this Glacier Express private tour from Basel, the inclusions cover several key aspects to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Travelers will receive a one-day train pass in 2nd class as well as reserved seating on the Glacier Express train. A 3-course lunch, including a vegetarian option, is served on board.

Headphones and written information are provided to enhance the journey. Plus, a Swiss tour guide will accompany the group throughout the day.

All taxes and fees are included in the tour price, making it a hassle-free experience from start to finish.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Accessibility and additional information for this Glacier Express private tour are important considerations. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating travelers with mobility needs. Service animals are also welcome.

With the tour meeting point located right at the Basel SBB train station, it’s conveniently near public transportation. Most travelers can participate, though it’s worth noting that the train ride doesn’t provide views of actual glaciers.

If seeing glaciers is a priority, the tour guide may recommend exploring destinations like Gornergrat or Jungfraujoch instead. This private tour offers a scenic rail journey through the Swiss Alps, with inclusive amenities to ensure an enjoyable experience for a variety of travelers.

Tour Reviews Summary

A review summary of the Glacier Express private tour from Basel paints a balanced picture. The tour earns an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 based on 11 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s beautiful scenery, attentive guides, and tasty on-board meals. However, some critiques mention a lack of glacier views and perceived discrepancies between promotional materials and the actual train class experience.

To see real glaciers, reviewers recommend alternative excursions to Gornergrat or Jungfraujoch. The Glacier Express tour provides a scenic rail journey, though some guests felt the experience didn’t fully meet their expectations.

• Positive reviews praise scenic views, guides, and on-board cuisine
• Negative reviews note lack of glacier sightings, discrepancies with train class
• Recommendations for seeing glaciers point to Gornergrat and Jungfraujoch
• Balanced 4.0/5 rating reflects mixed experiences on the private tour

Train Route and Highlights

The Glacier Express train journey showcases the diverse and dramatic landscapes of Switzerland’s Alps.

Starting from Chur, the train climbs through the Rhaetian Alps, reaching the highest point at the Oberalp Pass, where it peaks at an altitude of 6,669 feet (2,033 meters).

Along the way, passengers are treated to stunning vistas of valleys, mountain gorges, and charming wooden villages.

The route includes a traverse through the Furka Pass tunnel, offering a unique perspective of the rugged terrain.

With a total journey time of approximately 4 hours from Chur to Brig, the Glacier Express provides an immersive and scenic rail experience through the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Dining on the Glacier Express

On board the Glacier Express, travelers can enjoy a leisurely 3-course lunch served at their seats.

The lunch features:

• A selection of regional Swiss dishes, catering to dietary preferences like vegetarian options.
• Freshly prepared meals using high-quality local ingredients.
• Attentive onboard staff to ensure a relaxing dining experience.
• Complimentary beverages, including wine, beer, and non-alcoholic choices.

The lunch is an integral part of the Glacier Express journey, allowing passengers to savor the flavors of Switzerland as they gaze out at the stunning alpine vistas passing by the panoramic windows.

Recommendation for Glacial Views

While the Glacier Express offers a scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, travelers seeking more direct views of glaciers may want to consider alternative excursions.

The reviews suggest the Glacier Express itself doesn’t provide the best opportunities to see glaciers up close. For a closer look, trips to Gornergrat or Jungfraujoch are recommended.

These destinations allow visitors to get nearer to the mountainous glaciers and snow-capped peaks. Though the Glacier Express is an iconic train ride, those prioritizing glacial views may find more satisfaction in these other sightseeing options that bring them face-to-face with the region’s renowned alpine glaciers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Different Departure Time?

Yes, you can likely book this tour for a different departure time. Private tours often offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate customer preferences. You’d need to check with the tour operator about availability and any additional costs for a different start time.

What Is the Difference Between 1st and 2nd Class on the Glacier Express?

The main difference between 1st and 2nd class on the Glacier Express is the level of comfort and amenities. 1st class offers more spacious seating, better views, and complimentary food and drinks, while 2nd class provides a more basic travel experience at a lower cost.

Are Children Eligible for Any Discounts on This Tour?

Children are eligible for discounted tickets on this tour. The operator offers reduced fares for kids, though the exact discount amount is not specified in the provided information. Detailed pricing for children can be obtained by contacting the tour provider.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Meal on the Glacier Express?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or special meal on the Glacier Express. The tour includes a 3-course lunch with a vegetarian option, so you can specify any dietary requirements when booking your tour.

Are There Any Photo Stops During the Glacier Express Journey?

The Glacier Express journey does include some photo stops. Passengers can take pictures at notable locations like the Oberalp Pass, where the train climbs to an elevation of 6,669 feet (2,033 meters).

The Sum Up

The Glacier Express Panoramic Train Round Trip from Basel offers an unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps. With stunning alpine views, a delightful onboard lunch, and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an immersive experience that showcases Switzerland’s natural beauty. Travelers can relax and soak in the breathtaking landscapes as they travel on the iconic Glacier Express, making for a memorable and picturesque exploration of the region.