Best Holiday Destinations for 2025
26/12/2024 · By Ian Holt
To inspire your travels, Great Rail Journeys reveals our Top 10 best holiday destinations and expert tips for 2025, from luxury trains to hidden gems.
Read moreMajestic mountains, pristine alpine lakes and iconic railways make Switzerland a year-round favourite. And, apart from providing the most stunning views imaginable, the efficient Swiss rail network means exploring is not only effortless, but a real pleasure.
Great Rail Journeys has 50 years' experience in leading tours in Switzerland and, as experts in escorted rail holidays, Switzerland is one of our bestselling destinations. We offer over 50 different ways to experience Switzerland - from our 'Landmark' holiday Jungfrau Express Five-Star All Inclusive to ever-popular tours featuring the iconic Glacier Express, Bernina Express and Jungfrau Railway, there's sure to be a Swiss tour to suit you.
Inspired by Switzerland but prefer to do it your way? Plan your own adventure using our independent holidays section.
Find out more with a free brochure and enjoy weekly travel inspiration and offers in our e-newsletter.
Our exclusive 2025 tours - perfected over more than 50 years - reveal the very best of breathtaking Switzerland, from crossing alpine landscapes on iconic trains to relaxing beside shimmering lakes. To discover Switzerland's amazing landscapes, and many more of Europe's highlights, view our new brochures now!
Enjoy Switzerland's warm hospitality and astounding landscapes from traditional hotels in historic Chur and idyllic Täsch. Soak up dramatic scenes of soaring mountains and glaciers on journeys aboard two iconic trains. Cross the Alps on the amazing Bernina Express, admiring glacier views enroute, and bask in views of alpine valleys and...
Experience magnificent mountain landscapes and sparkling alpine lakes on this fantastic holiday to Switzerland. Discover the Swiss Alps on the world-renowned Bernina Express and Glacier Express from our bases in Chur and Brig, traditional alpine towns surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a private aperitif on the terrace of the lakeside 10th-century...
Experience the best of the Swiss Alps in ultimate luxury, where majestic mountains, picturesque landscapes and unspoiled nature align. On this magnificent all-inclusive holiday, you'll wake up in a delightful five-star hotel in the enchanting village of Grindelwald. Nestled in a green valley beneath the immense Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains...
Astonishing mountains and serene alpine lakes provide the extraordinary setting for this incredible holiday as we travel in First Class all the way, including on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express. Stylish St Moritz and tranquil Zermatt provide idyllic bases for exploring the jaw-dropping Swiss Alps. Admire the captivating Palü...
Discover the magic of Switzerland at New Year on this seasonal holiday based in the scenic Albula Valley. Experience the country's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on the UNESCO-listed route of the Bernina Express,...
Explore picture-book mountain towns bursting with traditional Swiss and French charm from a base in an idyllic village in the Alps. Climb past snow-capped peaks on the elegant Mont Blanc Express to the historic resort of Chamonix, nestled beneath western Europe's highest mountain. Discover the glittering charm of the Swiss Riviera during a trip...
Experience Switzerland's most spectacular train journeys from a family-run hotel in the heart of the forested Albula Valley, including drinks with dinner each evening. Travel across the Swiss Alps and past enchanting glaciers to Italy on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express, before viewing the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' and incredible alpine scenery from...
Enjoy having your head in the clouds as we stay in a selection of Switzerland's best mountaintop hotels, all with sweeping views of mountains and lakes. The Belle Époque Grandhotel Giessbach on Lake Brienz is only accessible via boat and funicular railway, while Pilatus Kulm lies at the top of a mountain accessed by Europe's steepest cogwheel...
From glittering Montreux to mountainous Interlaken, enjoy an effortless journey on an instantly iconic direct route, passing frozen rivers, icy lakes and picture-perfect winter scenes. Explore Lake Geneva's fairytale Château de Chillon, cross the Alps to Chamonix on the Mont Blanc Express, and travel to Interlaken on the cutting-edge GoldenPass...
Travel to the heart of the Swiss Alps to a winter wonderland of spectacular mountains and serene lakes, and enjoy a breathtaking rail journey up to the highest station in Europe.
Snow-bound views and stunningly seasonal scenery have made the Glacier Express famous at this time of year, while glistening winter peaks and sugar-frosted forests provide a picture-postcard backdrop as we explore Zermatt in the shadow of the mighty Matterhorn.
Bask in boundless displays of jaw-dropping views on a spectacular First Class holiday through the Alps. Soak up the atmosphere of historic Munich on a beer tour, marvel at the fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle and indulge in a sublime Mozart concert dinner in Salzburg after a tour with a singing guide. Enjoy a cruise in the Austrian Lake District...
Switzerland is known for its world-class resorts that captivate visitors year-round. Nestled amid the Swiss Alps, resorts like Zermatt, Interlaken and St. Moritz host breathtaking mountain views, providing a haven for skiing enthusiasts in winter and hiking aficionados during the warmer months. The luxurious amenities, impeccable service, and Swiss hospitality make these resorts an ideal escape, combining outdoor adventure with refined relaxation in a truly enchanting alpine setting.
The country's striking mountainous landscape is like no other, with the Swiss Alps dominating its skyline. Renowned for their breathtaking beauty, these peaks, including iconic ones like the Matterhorn and Jungfraujoch, attract outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The Swiss Alps are also surrounded by pristine lakes and charming alpine villages. The well-preserved natural beauty and stunning vistas make Switzerland a haven for those seeking serenity in its mountainous embrace.
The calm waters of Switzerland's lakes such as Geneva, Lucerne, and Zurich beautifully mirror the majestic mountains that surround them. Each lake has its own distinct charm, providing chances for boating, swimming, and leisurely walks along the shores. Besides their visual appeal, the crystal-clear waters also play a crucial role as reservoirs for hydroelectric power, aligning with Switzerland's dedication to sustainability and environmental awareness.
Switzerland's cuisine is a delightful blend of Alpine flavours, influenced by French, German, and Italian culinary traditions. Fondue and raclette, both cheese-centric dishes, represent the essence of Swiss food. You'll also find hearty dishes like Rösti, a potato dish, and Zürcher Geschnetzeltes, featuring sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce. And, of course, Swiss chocolate is a standout, crafted by renowned chocolatiers who produce world-renowned treats.
Experience the freedom of Switzerland's majestic landscapes with our non-escorted Independent Rail Adventures. Click here to embark on a journey expertly designed for independent explorers.
Switzerland is celebrated for its efficient and picturesque railway system, with several iconic routes offering unforgettable journeys. The Glacier Express, a legendary panoramic train ride, seamlessly connects Zermatt and St. Moritz, traversing the majestic Alps and crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Meanwhile, the Jungfrau Express transports passengers to the awe-inspiring Jungfraujoch, known as the 'Top of Europe,' where breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks await.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the GoldenPass Line weaves its way through charming Swiss villages, linking Montreux to Lucerne and treating passengers to a visual feast of diverse landscapes. The Bernina Express, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage route, navigates the scenic Alps and traverses the remarkable Landwasser Viaduct.
Switzerland's railway network not only showcases impressive engineering but also combines it with breathtaking scenery, ensuring that each journey becomes a truly memorable experience.