Customer Q&A: Glacier Express & best of Switzerland

Customer feedback is really important to us and first-hand reviews are invaluable in ensuring each trip is a success and runs smoothly year after year. Every guest is sent a feedback form after their return and we also ask guests for further insights on our trips.

Our rail tours are incredibly popular and our Switzerland tour which includes a journey on the Glacier Express is one of our best-sellers - we have multiple departures running throughout the year and guests will soon be able to book for 2027. If you're yet to experience the scenic wonders of Switzerland for yourself, find out more in our latest customer Q&A. Thank you to three of our guests: Sally, Martyn and Julie for sharing the highlights of their trips.

What made you choose the Glacier Express tour, and did it live up to your expectations?

SA: We have been on quite a few train trips in the UK and had been considering trying a train-based holiday abroad. It was by chance I noticed the advertisement for the Glacier Express holiday. We had heard from friends about the Glacier Express and were keen to try it for ourselves.

MA: We saw the ad in House Beautiful magazine. Mia wanted to visit the area where I have skied for many years and I thought it was excellent value for money for Switzerland.

JJ: We chose the Glacier Express tour because we had recently seen the Michael Portillo travelog in the Swiss Mountains and Patrick announced he would really love to do a trip like that. The following week, the tour was featured in my BBC Good Food guide and the itinerary looked perfect and the price was good.

How did you find the experience of travelling with others as part of a group?

SA: I must admit we were dubious about a group travel holiday, however, we need not have worried, everyone was so friendly and we all got on well. It was good for us to mix socially with others.

MA: We found the experience exciting and we have made many new friends through the experience. Tour manager Gilly was just lovely and as Mia has said unflappable. Brilliant.

JJ: We really enjoyed the group. An interesting mix of people and everyone was very friendly. We enjoyed the company of different people on the trains and dinners as there was never any seating plan.

What were the top 3 highlights from your experience?

SA: Of course, the Glacier Express trip. Fabulous scenery all from the comfort of a luxurious train. Second, I thought my cable car days were over since giving up skiing, so the trip from Grindelwald to view the glorious Eiger will never be forgotten. And just breathing in pure fresh mountain air.

MA: Yes, definitely the Glacier Express. It was just great and having lunch on board made it special for all of us. But being back in the Swiss Alps and taking Mia to see some of the sights and being able to give people on our trip a little inside information. And just the trip overall was super - it was great to meet other people and boy the weather! With two days of brilliant sunshine and then two days of snowy weather, we certainly saw Switzerland at its best.

JJ: The Glacier Express train ride with lunch on day three, lunch looking over the Eiger on day two and on the final day - the tour around Bern, including the bears!

How did this experience compare to other trips or tours you've done?

SA: We have never booked a group trip like this before so this was a first. We had to negotiate quite a few train stations and trains, but this was all made so much easier due to our brilliant tour manager, Gilly. She was amazing, so cool, calm and collected, we knew we were in very safe hands.

MA: It's right up there for me being one of the best trips I have ever been on. For an organised trip, it was effortless. Thanks to Gilly and the team at Tripsmiths.

JJ: Totally different from other tours we have done as it was all done by train. We really did have a wonderful scenic view of Switzerland as the route covered most of the country! The trains were very efficient, comfortable and clean and on any longer journeys, we had a reserved block of seats.

What would you say to someone thinking of booking a similar trip?

SA: I would say to definitely go for it. You will never regret it. It's a different kind of holiday, so interesting with a great vibe. Each day you will get up excited for the day ahead. We will certainly be booking again.

MA: I would highly recommend it to anyone. All in All a great holiday and break, thank you.

JJ: I would thoroughly recommend it but warn anyone of the number of trains that are involved if you have any mobility restrictions.

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