THE FACTS ABOUT GLACIER EXPRESS

Switzerland

WHAT During the summer, the Glacier Express runs two or three times a day in each direction between St Moritz and Zermatt, a journey that takes about seven to eight hours along a narrow-gauge track through unsurpassed Alpine scenery. Highlights include the Albula Pass valley where the Express climbs quickly, reaching the village of Bergün and looping through superbly engineered tunnels to Preda, the Oberalp Pass (where you wind down a valley from 1,525 metres), and the climb to Zermatt with the Matterhorn in view. WHEN For snow, go between January and March, for spring flowers go in April or May and for summer heat go in July or August BONUS POINTS You can reserve one of the limited number of seats in the dining car for a two-course lunch (£16.50, excluding drinks) PRICE First class about £160; second class about £95. A four-day Swiss Pass costs £160 first class, £107 second class, from Switzerland Travel Centre) and allows unlimited travel on buses, trains and ferries (excluding cable cars and private mountain railways).