
From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip worth booking?
From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip is a 11-hour experience in Basel, Switzerland, from $882 per person. It scores 56 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 56 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (5)
- Duration
- 11 hours
- From
- $882 per person
Due to the popularity of the Glacier Express and limited seating availability, we strongly recommend booking this tour at least two weeks in advance to secure your spot on this iconic journey. Enjoy stress-free travel with all train tickets included — no need to worry about bookings or hidden fees. Your local guide will take care of the details and share insider tips along the way. Experience Switzerland at its most breathtaking with a private Glacier Express adventure through the Swiss Alps. Begin your day aboard one of the world’s most scenic trains, winding through dramatic landscapes. After a spectacular 4.5-hour journey, arrive in Brig for a one-hour stroll through its historic center before continuing on to Bern, the Swiss capital. Here, you may choose to enjoy an optional one-hour walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Enjoy a private Glacier Express day trip with hotel pick-up and drop-off — customize the itinerary to your interests by reaching out to us
What you get
About this experience
Due to the popularity of the Glacier Express and limited seating availability, we strongly recommend booking this tour at least two weeks in advance to secure your spot on this iconic journey. Enjoy stress-free travel with all train tickets included — no need to worry about bookings or hidden fees. Your local guide will take care of the details and share insider tips along the way. Experience Switzerland at its most breathtaking with a private Glacier Express adventure through the Swiss Alps. Begin your day aboard one of the world’s most scenic trains, winding through dramatic landscapes. After a spectacular 4.5-hour journey, arrive in Brig for a one-hour stroll through its historic center before continuing on to Bern, the Swiss capital. Here, you may choose to enjoy an optional one-hour walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Enjoy a private Glacier Express day trip with hotel pick-up and drop-off — customize the itinerary to your interests by reaching out to us
What's included
Included
- City Tour in Brig & Bern
- One Day Train Pass for the Travel Day 1st or 2nd class
- 3-course lunch served at your seat (when booking lunch option)
- Private local guide
- Headphones and written information available on board the Glacier Express train
- Glacier Express seat reservation
Not included
- Drinks
- Any other extra personal expenses during the tour
What you'll see and do
Basel SBB Station
We will meet at Basel SBB train station and next will enjoy a scenic 2-hour train ride through breathtaking landscapes until Chur
120 minutes here
Chur
Begin your Swiss adventure with a picturesque train ride to Chur, the oldest city in the country, with roots stretching back over 5,000 years. In Chur, we will embark on the famous Glacier Express for a scenic journey of about 4.5 hours. Onboard, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch while the train glides past breathtaking alpine landscapes, deep valleys, and charming villages—perfect moments to simply relax and admire the ever-changing views.
Pass by without stopping
Disentis
Disentis: Pass through this charming Alpine village and admire the historic Benedictine Monastery, founded in the 8th century. Travelers can enjoy views of traditional chalets, alpine pastures, and the serene mountain landscape, experiencing a glimpse of authentic Swiss mountain life.
Pass by without stopping
Andermatt
Our journey then continues by train over the Oberalp Pass to Andermatt, a picturesque Alpine village surrounded by some of Switzerland’s most dramatic mountain landscapes.
Pass by without stopping
Brig
After a scenic journey of about 4.5 hours aboard the Glacier Express, we will arrive in Brig, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Simplon Pass. Here, we will take a relaxed one-hour stroll through the historic center, where you can admire the impressive Stockalper Palace, wander along the quaint streets, and soak in the atmosphere of this gateway between Switzerland and Italy.
60 minutes here
Bern
Our final stop will be Bern, the Swiss capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll have the option to take a one-hour stroll through the charming Old Town, with its medieval arcades, historic clock tower, and picturesque fountains—or simply relax and enjoy the city at your own pace before concluding the day.
120 minutes here
Basel
Return to our starting point - Basel train station
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Basel
Your guide will be waiting for you at Basel SBB station, in the departure hall, right across from the ticket office at the marked meeting point
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Your guide will be waiting for you at Basel SBB station, in the departure hall, right across from the ticket office at the marked meeting point
Options you can book
Premium 1st class + lunch
3 course lunch
Standard 2nd class
Premium 1st class
Standard 2nd class + lunch
3 course Lunch
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ru, pt, en, ro, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Switzerland Viva Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Customers undertake all activities at their own risk. The Tour Operator's liability is limited to the tour price, including for direct damages caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Liability for slight negligence, auxiliary persons, consequential damages, and lost profit is excluded.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Glacier Express private tour
The views were spectacular! The lunch was delicious also. Our guide was very knowledgeable she gave us a wealth of information along the way. We were so lucky to have her. She made the trip flawless and so enjoyable.. It was worth every penny to do the private tour.. Thank you Juliana and George!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely feedback! It was a pleasure having you with us, and we’re so glad the experience meant a lot to you.
via Viator
Spectacular trip through...
Spectacular trip through the Swiss Alps. The train is very comfortable and has great service. The views are amazing! What made our trip very special was our tour guide Juliana. She is pleasant, knowledgeable and truly enjoys her job. Be sure to ask for her for a wonderful day
Response from the operator: Dear Steven and Kristen, We are glad you enjoyed your tour and were satisfied with the experience. It was a pleasure to meet you and share such nice moments in Switzerland. Have a wonderful trip!
via Viator
Scenic train ride
Glacier express is a experience you cannot miss. Tour was super well organized covering so much in one day. John our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. We had a great day!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your generous feedback! We’re pleased you enjoyed the tour and truly hope to see you again in the future.
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Day Trip
The organization of the tour was excellent — everything ran on time, and the guides were friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Switzerland. It’s the ideal way to combine stunning landscapes with Swiss culture in just one day.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your kind words! We’re so pleased we could deliver on your expectations. It was a pleasure having you with us.
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed — Poor Guide & Overpriced
I recently booked the "From Basel: Glacier Express Train and Lucerne Private Day Trip" with Switzerland Viva Tours and had a poor experience. Guide and staff: The guide was unprofessional — communication was poor, explanations were minimal or inaccurate, and they were not helpful when issues arose. Food: Meals included in the trip were low quality and did not reflect the price we paid. Several of the meals were unappetizing or poorly organized. Value and price: The tour felt overpriced for the level of service and organization provided. The cost did not match the experience. Organization and pacing: The day felt disorganized at times, which reduced enjoyment of the Glacier Express scenery and Lucerne visit.
Response from the operator: Dear Reviewer, We take all feedback seriously; however, after reviewing our records, we could not find any booking under this name. Furthermore, this account has submitted multiple reviews, and the details provided are inconsistent with our tours. Therefore, we consider this review to be fraudulent. We encourage genuine guests with concerns to contact us directly at info@switzerlandvivatours.com so we can address them promptly. At Switzerland Viva Tours, we remain committed to providing well-organized, high-quality experiences.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 11 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $882 to $1,500
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Switzerland Viva Tours, who run 37 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.0.
See everything Switzerland Viva Tours runsWhy this scores 56
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Basel.
How much does From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip cost?
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Prices start at $882 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Basel usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip take?
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Plan for about 11 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Basel is not rushed.
Is From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 56 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Basel, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 11-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Basel can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Basel and add a light layer if any part of the 11-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Basel within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Basel?
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On Outty we rank every Basel experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Alsace wine tour and medieval villages. Small group guided tour, Basel : Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour), From Basel: Premium Panoramic train, Lucerne & Interlaken Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Basel?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Basel?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip?
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Included: City Tour in Brig & Bern; One Day Train Pass for the Travel Day 1st or 2nd class; 3-course lunch served at your seat (when booking lunch option); Private local guide; and Headphones and written information available on board the Glacier Express train. Not included: Drinks; and Any other extra personal expenses during the tour. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 77 listed pickup locations in and around Basel. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip offered in?
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It is offered in Russian, Portuguese, English, Romanian and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for From Basel: Glacier Express, Swiss Alps Bern City in Private Trip?
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There are 4 options to choose from, including Premium 1st class + lunch, Standard 2nd class, Premium 1st class, Standard 2nd class + lunch. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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