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7-day itinerary

Graubünden Highlights Tour

7-day journey through Graubünden's historic towns and scenic railways

Length
7 days · 29 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
CHF 788 per person
Based in
Graubünden

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Chur & Old Town Exploration

    Arrive in Chur, Switzerland's oldest town. Explore the medieval old town, visit the cathedral, and enjoy the local atmosphere.

    • 10:00

      Travel to Chur

      Take the train from Zurich Airport to Chur (approx. 1h 15m).

      About 60 min

    • 11:30

      Explore Chur Old Town

      Walk through the narrow streets of the old town, visit the Chur Cathedral and the Rathaus (Town Hall).

      About 2 hours

    • 13:30

      Lunch in Old Town

      Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch at a cafe near the cathedral.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Chur Cable Car to Rorschacherberg

      Take the cable car up for panoramic views of the town and surrounding Alps.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Chur Old Town; Dinner at Chur City Center
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Chur city center for easy access to attractions and train station.
    Getting around:
    Walking within the old town; cable car for views.

  2. Day 2: Bernina Express to St. Moritz

    Board the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express. Travel through dramatic landscapes, over viaducts, and through tunnels to St. Moritz.

    • 09:00

      Bernina Express Journey

      Board the Bernina Express from Chur to St. Moritz. Enjoy panoramic windows, passing Ospizio Bernina and Lake Poschiavo.

      About 3 hours

    • 12:00

      Lunch in St. Moritz

      Light lunch upon arrival in St. Moritz.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      St. Moritz Lake Walk

      Relaxing walk around the frozen or thawed lake, enjoying the luxury resort atmosphere.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:30

      Cengalo Gondola

      Take the gondola up to Corviglia for stunning alpine views.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at St. Moritz; Dinner at St. Moritz
    Where to stay:
    Stay in St. Moritz, preferably near the lake or station.
    Getting around:
    Train (Bernina Express) is the primary transport. Walking and gondola in St. Moritz.

  3. Day 3: Engadin Valley & Lake Sils

    Explore the upper Engadin valley, visiting the serene lakes of Sils and Silvaplana, and hiking or relaxing by the water.

    • 09:00

      Train to Sils

      Take the local postBus or train to Sils/Maria/Segl.

      About 60 min

    • 10:30

      Hike around Lake Sils

      Easy hike along the shore of Lake Sils, offering views of Piz Corvatsch.

      About 2.5 hours

    • 13:00

      Picnic or Lunch by the Lake

      Lunch at a lakeside restaurant or picnic.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Visit Lake Silvaplana

      Walk or cycle to the neighboring Lake Silvaplana, known for windsurfing and paragliding.

      About 2 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Sils im Engadin; Dinner at St. Moritz
    Where to stay:
    Return to St. Moritz for the night.
    Getting around:
    Local buses connect the Engadin villages. Walking/hiking.

  4. Day 4: Albula Railway & Filisur

    Return towards Chur via the Albula line, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop in Filisur to see the famous Landwasser Viaduct.

    • 09:00

      Train to Filisur

      Take the Rhaetian Railway from St. Moritz to Filisur. Stop at key viewpoints.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 11:00

      Landwasser Viaduct

      Walk to the iconic viaduct where the train emerges from the tunnel. Best viewed from the footbridge.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Filisur

      Quick lunch at the station cafe or nearby restaurant.

      About 60 min

    • 14:30

      Train to Chur

      Continue train journey back to Chur.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Filisur; Dinner at Chur
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Chur.
    Getting around:
    Rhaetian Railway (RhB) is essential. Walking at Filisur.

  5. Day 5: Davos & Jakobshorn

    Travel to Davos, the highest town in Europe. Visit Jakobshorn for panoramic views and explore the town.

    • 09:00

      Train to Davos

      Take the train from Chur to Davos Platz (approx. 1h).

      About 60 min

    • 10:30

      Jakobshorn Cable Car

      Take the cable car up to Jakobshorn for 360-degree views of the Alps.

      About 2 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch at the Summit

      Lunch at the restaurant at the top of Jakobshorn.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Explore Davos Platz, visit the Parliament building, and walk along the lake.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Jakobshorn Summit; Dinner at Davos
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Davos.
    Getting around:
    Train from Chur. Cable car and walking in Davos.

  6. Day 6: Arosa Valley & Lake

    Travel to the charming resort town of Arosa. Enjoy the lake, the funicular, and the peaceful alpine surroundings.

    • 09:00

      Train to Arosa

      Take the train from Davos to Arosa (approx. 1h).

      About 60 min

    • 10:30

      Arosa Funicular

      Take the funicular up to Arosa Dorf (village) if arriving at the lower station, or explore the village.

      About 60 min

    • 12:00

      Arosa Lake Promenade

      Walk around Lake Arosa, enjoy the views of Piz Kesch.

      About 2 hours

    • 14:00

      Lunch by the Lake

      Lunch at a restaurant overlooking the lake.

      About 60 min

    • 16:00

      Shopping & Relaxation

      Browse local shops and relax in the alpine spa town.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Arosa; Dinner at Arosa
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Arosa for a peaceful night.
    Getting around:
    Train from Davos. Funicular and walking in Arosa.

  7. Day 7: Return to Chur & Departure

    Return to Chur, last-minute souvenir shopping, and departure.

    • 09:00

      Train to Chur

      Take the train from Arosa back to Chur (approx. 1h 15m).

      About 60 min

    • 11:00

      Souvenir Shopping

      Visit local shops in Chur for Swiss chocolates, watches, or souvenirs.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 13:00

      Final Lunch in Chur

      Enjoy a final Swiss meal before heading to the airport.

      About 60 min

    • 15:00

      Transfer to Zurich Airport

      Train from Chur to Zurich Airport.

      About 75 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Chur
    Where to stay:
    Departure.
    Getting around:
    Train from Arosa to Chur, then Chur to Zurich Airport.

Practical information

Graubünden is Switzerland’s largest canton, offering diverse landscapes that shift dramatically with the seasons. The best time to visit depends on your primary activities. For hiking and sightseeing, late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) provide mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (July–August) is ideal for high-altitude trekking but brings peak tourist numbers and warmer temperatures in valleys. Winter (December–March) transforms the region into a premier ski destination, particularly in Davos and St. Moritz, though many lower-altitude villages may be quiet. Weather in the mountains is unpredictable; even in summer, temperatures can drop significantly at high elevations, requiring layered clothing. Transportation within Graubünden relies heavily on the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and private scenic lines. The region is well-connected by train, with Chur serving as the main hub. To experience the "Highlights Tour," you will likely utilize the Bernina Express, a UNESCO-listed route connecting Chur to Poschiavo and onward to Italy. For getting around, the Swiss Travel Pass offers excellent value, covering most trains, buses, and boats, as well as discounts on mountain railways like the Albula line. Renting a car provides flexibility for exploring remote valleys such as the Engadin or Surselva, but parking in towns like St. Moritz can be expensive and limited. Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hostels in Chur to luxury historic hotels in Davos and St. Moritz. For a balanced itinerary, consider splitting your stay between Chur for its historic charm and a high-altitude resort like St. Moritz or Davos for mountain access. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially during ski season and summer holidays. Budgeting for a 7-day trip requires careful planning. While Switzerland is expensive, costs vary by location. Staying in smaller villages like Thusis or Pontresina can be more affordable than central St. Moritz. Meals at mountain huts are convenient but pricey; consider self-catering where possible. The "Time Travel" tour mentioned in research starts around $890 per adult for four days, suggesting that a 7-day independent trip could range from $2,500 to $4,000 per person depending on accommodation class and dining habits. Pack sturdy hiking boots, waterproof jackets, and sunglasses for high-altitude glare. Always carry a Swiss Travel Pass or sufficient cash for smaller vendors that may not accept cards. Finally, respect local customs by keeping noise levels down in residential areas and adhering to marked hiking trails to protect the fragile alpine environment.

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