1. What is the Alpine Circle?
The Alpine Circle is a round trip through Graubünden (Grisons), the largest canton in south-east Switzerland, linking the region’s most spectacular sights into one route. With Private Selection you travel from hotel to hotel, staying in privately run 4- and 5-star hotels, and choose between three ways to explore: by train, by (e-)mountain bike or on foot.

2. Where is Graubünden and how do I get there?
Graubünden, also called Grisons, lies in south-east Switzerland, bordering Liechtenstein, Austria and Italy. The usual gateway is Zurich, with its international airport. From Zurich, direct trains reach the cantonal capital Chur in roughly 75–100 minutes, and Chur is the hub for onward connections to Arosa, Davos and the Engadine. The exact starting point depends on the route you book.

3. How many days do I need?
The Alpine Circle is normally a multi-day trip of several nights, and the routes are modular, so you can keep it short or extend it. Many travellers combine it with a longer Switzerland itinerary. Exact durations and stages vary by variant and offer, so check the individual tour description for the number of nights and the daily route.

4. When is the best time of year to travel?
For the bike and hiking circles, the snow-free months from roughly May/June to October are ideal, with autumn especially beautiful thanks to the golden larches. The train circle works across a longer season, as you travel comfortably by rail in any weather. Winter is the region’s ski season. Check the offer for exact travel dates and operating periods

5. Are the Glacier Express and Bernina Express included?
The Alpine Train Circle is built on a hop-on hop-off principle using regular Rhaetian Railway trains, which run the same scenic UNESCO World Heritage routes as the famous panorama trains. This lets you get on and off freely – for example to hike in the Rhine Gorge. A ride on the Glacier or Bernina Express, with its seat reservation, is usually available as an optional extra.

6. Do I need a Swiss Travel Pass?
Not necessarily. The train circle typically includes a regional pass (such as the graubündenPASS) for free travel on the Rhaetian Railway, PostBuses and some mountain railways within the canton, so you don’t need to buy individual tickets. A Swiss Travel Pass can still be useful for the wider part of your Switzerland trip. What is included depends on the offer.

7. What sights will I see along the way?
Highlights include the Rhine Gorge – the “Swiss Grand Canyon” between Ilanz and Reichenau – the Swiss National Park in the Engadine, the Diavolezza glacier world with views of the Bernina massif, and the iconic Landwasser Viaduct. You also travel along the UNESCO World Heritage line of the Rhaetian Railway. The exact stops depend on your chosen variant and offer.

8. Can I visit the Swiss National Park, and are there rules?
Yes. The Swiss National Park, founded in 1914, is the country’s only national park and lies in the Engadine, with a network of marked trails through pristine wilderness where you may spot ibex, marmots and chamois. Strict protection rules apply: stay on the marked paths, take all litter with you, and note that dogs are not permitted in the park.

9. Is the trip guided or self-guided?
The Alpine Circle is designed as an independent, self-guided trip: you travel at your own pace while the organisation, hotels and luggage transfer are arranged for you. You can usually start on the date you choose. Guided elements or extra services may be added depending on the offer – see the individual tour description for what is included.

10. Is my luggage transported between hotels?
Yes. Hotel-to-hotel luggage transfer is part of the concept, so on the hiking and biking circles you travel with just a light day pack while your main luggage is moved to the next hotel. On the train circle you travel by rail in any case. The exact transfers included depend on the offer you book.