Swiss Rail Adventure
Holiday Highlights
- Scenic journey to Switzerland using the classic Rhine route
- First Class Swiss Travel Pass valid for the whole of the time in Switzerland
- No expensive excursions to pay for
- Steam excursions on the Rhaetian Railway, Brienzer Rothorn, Furka Bergstrecke & Blonay-Chamby Railways
- Journey by privately chartered steam tram
- Four Swiss centres of Chur, Brig, Martigny and Thun allow for exploring the local area
- First class travel on Bernina and Glacier Express trains with reserved seats
- 15 days from £3,455pp
Tour Dates:
Friday 9 September to Friday 23 September 2022
Using a first class Swiss Travel Pass this tour is a mix of steam excursions combined with ample opportunity to explore by train the varied scenery Switzerland has to offer.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – London to Aachen
Depart lunchtime Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards by train to Aachen where we have an overnight stay. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 2 – Graubünden
Leaving Aachen after breakfast we head south to Basle. Reaching Basle we change trains for Chur and from this point on whilst in Switzerland we will be travelling in first class using our unlimited travel pass which is provided as part of the holiday. We stay for 4 nights in this charming historic city and our hotel is in the traffic free area of the old town.
Day 3 – Steam on Rhaetian Railways
Today we have a full day excursion on the Rhaetian Railways network. The locomotive and coaches are stored at the depot in Landquart and the company operates steam on 3 routes throughout the year.
Day 4 – Bernina Express
Enjoy a full day’s spectacular excursion on a return trip from Chur to Tirano on the Bernina Express, climbing across Europe’s highest railway Alpine pass at a height of over 2000m. The spirals and tunnels of the Albula section and the spiral viaduct at Brusio near the end of the line make this a day not to be missed. Reserved seats both ways in first class.
Days 5 – Free Time
Being the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways network, what better way to explore than taking one of their red trains into the surrounding area. You can visit Arosa, Davos and Klosters, all of which are within easy reach. Our excursion booklet, which will be sent to you prior to departure, provides lots of sightseeing suggestions and there will be an optional escorted excursion on offer.
Days 6 – Glacier Express
One of Switzerland’s most scenic rail journeys, delivering the best views through its panoramic windows, so sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery as we travel to Brig. We have a 2-night stay here.
Day 7 – Furka Bergstrecke Steam
Travelling on a local service from Brig to Realp we arrive in time to embark on a full return trip by steam on what was once the original alignment of the Glacier Express route over the Furka Pass. Return late afternoon by local service to Brig.
Day 8 – Rhone Valley
Transfer by rail to the shores of Lake Geneva at Martigny for a 3 night stay.
Day 9 – Blonay-Chamby
We take the train to the Blonay-Chamby railway for a day of steam and nostalgia. The Blonay-Chamby railway is home to one of the best continental collections of historic metre gauge railway stock, mainly from former Swiss manufacturers or operating companies. Return to Martigny.
Day 10 – At Leisure
There are several local branch lines in the area as well as the very scenic line over to Chamonix and an optional escorted excursion will be available for today.
Day 11 – Bernese Oberland
An easy transfer sees us in Thun in the Bernese Oberland for a 3 night stay.
Day 12 – Brienzer Rothorn
The pretty little village of Brienz is only a short journey from Thun. From here the steam driven rack railway travels to the summit of the Rothorn, a journey of around an hour, and an altitude of approx 2250m. We have time for lunch before the descent.
Day 13 – Bern & the Steam Tram
A leisurely day excursion to Bern, with free time to explore, before enjoying a private charter on Bern’s unique steam tram.
Day 14 – Aachen
We depart Thun after breakfast and make our way via Basle and Cologne to Aachen where we have an overnight stay. Dinner included tonight.
Day 15 – London
Leaving Aachen after breakfast we travel to Brussels where we make a connection with the lunchtime Eurostar service to London St Pancras, arriving back early afternoon.
Please note that the details of the steam excursions may be subject to change.
Selected Hotels
Ibis Hotel Marschiertor, Aachen
Hotel Freieck, Chur
Hotel Ambassador, Brig
Martigny Boutique Hotel, Martigny
Hotel Holiday, Thun
Please note - hotels can be subject to change
Price Includes
- Standard class rail travel to and from Basle
- First class Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains, postbuses, lake steamers, many city buses and trams
- Bernina and Glacier Express supplements
- Daily excursions as listed in itinerary
- Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
- 2 evening meals
- Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour
Price per person
Escorted holiday: | £3,455 |
Single room supplement: | £610 |
Deposit for this holiday: | £100 |