Swiss Rail Adventure

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.