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A Journey through Switzerland by Rail
Journey Through the Swiss Alps: Experience the majestic beauty of the Swiss Alps and the four distinct cultural areas of Switzerland from the comfort of a panoramic train. Travel from glistening snowfields to the gentle Mediterranean landscape within the span of hours. Along the way explore castles and vineyards, cruise crystal clear lakes and be pampered at world famous spas and first class hotels.
1st Day:
We meet in Zurich where we board the train to Landquart and transfer to the Heidiland Express. This little red locomotive crosses the Wiesner viaduct, passes over deep gorges and travels through the Albula valley before spiraling down through tunnels into the Engadine Valley. We arrive in the world-renowned mountain resort of St. Moritz where the sun shines 322 days a year. We unwind and pamper ourselves with a choice of Spa treatments at the famous Kempinski Spa.
2nd Day:
We board the Bernina Express and climb over the Bernina Pass, passing glaciers and lakes whose waters give rise to the Rhone, the Rhine and the Danube. This is the dividing point between the Romanche (old Swiss) and Italian cultures. We drop steeply down into the Poschiavo Valley through chestnut forests and wind around the circular viaduct in Brusio. The train actually runs down the main street of Le Prese and enters the Italian village of Tirano. The journey continues from here on an air-conditioned coach through vineyards and narrow roads into Swiss Riviera and the resort town of Lugano.
3rd Day:
We cruise to Gandria, a village with a decidedly Italian atmosphere. It clings to the face of the rocks with a labyrinth of stairways and arcaded streets. In the afternoon there is the option of walking the Olive Trail, taking the funicular up Mte Bre or San Salvatore, visiting a Chocolate Museum or the Swissminiatur.
4th Day:
We travel the single gauge Centovalli Railway, which crosses 83 bridges, navigates 348 curves and 31 tunnels. It hugs the mountainside in this wild and tangled part of Switzerland, passing over huge caverns and rocky riverbeds. At Brig, we board the Glacier Express and climb to the legendary village of Zermatt, made famous by the Matterhorn. We are now in a French speaking area of Switzerland. You are free to explore the village or ride the oldest electrified rack-and-pinion train in Switzerland up to
Gornergrat for a spectacular view of the mountains.
5th Day:
We snake back down the mountain and travel the Rhone River Valley to Montreux. Here, we tour the Castle of Chillon, immortalized by the poet, Byron, in ‘The Prisoners of Chillon’. We walk the flower-decked path along Lake Geneva and watch the sun recede on France on the far side of the Lake.
6th Day:
After a visit to the vineyards of Vevey, we board the Golden Pass Panoramic Train to Lucerne. Climbing to the Gruyere Region, famous for its cheese and chocolate, the rail line runs over the Brunig Pass and on to Lucerne. This is the German-speaking region of Switzerland. Our hotel is on the Reuss with a view the famed Chapel Bridge, decked with flowers.
7th Day:
We walk through the old town with fresco painted buildings and visit the famed Bucherer Watch Company. Taking the train to Alpnachstad, we ride the worlds steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mount Pilatus. (Queen Victoria came up this same mountain on a donkey.) This is the legendary mountain of dragons with a 360 - degree view of the mountains of Switzerland. Return to the foot of the mountain by aerial cableway and panoramic gondolas. Board the train for Zurich.
8th Day:
Depart from Zurich.
Fully guided 8 day tour
Spring and fall
$2,890 Cdn, based on double occupancy
Includes:
- 1st class rail pass
- 7 nights 4-star hotels
- All breakfasts
- 4 lunches
- 3 dinners
- Spa treatment
- Excursions to Gandria, Chillon Castle, Mt. Pilatus
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Switzerland Rail Tour
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Switzerland Rail Tour
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Switzerland Rail Tour
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Switzerland Rail Tour
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Switzerland Rail Tour
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