Ffestiniog Travel

Friday 14 September to Friday 28 September 2012

Picturesque, panoramic and quintessentially Swiss – once again we offer a tour of Switzerland where the pleasures of steam are enhanced by their location. Connoisseurs of rail travel, culture and nature will relish the diversity of the locations and the abundance of stunning rail excursions.

Day 1   Paris and Strasbourg

Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris where we change for our onward journey to Strasbourg for an overnight stay.

Day 2   Onwards to Switzerland

Our journey today takes us from France to Switzerland, crossing the border at Basle into the scenic landscape of the Jura region. Arriving at Saignelégier, we have a 2-night stay.

Day 3   Train à Vapeur des Franches-Montagnes

Saignelégier is well placed on the Chemins de fer du Jura network allowing us to take a return journey today by steam between Pré-Petitjean and Glovelier. Wonderful photographic opportunities as the train climbs the high plateaus of the surrounding Franches Montagnes.

Day 4   Cross Country

Leaving the Jura region, we travel across the width of Switzerland to our next destination at Chur, the historical and cultural capital of the Swiss Graubünden region. We arrive early afternoon following a scenic journey via Biel/Bienne and Zürich for a relaxing stay of three nights. Our hotel is situated in the delightful old town quarter, a perfect location for exploring this charming city.

Day 5   The Albula and Bernina Passes

Chur is the home of the largest narrow gauge network in Switzerland, the Rhaetian Railways. We undertake an amazing journey climbing to a height of over 7,000 feet at the Bernina Pass. The spirals, hairpin bends and tunnels will ensure an unforgettable day out. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular mountains, lakes and glaciers as we travel to Tirano, in northern Italy.

Day 6   At Leisure

At leisure today, we recommend you explore this breathtakingly beautiful region on the Rhaetian Railways network. Unforgettable mountain villages are easily accessible as are the well-known resorts of Arosa, Klosters and Davos, as appealing in late summer as they are in the height of winter.

Day 7   Glacier Express

Departing Chur on the Glacier Express, we travel the short journey to our next destination, Andermatt, a popular and distinctively Swiss Alpine resort for a stay of 2 nights. Situated at the crossroads of the mountain passes surrounded by the high Alps, in years gone by Andermatt was the meeting point of four important Alpine crossing routes.

Day 8   Furka Bergstrecke Steam

Travelling on the local service from Andermatt to Realp, we arrive in time to connect with the full return trip on what was once the original alignment of the Glacier Express route over the Furka Pass. The Bergstrecke operates as far as Oberwald and trains are steam hauled. Return to Andermatt by train late afternoon.

Day 9   Into the Rhone Valley

We move on today from the alpine scenery into the wide fertile valley of the River Rhone where undulating vineyards are evidence of local wine production. Martigny, our destination for the next three nights stay, is set on a sharp right hand bend in the river and is an excellent place to use as a base for touring. As well as a small old town quarter, Martigny is home to one of the country’s most notable art galleries, the Foundation Pierre Gianadda.

Day 10   Blonay Chamby

An enchanting day of steam and rail nostalgia with plenty of time to savour the experience as we do a full return journey on the Riviera Belle Époque line between Chamby and Vevey. For the connoisseur, the museum at Chaulin is home to one of the largest collections of metre gauge items in Europe and today we have an opportunity to visit it.

Day 11   Chamonix

Another scintillating and picturesque day trip for rail enthusiasts as we take the line across the border to the French resort of Chamonix. Your Swiss Pass is valid throughout your journey. As the line moves into France, the train follows lots of twists and tunnels as well as a rack section with panoramic views of the Gorge de Trient whose waters flow into the fertile Rhone valley. The charming old town of Chamonix is idyllic to explore before your return journey or you may wish to take an additional trip on the Mer de Glace rack line (not covered by the pass). This line climbs just over 5km to the terrace over the glacier.

Day 12   The Bernese Oberland

We leave behind the wide valley and move into the Bernese Oberland region, well known as the home of the high peaks of the Eiger and the Jungfrau. Our route is via the metre gauge railway which climbs steeply out of Montreux affording a wonderful panorama of Lake Geneva. Our final destination today is the charming town of Thun which is dominated by its castle and we will be based here for 3 nights.

Day 13   Brienzer Rothorn

The pretty lakeside town of Brienz, surrounded by the majestic Bernese and central Swiss Alps is only a short journey from Thun. From the starting point in this scenic location we travel on the steam driven rack railway which, over the course of a truly rewarding hour, travels to the summit of the Rothorn at around 7400 ft. Don’t forget your camera as the views from the top are astounding and we have time to have lunch before our return journey. Travelling onwards, we have chartered Bern’s unique steam tram for a two hour excursion.

Day 14   At leisure

Whatever your preference for your day at leisure, our experienced tour leader will be on hand to help you with your decisions and logistics. We supply a comprehensive list of suggested excursions, most of which can be achieved with no additional cost. With so much to do from panoramic mountain passes using the postbus or the mountain railways, your time at leisure will be truly memorable.

Day 15   Home via Paris

Taking a morning train to Paris, we join our Eurostar service to London, arriving late afternoon.

All photos courtesy of http://www.MySwitzerland.com/