Ffestiniog Travel

Tuesday 12 February to Thursday 21 February 2013

Unescorted options also available

You are invited to join our annual holiday to the Swiss Alps. Majestic mountain scenery in winter sets the scene for an unforgettable experience.

Day 1   Basle

This tour begins by departing on Eurostar mid-morning from London St Pancras to Paris, then onwards by TGV to Basle for an overnight stay. Standard class travel with reserved seats.

Day 2   Graubünden Awaits

From Basle all our rail travel in Switzerland will be in first class using the unlimited travel pass provided. Departing Basle after breakfast will ensure that we reach Chur, the capital of the canton, at lunchtime. We have a 4-night stay in this charming city, the oldest in Switzerland. Our hotel is located in the pedestrianised ‘old town’ quarter.

Day 3   Leisure Time

A day allowing you the chance to explore Chur and the surrounding area using the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways network. You can visit the winter sports resorts of Klosters, Davos or Arosa in style using your Swiss Pass. Your experienced tour leader will be available to offer an optional escorted excursion but if you prefer to be independent they will be more than happy to expand on the full list of excursions which will have been sent to you prior to your holiday.

Day 4   The Bernina Express over the Alps

Today we offer a full day excursion from Chur to Tirano in Northern Italy travelling on the Bernina Express. This train travels the route of the only North-South Alpine rail crossing and the summit of the line is at an impressive 2253 metres (7391ft). The numerous spirals, tunnels and the curved viaduct at Brusio make this a journey not to be missed. Return by the same route.

Day 5   Leisure Time

A second day at leisure and again, there will be the offer of an optional escorted excursion.

Day 6   The Glacier Express

We leave Chur using the Glacier Express, the slowest express train in the world! Travelling as far as Brig we will have crossed the highest point on the journey on the Oberalp Pass. In Brig we change trains and continue to Bern, the federal capital of Switzerland, for a 4-night stay. The city has kept a small town feel and the Old Town, with its cobbled streets and arcades, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hotel is located close to the station.

Days 7 to 9   Leisure Time

Three full days to explore the region using your travel pass. Do make time for the city itself and you can even use the tram network free of charge with your travel pass. The Old Town is almost entirely enclosed within the course of the river Aare and is home to the wonderful Zytglogge clocktower. Your knowledgeable tour leader will offer an optional escorted excursion each day.

Day 10   Home via Paris

Taking the early morning direct TGV service to Paris we make a connection with the Eurostar service to London St Pancras, arriving late afternoon. Standard class travel with reserved seats.