Swiss Rail Adventure

Day 1 – London to Cologne

Mid-morning departure by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards by train to Cologne where we have an overnight stay.

Day 2 – Graubünden

Leaving Cologne after breakfast we head south to Basle before changing trains for Chur. While 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 charming, historic Chur and our hotel is in the traffic free area of the old town.

Days 3 & 4 – Explore the Rhaetian Railways Network

Free days to explore Chur and the surrounding area using the Rhaetian Railways network which boasts some of the most spectacular railway routes in the world. Routes are a marvel of railway engineering that wind through the Graubünden mountains thanks to man-made structures, viaducts and helical tunnels. There will be an optional escorted excursion offered each day. Excursions will endeavour to cover much of the RhB network including a journey from Samedan along the picturesque Engadine with its characteristic architecture, combined with a journey via Klosters and Davos. Other excursions are likely to include the mountain resort of Arosa and, by way of contrast, a visit to the Appenzell region and St Gallen.

Day 5– Bernina Express

Enjoy a full day’s spectacular return trip from Chur to Tirano on the Bernina Express train, 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 (subject to availability).

Day 6 – Glacier Express

We ride one of Switzerland’s most scenic rail journeys, delivering the best views through its panoramic windows. Sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery as we travel to Brig aboard the Glacier Express train. We change trains and continue north to Thun, via the Lötschberg Base Tunnel. The region is home to the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau and the 12th Century castle in Thun dominates the town. We have a 3-night stay here.

Day 7 – 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 approximately 2250m. We have time for lunch before the descent.

Day 8 – 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 9 – Lakes & Mountains

After a morning at leisure and an easy transfer we check in to our hotel in Lausanne for a 4-night stay. Lausanne is the capital of the canton of Vaud and overlooks Lake Geneva with picturesque views across to the French Alps.

Day 10 – Blonay-Chamby Extravaganza

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. We visit during their Steam Extravaganza weekend.

Days 11 & 12 – At Leisure

Free days based in Lausanne with your First Class Swiss Pass. Again there will be an optional escorted excursion offered each day, and destinations may include Montreaux (for Chillon Castle) combined with a lake cruise if timetables permit, and the picturesque and beautifully preserved medieval walled hilltop town of Gruyeres, with its castle and nearby cheese making centre. Other possible excursions are the narrow gauge lines around Aigle, Bex and Martigny with its lovely mountain line up to the French border at Le Chatelard.

Day 13 – To Cologne

We depart Lausanne and make our way via Basle and Mannheim to Cologne where we have an overnight stay.

Day 14 – To London

From Cologne we connect to the Eurostar in Brussels and arrive back at London St Pancras early afternoon.