Swiss and Italian Alps
Holiday Highlights
- Direct route to Switzerland via Eurostar and TGV
- UNESCO Rhaetian Railways network
- Scenic single track route over Ponte nelle Alpi
- Contrasting mountain and lake scenery
- Free time in Venice
- Night sleeper train to Paris
- Centrally located hotels
- 7 days from £1,575
This Tailored Rail tour was first offered to coincide with the Centenary of the scenic Ponte nelle Alpi railway line in the Dolomites. This area is beautiful both in winter and throughout the year.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – To Basel
Morning Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, connecting with TGV to Basle for an overnight stay.
Day 2 – Swiss and Italian Alps
Leaving Basle after breakfast today's route is via the main line eastwards to Landquart. From there the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways will take you through the Engadine Valley to Zernez to connect with the postbus service over the border into Italy at Malles. From Malles the recently re-opened Val Venosta railway allows a connection via Merano to Bolzano.
Day 3 – Free time
Bolzano is the capital of the Alto Adige (Südtirol) province and whilst it may geographically be in Italy the city gives the appearance of being Austrian. There is a small historical centre to the town and a cable car to San Genesio. Alternatively you can take the train north on the Brenner Pass route.
Day 4 – Ponte nelle Alpi
From Bolzano we head south to Verona then head for Venice Mestre. From there you travel through Prosecco country via Treviso and climb into the mountains. Passing several lakes the train then reverses at Ponte nelle Alpie before tackling the final single track 37 km line to Calalzo. The line, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary in 2014, is served by railcar units, around 30 years old, and climbs to Calalzo by way of numerous tunnels and viaducts.
Day 5 – Calalzo
Free day to explore. As well as the Ponte nelle Alpi route, Calalzo was the terminus of the Ferrovia delle Dolomiti which closed 50 years ago. The trackbed has been preserved as a cycle path and at the former station building in San Vito di Cadore there is a museum and model railway. If you don't feel like cycling there is a bus service! The area is also famous for the manufacture of spectacles and Calalzo is where the world's first workshop was opened.
Day 6 – To Venice
Leaving after breakfast there is a direct train to Venice, arriving at lunchtime. Spend a few leisurely hours in the city before departing on the night sleeper to Paris.
Day 7 – Home
Arrive Paris and connect with Eurostar back to London St Pancras, arriving early afternoon.
Price Includes
- Standard class Eurostar return to Paris
- Standard class travel for all other journeys except Malles to Bolzano. This is a private company and we cannot issue tickets
- Seat reservations
- Berth in 2 berth sleeper on the night train
- Metro tickets for Paris transfers
- Overnight accommodation in 3* centrally situated hotels
- En suite rooms and including breakfast
Price per person
From £1,575 per person sharing
24/7 Support
Ffestiniog Travel provides 'out of hours' support for all independent travellers in the event of an emergency.
