Day 1 – London to Basel
Meet your group and Tour Manager at St Pancras International where we travel to Paris aboard the Eurostar, enjoying the journey in Standard Premier Class. On arrival, we take the train from Paris' Gare du Lyon to Basel*. Overnight Basel. (Eurostar meal, D)
*Night one overnight is in Mulhouse for passengers departing on June 20, 2020.
Day 2 – Giessbach
After breakfast, we make the short walk to the railroad station, with our bags being separately transported so all we have to worry about is enjoying the journey. Our train takes us directly to Interlaken where we board a boat, sailing across Lake Brienz which delivers us into the heart of scenic Switzerland as we admire the remarkable color of the pure Alpine waters contrasting with the green slopes of the mountains. From the boat, we can enjoy watching the towns and villages which dot the shores of the lake, many of which reside under the shadow of a church steeple. Waiting for us as we disembark is the Giessbach Funicular Railroad which transports us in style to our mountaintop hotel, the Grandhotel Giessbach. Overnight Giessbach. (B, D)
Day 3 – Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railroad
Traveling back down the mountain and across the lake to Brienz, we make our way to the town's station where we board the steam-hauled, narrow-gauge Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railroad as it begins its steep ascent up the mountain. The rack-and-pinion line traverses a number of bridges, crossing the steep, stony mountain trails as it continues to climb. For much of the route the glittering waters of Lake Brienz can be seen, and as we climb further, the view becomes yet more dramatic. We continue through the undulating greenery, with views out to the surrounding jagged peaks. Before long, we reach the first of three passing loops for oncoming locomotives, before traveling through woodland and a series of tunnels hewn from the rock. We then arrive at the second passing loop where some of the older steam engines pause to take on water. Finally we reach the line's terminus at the summit of Rothorn, 7,362 feet above sea level, and four-and-a-half miles away from our starting point in Brienz. There's free time at both the summit of Brienzer Rothorn and back in the town of Brienz. Overnight Giessbach. (B, D)
Day 4 – The Glacier Express to St Moritz
Checking out of the Grandhotel Giessbach today, we travel by rail to Brig for one of the world's most unique rail experiences, a journey aboard the one and only Glacier Express. Famed for being the slowest 'express' train in the world, the distinctive red and white carriages - painted to match the colors of the Swiss flag - link Brig with St Moritz. Along the route the train makes its way across hundreds of bridges and viaducts, as well as through 90 tunnels, and one of the highlights comes as we climb the 6,669 foot Oberalp Pass. Using cogwheels in the steepest places, the train allows us unimpeded views across green valleys, picturesque villages and the high Alpine lake on the Oberalp Pass. We enjoy lunch on board before reaching our final destination and transferring to the Romantik Hotel Muottas Muragl, accessible only by its own funicular railroad. Overnight Muottas Muragl. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – The Bernina Express
Connecting Switzerland and Italy via one of the highest mountain railroads in the Alps, the Bernina Express train rises to the challenges presented such steep gradients to delight passengers with a journey of breathtaking beauty through this iconic mountain range. Joining the train in St Moritz, we travel to an altitude of more than 7,000 feet enjoying views of the snow capped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes as we make our way to Tirano in Italy, traversing the spiraling Brusio Viaduct en route. In Tirano you are at leisure to explore before we make the return trip. Overnight Muottas Muragl. (B, D)
Day 6 - The Hotel Pilatus Kulm
We utilize the efficient Swiss rail network once again, traveling to Lucerne where we board the Mount Pilatus Railroad, the steepest cogwheel railroad in the world. We spend a delightful half-hour ascending almost two kilometers from lakeside Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm, where our unique hotel, the Hotel Pilatus Kulm, awaits. Overnight Alpnachstad. (B, D)
Day 7 – At leisure
Today you can enjoy a full day at leisure. You are able to use funicular/cable cars for free. If travelling to Lucerne independently, by bus or boat will be payable - 50% off with your swiss card. Back at our hotel this evening we enjoy a farewell meal together. Overnight Alpnachstad. (B, D)
Day 8 – To Strasbourg
We begin the journey back to London today, with the first leg of our travels delivering us to Strasbourg for the night. Here you have some free time before we sit down to dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight Strasbourg. (B, D)
Day 9 – Return to London
After breakfast we board the train to Paris, joining the Eurostar returning to London St Pancras, where our Swiss adventure comes to an end and you are free to make your way to the airport for your flight back home. (B, Eurostar meal)
Destination & Sightseeing
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