Railtrail Main Brochure 2024

S wiss R ail R iders

NEW TOUR

Experience Railtrail’s newest tour to Switzerland. Discover spectacular routes such as the Gotthard, Lötschberg, and Albula Passes on the comfortable and remarkably efficient Swiss trains. Marvel at the scenery on the classic Glacier Express and the Rigi Mountain Railway, uncover the rarely visited “backwater” routes in the east of the country, and enjoy a relaxing lake cruise on this fantastic tour.

DAY 1 We will depart London St. Pancras by morning Eurostar to Brussels, then via Köln to Basel continuing to Olten . Our base for the seven nights will be the ideally located Hotel Amaris, in the vicinity of the train station, near the picturesque old quarter of the city. Tonight, our evening meal is included in a local restaurant. (D) DAY 2 Today we will take an exciting circular trip from Olten to Lucerne followed by a superbly scenic ride on the metre gauge line that climbs over the Brünig Pass and alongside Lake Brienz to Interlaken. Here we take a side trip further into the mountains to Lauterbrunnen, a spectacular funicular to Grütschalp, and a mountain top tram to Mürren . Afterwards, we descend by cableway to beautiful Stechelberg, ride the PostBus to Lauterbrunnen, and travel via train back to Olten. (B) DAY 3 Our rail trip today is to the quaint village of Zweisimmen before travelling over the narrow-gauge line through Gstaad, descending to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here we will have time for a short side excursion on the rack line to Caux . Soak up the breathtaking scenery along the lake shore to Lausanne before returning to Olten. (B) ★ Embark on a thrilling journey through the captivating spirals of the legendary Gotthard Pass ★ Journey to the highest point on the route of the Glacier Express ★ Stunning views into the Rhone Valley from the Lötschberg Pass ★ Experience the breathtaking Rigi Railway, Europe’s first mountain railway ★ Explore the Heiden rack line, a rarely visited destination ★ Unearth the hidden gems of Eastern Switzerland’s “backwater” routes ★ Discover the mesmerizing beauty of the Albula Pass ★ Enjoy a serene and leisurely cruise on a picturesque lake paddle steamer Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 7 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 1 evening meal ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Discover the scenic and historic Brünig Pass ★ Experience the breathtaking beauty of Montreux on the Golden Pass line

Fares From £2049

8 DAYS

Olten

© Bogdan Lazar.

DAY 4 We enjoy another full day of spectacular scenery. Firstly, we will ride the captivating spirals of the Gotthard Pass line to Göschenen , followed by the twisting, complex gorge route to Andermatt which sits at the crossroads of the mountain passes from north to south and from east to west. From here, we change to climb high above the town to the highest point of the Glacier Express route at Oberalp Pass .There will be time for a snack surrounded by the spectacular views before we descend over the old Lötschberg route with stunning views into the Rhone Valley experiencing another charming spiral before reaching Brig and travelling onwards to Olten. (B) DAY 5 After breakfast, we journey to the rarely visited eastern Switzerland today, firstly by direct train to sample the Reineck to Walzenhausen mountain railway. We will then discover the “backwater” rail routes to Zürich via Heerbrugg, Altstätten, Appenzell, and Gossau, with the opportunity ride a tram route or two (at no extra cost) . We will enjoy an evening meal in the city that offers variety, where urban life is never far from nature, before returning to Olten. (B) DAY 6 After all the excitement of the last few days, we will take a scenic and relaxing lake cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau before riding the Rigi Railway to the mountain summit. There will be time to savour the magnificent views and take lunch before descending to Arth-Goldau , a beautiful village that was completely rebuilt in 1806 following a massive rockslide.We will return to Olten by train. (B)

DEPARTS

Wednesday 19 June 2024 Wednesday 11 September 2024

FARES From London St Pancras International: Standard Class rail travel to/from Switzerland, including Standard Eurostar Supplement for Standard Premier Eurostar upgrade return First Class rail travel to/from Switzerland, including Standard Premier Eurostar

£2049

£200

£2399 £1650

Join & Leave at Olten

Single Traveller Supplement

£450

7 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 1 evening meal Eurostar and rail travel to and from Switzerland in the class of your choice

All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager GUARANTEED FARE

HOTEL Hotel Amaris, Olten Ideally situated next to the train station and a few minutes’ walk into the picturesque and historic town, this 3-star hotel offers sophisticated rooms with comfort and rest in mind. The spacious rooms offer a shower/toilet, complimentary toiletries,Wi-Fi, and flat screen TV. DAY 7 Our final, full day in Switzerland takes us to Chur , Switzerland’s oldest city, exploring another part of the Glacier Express route to St. Moritz which features the famous Landwasser Viaduct , a single-lane limestone railway bridge that became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. We will also experience the Albula Pass (more spirals!) before taking the return ride via Filisur and Davos to Landquart and the fast train to Olten. (B) DAY 8 We will depart Olten after breakfast, travelling via Basel, Koln, and Brussels to London. (B)

Rigi Railway

Landwasser Viaduct

© AdobeStock

© Shutterstock

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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