Railtrai E-Brochure Annual 2025

S witzerland S team -P owered S ix

Experience stunning Switzerland on this great steam-powered railway tour, based on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Enjoy nostalgic cruises across three beautiful Swiss lakes and journey on three exhilarating steam railways including the Rigi Railway, Brienz Rothorn Railway, and Furka Steam Railway plus a trip on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway!

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Experience the Rigi Railway on one of its rare days of steam ★ Enjoy a steamboat ride across Lake Zurich ★ Travel across the stunning Brünig Pass by train to Brienz ★ Journey on the historic Brienz Rothorn Railway ★ Cruise along the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz ★ Discover the Pilatus Railway, the world’s steepest cogwheel railway ★ Ride the fantastic Furka Steam Railway – the original route of the Glacier Express ★ Cruise by paddle-steamer across the beautiful Lake Lucerne ★ Stay in a beautiful lakeside hotel with outstanding leisure facilities and fabulous views Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal ★ Local Transport Pass ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager DAY 1 Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then onwards to Hergiswil and our base for seven nights, the Seehotel Pilatus, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together. (D) DAY 2 After breakfast today, we will experience the historic Rigi Railway , Europe’s first mountain railway transporting visitors from all over the world to the top of the ‘Queen of the Mountains’ since 1871. The Rigi’s unique location and panoramic views made it a famous destination for writers and heads of state during the ‘Belle Époque’ era, and even Queen Victoria journeyed to the peak. (B,D) DAY 3 Today, we take the train to Rapperswil on Lake Zurich where we board one of the Lake Zurich steamboats for a gentle cruise along the scenic lake past prosperous villages to the city of Zurich itself. We enjoy some free time in Switzerland’s largest city before returning to Hergiswil by train in time for our evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 4 This morning, we journey on one of Switzerland’s most scenic mainlines over the Brünig Pass from Lucerne to Brienz. Here, we join the wonderful Brienz Rothorn Railway , an historic steam cog railway that has climbed Rothorn Kulm (2,244m) since 1892 at incredible gradients; the thrilling ride through meadows and forests leads to spectacular mountain panoramas. Afterwards,

Fares From £2419

8 DAYS

Rigi Railway

© Shutterstock

we enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard a nostalgic steam paddler along Lake Brienz to Interlaken before returning by rail to Hergiswil in time for our evening meal. (B,D) DAY 5 Today, we enjoy the drama and thrills of the famous Pilatus Railway ! This amazing round trip provides the best of mountain railways as we ride the steepest cogwheel railway in the world through woods and tunnels, along alpine meadows, and rocky outcrops to the top of this rugged pre-Alpine peak. After free time at the summit, we enjoy breathtaking views on the aerial cable car and the panorama gondola as we travel to Lucerne , Switzerland’s prettiest city. (B,D) DAY 6 After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Realp where we join the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railwa y travelling high into the mountains to Oberwald along the original route of the Glacier Express – crossing viaducts, journeying through tunnels, and past alpine meadows full of flowers. Marvel at the Rhone Glacier viewed between snow-covered mountain peaks before we return to Hergiswil by rail. (B,D) DAY 7 Today, we cruise across Lake Lucerne , the most beautiful lake in Switzerland surrounded by mountains and forests. Relax on board the lake steamer as we criss-cross between idyllic lakeside villages on our way to Flüelen before returning to Hergiswil for our final evening meal together. (B,D) DAY 8 We bid farewell to Hergiswil and to Switzerland, returning by rail to Paris, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. (B)

DEPARTS Saturday 28 June 2025 Saturday 20 September 2025

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 ACTIVITY LEVEL

£2419

£200

£2769 £1999

Join & Leave at Hergiswil Single Traveller Supplement

£185

7 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal Eurostar and rail travel to and from Switzerland in the class of your choice All transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed Local Transport Pass Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

HOTEL

Seehotel Pilatus, Hergiswil Standing directly at the lakeshore on Lake Lucerne in the village of Hergiswil, the Seehotel Pilatus is surrounded by majestic mountain views just a short train journey from Lucerne itself. The hotel offers a beautiful ambience in the restaurant with fantastic views of the Lake and the Alps plus a host of leisure facilities including a Wellness Resort featuring a large indoor pool, saunas, whirlpools, a sun garden, and gym. The air-conditioned bedrooms provide a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower, a hairdryer, flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.

Zurich

Lake Lucerne Paddle Steamer

© Shutterstock

© iStock

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

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