Railtrail Main Brochure 2023 FULL PROOF

S wiss G lacier E xpress & the B ernina

EXTENDEDTOUR

Two of the world’s greatest railway journeys on one tour! Enjoy the classic Glacier Express journey across the Swiss Alps, followed by the Bernina Express in its full glory. Not forgetting Lausanne, Montreux, and St Moritz, plus stays on Lake Geneva and in the EngadinValley. Plus, for 2023 we have enhanced the tour by adding an outbound overnight in the beautiful city of Basel for a more leisurely travel experience.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Explore the historic city of Basel ★ Take a paddle steamer cruise Lake Neuchatel ★ Discover the ‘Olympic City’ of Lausanne ★ Stay just a shor t stroll from the stunning lakeside promenade of Lake Geneva ★ Cruise across Lake Geneva to visit Château Chillon ★ Stroll along the picturesque lakeside in Montreux ★ Enjoy time to explore destinations independently with a free transpor t card ★ Admire the scenery from the world famous Swiss Glacier Express with lunch provided ★ Stay in Pontresina in the beautiful Upper Engadin Valley close to the Bernina Pass ★ Marvel at the equally spectacular Bernina Express train journey ★ Take in great views of the Upper Engadin Valley from the Muottas Muragl funicular ★ Visit stylish St Moritz ★ Witness two of the world’s great railway journeys on one tour Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ 8 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal plus 1 lunch ★ Local transpor t pass ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage DAY 1 Travelling by Eurostar from London, we change stations in Paris, before continuing our journey to Basel .We check into our hotel and enjoy our first evening meal together at a local restaurant.(D) DAY 2 This morning we take enjoy free time to explore Basel, located on the banks of the Rhine. We can visit the Old Town, cathedral, town hall or art museums before we take the train to Neuchatel.We have time to explore before our afternoon Lake Neuchâtel cruise on a beautifully restored paddle steamer that dates back to 1912. Following our cruise, we continue by train to Lausanne and our hotel, the Hotel Mirabeau, where our luggage is waiting for us. (B,D) DAY 3 We spend today at leisure in Lausanne . We may wish to visit the Olympic Museum and see exhibits from games throughout over 120 years of history. With an included Lausanne transport ticket , we can venture further and visit one of the several other museums this city has to offer or head to Lausanne Cathedral. (B,D) DAY 4 This morning we transfer to Montreux for some free time in Lake Geneva’s most celebrated resort. We then transfer to Château Chillon , perched dramatically at the water’s edge against a stunning mountain backdrop. We include entrance to the castle before continuing by boat cruise to Lausanne . (B,D) DAY 5 One of the great railway journeys of the world awaits today. First, we leave Lake Geneva by train, heading round the lake and through the mountains to Brig . Here we join the iconic

Fares From £2399

9 DAYS

TheWorld Famous Glacier Express

© shutterstock

Glacier Express , one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys, connecting theValais Canton with Graubünden.This is an amazing journey, and we enjoy it in style, with a 3-course lunch served to our seats . Known as ‘the slowest express train in the world’, take your time to marvel at the ever-changing mountain vistas outside your window, as the train follows the course of the Rhône river, then climbs through the Furka Base Tunnel en route to the Oberalp Pass, the highest point on the line at over 6,000 feet. The train then continues through the UNESCOWorld Heritage Albula Line, a masterpiece of railway engineering of tunnels, spirals, and viaducts, including the often photographed Landwasser Viaduct, before reaching Pontresina in the Upper EngadinValley, where we spend four nights at the Hotel Schweizerhof. (B,L,D) DAY 6 This morning we spend time in the stylish mountain resort of St Moritz , set amidst a splendid alpine backdrop, before continuing to Punt Muragl, the base station of the Muottas Muragl funicular. We enjoy a ride on the funicular. At almost 2,500 metres above sea level, from the top there are spectacular views to be seen of the entire Upper Engadin Having sampled the Glacier Express, today is an equally impressive experience – the Bernina Express . Many aficionados rate this journey even better than the Glacier Express! From our base in the Engadin Valley, we climb high over the Bernina Pass and through hairpin bends on a journey towards the sunny south of the Alps on our way through the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, finally crossing the border into Italy itself.We enjoy a little free time in the Italian city of Tirano, before returning through the majestic Alpine scenery to Pontresina. (B,D) HOTELS Valley. (B,D) DAY 7

DEPARTS Wednesday 7 June 2023 Wednesday 5 July 2023 Wednesday 20 September 2023

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 Basel, including Standard Premier Eurostar Joining Basel & Leaving at Pontresina

£2399

£199

£2799 £2155 £450 £100

Single Traveller Supplement

JULY & SEPT depar ture supplement

DAY 8 Today is free to spend at leisure.The included Engadin Card gives unlimited travel on local public transport as well as a number of cable cars and funiculars to transport us to the peaks of the area, affording stunning views. (B,D) DAY 9 We return by high speed train to London. (B) 8 nights’ bed, breakfast & evening meal plus one lunch Eurostar and rail travel to and from Switzerland in the class of your choice All excursions as detailed Lausanne & Engadin Transpor t Cards Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager Hotel por terage GUARANTEED FARE

GAIA Hotel, Basel A 4-star hotel ideally located next to the train station and within walking distance of Basel’s attractions. The elegant bedrooms have TV, kettle and/or coffee machine, minibar with organic drinks, safe and free Wi-Fi. The hotel serves an organic buffet breakfast in the listed historic hall. Bars and restaurants are located within walking distance of the hotel. BestWestern Plus Hotel Mirabeau, Lausanne A traditional 4-star hotel with an excellent location in the hear t of Lausanne between the Old Town and the lake.The hotel is perfectly situated, just a shor t walk from the train station and metro station, ideal for using the LausanneTranspor t Card included.The hotel offers an elegant restaurant, bar, and lovely terrace, perfect for drinks on a summer evening. All bedrooms are comfor tably furnished with TV, minibar, safe, air-conditioning, and freeWi-Fi. Hotel Schweizerhof, Pontresina A 3-star hotel with a great location in the centre of Pontresina.The hotel offers a genuine and friendly atmosphere, as well as attentive service and excellent cuisine. The comfor table en-suite bedrooms have TV, free Wi-Fi, and wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.The hotel has two restaurants, bar, and spacious sun terrace with panoramic views.

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

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