Trip Inclusions
- Operated by Travelmarvel's partner Great Rail Journeys
- Seven nights in premium accommodation
- Services of a Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort
- 14 meals - 7 breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 6 dinners
- Ride the iconic red and white Glacier Express, and enjoy lunch on board
- Travel from Switzerland to Italy on one of the highest railway lines in the Alps, aboard the Bernina Express
- Travel on the steam-hauled, narrow-gauge Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway
- Cruise along the tranquil waters of Lake Brienz
Map & Itinerary
Trip Notes
- Itinerary, inclusions, hotels and pricing are subject to change
- Transfers, porterage and tipping included
- Prices are for land and rail only. Flights not included unless specified
Insider Experiences
Designed exclusively for our guests
Insider Experience
Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event
Arrive Basel
Your discovery of Switzerland begins today as you arrive in Basel. Be taken to your hotel where you have the chance to meet your Great Rail Journeys Tour Escort and other travellers during a Welcome Dinner.
Stay: Basel, Hotel Schweizerhof or similar
Daily :Interlaken, Giessbach
Wake to the beautiful surrounds of Switzerland today, perhaps taking a quiet moment to savour a coffee over breakfast. Then, join a train ride this morning, being taken directly from Basel to Interlaken. From here, you’ll board a boat on Lake Brienz, cruising across the tranquil waters to the heart of scenic Switzerland. The striking alpine waters reflect the green mountains like magic. Watch as the pretty towns and villages on the lake’s shores pass by. Disembark and ride the famous Giessbach funicular railway to your mountaintop hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, Grandhotel Giessbach
Daily :Brienz, Rothorn
Board one of the country’s most scenic stretches of railway today on the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. Head to Brienz, where the steam-hauled train awaits. Begin the steady mountain ascent, crossing steep, mountain trails, with the glittering water of Lake Brienz beneath you. As you gain height, the scenery becomes progressively greener, with jagged mountain peaks at eye level. At over 2,000 metres above sea level, you’ll reach Rothorn, the summit of the rail journey. Disembark at the peak and explore at your own leisure. Then it’s back to the train for your descent to Brienz and Giessbach.
Daily :
Brig, St Moritz
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
The red and white Glacier Express is known for being the slowest express train, but also one of the most scenic rail journeys. Board the train and chug through the tunnels, and across countless bridges and viaducts. A sure highlight is when you ascend over 1,800 metres at the Oberalp Pass, with the train using cogwheels to conquer the steepest points.
After breakfast, travel by coach to Spiez, then by rail to Brig, where one of Switzerland’s most famous trains await. Lunch is served in the rail cars during your journey. Arrive in St Moritz and check in to your centrally located hotel. Enjoy superb views over the lake from the front of the hotel.
Stay: Two Nights, St Moritz, Hotel Schweizerhof or similar
Daily :Tirano
INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Connecting Italy and Switzerland with one of the highest railway lines in the Alps, the Bernina Express is a must on any rail-lover’s list. Join this rail odyssey today, carving through the snow-capped scenery and lush hillsides to Tirano in northern Italy.
On your Insider Experience rail ride, you’ll travel at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, enjoying views of turquoise glacial lakes speckled below. Once in Tirano, it’s time to explore at leisure. There’s a peaceful old quarter towards the east of the town, which you might like to head to for a rest after the excitement of your rail adventure. Later in the afternoon, it’s time to head back to Switzerland.
Daily :
Lucerne
Because Switzerland is so well known for its superb rail network, you are in for another treat today. Travelling to Lucerne, join the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Aboard the Mt Pilatus Railway, with a gradient that reaches up to 48%, there are many moments on this journey reminiscent of a roller coaster rather than a rail track. Spend half an hour ascending almost two kilometres from Alpnachstad to Pilatus-Kulm, located just outside the city of Lucerne, where your hotel awaits. Settle in upon arrival and prepare for a full day of exciting sightseeing tomorrow.
Stay: Two Nights, Lucerne, Hotel Pilatus-Kulm
Daily :Lucerne
After breakfast at your hotel, you may wish to set off on some independent sightseeing. Lucerne’s most famous site is the Chapel Bridge, which divides the old and new towns. Built in the 14th century, this wooden bridge once served as protection against outside attacks on the city. Today, a series of paintings from the 17th century hang on the interior walls and tell the tale of Lucerne’s history. There are also plenty of churches to visit, and wandering along the cobblestone streets is an equally enticing option. After you’ve explored the town, head back to your hotel for a Farewell Dinner.
Daily :
Depart Zurich
Your incredible journey reaches an end this morning after breakfast. Transfer to Zurich airport by train.
Daily :I am recommending Travelmarvel to everyone. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Thanks again guys and would love to travel with you in the future.
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