Swiss Mountain Steam

Switzerland and steam trains - a delightful combination as Railtrail Tours take you to the heart of this beautiful country to experience some amazing mountain rail journeys and glorious lake steamer cruises.

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8 Days From £1775

DEPARTS

Wednesday 15 July 2020

Wednesday 19 August 2020

Wednesday 16 September 2020

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Shimmering blue lakes, past alpine meadows, up to heavenly skies, by steam train
Ride the extended Furka Steam Railway – original route of the Glacier Express
The amazing Brienz Rothorn steam mountain railway
Return rail journey up the spectacular Schynige Platte
Lunch at the Schilthorn summit – James Bond 007 mountain
Lake Thun cruise & funicular up Harder Kulm
Coffee & cake at the Panorama Restaurant at Harder Kulm
Stay in beautiful car-free alpine spa town of Wengen
Bernese Oberland Pass – offering freedom of the region on your free day

Also included in your Tour Fare:

7 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal, 1 lunch, 1 coffee & cake
Standard Class 6 Day Bernese Oberland Pass
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager

DAY 1

Relax as we take you by high speed trains from the bustle of early morning London to Interlaken, then by local train to idyllic Wengen and a welcome evening meal at our hotel.

DAY 2

A day of steam in wonderful mountain scenery on the Brienz Rothorn Railway, Switzerland's oldest steam cog railway. It has climbed Rothorn Kulm (2244m) since 1892 at incredible gradients; the thrilling ride leads to spectacular mountain panoramas. We then leisurely cruise along Lake Brienz.

B, D

DAY 3

Joining a train to Thun, we set sail on Lake Thun towards Interlaken. On arrival we catch the funicular up the Harder Kulm, whose peak boasts magnificent views of lakes and mountains, and a lovely Panorama Restaurant, where we enjoy a welcome coffee and cake.

B, LR, D

DAY 4

Travelling high into the spectacular mountains to Oberwald, where we take a vintage train on the Furka Steam Cog Railway* along the original 'Glacier Express' route - crossing viaducts, through tunnels and past alpine meadows full of flowers. Marvel at the Rhone glacier viewed between snow-covered mountain peaks en route to the line's terminus at Realp. Returning to Wengen by train via the Glacier Express route.

B, D

DAY 5

A day at leisure allows you to relax in Wengen or maybe use your Bernese Oberland Pass to explore the public transport system of this beautiful region. Most railways are covered in the pass, including the lines to Lucerne and Bern, Switzerland's handsome capital city. Or maybe visit Gstaad on the Golden Pass Line, or use your pass to gain a discount on the Jungfrau Railway to the top of Europe.

B, D

DAY 6

Another highlight awaits today, as we head for Wilderswil, where we join our train up to Schynige Platte through alpine pastures, with great views of the Mönch, Eiger and Jungfrau.

B, D

DAY 7

One of the most amazing rail journeys in Switzerland as we travel by train and cable car to the summit of the 'James Bond' mountain - the Schilthorn. Here we have lunch in Piz Gloria, the revolving restaurant, from where 200 mountain tops can be viewed including the Eiger and the Jungfrau.

B, L, D

DAY 8

We return by high speed trains to London.

*Please note a short section of this famous steam train journey may be undertaken by diesel train.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, LR=Light Refreshments, D=Dinner

HOTEL

Sunstar Hotel, Wengen

This 4-star hotel is noted for its caring reputation and beautiful setting with panoramic views. It is located in the centre of Wengen - just 200m from the station - a small, car-free spa town situated on a sheltered terrace at over 1300m above sea level, the majestic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau as a backdrop. Pure mountain air invites sheer relaxation. Enjoy delicious evening meals with choice of main dishes in the lovely restaurant. Leisure facilities include indoor pool, steam bath, sauna and sunbathing lawn. Bedrooms are en-suite, with TV, radio, telephone, safe, hairdryer and free minibar (mineral water, soft drinks, fruit juices and beer).

FARE

From London St Pancras International:
Standard Class rail travel to / from Basel, including Standard Eurostar	£1775
First Class rail travel to / from Basel, including Standard Premier Eurostar	£2075
Tour Base Fare (Joining & leaving at the hotel)	£1575
Single Traveller Supplement	£110