Switzerland Steam-Powered Six

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

DAY 6

After breakfast this morning, we transfer to Realp where we join the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway 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.

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.

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.

*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.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner