Highlights of Switzerland
Explore the many delights of Switzerland
Call:
EnquireHighlights of Switzerland
8 Days from £1,375per
person
person
A division of Great Rail Journeys, UK's leading operator of holidays by rail
Discover the joys of rail travel through the Alps and spend a picturesque eight days exploring the many delights of Switzerland. You'll also have the chance to savour journeys aboard two of the worlds most famous railway line, the Glacier Express and the Jungfrau Railway.
Journey by air or rail to Lucerne today, where you will stay for two nights. This German-speaking city is the gateway to central Switzerland, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Swiss Alps. The Canton of Lucerne's capital is set in an impressive location, offering spectacular mountainous views overlooking the surrounding landscape with Mount Pilatus, Rigi and the Alps in the distance. With its ornate churches, cobbled streets, Chapel Bridge and charming Old Town, Lucerne offers traditional culture in the heart of Switzerland.
Opened in 1889, Lucerne's Mount Pilatus Railway is the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. Spend a delightful half hour ascending almost two kilometres from lakeside Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm. Then at the summit, Mount Pilatus affords beautiful views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne and is home to astonishingly diverse flora.
Transfer to the railway station today for the service to St Moritz, a prestigious resort that also claims to be one of the first towns in Europe to popularise winter sports. You'll enjoy accommodation here for one night.
Today take the famous Glacier Express narrow-gauge train along the iconic route from St Moritz to Zermatt, enjoying the incredible views through the panoramic windows of your carriage. The journey takes you through the classic landscapes which have made Switzerland famous; from jagged mountain peaks and flower-filled meadows below, to sprawling vineyards and dense woodland. The train benefits from large panoramic windows, so each picture-postcard settings becomes un-missable, including the beautiful Rhône Valley and Oberalp Pass - the highest point of the line at 6,670 feet.
The approach to Zermatt takes you across 42 bridges and through 8 tunnels, before finally reaching the grandiose scenery of this tranquil mountain town, nestled below the tilted peak of the Matterhorn. Spend the next two nights in this famous mountain town.
Today you will ascend the Gornergrat Mountain via the Gornergrat Mountain Railway. Opened in 1898, it is the highest open-air cogwheel railway in Europe and during your time on board it will climb to the summit which sits 10,134 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views of the Matterhorn; on a clear day at the top you can see 29 snow-capped peaks spread out over more than 4000 metres.
Board the train to Interlaken today, your base for the next two nights.
Today enjoy what is undoubtedly one of the highlights of your stay in the Bernese Oberland, travelling on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest railway station. During the journey the train pauses at two separate observation stops; windows hewn out of solid Alpine rock between the tunnel and the infamous north face of the Eiger, providing spectacular views down to the valley below. Finally, the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', located 11332 feet above sea level.
Say goodbye to Switzerland today as you begin the journey home, travelling by air or rail.
The itinerary above is just a suggestion and you are free to make adjustments to suit your exact requirements. Please call 01904 734 358 to speak to one of our Tailor-Made Holiday Specialists about tailoring your holiday with GRJ independent.
This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
Explore the many delights of Switzerland
Call:
Enquire
GRJ independent is a new range of holidays, created especially for those who prefer to travel independently rather than as part of a group.
Download ebrochure Order Brochure
