Picturesque East to West
A Swiss rail adventure from east to west
Call:
EnquirePicturesque East to West
8 Days from £1,385per
person
person
A division of Great Rail Journeys, UK's leading operator of holidays by rail
Embark on a Swiss rail adventure which whisks you from east to west across the stunning countryside, stopping on the way for you to ascend mountains, cruise over lakes and sample wines in elegant Montreux.
Fly, or rail, from London to Zurich then transfer by rail to St Gallen for a two-night stay.
When in Switzerland you have a half fare card. The Half Fare Card allows unlimited purchase of train, bus, boat and some cable car tickets at half price during your stay, should you wish to do anything else during your holiday in Switzerland other than mentioned in this itinerary, which is already included.
Depending on arrival time enjoy the many possible excursions included with the Oskar Card such as the Hoher Kasten.
Enjoy a free day to explore St Gallen, the pretty heart of Eastern Switzerland
Today you'll head by rail and coach (journey runs frequently throughout the day and your tickets are flexible - times are suggested). A landmark of the Lake Constance region. The mountain, which can be seen for miles away is the highest mountain in the Alpstein region. With your included Oskar card, you can ascend the mountain. From here, you can see 6 countries at the same time!
Tonight you will be staying at Santis Hotel (or similar) in 1 Double/Twin Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
The Pre-Alpine (or Voralpen-Express) connects Central and Eastern Switzerland in a varied way. Travelling past lakes and mountains, the Rothenthurm high moor and the highest railway viaduct. The journey takes approx 3 hours and runs several times throughout the day to Lucerne, and your hotel for the next two nights.
Today you'll enjoy a one hour lake cruise by vintage paddle steamer or motor ship. Disembark at Alpnachstad for the cogwheel rail to Pilatus for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountain range. Descend on the "Dragon Ride" cableway back to Lucern via Kriens.
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.
Today, enjoy the journey from Lucerne via Interlaken, Zweisimmen and Gstaad to Montreux on the Golden Pass Panoramic. Follow the banks of Lake Thun before heading into the alpine pastures of the Simmental. Change at Zweisimmen to a different train to continue your journey along the shores of Lake Geneva to Montreux and your hotel for the next 2 nights.
Enjoy a day exploring the Montreux area with a wine tasting experience in the afternoon. Sample the delicious wines of the UNESCO0 world heritage area of Lavaux, surrounded by the majestic beauty of Lake Geneva. Your evening is at leisure.
Fly or rail from Geneva to London.
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.
Enhancing your tour
Please note: This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
A Swiss rail adventure from east to west
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
