TRAVEL ACROSS SWITZERLAND BY RAIL - Experience Switzerland, the capital of the magnificent Alpine region, as the locals would: by train. Each journey is as exciting as it is relaxing, passing through magnificent scenery of white snow-capped mountains and Alpine lakes. Visit traditional Christmas markets throughout the country, stay in a charming Swiss Alpine village, journey to the ‘Top of Europe’ and sample local Swiss culinary delicacies on this fantastic winter getaway.
Tour Inclusions:
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6 nights in charming accommodation
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Back-Roads guide
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1st class rail travel and minicoach transportation
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European breakfast daily
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4 x evening meals
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Boat, cog railway & cable car to Mount Rigi
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Train to Jungfrau
Included Entrance Fees:
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Chocolatier in Lucerne
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Velogemel demonstration
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Emmental Cheese Dairy Farm
ZURICH CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Zurich offers a number of Christmas markets, the largest being the indoor market with over 160 wooden chalets and a 50ft Christmas tree decorated with 5,000 Swarovski crystals. The oldest market takes place in the winding streets of the Old Town, while the city centre market offers a more modern selection of goods and gifts.
A visit to these markets will be included on 2nd, 9th and 16th Dec 2013.
LUCERNE CHRISTMAS MARKET
The painted facades of the buildings in the Old Town are the setting for Lucerne’s Christmas Market. Festively decorated market stalls sell unique handicrafts and gifts, as well as Lebkuchen, nidelzaltli toffees, spices, punch and mulled wine.
A visit to this market will be included on 3rd, 10th and 17th Dec 2013.
BERN CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Old Town houses, dating from the 15th to 17th centuries, provide a unique backdrop for the distinctive Bern Christmas Market, where you’ll find unique candles, gifts and handmade souvenirs. Dining at one of the legendary restaurants in the Old Town is the perfect way to end your visit to this magical market.
A visit to this market will be included on 7th, 14th and 21st Dec 2013.
Countries Visited
Day 1 Zurich
Zurich has so many beautiful sights to see. A relaxed stroll through the city reveals something around every corner, from architectural gems and fascinating churches to ancient streets and historic squares. This morning’s walking tour of Zurich will visit Augustinergasse, an old, narrow street with many colourfully painted oriel windows that connects the bustling Bahnhofstrasse with the picturesque Old Town. We will also see the 12th century Grossmunster Church and St. Peter’s Church, adorned with the largest clock face in Europe. For a glorious view over the Old Town we will head to Lindenhof, also the scene of many historical events. This afternoon visit Zurich’s Christmas Market. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (D)
Overnight: Hotel Altstadt, Zurich or similar
Day 2 Zurich - Lucerne
This morning travel from Zurich to Lucerne by train. This afternoon explore this enchanting city by foot. See the medieval Chapel Bridge, which forms the centrepiece of Lucerne’s townscape and is considered to be one of the oldest, covered wooden bridges in Europe, as well as the Museggmauer, a wall which, with the exception only of one of its towers, has been preserved in its original, well-fortified state. At a local chocolatier, learn how chocolate originated and what made it into the delectable indulgence it is today. (B)
Overnight: Hotel de la Paix, Lucerne or similar
Day 3 Lucerne – Mount Rigi - Lucerne
After a scenic boat ride from Lucerne to Vitznau, we then board the cog railway, which was Europe’s first-ever mountain railway, up to Mount Rigi. Known locally as the ‘Queen of the mountains,’ from the top we hope to enjoy breath-taking panoramic views over the Swiss Alps towards France and Germany. This afternoon we return to Lucerne by cable car and boat. Tonight we will enjoy dinner together. (B, D)
Overnight: Hotel de la Paix, Lucerne or similar
Day 4 Lucerne – Grindelwald
This morning we travel by train to the charming village of Grindelwald via Interlaken. This afternoon enjoy a short guided walk around the village where you will have an opportunity to learn about the Velogemel – a singletrack, steerable snow bike that is unique to Grindelwald and not found anywhere else in the world. The rest of the day is for you to spend at your leisure. (B)
Overnight: Hotel Alpenhof, Grindwald or similar
Day 5 Grindelwald – Jungfraujoch – Grindelwald
The highlight of any tour to Switzerland is the railway journey to the Jungfrau. At 3454 metres this is Europe’s highest altitude railway station, often referred to as the ‘Top of Europe’. Declared a natural World Heritage site by UNESCO, visitors can enjoy this incredible world of ice, snow and rock. Visit the impressive Ice Palace and experience panoramic views from the Sphinx Observation Terrace, which overlooks the Aletsch Glacier (Europe’s longest glacier). On a clear day, views extend as far as the Vosges Mountains in France and Germany’s Black Forest. Dinner this evening will be in Grindelwald. (B, D)
Overnight: Hotel Alpenhof, Grindwald or similar
Day 6 Grindelwald - Bern
Today’s train journey takes us to Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The attraction of this city is its ambience; traffic is kept out of the old town and the perfectly preserved medieval street plan, with its arcades, street fountains and impressive towers, have made it a UNESCO World Heritage site. On a stroll through the Old Town, you will learn more about the city‘s 800-year history, marvel at the late Gothic Cathedral (Münster), the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) and the 13th century city gate. Tonight we will enjoy a farewell dinner together. (B, D)
Overnight: Hotel Aplenblick, Bern or similar
Day 7 Bern – Emmental - Zurich
The Swiss have a long cheese making history, producing over 400 different varieties of cheese, including Emmental, which has been produced since the 13th century. At the Emmental cheese dairy we will learn about the art of making cheese, Swiss-style, and see how cheese is made the old-fashioned way. We will then continue by mini-coach to Zurich where the tour ends. (B)
