Hidden Switzerland by Rail

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels, then onwards to Frankfurt for our overnight stay at the InterCity Hotel where we check in and enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings with our first evening at leisure.

DAY 2

After breakfast, we continue our journey into Switzerland, travelling by rail to the charming city of Winterthur. On arrival, we check in to the Park Hotel for our two-night stay before enjoying a guided walking tour of the atmospheric Old Town, renowned for its pedestrianised streets, elegant buildings, and cultural heritage. This evening, we reconvene at the hotel in time for our first evening meal together.

DAY 3

Today, we head north towards the German border to visit the picturesque town of Schaffhausen with its beautifully preserved medieval centre, and we enjoy free time to explore the Old Town and take lunch. This afternoon, we continue to the nearby Neuhausen to experience the spectacular Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, and admire the dramatic views from close to the cascades.

DAY 4

After breakfast this morning, we take the scenic rail journey to the attractive city of St Gallen, and we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Abbey Library ahead of lunch at leisure in the delightful Old Town. Afterwards, we board the Voralpen Express for a memorable rail journey through rolling countryside to Arth-Goldau where we change trains and continue aboard the Treno Gottardo to cross into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. On arrival in Bellinzona, we transfer to the Hotel Internazionale for our two-night stay and enjoy our evening meal together.

DAY 5

This morning, we journey to the beautiful lakeside town of Locarno with free time to explore the elegant piazzas and historic streets. We then enjoy one of Switzerland's most picturesque rail journeys along the famous Centovalli Railway, travelling through deep valleys, lush forests, and charming villages into Italy, reaching Domodossola. After taking time for lunch and exploring this stunning Italian village, we retrace our steps to Bellinzona for an evening at leisure.

DAY 6

After breakfast, we travel by rail to Stans where we take an exciting journey up the Stanserhorn starting with a nostalgic trip on the timber carriages of the funicular railway before continuing on the unique CabriO cable car. The world's first double-decker aerial cable car, the CabriO has no roof on the top deck offering fantastic panoramic views alongside insights into the remarkable engineering. At the summit, we enjoy lunch in the revolving restaurant surrounded by breathtaking Alpine panoramas before continuing to Lenk and the Lenkerhof Hotel & Spa where we check in and enjoy our evening meal accompanied by a wine-tasting experience.Subject to winter/summer timetables, we may travel out via regional train services and return via the Bernina Express.

Day 7

Today, we enjoy time at leisure for you to spend as you wish. You may choose to explore further afield with your included Swiss Travel Pass or relax at the hotel and take advantage of the excellent spa facilities. This evening, we reconvene for a fantastic gourmet dining experience at the hotel.

DAY 8

This morning, we begin our return journey with one of Switzerland's classic rail experiences travelling on the superb GoldenPass route to Montreux. This two-hour journey affords us one picturesque view after another from lush meadows, traditional wooden chalets, and the tall peaks of the Alps to a fantastic view of Lake Geneva as we arrive at Montreux. Here, we transfer to the Eden Palace au Lac and check in for our overnight stay enjoying the remainder of the day at leisure to stroll the lakeside promenade, relax by the water, or explore the town's charming centre.

DAY 9

We bid farewell to Montreux and to Switzerland, returning by rail via Lyon to Lille, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner