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The Glacier Express & Scenic Switzerland
Holiday Highlights
Our included Swiss Rail Pass allows you to make the most of Switzerland’s majestic beauty and breathtaking scenic rail journeys. Experience 3 of Switzerland’s most scenic and world-renowned rail journeys on this fantastic 7 night holiday.
- Glacier Express
- Bernina Express
- Poschiavo
- Lakeside Montreux
- Stunning Château de Chillon (payable locally)
- Bernese Oberland
- The Jungfrau – Top of Europe (supplements apply)
- Golden Panoramic Express (small supplements apply)
- Scenic Rhine Gorge
- Cologne & its famous Cathedral
Itinerary
Your Outward Journey
Day 1 – By rail to Switzerland
As you stroll into stunning London St Pancras International station let the holiday mood take over. Sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the complimentary 3-course meal and drinks served on board in Leisure Select Class (formerly 1 st class). On arrival at the Gare du Nord a private transfer takes you across Paris to continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland, alongside sparkling Lake Geneva to the elegant lakeside town of Montreux. Your hotel for the next 3 nights is the 4 star Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, perfectly situated a few steps from the station and with fabulous views of the lake.
Switzerland
Day 2 - Golden Panoramic to Interlaken & Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’
Today you board the GoldenPass Line panoramic train for a truly memorable rail journey. First you journey south to Visp then up into the picturesque Bernese Oberland to Spiez and Interlaken aboard comfortable regional trains. Onward and upward from Interlaken, past the famous resorts of Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg, the spectacular Jungfrau Railway (supplements apply) conveys you to the highest railway station in Europe at 11,333ft. Savour the experience from the ‘Top of Europe’ before a dramatic descent via Grindelwald. Then relax in the comfort of your seat as the Golden Panoramic Express snakes alongside sparkling Lake Thun and climbs to more than 4,000ft above sea level. Enjoy the option of dinner in the restaurant car (payable locally) whilst you gaze at majestic views of the Swiss Alps as you pass through valleys dominated by cattle-farming and cheese-making, past the glamorous resorts of Château d’Oex and Gstaad. On the last leg of this fabulous journey back to Montreux revel in the breathtaking views of the French Alps as the train makes its spiralling descent towards Lake Geneva.
Day 3 – Château de Chillon and free time
Stretch your legs or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon (payable locally). As you marvel at the spectacular setting, twixt sparkling lake and breathtaking mountains, spare a thought for the prisoners of this 13 th century castle, considered to be one of the best-preserved in Europe. Your afternoon is free to stroll around Montreux, enjoy a scenic lake cruise or take the rack railway up Rochers-de-Naye for stupendous views and a chance to visit the ‘Marmot Paradise’.
Day 4 – The Glacier Express
Excitement builds this morning as you bid farewell to Montreux and travel south-east to join the Glacier Express. Probably the slowest ‘express’ in the world, the narrow-gauge train climbs up the Rhône Valley, past mountain peaks, tiny hamlets, rushing streams, then spirals upwards as it snakes its way over the Oberalp Pass at 6,670ft. Lunch on-board the Glacier Express is included for you to enjoy at your First Class seat while  you admire the scenery through the panoramic windows. As the train descends the landscape changes to pasture and woodland as you enter the broad valley of the Rhine before arrival in the historic town of Chur. Here you spend three nights at the attractive, family-run 3 star Romantik Hotel Stern, located in the old town.
Day 5 – A free day to relax or explore...
You may decide to stroll around the attractive old town of Chur today, amidst its cobbled streets and pretty squares, and visit the vast 12 th century cathedral or sample its many shops. To make the most of your included Swiss Pass travel first class to Lucerne and take the Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway from Alpnachstad to the summit of the Pilatus Kulm. When you reach the top of the world’s steepest cogwheel railway there is a magnificent panoramic view of Lucern, its sparkling lake, and the Alps beyond. For a different view you could journey east to gorgeous Lake Constance and join the Pre-Alpine Express for the scenic rail journey through the charming pre-alpine landscape with its rolling hills and storybook villages nestled in the valleys, possibly stopping to visit the monastery and Old Town of St. Gallen (UNESCO world cultural heritage site)
Day 6 – The Bernina Express
Board the Bernina Express in Chur for fabulous, breathtaking views from your First Class panorama car as you travel over bridges and graceful viaducts, through galleries and switch-back tunnels hewn into the rock, past waterfalls, ravines and rushing mountain streams. The route spirals and loops into the Engadine Valley before climbing more than 7,000ft to the Bernina Pass without the help of a rack-and-pinion mechanism. Marvel at the snow-capped mountains as the train descends into the pretty,Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo with its different cultural feel. There is time to relax and enjoy lunch in one of the town’s cafés or restaurants before the return journey to Chur.
Homeward Bound
Day 7 – Switzerland to Germany by First Class train
Today you head north, leaving Chur and Switzerland behind as you journey aboard a EuroCity train, via Basel into Germany, along the scenic Rhine Gorge to Cologne. On arrival walk the short distance to your hotel for one night, the 4 star Four Points Hotel, ideally located close to the station and the city’s impressive Gothic cathedral.
Day 8 – ICE and Eurostar to London
Walk the short distance (50m) to Cologne Hauptbahnhof and travel by ICE or Thalys fast-speed train to Brussels. Here you join your connection with Eurostar to London. Reflect on the past week of memories during your three-course meal and drinks served at your comfortable Leisure Select seat as you return to London St Pancras.
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Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic
 
The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic is a traditional Belle-Époque 4-star hotel, originally built in 1870 and located right in the centre of Montreux, just a few steps from the Railway Station.
The hotel has 140 rooms and benefits from fabulous views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from its summer terrace. All the comfortable en suite rooms in this stylish hotel feature air conditioning, TV, minibar, radio and telephone. |
Romantik Hotel Stern
 
For over three hundred years, Romantik Hotel Stern has been the leading hotel in the capital of the Swiss canton of Graubünden. For generations it offered the very best traditions of Swiss hospitality in a cozy and romantic ambiance to the discerning traveller.
The combination of traditional features and modern comforts, with its restaurants, bar and lounge, make this family-run hotel a cosy, and attractive choice. All the comfortable en suite rooms feature TV, minibar, air-conditioning, radio, internet connection and telephone. |
No Alternatives - Please See Main Hotel Above
Four Points Hotel
 
The Four Points Hotel (4-star) in Cologne is a modern hotel situated directly opposite the station, close to the iconic cathedral in the centre of the city.
The hotel features a comfortable bar, lounge and restaurant. All en suite bedrooms are well-equipped with a telephone, wireless internet access, satellite, minibar, hairdryer, trouser press, safety deposit box and take and coffee making facilities for a welcome morning cuppa. |
What's Included
- First Class rail travel and private transfers as described (Leisure Select service on Eurostar)
- 7 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast each day
- Lunch on the Glacier Express train
- Swiss Travel Pass – two-person pass
- Holiday price from £1,225 per person
Additional Costs
- Supplements (discounted thanks to your Swiss Pass) for travel on some Swiss mountain railways, such as Jungfrau Railway, Mount Pilatus, Rochers-de-Naye.
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Additional Information
- All prices are per person based on twin sharing
- Single supplement from £195
- Upgrade to lake view room in Montreux and superior room in Chur from £80 per person
- Deposit from £200 per person
See here for insurance details.
Holiday duration is 8 days.
Please read the essential information
For information and booking
Tel: 01347 811810 or Send an Email Request |
Holiday extensions
You can turn a fabulous short break into a holiday of a lifetime by extending your time away. We can offer extensions in a variety of countries including Italy, Switzerland, Germany and France.
Whether you choose to spend longer in one destination or wish to create a multi-centre holiday we can organise your onward travel arrangements including rail travel, hotel and transfers.
In Italy, why not create your own ‘Grand Tour of Italy’ and visit the classic cities of Venice, Florence and Rome. Perhaps you would like to design an itinerary combining a city break with a beach or lake holiday? We can craft a tailor-made holiday in fabulous regions of Italy including Tuscany, Umbria, Piemonte and the Italian Lakes.
For those who enjoy the Lakes and Mountains of Switzerland we can give you the opportunity to make the most of your holiday by helping you to create an itinerary based around your included Swiss Rail Pass. We can enable you to experience all of the classic, scenic rail journeys including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Centovalli Railway and Golden Panoramic Express.
For more information about our holiday extensions service just pick up the phone or send us an email request.
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Your Questions Answered
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What is my sleeping accommodation like?
On the Orient-Express overnight passengers are automatically given their own compartments. Complete with wooden marquetry and brass fittings in original 1920s detail, your compartment will transport you back to a bygone era.
Will there be room in my compartment for all my luggage?
No, probably not. It is strongly advised that you only take into your compartment, one or two light cases packed with everything you need for your journey on board. All extra luggage can be checked in at the start of your journey where it will not be accessible until you reach your destination.
Are there showers on board the Orient-Express?
No. These are the original 1920s carriages and as such do not have all the modern amenities such as showers. Each cabin contains a wash basin with hot and cold water.
Are disabled people able to travel on the Orient-Express?
VSOE are able to accommodate passengers with slight walking difficulties although they recommend that they are accompanied by an able-bodied passenger. VSOE regret that the dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for wheelchair bound passengers. Should you have any special requirements please inform Planet Rail at the time of booking.
Can I smoke on board the Orient-Express?
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express operates a no smoking policy on board the British Pullman.
On the continental train, out of courtesy towards your fellow travellers but also to comply with the strict Italian and other European countries regulations, smoking is no longer permitted in the bar and restaurant carriages nor in other public spaces such as corridors.
What sort of service can I expect on board the Orient-Express?
In short, dedicated. Your Cabin Steward is responsible for your carriage on the Continental train. He will be available at all times and may be called by the bell in your compartment. He will take care of your passport during the journey, change your compartment from day to night configuration and serve your breakfast, afternoon tea and other refreshments as required. The Maitre D’ will come to your compartment to take your lunch and dinner reservations. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey to help with any queries.
What languages do the staff on board the train speak?
French, English and Italian are spoken by most stewards on board the Continental train.
Will I need to tip the Orient-Express staff?
Any gratuities you wish to give are entirely at your discretion.
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Insurance
As a member of the Travel Trust Association, Planet Rail is pleased to offer our customers travel insurance arranged by White Horse Insurance Ireland Ltd. There are 3 levels of cover available, depending on your requirements: Silver, Gold and Platinum. You can book our travel insurance by calling us on 01347 811810 or making your request when booking your holiday.
Booking, confirmation/invoice and tickets
A deposit and a completed online booking form are required to reserve a holiday. Please ensure that the title, initials or forenames and surnames given on the booking form match those on your passport. This is because we make your travel reservations using this information and any inaccuracies will cause problems at a later date. We will send you a confirmation/invoice summarising the arrangements made on your behalf, the outstanding balance and the date by which it must be received by us. Check these details carefully and contact us immediately if there are any inaccuracies. For bookings made more than 2 months before departure we may write to you again around this time to remind you of certain points concerning your holiday. Final holiday documentation is usually sent out around 2 weeks before departure, although this does depend on how far ahead and the type of holiday booked. For escorted group bookings we send out Eurostar tickets, whilst other tickets are given out by your Tour Manager at check-in.
Foreign Office advice
Global and political situations can and do change. Your safety is our first consideration, so if the Foreign Office advises against travel to a certain country, we will act on this advice. The Foreign Office issues regular advice and updates. You can obtain this information by phone on 0870 606 0290, on Ceefax, or by visiting www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougoPassports & travel documentation
Please note that you are entirely responsible for ensuring that everyone in your party has the necessary correct and up-to-date personal documentation before you start the holiday. We do not accept any liability if you or any member of your party is refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure on your part to carry correct documentation. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly. For British citizens, a standard 10-year British Passport is required for all holidays which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return travel. If your passport expires before this, or if your passport is endorsed in any way, it may still be acceptable, but you should contact your local passport office or the consulate or embassy of the country/countries you plan to visit/transit through, for detailed advice. Customers applying for a first British passport should allow at least six weeks to obtain one as they are now required to attend a personal interview with the Passport Office. Customers renewing their passport should allow a minimum of two weeks. However, in all cases, please apply as far ahead as possible in order to allow time for unexpected delays.
Visas
We will advise British Citizens with a British passport at time of booking of any visa requirements. If you have a British passport issued outside of the UK or if you are not a British Citizen, you must check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country/countries that you plan to visit or transit through.
For each of our holidays we make it clear whether British Citizens require a visa to enter the country or countries included in the holiday. The countries for which a visa is needed by British Citizens holding a British passport are listed below, along with details of how a visa may be obtained.
Russia - A Double Entry visa is required for British Citizens on our 'Trans-Siberian Express' holiday. Visas may be obtained in person or by post from the Russian Consulate in London or Edinburgh, prices start at £55 for a double entry visa. Alternatively, our local agent can obtain them at an extra charge - please contact us for details.
Please note that all visa information is correct at the time of producing these web pages, but requirements may change and we recommend that you check the latest position in good time before your departure.
Insurance and holiday duration
It is a condition of booking that you take out sufficient and appropriate travel insurance cover. We recommend you do this at time of booking so that your deposit is recoverable in the event of a cancellation covered by the policy. To take advantage of our insurance, please see the 'Insurance' section of the website and make your request when booking. If you take out your own cover you will need to advise us of the Insurance Company, the policy number and the 24-hour emergency telephone number. It is your responsibility to ensure that the insurance cover you purchase is suitable and adequate for your particular needs and destination(s) you are travelling to. We do not check alternative insurance policies. The duration of the holiday on the website includes the day of departure and day of return and is the period to be used for insurance purposes. Read your policy details carefully and take them with you on holiday. Should you choose to extend your holiday (either at the start or the end of your holiday), you will need to extend the duration of your insurance cover.
Disabilities, medical conditions and mobility
Due to the design of some trains and nature of some of our group holidays we regret that some of our tours are not suitable for the disabled traveller. Certain holidays can also be physically demanding. Please let us know if you or anyone in your party suffers from any medical condition or physical disability which may affect your holiday arrangements or has any health or fitness concerns which may affect your ability to cope with the holiday before any booking is made. Help us to help you choose the right holiday for your level of health and fitness. If you have any concerns whatsoever about the suitability of one of our holidays then please feel free to discuss this with our reservations team. Our goal is to ensure all our customers enjoy their holiday to the full.
Health
The Department of Health's leaflet (T7.1) "Health advice for travellers" is available at Post Offices, by phoning 0800 555777 or online at www.dh.gov.uk, showing health requirements and advice for the countries you are visiting. We advise you to check with your doctor in good time prior to your departure as to which inoculations are necessary. For European holidays, you should obtain the new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to health care in many European countries. Further information is available from the Department of Health on 020 7210 4850 or online at www.dh.gov.uk. Accommodation
All our basic holiday prices are expressed in £ sterling and are per person, based on 2 people sharing:
- Supplements for accommodation upgrades are usually expressed per room or cabin/sleeper, on the assumption that two people are occupying it.
- Single supplements or prices are expressed per person.
- In some hotels, triple or family rooms may be available and we are happy to provide a quotation accordingly.
- A hotel room shared by two people may contain a double or twin beds. In some countries a double bed may consist of two beds pushed or linked together.
- A single hotel room may be a 'true' single or may be a single occupancy of a double or twin room. Either way, the supplement shown is payable.
- Hotel rooms, particularly in older properties, may differ in size and amenities offered.
- Sleeping accommodation on board trains is likely to take the form of seating which converts into a berth at night.
- Hotel rooms and cabins on cruise ships include en suite facilities, which may be bath and WC or shower and WC.
- Rooms/cabins are not usually available before about 2pm on arrival day and must be vacated by about 11am on departure day.
You may request a specific configuration, room type or room location but, while we pass on all requests to our hotel partners, neither we nor they can guarantee that what you want can or will be provided. Meals
Please check the 'What's included' panels to see what meals are included on each holiday.
- Hotels: Meals are generally taken in the restaurant of the hotel. On group holidays we usually dine together, with a set "table d'hôte" style menu that will often feature regional dishes. Drinks are usually not included in our arrangements.
- Trains: On chartered cruise trains most meals are included and taken in the restaurant car of the train. If you are travelling Leisure Select on Eurostar a meal and drinks are included, served at your seat.
- Cruise Ships: Meals are normally included, and taken in the ship's main restaurant.
- Special diets: If you have a specific dietary need please discuss it with us before you book. We will do our best to cater for special diets when notified in advance on the booking form. The more information we have, the better, but even then, some suppliers find it difficult to satisfy every requirement.
Our Group Holidays
Tour itineraries
Our group holidays are planned well in advance. We do our best to follow the detailed itineraries shown. However we reserve the right to make changes if we need to react to schedule changes or local conditions. The sightseeing tours and excursions described may also have to be amended to suit local conditions or Public Holidays.
What to wear
Casual dress is acceptable on the majority of our group holidays. It is entirely up to you what you choose to wear as there is no dress code, and it is after all your holiday. People do tend to dress slightly more formally, especially in the evenings, on cruises, or for gala/farewell dinners.
Luggage
Taking the right luggage can make a big difference to your enjoyment of the journey and the holiday overall. Where possible we include porterage for groups, however there will be times when you have to carry your suitcase or lift it onto a train. We therefore recommend one suitcase and one small piece of hand luggage per person, and suggest the popular 'vertical' suitcases with built-in wheels and a retractable handle.
Rail reservations
We request rail reservations well in advance and occasionally there are insufficient First Class (or equivalent) seats available. In these situations we will book Standard Class seats and refund the difference to you. Although we do our best to follow the routes noted in the itinerary there might be occasions when a different routing or departure time is necessary due to timetable variations or seat availability. For our groups we always request seats in non-smoking accommodation, although at busy times we may be allocated some smoking seats. We are unable to make specific requests for smoking seats.
Prices quoted on this website are based on special fares, negotiated with our rail partners for group travel. Should you wish to travel on any Eurostar or other rail service, other than that included as part of your group holiday, a rail variation charge of £20 per person per service will apply. Any change involving sleeper services will be quoted on an individual basis.
Travel delays
The vast majority of trains operate without problems. In the event of undue delay the group will be looked after in accordance with the standard practice of the scheduled carrier or transport operator.
Maintenance and development work
Every holiday visits a number of different destinations. There may well be maintenance, redevelopment, building, road works or track work in the vicinity of any of the hotels. If we know about such work and any associated disruption or noise which is reasonably likely to affect the enjoyment of your holiday, we make every effort to tell you about it as quickly as possible. Please be aware that we are not the only passengers travelling on the trains or ships used in our holidays, nor the only guests staying in the hotels. As a result we cannot be held responsible for the behaviour or noise of others.
Overseas standards
The transport and accommodation featured in our holidays complies with all local health and safety laws. However, overseas laws and standards may not be the same as we are used to in the UK. Some of our holidays and journeys are to countries with a less advanced infrastructure. We therefore recommend that you travel with an open mind and a flexible approach. By doing so you will enjoy the holiday experience so much more.
Our TTA membership
Planet Rail Limited is a member of the TTA with membership no U5374. The TTA and TTA members help holidaymakers to get the most from their travel and assist them when things do not go according to plan. We are obliged to maintain a high standard of service to you through the TTA's Code of Conduct. For further information about the TTA, the Code of Conduct and the arbitration scheme available to you if you have a complaint, contact the TTA: Albion House, High Street, Woking, Surrey, GU21 6BD. Tel: 0870 8890577or www.traveltrust.co.uk
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