Journey to the roof of the Alps and enjoy fabulous scenery from alpine meadows to stunning lakes and picture-postcard towns and villages on this wonderful 7 night holiday. Your included First Class Swiss Pass allows you to make the most of Switzerland’s majestic beauty and breathtaking scenic rail journeys.

Holiday Highlights

Glacier Express
Bernina Express
Chocolate Train
Golden Panoramic Express
Schilthorn and Piz Gloria revolving restaurant
Cologne & its famous Cathedral
Scenic Rhine Gorge
St. Moritz
Lakeside Montreux
Stunning Château de Chillon

Thursday 27th September – By train to Germany

As you stroll into stunning London St Pancras International station let the holiday mood take over. Take your time to admire the magnificent glass roof. Then sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar to Brussels at speeds of up to 186mph.  Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (formerly 1^st class). When you arrive at Brussels Midi station you change trains and board the high-speed ICE or THALYS service to Cologne. On arrival in Cologne walk the short distance (100 yards) to your hotel for the night, the Best Western Grand City Hotel (4 star), ideally located close to the station and the city’s impressive Gothic cathedral.

You might like to visit the world-famous cathedral with spectacular views from the top or perhaps later you could stroll through the old town or alongside the river Rhine. Dinner tonight is served at your hotel.

Friday 28th September – Through the Rhine Gorge to Switzerland by First Class train

Today you head south, leaving Cologne and Germany behind as you journey aboard a Euro City train, along the scenic Rhine Gorge via Basel into Switzerland before your arrival in Chur. Here you change trains and join the regional train for the lovely journey to St. Moritz. On arrival in the early evening the hotel transfer will take you the short distance for your three night stay at the attractive, highly-regarded Hotel Crystal (4 star superior).
Once you have settled into your room dinner will be in your hotel this evening.

Saturday 29th September – A free day to relax or explore…

You may decide to relax and make full use of the excellent facilities at the Crystal Hotel. You have free admission to the Crystal Wellfit with sauna, steam-bath, aromatic showers and a modern equipped fitness centre. There is also the possibility to book massages, body or sunbed treatments, aerobic and fitness lessons (payable locally). You will also your own lift ticket which will enable you to use the cable cars and public transport of the Upper Engadine valley. Alternatively make the most of your included First Class Swiss Pass which entitles you to travel at your leisure on the entire Swiss Travel System (supplements apply on some mountain-top trains and cable cars).
You might simply like to take a stroll around the pretty town of St. Moritz or enjoy one of the local walks amid the spectacular scenery. This evening you are free to choose your restaurant for dinner.

Sunday 30th September – The Bernina Express round trip to Italy

Board the Bernina Express in St. Moritz for fabulous, breathtaking views from your panoramic carriage as you travel over bridges and viaducts, through galleries and switch-back tunnels hewn into the rock, past waterfalls, ravines and rushing mountain streams. The route spirals and loops from 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 town of Tirano 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 St. Moritz. You may have time to relax or use the hotel’s excellent facilities before dinner at your hotel this evening.

Monday 1st October – The Glacier Express

Excitement builds this morning as you bid farewell to St. Moritz and travel westwards on board the Glacier Express. Probably the slowest ‘express’ in the world, the narrow-gauge train takes you through the delightful Engadine valley and then climbs out of the pasture and woodland as you leave the broad valley of the Rhine. You continue up the Rhône Valley, past mountain peaks, tiny hamlets, babbling brooks, as your train spirals upwards and 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. On arrival in Brig you join the Inter Regio train for the onward journey to the elegant lakeside town of Montreux. Your hotel for the next 3 nights is the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, perfectly situated a few steps from the station and with fabulous views of the lake. This evening dinner is served at your hotel.

Tuesday 2nd October – Schilthorn and Piz Gloria revolving restaurant and the Golden Panoramic Express

Today you embark on another wonderful highlight of your holiday as you travel through stunning scenery throughout the entire day, culminating at the summit of the Schilthorn. After breakfast you set off from Montreux travelling by train through the Rhône Valley, changing at Visp before heading to the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Then enjoy a spectacular journey around Lake Thun before changing trains as you start your steep ascent to the summit of the Schilthorn. You continue via both Lauterbrunnen and Mürren, using an enticing combination of cogwheel railways, funiculars, and cable cars. There is time at the summit for you to have lunch in the revolving “Piz Gloria” restaurant, which allows you to take in the stunning views. The Schilthorn is also famous for being the setting of the James Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” and you might like to watch a short film at the summit showing further details of the making of the film. Your descent then takes you down from the Schilthorn via cable car, before heading to Interlaken through Stechelberg. At Interlaken 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. You are free to make your own arrangements for dinner tonight.

Wednesday 3rd October – The Chocolate Train to Broc

Today you board the Chocolate Train on either a pullman, Belle Epoque carriage (circa 1915) or a modern panoramic car for the delightful journey from Montreux on the Swiss Riviera to Gruyères, home to the well-known cheese. Enjoy the complimentary croissants and coffee en route before you travel into this attractive town by coach. Admission to the cheese factory and the stunning castle are included, and there is time for lunch before you transfer by coach to Broc. Here you visit the famous Nestlé chocolate factory where you have the opportunity to sample some of its delights! You then make the scenic journey back to Montreux in time for a final farewell dinner in a local restaurant specialising in regional cuisine.

Thursday 4th October – Montreux to London – Homeward bound

This morning after breakfast you might like to stretch your legs or board the trolley bus for the short journey to the stunning medieval Château de Chillon. As you marvel at the spectacular setting, twixt sparkling lake and breathtaking mountains, spare a thought for the prisoners of this 13th century castle, considered to be one of the best-preserved in Europe. If you are an early-riser why not make the most of your included First Class Swiss Pass and enjoy a lake cruise or make the most of the marvellous Swiss mountain trains and take the rack railway up Rochers-de-Naye for stupendous views and a chance to visit the ‘Marmot Paradise’? Then just before lunchtime you make your way back to Montreux station as you join the Inter Regio train to Lausanne where you change trains and board the TGV Lyria to whisk you back to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days as you enjoy your at-seat 3 course meal. Your transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord and the last leg of your journey. Here you join the Eurostar and let the train take the strain as you stretch out and savour the light meal and drinks included in your Standard Premier service. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St. Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.

Your Hotels

The Best Western Grand City Hotel Cologne (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 tea and coffee making facilities for a welcome morning cuppa.

The Crystal Hotel St. Moritz (4-star superior) is a stylish, modern hotel located in the centre of the town. The hotel benefits from excellent modern comforts, with its restaurants, bar, lounge and excellent wellness centre. The highly-rated property offers friendly, personal service. All the comfortable en suite rooms feature TV, minibar, air-conditioning, radio, wireless internet connection and telephone.

The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (4-star) is a traditional Belle-Époque hotel, originally built in 1870 and located right in the centre of Montreux, just a few steps from the railway station. This delightful hotel was totally refurbished in 2010 and benefits from fabulous views of Lake Geneva and the Alps from its summer terrace. All 140 comfortable en- suite rooms in this stylish hotel feature air conditioning, TV, minibar, radio and telephone.

First Class Swiss Pass

A First Class Swiss Pass is included in the price of this holiday giving you complete freedom to explore the entire Swiss Travel System and also free entry to approximately 400 museums (supplements apply on some mountain-top trains and cable cars).

What’s Included

• First Class rail travel (Standard Premier service on Eurostar with a meal and drinks)
• 7 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast each day, including an overnight stay in a twin/double room at the Best Western Grand City Hotel Cologne, 3 nights in a twin/double room at the Crystal Hotel in
St. Moritz and 3 nights in a twin/double room at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux
• 5 dinners and at-seat meals on Eurostar and the TGV Lyria from Switzerland to Paris
• Seat reservations on all Swiss Trains including the Glacier Express, Bernina Express, Chocolate Train and Golden Panoramic Express and Lunch on the Glacier Express train
• A First Class Swiss Pass is included in the price of this holiday giving you free travel on most rail journeys and other public transport in Switzerland, plus free entry to about 400 museums (you also receive 50% discount for travel on some Swiss mountain railways, such as Mount Pilatus and Rochers-de-Naye).
• All transfers

Additional Information

 Single supplement from £195 per person
 Upgrade to a superior room in St. Moritz from £10 per person per night
 Upgrade to a deluxe lake view room in Montreux from £17 per person per night
Holiday duration is 8 days
For information Tel: 01347 811810 or email info@planetrail.co.uk

Cities and Sights

Discover Europe’s fascinating cities and magnificent sights to reveal culture, history, charm and beauty. Relax in comfort and style amidst ever-changing scenery as the train conveys you to the heart of the city. More……………

Lakes and Mountains

The perfect combination of sparkling lakes and breathtaking mountains is revealed at its finest from the comfort of a train. Some of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys will immerse you in the spectacular Alpine region with its charming villages and elegant lakeside towns. More………….

Rail and Cruise

Get ready for the most relaxing of holidays combining the comfort and style of rail travel with the indulgence and intimacy of a first class barge cruise. Experience a different pace of life, gorgeous landscapes and picturesque villages matched by fine cuisine and exemplary service. More………….

Classic Rail Journeys

Experience the world’s greatest rail journeys and travel on board legendary trains, such as the luxurious Trans-Siberian Express, romantic Orient Express from London to Venice, and Switzerland’s unforgettable Glacier Express. More………….

Short Breaks

Special Interest

Whether you are tempted by historic Berlin’s Christmas Markets or the unique experience of the Verona Opera our special interest holidays will give you the opportunity to combine exciting journeys by rail with wonderful, spectacular events. More………….

Itinerary

Grand Canal Venice

Venice truly is like nowhere else on earth which is what makes a holiday here such a unique and unforgettable experience. Let yourself be totally mesmerised by the serenity and sheer beauty of this romantic city.

6 night holiday by First Class rail from London to Paris and overnight 2 berth sleeper from Paris to Venice, returning on daytime trains via an overnight stay in Montreux, including 4 nights at the Hotel Ai Mori d’Oriente from £1,025 per person

Daily departures throughout the year and tailor-made just for you

Holiday Highlights

• Incomparable Venice
• The Grand Canal
• St. Marks Square
• Rialto Bridge
• Spectacular scenery of the Simplon Pass and Rhône Valley
• Lakeside Montreux
• Lake Geneva
• Château de Chillon (payable locally)

Itinerary

Our Hotels

• Ai Mori d’Oriente

  

  Enjoying a great location in an area exclusively reserved for local Venetians, the Hotel Ai Mori d'Oriente (4- star) offers an attractive and calm setting from which to enjoy and explore this most evocative of cities. Named after Turkish tradesmen, "mori", who for centuries lived in this beautiful palace, the hotel offers guests contemporary accommodation equipped with air conditioning, mini- bar, hair dryer, direct-dial telephone, satellite television, radio, safe, and internet connection point. The hotel benefits from a tastefully decorated breakfast room, bar and reading room. Guests can relax amidst the exotic atmosphere of the hotel's furnishings which hark back to the times of oriental merchants, and traders, plying their trade on the "Silk Route" which had Venice as its main port. Located about 10 minutes' walk from the Rialto Bridge, the Ai Mori d'Oriente offers visitors a fascinating insight into the real Venice as well as easy access to charming restaurants frequented by locals rather than tourists....

• Hotel Una Venezia

  

  Right in the heart of Cannaregio, in the Cà d’Oro quarter, one of the most important districts of Venice, the new UNA Hotel Venezia (4-star) looks straight out onto the Rio Priuli Canal. It is only 5 minutes on foot from the Rialto Bridge and 10 minutes from magnificent St. Mark’s Square. This stately building has been restored to its ancient splendour thanks to carefully thought out renovation, with the emphasis on detail and furnishing. Special features are the Murano glass chandeliers which create a romantic atmosphere. UNA Hotel Venezia has only 37 rooms which are elegantly furnished in a typically ornate Venetian style, and provide every possible comfort. You can enjoy elaborate cocktails and appetizing snacks in the American bar....

• Locanda Orseolo

  

  The Locanda Orseolo (3 star) is the result of a recent faithful restoration of a typical Venetian home, facing the Orseolo canal and only a few steps from St. Mark's Square. One of the key features of this charming inn is the wonderful family atmosphere in the heart of enchanting Venice, with breakfast freshly prepared for each guest. All the rooms in his boutique hotel feature tasteful furniture and decor in local Venetian style with thorough attention to detail. Rooms overlook the Orseolo canal or the quiet private courtyard, and feature satellite TV, minbar, safe, hairdryer and wireless internet access....

• Palazzo Giovanelli Hotel

  

  The boutique Palazzo Giovanelli Hotel (4-star) is an elegant hotel in the historic centre of Venice overlooking the Grand Canal. This brand new hotel is set in a 15th Century palace and blends modernity and tradition to good effect. All the 41 comfortable en-suite bedrooms are unique and furnished with stylish, exclusive fabrics and are fully-equipped with all modern amenities. The hotel benefits from a stylish, modern bar and attentive, friendly service....

• Al Ponte Antico

  

  The Al Ponte Antico Hotel (4-star) – ranked No.1 on ‘Trip Advisor’ - is an intimate residence facing the Grand Canal, with a splendid view of the Rialto Bridge. The exceptional location of this charming palace, its tasteful design and comfortably furnished and fully-equipped rooms is sure to delight customers. The special quality of this exclusive family-run hotel of only 9 rooms is due to the warm welcome, refined atmosphere and highly personalised service and renowned hospitality of the Peruch Family and its staff. The hotel features luxurious interiors and a wonderful terrace, where you can enjoy truly unforgettable evenings....

• 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....

What’s Included

• First Class rail travel from London to Paris and Venice to London (Standard Premier service on Eurostar)
• Overnight 2-berth sleeper from Paris to Venice
• 5 nights’ hotel accommodation in 4 star hotels with breakfast each day
• Private taxi transfers in Paris and private water taxi transfers in Venice

Additional Information

• Alternative hotels and room upgrades – please contact us for details and prices
• Additional excursions can be booked – such as gondola rides and visits to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello

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Grand Canal Venice

Holiday Highlights

Itinerary