Switzerland by Rail - Escorted Holidays

“Glacier Express All-Inclusive - 6th - 14th September 2023. We booked by phone to the call centre in February; that was well-handled by the adviser. We were pleased that all travel was by train, with no coach journeys (except Paris transfers). The holiday content was excellent, with wall-to-wall stunning scenery; the highlight in our opinion was the Bernina Express, but that doesn't demean the other excursions. We skipped the visit to St.Moritz, though, in favour of a stunning hiking trail between Preda and Bergun. The hotel Albula & Julier was comfortable. Breakfast was typical Continental offer and fully satisfactory; evening meals were varied, well-prepared and tasty fare on a fixed menu - there was no choice, but that wasn't a problem for us. The included drinks were welcome and refills were offered during the course of the meal. We approved of the location.Tiefencastel is little more than a village, with nothing much for night-owls to do after dinner apart from a gentle walk, but we were too tired for nightlife anyway! Our tour manager, Andy, did a sterling job keeping or group of 44 people together, getting on and off all the trains, sometimes with very short connection times, as well as sorting out many individual minor problems. He is not there to shift peoples luggage (some on the tour appeared to have glossed-over the advice on the website about being able to cope with your own bags), but the group gelled very quickly and the more able of us helped the others where needed. Andy was always there when needed, but does not have a parallel role as a 'tour guide'. Nevertheless he was ready to provide information when requested. Downsides? Very little. Our room in the 'annex' of the hotel overlooked the Albula River rushing past the window; that lulled me to sleep but Mrs P found it a little intrusive as she prefers complete quiet. The schedule meant a couple of evening meals were a bit late for our personal needs. I understand certain members of the group were unhappy with some aspects of the trip; Great Rail Journeys' premium offer would probably have suited them better. Given the eye-watering prices of everything in Switzerland, I think our Rail Discoveries trip represented very good value for money and would not hesitate to book with them again.

“Enjoyed our trip mid August which more than delivered on the advertised holiday made even better by having great travelling companions within a group of approx 35 people of all ages. Everything exceeded our expectations such that we'll certainly consider this type of holiday again as we've always arranged our own in the past. Would certainly recommend.

“Beautiful scenery, lovely people. An outstanding tour manager. We had fantastic weather. Within walking distance of village and railway. Thoroughly recommend this holiday.

“Excellent and well organised tour from beginning to end. Very knowledgeable and supportive guide.

“It was a wonderful experience at a very special time of the year.

“The Lake was attractive, the hotel excellent, Stresa an attractive little town.

“It was a wonderful holiday, well organised but there were times when we had to rush to catch some of the trains. Long walk to the hotel. Tour manager was excellent. It would have been nice to know the cost of the extra trips & availability before leaving England

“Lovely places to see/be in, but too much time pressure and stress during travel. Took days to recover. Better for the young/fit. Everyone was very disappointed as the actual Glacier express we were on, being I believe a special extra train due to demand, offered no buffet or refreshments at all, all the way. Much cynical laughter at the lavish videos.