Free standard class return tickets to London from your local station, on selected 2019 European holidays by rail when you book between 15th February 2019 and the 17th April 2019.
Spend a relaxing week in the outstanding Bernese Oberland, enjoying all inclusive hospitality and fantastic excursions to Interlaken and the surrounding mountains, including the Jungfraujoch.
You start your tour from London St Pancras International, where you are met by your Tour Manager at Rail Discoveries' dedicated Departure Office. You travel to Paris, before continuing on by TGV to Strasbourg, where you spend the night. Tonight you enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. On Day 2, make the most of a free morning in Strasbourg before continuing your journey by rail into the heart of the Swiss Alps to charming Wilderswil today.
This beautiful village is just minutes from Interlaken, and enjoys staggering views over the valley and of the mountains beyond. Wilderswil is ideally located as a base to explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the towering peaks that enclose it. On arrival, you check in for a six night stay at the 3* Hotel Alpenblick. Located in the centre of this quaint village, this delightful family-run hotel has a charming, rustic feel, whilst providing modern amenities and comforts for a pleasant stay.
Today's excursion is to nearby Interlaken, an attractive town and arguably the hub of the region. Set between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, and surrounded by the crisp peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, this scenic town is one of the highlights of your tour. Here you are free to explore. Perhaps take a cruise across scenic Lake Brienz, marvelling at the spectacular glacial waters of this breathtaking lake, and take in the delightful scenery surrounding the town.
Today you take the Schynige Platte Railway to the summit of Schynige Platte. We travel in restored 19th century carriages, hauled by a vintage electric locomotive, to the peak at 6,463 feet (1,970m). The railway is noted for using many of its original electric locomotives and restored period carriages, creating a nostalgic 'Belle Epoque' feel for the experience. Enjoy an amazing panorama from the train; along this stretch of the line there is a clear view of Lake Thun and the towns and villages clustered around it, as well as the other mountains rising away from the waters.
Eventually, the train reaches the peak of the Schynige Platte, which is characterised by its superb vistas. During your free time here you may wish to explore the Botanical Alpine Garden, where brightly coloured plants fill the air with their sweet scents. Otherwise, you may prefer to simply relax on the panoramic terrace and drink in the view of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains.
Spend a leisurely Day 5 relaxing in Wilderswil, where you have free time to explore this pretty Alpine village, whose traditional half-timbered buildings are unmistakably Swiss. Enjoy the surrounding verdant scenery and snow dusted mountains, perhaps have a drink in a local café while watching the locals busy themselves with their daily lives. You can also use your Swiss Card for 50% fares to explore the surrounding towns and villages and for easier access to the stunning scenery that is on offer. Perhaps make the journey to the traffic-free town of Mürren, where there are a number of signposted walks to suit different abilities. Or make the scenic journey over the Brünig Pass to Lucerne whose 13th Century Chapel Bridge and fresco-adorned Old Town are a pleasure to explore.
Please note: the Schynige Platte Railway does not start operating until late May. Customers booked on departures before this date will instead travel over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass to Lucerne. Set on the lake of the same name, Lucerne ranks amongst the world's prettiest cities, and on arrival you are free to explore.
You embark on the Bernese Oberland Railway via Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg today. Here you join the Jungfrau Railway for the sensational journey to Europe's highest railway station. Tunnelling through the North Face of the Eiger, the tracks emerge on the slopes of the Mönch, below dramatic glaciers, before climbing to just below the summit of the Jungfrau mountain at 11,333 feet (3,454 metres). Whilst here you can admire the dramatic sight of the surrounding snow-covered mountain peaks, and take in the superb carvings and ice sculptures inside the glacier. There are several fascinating attractions to explore at the summit before making the descent.
On today's excursion you travel to Interlaken, where you join the Harder funicular railway for the journey to the top of Harder Kulm, 4,337 feet (1,322m) above sea level. Crowned by its restaurant - an impressive building which resembles a castle - here you enjoy free time to admire the magnificent landscape of the beautiful Bernese Oberland. The views from here are tremendous. There is even a glazed bridge to maximise the view of the lakes below for those that dare.
Travel by train via Interlaken to Geneva, where you board the high-speed TGV service directly to Paris. After crossing the city by coach, you continue to London St Pancras International, where your tour concludes.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.
Not Included
Please note: This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
of travellers would recommend this tour
Tour Rating
based on 19 verified reviews
Once in a lifetime experience
Whilst the holiday itself was extremely enjoyable, the travelling to and from the final destination was very tiring, particularly in view of the large number of changes with heavy luggage in tow. I think in hindsight it would have been preferable to have flown to Basel and start the journey from there rather than use the Eurostar.
Everything was well planned. Arrangements ensured all journeys were hassle free. Hotels were good, meals good and with good variety. Comfortable rooms and picnic lunches adequate for each day. The baggage man service was excellent and removed the issue of suitcase handling an showing on various trains during travel.
All the trips we went on the accomadation was 2nd to 0. Switzerland was beautifull and made all the better for the details you and the tour manager did to make it an unforgettable holiday for all the right reasons.
It would have been five stars except for being one of several in the group who went down with a tummy bug which did slightly reduce the enjoyment.
From start to finish it was well planned, our guide Linda was brilliant. Everything ran smoothly. Had the most amazing time, beautiful country, clean and all the transport was easy to use and get around. All the itinerary was well thought through and with time table for all the trains, easy to follow. The hotel was lovely, with wonderful staff and food.
Overall very good would recomend it!
The trip was quite well organized. The hotel was very well situated and just lovely. The tour manager was outstanding in every way. I had the opportunity to ride a number of wonderful local trains, which is why I found myself on Rail Discoveries to begin with.
All the relevant comments on this holiday were included n the questionnaire we filled in and gave to our tour manager
The trip was very well organised and our tour manager was brilliant. The train journeys were very good, very efficient. Accommodation was great and food was excellent.
Alpine beauty, village charm and mountain railways
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