By rail to Swiss Lake Maggiore
On the border between Switzerland and Italy, stay in waterside Ascona, just a stone’s throw away from colourful and lively Ascona and Lugano. A Mediterranean climate pervades in the southerly region of Ticino, where palm trees grow by the lake shores and waterfalls trickle down into the rivers. Hiking opportunities abound on Monte Tamaro, water sports offer an up-close experience of Lake Maggiore, and Italianate towns boast of mediaeval castles.
By rail to the Bernese Oberland
Grindelwald, a picturesque village occupying a narrow valley near the Eiger and the Jungfrau, awaits visitors to the Bernese Oberland. During your seven-night holiday, take a journey on the Jungfraubahn up to the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, to admire the sensational views. Seek out the other picturesque chalet villages that sit within the valleys below Interlaken and navigate the varied local landscape by funicular railway and cable car.
By rail to the Engadine
In the Engadine, spend seven nights in the exclusive resort of St Moritz. Enjoy the views across Lake St Moritz, Lake Silvaplana, and Lake Sils, or partake in some thrilling or gentle water sports, before venturing out into the mountains either on foot, by rail, or by cable car. Boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants line the streets of St Moritz, giving you plenty of respite after a day of exploration.
By rail to the Valais
At the foot of the Matterhorn lies Zermatt, a popular winter destination and a veritable jewel amongst the mountains in the summer. Seek out the flourishing vineyards, uncover the historic secrets of the towns in northern Valais, hike around little-known lakes, and ascend one of Switzerland’s most famous cogwheel railways: the Gornergratbahn. Make the most of the exceptionally high concentration of gourmet restaurants to enjoy some Swiss specialities, and stay in a luxurious, traditional hotel.
By rail to Saanenland
Spend seven nights in the idyllic Saanenland, in a cosy mountainside hotel. Explore chic Gstaad on foot, hike or cycle along mountain paths, paddle in Lake Lauenen, or ascend the summit of the Wispile and the Rinderberg by cable car.
Where you stay in Switzerland
All the luxury hotels that are featured by Expressions Holidays have been selected to provide high standards of comfort, service and cuisine. Our hotels are renowned for their charm and character, quality of surroundings and service whilst providing rest and relaxation amid an atmosphere of luxury and style.
How you travel to Switzerland
Our rail holidays in Switzerland can start with a flight to Zurich or Geneva and then you can take the train from there or you can travel by train all the way from London. The train journey to Switzerland starts with the Eurostar from London St Pancras, Ebbsfleet or Ashford International to Paris Gare du Nord. There you change to the Gare de Lyon for a fast TGV-Lyria service to Switzerland. With an early start from London you can reach many destinations in Switzerland comfortably the same day. If you prefer, you can overnight in Paris and then continue your journey after a day or two. Eurostar offers almost hourly departures every day, with an average journey time from London St Pancras to Paris of 2 hours and 18 minutes. Not all trains stop at Ebbsfleet and Ashford stations in Kent, but parking is plentiful at both stations. The Eurostar trains are split into Standard Class, Standard Premier and Business Premier. Standard Premier customers are served a light cold meal and enjoy a more spacious environment than Standard Class, while Business Premier customers receive a hot meal and unlimited beverages as well as lounge access. TGV-Lyria trains are high-speed trains that run between Paris and Switzerland, reaching Zurich in about 4 hours, Lausanne in 3 hours 40 minutes and Geneva in just over 3 hours. There is a choice between Standard Class and First Class.
Our single-centre Swiss rail holidays include
● Travel arrangements to Switzerland by train or air● Accommodation in personally-selected 4-or 5-star hotels
● Flexible durations
Included in all our holidays
● Concierge service● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday
● Full financial protection with our ATOL (3076) for all holidays including a flight and our ABTOT for all non-air holidays
