Switzerland Fall Foliage Rail Tours Oct 16 - 24, 2010

Traveling through the Alps of Switzerland by rail

is the best way to see places and sights motor vehicles can not travel through, such as traffic-free mountain villages like Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, or traveling to high mountain summits, where mountains like the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau are so close you can almost reach out and touch them. Enjoy an unusual dinner while watching climbers on the North Face of the Eiger, and watch the special trains disappear into the Eiger on the way to the Jungfraujoch.

Visit a candy factory, and enjoy the "all you can eat" samples, shop in famous Old-World cities, cruise across aqua colored snow-melt lakes, experience fantastic cuisine, try your skill blowing the alpen horns while enjoying a chocolate fondue! You will be mezmerized by the meadows ablaze with vibrant wild flowers, and gardens with flowers and veggies beyond your imagination!

Switzerland's Foliage

Switzerland's meadows retain their many shades of green during the fall foliage season, while her centuries old forests come alive with yellows, russets and oranges.

Switzerland's Alpine resort village of Interlaken is our home base for the first 5 nights of this exciting Swiss Alps rail tour. Join me each day as we travel by train through this pristine country of lakes and mountains in the heart of Europe. This tour lets you enjoy the fun and savings of being with a group or going out on your own for a few hours or the whole day. You decide each and every day!

Bernese Oberland Region

A few of the highlights of this tour include time spent in the Bernese Oberland ~ Jungfrau region, Zermatt and the famous Matterhorn, Murren and an optional trip by tram up to the Schilthorn (as seen in the James Bond movie In Her Majesty's Secret Service). There is also picture post card scenery in places like Lauterbrunnen, Grindelwald, Wengen and Kleine Scheidegg (where the Clint Eastwood movie The Eiger Sanction was filmed). What a treat is in store for us as we have dinner on the stone patio--with real kraut 'n wieners and rossti (Swiss hashbrowns) or order from the menu. Wonderful desserts with to-die-for vanilla sauce!

For a thrill of a lifetime, one day we travel up the Brienz Rothorn as our steam engine hisses softly as we make a 45-minute trek up the mountain, leaving the lakekside village far below. Once on top, we have time for pictures and lunch at the panoramic restaurant.

Gruyeres and the Valais Region

Our day to Zermatt is full of beautiful alpine scenery, as we travel through the new tunnel, and spend time on the scenic Glacier Express as we make our way to the Matterhorn, and we even pass a mountain rock slide. Lunch today is a real treat while in this car-free village. On the way home, we have a picnic on board our train!

One adventure takes us to the Montreux region, and the Swiss Riviera, where we begin our journey through vineyards and villas around the Lake Geneva region. We will stop for lunch and some shoping in one of the quaint local villages. Passing the village and castle of Gruyeres, we head to the Cailler Nestle Candy Factory, for our guided tour and best of all, the tasting of all of the candies they make!

Lucerne (Luzern)

Our last 2 nights are at the historic Hotel Des Alpes in Lucerne, aptly named for its magnificent views of the Alps. Free time to explore this romantic Old World city's history, churches, museums, and theatres, as well as Old Town's traffic free shopping area. The cobblestone streets are full of excitement and adventures around each corner.

Take home some Swiss chocolates, Swiss knives and watches, or spend the day exploring villages around Lake Lucerne's countryside by train or boat, or venture up Mt Pilatus, for an unforgettable trip. Join me for a magnificent meal (optional) at the famous Old Swiss House..you will never forget this experience!

Wake up Saturday morning, as the local street market vendors line the banks of the river right outside our hotel, selling veggies, cheeses, flowers and more.

Zurich and Basel

Zurich is only a one hour train ride away. Explore Zurich's quaint Old Town area situated to the left of the River Limmat, or the fashionable Banhofstrassee, one of the world's most famous shopping promenades. Or visit Basel, where part of the train station is in France, visit the famous Munster, and see the burial crypts of knights of old.

Make this year's vacation the journey of a lifetime!

Book early for a balcony room facing the Alps!

• 8-day Unlimited Swiss Rail Pass (2nd Class)
  • covers almost 14,000 miles of railroads, lake steamers, funiculars, postal bus routes
  • Orientation to Switzerland on our first rail adventure to Interlaken
  • 1st class Swiss Pass upgrade available for $127 PP (highly recommended)
• Cozy Chalet Hotel in Interlaken for 5 nights
  • Welcome Dinner our first night, Breakfast buffet each morning
  • spectacular Alpine views of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau
  • Balcony rooms on first reserved basis, private facilities, hair dryer, TV, clock, cozy down bedding
  • lounge/gathering room with fireplace, telephone room, self-service launderette, TV/Reading room
  • luggage service to/from hotel/train station
  • The Arcobaleno Restaurant, a favorite restaurant of the locals of Interlaken
• Private tour of an organic dairy farm with wine and cheese (weather and cows permitting)
• Post card perfect scenery all day as we make our way to the world-famous Schilthorn (optional), where we can see over 200 peaks of the Alps from France to the Black Forest in Germany
• spectacular adventure over part of the Glacier Express as we travel to Zermatt
• Seat Reservations aboard the private rail journey to Kleine Scheidegg
  • enjoy kraut 'n wieners, and scrumptious apple desserts with warm vanilla sauce
  • Seat Reservations on our continued private Railway from Kleine Scheidegg to the ski resort of Grindelwald
• See the villas and vineyards along Lake Geneva as we head toward Montreux, then Gruyeres
  • Gruyeres Cheese Factory tour, if train schedule permits
  • Chocolate Factory tour with tasting, time to buy chocolates at factory prices
  • Seat reservations aboard our panoramic rail car, with a glass, bullet-nose caboose
  • Spectacular scenery as evening shadows fall along the Golden Pass Route, passing Gstaad and Zweissemen
• fascinating adventure up the Brienz Rothorn (optional) aboard the 100+ year old steam engine open air trains
• Historic Hotel Des Alpes in Lucerne for 2 nights with daily breakfast
  • included visit to the world-famous Lion Monument
  • a day and a half free time in Lucerne, time for river boats, museums, shopping
  • luggage service to the hotel from rail station and to your room
  • located on the River Ruess, next to Lake Lucerne, and the traffic free pedestrian area
  • on the edge of the picturesque Old Town's cobble stoned streets shopping area
  • private bathrooms with shower and hair dryer
  • telephones, SAT-TV, in-room minibar and safe, room service
  • terrace restaurant next to the River Ruess, indoor restaurant and lounge
  • Saturday morning Vendor's Market along the river outside your hotel, selling veggies, cheese and flowers etc
  • Join me for lunch on Friday at the world famous Old Swiss House for a meal to remember for a lifetime! (optional)
• Fly-Rail Luggage Service into Switzerland, eliminates luggage hassles!

You are about to embark upon an incredible journey!

Fall Tours sell fast -- Book Soon for an Alps view!