Train Journey of the Alps - Itinerary
Marvel at dramatic scenery of mountains, glaciers, rolling pasture land, castles, and cathedrals as you travel through the Alps. Experience the impeccable service and impressive engineering achievements of travel aboard the Panoramic Express Train, the Gornergrat cog rail, the Glacier Express, and the Bernina Express. From the gorgeous lakeside resort of Montreaux, travel by rail to the famous ski resort of Gstaad. Tour a cheese-making facility and sample a variety of the Gruyere cheese. Drive through the lush Rhone Valley to the quaint pedestrian-only village of Zermatt and soak in panoramic views of the Matterhorn and other vast mountains.
Climb one of Europe’s steepest rail ascents out of the Engadine Valley toward the Bernina Pass on your way to Tirano, Italy, where you take in dramatic views of the Morteratsch Glacier. Visit the enchanting city of Innsbruck, nestled cozily in the European Alps. See the Golden Roof, constructed by Maximilian I of the Habsburg dynasty in the 15th century as a wedding present to his wife. Travel to Salzburg for a charming walking tour, explore Mirabell Gardens (seen in “The Sound of Music”), and view Mozart’s birthplace. Conclude your Alpine Adventure with a special farewell dinner and Tyrolean folklore show.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Geneva, Switzerland - Tour Begins
Your tour begins today with a transfer from Geneva to the beautiful lakeside resort of Montreux. This evening attend a special welcome reception and dinner. (D)
Day 3: Montreux - Train Ride - Castle of Chillon
Climb aboard the Panoramic Express Train for your first Alpine rail journey from Montreux to Gstaad. Discover astonishing views of the countryside and the delightful ambiance of Gstaad, a world-famous ski resort. Next, travel to the La Masion du Gruyere, where an employee will discuss the interesting cheese making process. You will also be able to try for yourself a variety of the Gruyere cheese. Return by motorcoach to Lake Geneva to visit the legendary, medieval Castle of Chillon, considered the most well-preserved medieval castle in Europe. (B)
Day 4: Montreux - Zermatt
Travel to Zermatt through the region’s beautiful wine country as you journey along the lush Rhone Valley; pass the villages of Sion, with its twin hills topped with a castle and church, and Sierre, characterized by its 17th-century church chateau and the old watchtower. Your hotel is in the center of this Alpine village featuring beautiful panoramic mountain views of the Alps. Tonight enjoy a candlelight dinner in the hotel restaurant which is known for its unique location, firmly embedded on the side of the mountain. (B, D)
Day 5: Zermatt
Zermatt offers breathtaking views of the famous Matterhorn. Explore this quaint pedestrian-only village and take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway, featuring a cogwheel that improves traction on steep slopes. This trip provides sweeping views of glaciers and the starkly beautiful Matterhorn. (B, D)
Day 6: Zermatt - Glacier Express Train - St. Moritz
Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow-gauge Glacier Express, the most picturesque express train in the world. Enjoy the natural bounty of this scenic route through the heart of the Swiss Alps, filled with forests, fragrant meadows, graceful streams and valleys. Marvel at the endless storybook landscapes and rural Alpine villages accessible solely by rail. Tonight explore the many splendors of St. Moritz. (B, D)
Day 7: St. Moritz - Bernina Express - St. Moritz
Embark on the Bernina Express Train, among one of the most scenic railway lines in the word. En route to Tirano, Italy, the train climbs one of Europe’s steepest rail ascents, out of the Engadine Valley toward the Bernina Pass before arriving in Tirano. Enjoy the dramatic views of the Morteratsch Glacier and many others throughout the journey in the Italian Alps. (B, D)
Day 8: St. Moritz - Innsbruck
Travel to the magical city of Innsbruck, host to two winter Olympics, and nestled comfortably in the European Alps. Your home for the next three nights is the lovely Innsbruck Hotel, located just steps away from the well-known Golden Roof. The Golden Roof was constructed by Maximilian I of the Habsburg dynasty in the 15th century as a wedding present to his wife. (B)
Day 9: Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Travel through the Austrian countryside to the magnificent city of Salzburg. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the Sound of Music), the quaint Getreidegasse (site of Mozart’s birthplace), and many other highlights. While at Mozart’s Birthhaus, you will learn about the early years of one of the greatest composers in the world. The afternoon is at leisure to explore and enjoy Salzburg’s unique blend of sophistication and charm. You may opt to explore independently the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which was founded in the 11th century by Archbishop Gebhard, or wander the famous pedestrian Getresidegasse Street. Tonight attend a delightful dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, located in the historic city center. (B, D)
Day 10: Innsbruck
A local guide leads a city tour of Innsbruck highlighting Maria Theresienstrasse, the Hofburg, and the “Golden Roof,” all set against the backdrop of the lovely Austrian Alps. In the afternoon, take an excursion to nearby Wattens to visit the fascinating Swarovski Crystal World Museum. Before returning to the Old Town, a special stop is made at the famous Innsbruck Olympic Ski Jump which was used for the 1964 and 1976 winter Olympics. Your evening features a special farewell dinner and a Tyrolean folklore show. (B, D)
Day 11: Innsbruck - Munich - Tour Ends (B)
