The Three Faces of Switzerland:
A Railfan's Quest
May 25-June 7, 2002Led by Werner Schorn & Gunnar Holmqvist
Itinerary
Saturday, May 25
Depart U.S.
Depart from the United States for Zürich on individually arranged flights.Sunday, May 26
Arrival in Zürich (D)
After a light breakfast on the plane, arrive at Zürich's Kloten Airport - one of the easiest and most sensible airports in the world to access. Proceed through Passport Control to baggage claim and through Customs. If you arrive by around 10:30 a.m., you will be met outside of customs by Werner Schorn or Gunnar Holmqvist, our tour leaders. You will be escorted down the escalator to the railway station beneath the airport. Five trains per hour connect Zürich's airport with the main station (the ride takes 10 or 11 minutes).Proceed to our lovely 4-star Hotel Glockenhof for a two-night stay. The hotel is central but in a quiet location with a garden. You'll have the afternoon at leisure to catch a nap, or perhaps stroll down to Lake Zürich. You might want to spend time in the Hauptbahnhof, admiring and photographing the German ICEs, Pendolinos and Talgos calling here.
Get to know your tour leaders and fellow travelers this evening over a welcome cocktail at the hotel. We'll then depart for dinner on an exclusive, privately chartered streetcar restaurant. Enjoy wine and coffee with a wonderful meal as we glide around Zürich.
Overnight: Zürich, Hotel Glockenhof
Monday. May 27
Zürich (B)
After breakfast, we join our tour leaders and local Zürich guide for an excursion around the city to see the sights. View and experience the mind-boggling diversity of public transportation in the city: a plethora of trains, streetcars and boats. The exact itinerary and items to be covered will depend on the weather-if the weather is good, we'll take a train to the summit of Uetliberg, a low mountain south of the city. Our Swiss Pass is valid on Zürich's extensive streetcar system.This afternoon railfans will join Mr. Schorn for a visit to the Zürich tram museum. Others may accompany Mr. Holmqvist to the Landemusuem, which showcases Swiss history and culture. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Overnight: Zürich, Hotel Glockenhof
Tuesday, May 28
Morges; Optional excursion to Aigle or Lausanne (B,D)
After breakfast we'll take a train southwest to Bern, capital of the Swiss confederation. Then we have an easy change of trains to one that will take us to the French-speaking part of Switzerland - through Fribourg and Lausanne along one of the prettiest stretches of main line in this area. Our destination is the town of Morges, on the shore of Lake Geneva between Lausanne and Geneva. It faces Mont Blanc. Meanwhile, our baggage will make its own way and meet us at our hotel, our base of operations for the next few days.In the afternoon Mr. Schorn will lead an excursion to Aigle, a small wine-making town, to ride several of the three narrow-gauge mountain-climbing railroads there. The Aigle-Sepey-Diablerets travels east up a long valley; another is a shorter, steeper ride up through the vineyards to Leysin.
Mr. Holmqvist will lead another group to Lausanne. Built in three tiers, Lausanne has the sparkling blue waters of Lake Geneva at its feet, deep green forests at its back and snow-capped Alps in the distance. It is a city to explore with your senses, offering everything from quaint country markets to cosmopolitan shops and shows. A climb up to the Old City leads to Lausanne's superb gothic cathedral, to the ancient castle of Saint Maire and to the university with its fine museums. Down by the waterside is the picturesque resort of Ouchy, where you can linger in one of the lakeside restaurants .
Those who would prefer can take one of the frequent trains to Geneva or Lausanne and explore either city on their own. Also recommended is a visit to the Castle of Chillon at Montreux. Nearer at hand are the narrow-gauge Biere-Apple-Morges railway, which serves the agricultural country northwest of Morges, and the lakefront park that is the site of the Morges Tulip Festival.
We will dine together tonight at our 4-star hotel - it is right on the lake, with exquisite 4-course dining and its own train station, Gare St. Jean.
Overnight: Morges, Hotel La Fleur du Lac
Wednesday, May 29
Mount Blanc Express and Geneva streetcar (B)
Today we start by taking a train through Lausanne, along the shore of Lake Geneva, and south up the Rhône Valley to Martigny. There we will board the Mont Blanc Express, a narrow-gauge train of the Martigny-Chatelard Railway, for the first leg of a ride back to Geneva. Because the lower part of the Trient Gorge is so narrow, MC's line climbs steeply up the valley wall, tunneling here and there, to reach the rim of the gorge higher up. Technologically, the MC is interesting-even unique-in its combination of cog rail and third-rail power pickup system.At the border we'll cross the platform to board a French narrow-gauge train that will take us first up, then down to Chamonix. The peak of Mont Blanc will slowly become clearer as we approach. We'll stopover here to explore this French resort town and its pleasures for about four hours. (Your Swiss pass is not valid for this trip, but tickets in and out of France are included in your tour.) Enjoy lunch on your own in one of the many outdoor cafés. Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car to an altitude of 12,600 feet where you will also find a restaurant and wonderful views and walks. Another choice: The Montenvers rack railway takes you to the foot of the Mer de Glace glacier, altitude 6,275 feet. There, you can visit the Ice Cave, Crystal Gallery and Museum of Alpine Wildlife. There are also lots of easy walks, all with interesting destinations.
After Chamonix, two more easy changes of train will ensue as we follow the valley of the Arve down to Geneva. We will arrive at Geneva's unpretentious Eaux Vives, then take a streetcar across the city to the main station and a quick ride back to Morges. Dinner is on your own tonight. If you like, stay in Geneva for dinner and return to Morges later.
Overnight: Morges, Hotel La Fleur du Lac
Thursday, May 30
Romont and the Gruyère Region (B,D)
After breakfast this morning, we'll ride back the way we came two days ago as far as the hilltop, walled town of Romont. Our climb up to the town will be rewarded by views of the surrounding countryside and the mountains of the Haut Gruyère. Those who would like can visit the church, the castle, and the Swiss Museum of Stained Glass.We'll have plenty of time for lunch in the area. Our next train will take us across pleasant open country to Bulle, and from there on through the Gruyère region to Montbovon. From Montbovon we'll ride another narrow-gauge train down to Montreux - the twisting descent will afford fine views of Lake Geneva. Then we'll have a quick ride back to Morges, where we will enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Morges, Hotel La Fleur du Lac
Friday, May 31
Zermatt; Gornergrat (B,D)
Please have your luggage ready for separate transfer to our hotel in Zermatt. We'll start the day by traveling up the Rhône Valley to the pleasant market town of Brig. In Brig, we'll board a narrow-gauge train up to the resort town of Zermatt, a city where gas-powered cars are banned-but watch out for the little electric carts driven by hotel porters!After lunch, take a ride up the cog railway to the Gornergrat. If our prayers for clear weather are answered, we'll enjoy superb views of Switzerland's icon, the Matterhorn, at 4,477 meters high (14,590 feet), a stunning sight. Those who wish can take the cog railway back down only part way for a nice photo stop or to participate in Switzerland's favorite pastime-hiking. It's great fun, if you're fit and have good hiking shoes. Enjoy a fine, four-course dinner together at our lovely hotel this evening.
Overnight: Zermatt, Hotel Schweizerhof
Saturday, June 1
Zermatt (B)
Zermatt is an ideal base from which to explore the area's world-famous resorts and for taking great train trips! Today you're free to explore on your own, either in the environs of this charming town or farther afield. Among the excursions you could make are: a round trip on the Glacier Express route to Andermatt or Disentis; a postal-bus ride over Simplon Pass or a trip on any of several aerial cable cars to resort villages high above the Rhône Valley. Venture to Visp and enjoy a walk along the path that follows the railway down from the Lötschberg Tunnel. Your tour leaders will provide information on the possibilities and take you on the most popular.Overnight: Zermatt, Hotel Schweizerhof
Sunday, June 2
Centovalli Railway to Locarno (B,D)
We first travel north to Brig this morning, where we change trains. While still in sight of the Brig station, our train will enter the 12-mile Simplon Tunnel, for years the longest tunnel in the world. We'll emerge in Italy. At Domodossola we'll change trains and ride the Centovalli Railway - Centovalli means "100 Valleys" - east to Locarno. The railway may well cross or traverse one hundred valleys; it is one of the most scenic train rides in Europe. "The line clings to dramatic hillsides, soars across steep valleys (hence its name) and around Santa Maria Maggiore affords stunning views," says On the Rails Around Europe, a Thomas Cook guide. The railway is operated by two companies, one Italian and the other Swiss. The Swiss company, the Ferrovie Autolinee Regionali Ticinesi, is known among rail enthusiasts worldwide for its practice of blithely using only its initials on the sides of its cars.This afternoon we arrive in Locarno, where we will stay at a beautiful 4-star hotel on the lake. Meanwhile, our luggage has been traveling, too, and we will meet up with it at the hotel. Locarno, on the banks of Lake Maggiore, is pretty, quiet and relatively lacking in crowds. Welcome to Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland, which juts into Italy. Enjoy a wonderful meal accompanied by wonderful service at the hotel this evening.
Overnight: Locarno, Hotel Reber au Lac
Monday, June 3
Monte Generoso Railway and Swiss Miniatur OR Isola Bella (B)
Today we'll ride the Monte Generoso Railway up to the summit of its namesake mountain, with its spectacular views in good weather. We depart Locarno this morning and after a few quick changes of trains, we'll arrive in Melide. Here we'll visit Swiss Miniatur, a miniature village and garden railway. The scale of the model buildings at Swiss Miniatur is just right so that the finger-length lizards that inhabit the area look like giant crocodiles creeping through the city streets, like a bad monster movie.There will be time to ride one or more of the funiculars that ascend into the mountains watching over Lugano's bay. One climbs to Monte Bré (3,050 feet) - an incredible view, says our contributing editor, Ralph Holzwarth - and the other to San Salvatore (2,992 feet).
Optional tour to Isola Bella: Mr. Holmqvist will lead a full-day optional tour by train and boat to Stresa to visit the island of Isolla Bella. The island is home to the 17th century castle and gardens of Count Vitaliano Borromeo. The castle contains wonderful artwork, furniture and tapestries, while a variety of plants and rare flowers fill the gardens.
Overnight: Locarno, Hotel Reber au Lac
Tuesday, June 4
Lake steamer to Lucerne (B,L)
After breakfast we depart Locarno and return to northern, German-speaking Switzerland through the 9-mile Gotthard Tunnel. The line is one of the most fabulous pieces of railroad engineering in the world, with spiral tunnels and horseshoe curves. After passing through the Gotthard Tunnel and a much smaller straight tunnel, keep an eye out for the small village of Wassen, surrounded by seven tunnels. We'll have three different views of the village and its white, onion-domed church - first far below us on the right, then level with the track on the left and finally, perched high above us on the left.
At Flüelen we'll detrain and board a lake steamer - one of the delights of visiting Switzerland - for the final leg of our trip to Lucerne. Depart at noon and enjoy lunch on the boat. The three-hour journey is both relaxing and beautiful. From the boat dock at Lucerne a short walk will take us to the 5-star Hotel Schweizerhof, with its old-world charm and great location by the old town with views of the lake. Dinner will be on your own tonight in one of Lucerne's delicious restaurants.
Overnight: Lucerne, Hotel Schweizerhof
Wednesday, June 5
Lucerne (B,L)
An experienced guide and native of Lucerne will lead us on a wonderful walking tour of the city this morning. We'll see the Lion Monument, the pink baroque interior of the church of St. Francis and the unique paintings on the buildings in the old part of Lucerne. Afterward we'll ride a train to Stans and then take a funicular and an aerial cable car to the summit of the Stanserhorn. Here we'll have lunch while enjoying the panoramic view. There will be several options for additional scenic train and boat travel on the way back to Lucerne.Overnight: Lucerne, Hotel Schweizerhof
Thursday, June 6
Swiss Transportation Museum and Mount Rigi (B,D)
Spend the morning at the Swiss Transportation Museum, one of the best in the world. The train section of the museum is particularly good, with dozens of locomotives and an exceptionally well-presented account of the digging of the Gotthard Tunnel. Mr. Schorn and our special, english-speaking host at the transportation museum will led the group at the museum.Meanwhile, others can choose to join Mr. Holmqvist at the Picasso Museum and composer Richard Wagner's home for an alternative tour.
This afternoon we'll join back together and board a lake steamer for a cruise down the lake to Vitznau, to travel on Europe's oldest rack and pinion railway. The journey takes approximately one hour; lunch will be available onboard.
At Vitznau, we'll take the cog railway for a ride up to the summit of Mount Rigi-at 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), it offers stunning views. It was made famous by Mark Twain in his book "Innocents Abroad." We'll enjoy a 360-degree panorama. Another cog railway will take us down the other side of the mountain. Return to the hotel, where you'll have time to freshen up before our traditional, farewell celebration at the hotel-with cocktails, dinner, wine and coffee.
Overnight: Lucerne, Hotel Schweizerhof
Friday, June 7
Depart Switzerland
Too soon, it always seems, our Swiss vacation is over. Direct trains run hourly from Lucerne to the Zürich Airport in just 63 minutes. Escalators and elevators take you up to the check-in counters. You may want to make some last-minute purchases (chocolate is always good) in the many elegant airport shops before boarding your flight home. Please let us know if you need assistance in this transition. Our guides will be happy to assist you.
Included in this trip:
Services of two full-time, professional tour leaders
June 4, Locarno to Lucerne
Land-only price of trip:
SAVE $200 per person by booking before November 26, 2001
$3,076 per person, double occupancy
$512 Single supplementAfter November 26:
$3,276 per person, double occupancy
$512 Single SupplementPlease note that a 15-day Swiss Pass will be required for this journey.
You can choose several options:
15-day Swiss Pass, first class: $410 per person
15-day Swiss Saverpass, first class: $349 per person
(Please note passengers must travel together at all times with Saverpass.)Many other passes are available if you wish to extend your vacation in Switzerland or other parts of Europe. Some of these are: 22-day Swiss Pass, first class: $475 p.p.; 22-day Swiss Saverpass, first class: $404 p.p. If you wish to add a pass for travel outside of Switzerland, we will be happy to arrange it.
Please note that the optional Isola Bella excursion on June 3 is $50 per person. For all other optional excursions listed in the itinerary, Mr. Holmqvist will lead and entrance fees are included. Please request before final payment.
Not included in the tour cost: Airfare; rail passes, costs of obtaining passports; meals not listed in the itinerary; optional sightseeing unless specified; any expenses of a personal nature, including all forms of travel insurance, laundry service, all alcoholic beverages and all personal beverages other than those included at group meals. Gratuities for tour leaders.
Do you need extra hotel nights?
Pre-tour hotel night, Hotel Glockenhof, Zürich: $105 per person, double; $148 single.
Post-tour hotel night, Hotel Schweizerhof, Lucerne: $173 per person, double; $239 single.Do you need international air?
IRT gets some excellent rates for business class and coach class on many carriers. Please inquire before final payment.Please note: the above tour prices are for Society of International Railway Travelers members and one guest only. Non-members pay $50 per person more. Please inquire about Society membership if you are not now a member! New traveling members get membership at half off: $32.50 per year.
Please note: porterage of bags is included throughout the trip except from/to the Zürich Airport because Society members arrive at different times. Tour leaders will meet those participants arriving the day of the tour prior to 10:30 a.m. Otherwise, we will be delighted to provide a "meet and greet" service, where you will be transferred by private Mercedes with an English speaking driver. Please let us know upon booking if you will need this assistance. From Zürich Airport to Hotel Glockenhof, $116 (1-3 persons), $155 (4-6 persons). From Hotel Schweizerhof (Lucerne) to Zürich Airport, $211 (1-3 persons), $281 (4-6 persons). Gratuities are included in cost of transfers.
Tour Conditions
How to Book: Call our tour desk at 1-800-IRT-4881 to make a reservation. A deposit of 15% of the total trip cost is required. Deposits can be made by check or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or Discover). Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis. Final payment is made by check 90 days before departure.
Passport: A valid passport is required, valid for six months after departure from U.S.
Cancellations: Notice of cancellations must be received by this office in writing before 90 days prior to departure and are subject to a $250 per-person administrative fee. This fee may be applied to a future trip taken within one year. Final payment is due 90 days before the trip. Cancellations occurring within 90 days prior to the trip are nonrefundable . No refunds will be made in the event of "no-shows" or cancellations the day of the trip. No refund will be given for unused portions of the tour. No refund for airline tickets once issued.
Insurance: We highly recommend that all passengers protect themselves with tour insurance to cover your costs in case you must cancel your journey. We will include the cost of insurance on your invoice; if you do not wish to purchase this valuable coverage, deduct the amount and sign and return the invoice to IRT.
Minimum/Maximum Participants: This tour must have at least 25 passengers in order to qualify for special group rates. This tour also will have a maximum of 25 participants.
Prices: This tour price is based on currency exchange rates in effect at the time of printing. In the event of revaluation or devaluation of U.S. currency, the tour operator reserves the right to make adjustments.
Price does not include: Rail pass, Passport and visa fees; personal expenses such as laundry; telephone calls; meals and alcoholic beverages not listed in the included section; optional sightseeing excursions; services other than those specifically mentioned in the included section; transfers and baggage handling on the day of arrival and departure; accident; sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; and excess baggage charges on aircraft. Please note: our tours officially begin at the first hotel. The tour does not include porterage from the airport to the first hotel; or from the last hotel to the airport. With IRT members coming and leaving at so many different times, this is impossible to arrange on a group basis. However, if you would like the IRT tour desk to arrange a private car and driver for you at additional cost, please notify IRT at time of booking. We will be happy to make these arrangements.
Medical: Any physical or mental condition which may require special medical attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require some walking to take full advantage of the transportation systems of each country we visit.
Baggage: Porterage is limited to one main bag per person. Please note that because of the differing times of arriving and departing flights, porterage to and from the airport to and from the first and last hotels is not included. Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout the trip, and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
Responsibility: The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. (HPC), parent company of The Society of International Railway Travelers, act only as agents for the passenger with respect to travel services. IRT and HPC do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. As a result, IRT and HPC are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such supplier of any other third party over whom IRT and HPC have no control. We can assume no responsibility nor liability in whole or in part for any delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, damage, weather, strikes, acts of God, circumstances beyond our control, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, expense, accident, sickness, injury or death to person or property, or mechanical defect, failure, or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation or other services, for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment beyond our control, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour due to these causes or voluntary cancellations. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
No revisions of the printed itinerary or the "included" section are anticipated; however, IRT and HPC reserve the right to make changes at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and IRT and HPC shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of such cancellation, substitution or changes. All fares as well as ship and train schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special programs, and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change without prior notice. IRT and HPC shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare nor make any other compensation under these circumstances. IRT and HPC cannot be responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers that may result due to operational and/or itinerary changes, regardless if the passenger and/or IRT and HPC make the flight arrangements. Any additional expenses resulting from the above will be paid by the individual passenger. IRT and HPC reserve the right to substitute a similar category for those listed in this brochure. IRT and HPC reserve the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in air fares, currency fluctuations or fuel surcharges and such increases are to be paid to IRT and HPC by the tour participant upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
The air tickets when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances.
By forwarding of deposit, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract.
Behavior: Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT tour guides and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of the tour guide, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger to safety of other passengers the tour manager will issue him or her with a verbal warning. Should this not resolve the matter a second, written, warning will be issued. If the disruptive behavior continues after the second warning then the passenger will be removed from the tour and will have to make his or her own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untravelled portion of the tour will be entertained. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time should such a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
Rates quoted are based on tariffs and exchange current at the time of printing and are subject to changes therein, at or before the time of departure. No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, the right is reserved to make any changes without notice, that might become necessary, with the mutual understanding that any additional expenses will be paid by the individual passenger. Baggage is at the owner's risk throughout the trip, unless insured. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time.
Complaints: We strive to offer the very best value in travel services to our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to one of your tour leaders. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office (Hardy Publishing Co., and The Society of International Railway Travelers are located at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205). We will not consider any claims not made to us within two months of completion of your journey. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
To book, please call 800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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