Switzerland's Scenic Routes
May 26-June 10, 2004
A Journey in Two Parts
Led by Werner Schorn
When you think of great rail trips, you think of Switzerland! What better destination to combine fantastic scenery the beauty of the Alps and the glacial lakes with comfortable, first-class trains that run right to the minute on time!
Enjoy two of
IRT's Top 20 Rail Experiences in the World: Glacier Express and
Bernina Express, in one exclusive trip! This is a tour designed
to combine the best of Switzerland exciting rail journeys
with outstanding scenery, interesting museums, lovely hotels,
delicious meals, luggage traveling separately to the next hotel
and all the wonderful additions of a tour leader tending to every
detail not to mention time to explore on your own. Just
imagine enjoying Lake Geneva and the Alps from your hotel terrace
or experiencing that icon of Switzerland, the Matterhorn. Come
aboard!
Eleanor Hardy, President
"This is a long over-due, much-deserved and heart-felt THANK YOU for one of the most unforgettable experiences of my 74 years, right up there with my marriage and the birth of my three boys and six grandchildren. Everything was not only first class but far more than I expected. The itinerary was great. The accommodations were the best and the hosts were incomparable." Claude Mount, Lansdale, PA
~WEEK ONE~
Wednesday,
May 26
Depart U.S. for Zürich.
Thursday, May 27
Arrive Lucerne (D)
Arrive into Zürich airport. Travel by train to Lucerne.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a city tour of Lucerne with English-speaking
local guide. See the medieval town center with its 15th-century
buildings and covered bridge. Get to know your tour leader, Werner
Schorn, and fellow travelers over a welcome cocktail and dinner
at our hotel this evening.
Overnight: Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne.
"10 on
the scale is not nearly enough for Werner Schorn. Calm, knowledgeable,
helpful, able to answer a myriad of questions. The best guide
of all the IRT trips we've been on. Don't let this guy get away!"
Al Thoman, Highlands Ranch, CO
"This was one of the most congenial groups I have traveled with. Everyone just got along together wellWerner Schorn outdid himself. And arranged a 12-hour trip on our free day using nine different trains. A very good day." Bob Vinsec, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, after his fourth IRT tour.
Friday,
May 28
Excursion to Engelberg & Mt. Titlis (B)
This afternoon we head to the resort town of Engelberg. The hour-long
ride starts off on the meter-gauge tracks of the Brünig
line before branching off into a tunnel opened in 1964. The train
will climb gently as it makes its way through the valley. At
Obermatt, the train switches to rack and climbs steeply for the
last few miles to Engelberg. Hope for beautiful weather as we
take a cable car from Engelberg up to Mt. Titlis, 10,000 feet
high. An afternoon excursion to Mt. Pilatus will be included
if time and weather conditions allow. Dinner is on your own this
evening in Lucerne.
Overnight: Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne.
Saturday, May 29
Swiss Transport Museum / Mt. Rigi (B)
Spend the morning at the Swiss Transportation Museum-one of the
best in the world-with our English-speaking guide. 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.
This afternoon
we'll board a lake steamer for a cruise down the lake to Vitznau,
to travel on Europe's oldest rack and pinion railway. 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 a stunning, 360-degree
panoramic view. Another cog railway will take us down the other
side of the mountain.
Overnight: Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne
IRT Evaluation: Please compare this tour (Switzerland 2002) with others on which you have traveled: "Right up there with the others I'm batting 1,000!" Bill Schwartz, Itasca, IL, after his 4th IRT tour.
Sunday, May 30
Brienz steam train / Interlaken on the Golden Pass Panoramic
(B, D)
Today we travel to beautiful Interlaken, making a stop at Brienz
en route. There we will board a steam train of the narrow-gauge
Brienz-Rothorn Bahn (BRB). After one year construction time,
the BRB opened the stretch in October 1891 for the first time.
The journey covers 8 kilometers (5 miles) through 6 tunnels,
passing by forests and meadows with rich alpine flora. At the
summit enjoy the beautiful view down to the Lake of Thun and
the panorama to the mountains.
Back in Brienz
we board the Golden Pass Panoramic, with wonderfully large windows
perfect for viewing the passing scenery. Travel along the greenish-blue
glacial water of the Lake of Brienz before arriving in charming
Interlaken. Our five-star hotel, the Beau-Rivage, is conveniently
located near the train station. Dinner is included at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Beau-Rivage, Interlaken.
Monday,
May 31
Jungfraujoch (B, L)
Pray for good weather today for our full day excursion to Jungfraujoch.
From Interlaken, a combination of three lines will lift us 9,469
feet to Jungfraujoch, the highest rail station in Europe at 11,333
feet. On the summit is a complex with restaurants and snack bars
where we will enjoy lunch together while taking in the spectacular
view-the panorama of peaks is unforgettable.
Return will
be via Lauterbrunnen, where we board a funicular to Grütschalp,
then a meter-gauge train to the village of Mürren. You are
free to explore this beautiful mountain town and return to Interlaken
at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.
Overnight: Hotel Beau-Rivage, Interlaken
Tuesday, June 1
Golden Pass Panoramic / Montreux (B, D)
We board another train of the Golden Pass Panoramic as we venture
to Montreux. First we travel along the lovely Lake of Thun and
make a quick change of trains in Zweisimmen. Enjoy the unparalleled
panorama offered by this train of the passing valleys, dotted
with wooden chalets with blossoming flower boxes. Our winding
descent into Montreux offers magnificent views of Lake Geneva
and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Our hotel, the
Suisse Majestic, is located just across from the railway station,
and offers rooms with balconies overlooking the lake.
In the afternoon
we will have a city tour of Montreux with English-speaking guide,
including a stop at the Castle of Chillon. Stroll along the lakefront
promenade and delight in the many beautiful flowers in bloom.
Overnight: Hotel Suisse Majestic, Montreux
"It was fabulous. That has to be the best vacation I've ever taken. It was at the top." Nels Freeman, Highlands Ranch, CO.
Wednesday,
June 2
Chocolate Train (B, D)
Today's trip is one of utter indulgence: the Chocolate Train.
Departure from Montreux will be aboard one of the train's historic
1930s "Belle Epoque" carriages that have been nicely
refurbished by GoldenPass Services, the company that runs the
train. Our train will soon wind up the mountain to Montbovon
before heading north to Gruyères. Complimentary coffee
and croissants will be served, along with a small sample of chocolate
to whet our palettes for the final destination: the Callier chocolate
factory in Broc. Our first stop, however, will be in Gruyères,
a region famous for its cheese. Take in the cheese factory as
well as the one-street village of Gruyéres, where cars
are banned and the castle provides nice views of the valleys
below.
Return to the
train for the short trip to Broc and the Nestlé Callier
chocolate factory. Here, we will watch a short video about the
chocolate production, followed by a chance to taste the numerous
types of sweets manufactured by the company. Miniature bars of
chocolate are laid out on silver trays for the taking-but time
is limited, so sample fast! Return to Montreux by Chocolate Train
and enjoy dinner together at the hotel.
Overnight: Hotel Suisse Majestic, Montreux
Thursday,
June 3
Depart tour or continue to Zermatt (B)
Today ends the first portion of our tour. You may choose to fly
home today from Geneva or Zürich or continue on to the second
week of the tour.
~WEEK TWO~
Thursday, June 3
Zermatt / Gornergratbahn (B, D)
Travel to Zermatt either from Montreux with the group or on your
own from Geneva or Zürich airport. This afternoon we will
venture on the Gornergrat-bahn. The rack railway climbs 9 kilometers
(about 5.5 miles) to bring us to an altitude of 10,171 feet and
practically eye-to-eye with one of Switzerland's icons: the Matterhorn.
On the way back to Zermatt, we'll stop at the Riffelalp station,
where a 10-minute walk provides a wonderful photo opportunity
of the train with the Matterhorn in the background. Dinner this
evening will be together at our hotel, the Schweizerhof, welcoming
those that have just joined the tour today.
Overnight: Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt
"I just
had to call you to tell you how much I enjoyed Switzerland. I
am still sort of basking in the glow of a great vacation."
Paul Falon, Washington, DC
Friday,
June 4
Free day in Zermatt (B)
Depending on the weather, the Gornergrat trip may be done today.
Otherwise, this will be a free day to enjoy Zermatt's many offerings.
This pedestrian-only village has much to offer the visitor: from
hiking to shopping, fine dining and an Alpine Museum. If you
wish to take a side trip, we recommend a trip to Brig, followed
by a postal bus ride over the Simplon Pass to Domodossola, Italy.
Werner can help you plan any trip you may wish to take today.
Overnight: Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt
Saturday, June 5
Glacier Express (B, L)
Last year, The International Railway Traveler conducted a readership
poll to determine the best trains in the world as determined
by our members. The winner: the Glacier Express. (The train also
ranked in our last IRT editor's poll of top twenty rail experiences).
And today we'll see why the "world's slowest express train"
always ranks so high, as we traverse 168 mountainous miles-including
291 bridges and 91 tunnels-before arriving in Chur, the oldest
city in Switzerland. During the trip we will be treated to lunch
in the dining car.
Overnight: Hotel Stern, Chur
Sunday,
June 6
Rhätian Railway shops / Arosa (B)
This morning we travel to nearby Landquardt, where an English-speaking
member of the Rhätian Railway staff will lead us through
the railways locomotive and car repair shops. The tour will afford
a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Rhätian Railway
the crackerjack outfit it is. We'll see passenger cars being
rebuilt and painted locomotives under repair and taken apart,
and, in general, get an unparalleled glimpse of the "innards"
of these fantastic machines.
We'll sample a train of the RhB this afternoon as we travel south to Arosa. Departing Chur, our train will follow the streets of the upper part of town, passing the city wall before turning into a mountain railway taking us through the Schanfigger valley, including the impressive Langwies Viaduct.
Alternatively,
you may wish to spend the day in Chur or venturing elsewhere
to the tiny country of Liechtenstein or nearby St. Gallen
perhaps. To get to Liechtenstein, take the train to Sargans and
the postal bus from there. St. Gallen is about an hour and a
half by train and is full of interesting buildings with colorful
murals, carved balconies and statues. Don't miss the 18th-century
cathedral with elegantly painted ceiling. Werner will provide
a detailed schedule for either of these trips.
Overnight: Hotel Stern, Chur
Monday,
June 7
Bernina Express (B, D)
Also earning top honors on our editor and readership polls was
the Bernina Express, a full-day excursion from Chur south to
Tirano, Italy. The highest crossing of the Alps, this four-hour
train ride affords passengers both glaciers and palm trees, as
it rises to some 8,000 feet before descending into semi-tropical
Tirano. After cresting the rocky, glacial summit, we'll zigzag
our way down into the agricultural landscape of northern Italy.
Beyond Brusio is the famous open-air spiral, where our train
loops around itself across a nine-arched viaduct as it loses
altitude. We'll have time for a leisurely lunch in downtown Tirano,
gaining a brief glimpse of the more relaxed Italian lifestyle.
Return to Chur by the same route, and have dinner at the hotel
this evening.
Overnight: Hotel Stern, Chur
Tuesday, June 8
Zürich Tram Museum (B, D)
This morning we board an Interreggio of the SBB for the trip
north to Zürich. Upon arrival, we will check into the Glockenhof
and later this afternoon enjoy a guided visit to the city's Tram
Museum. Dinner will be together at the hotel tonight.
Overnight: Hotel Glockenhof, Zürich
Wednesday,
June 9
Zürich (B, D)
After breakfast at the hotel, our local guide will lead a half-day
tour of the city's highlights. The afternoon will be at your
leisure to do some last minute shopping, perhaps on Zürich's
world-famous Bahnhofstrasse. This evening we have arranged a
farewell dinner aboard a chartered streetcar restaurant, which
will travel along the city streets as we toast a wonderful trip.
Overnight: Hotel Glockenhof, Zürich
Thursday,
June 10
Return to the U.S.
Land-only cost of the tour:
WEEK 1: $2,449 per person,
double occupancy $303 single supplement
WEEK 2: $2,049 per person, double occupancy $255 single
supplement
Both trips*: $4,298 per person, double occupancy $558
single supplement
*Combine both trips and save $200 per person!
INCLUDED IN THE RATES
WEEK 1
- Accommodation at hotels as mentioned in the above program including
buffet breakfast, service charge & taxes
- Porters in & out at each hotel
- 1 welcome cocktail and dinner at Hotel Wilden Mann
- Dinners and lunches as mentioned in itinerary
- Chocolate Train
- All additional tickets (Mt. Titlis, Mt. Pilatus, Mt. Rigi,
Brienzer Rothorn, Jungfraujoch)
- All seat reservations incl. Supplements for listed excursions
- English-speaking local guides in Lucerne & Montreux
- Guided visit to Swiss Transport Museum & Castle Chillon
- Entrance fee to Transport Museum & Castle Chillon
- Separate luggage transfers: Lucerne-Interlaken and Interlaken-Montreux
- Service of a full-time tour leader, Werner Schorn, throughout
- All gratuities of all included services except to your tour
leader, which is at your personal discretion.
WEEK 2
- Accommodation at hotels as mentioned in the above program including
buffet breakfast, service charge & taxes
- Porters in & out at each hotel
- Farewell dinner on streetcar with wine & coffee
- Dinners and lunches as mentioned in the itinerary
- Gornergrat excursion
- All seat reservations including supplements for listed excursions
- English-speaking local guide in Zurich
- Guided visit to Rhatian Railway repair shop in Landquart &
Zürich Tram Museum
- Entrance fee to Tram Museum
- Separate luggage transfers from Zermatt-Chur and Chur-Zurich
- Tour leader, Werner Schorn, throughout.
- Gratuities for all included services except to your tour leader
WEEKS 1
& 2
All inclusions listed above, as well as seat reservations and
separate luggage transfer between Montreux and Zermatt
Not included: airfare, rail pass, any item not specifically mentioned, any items or services of a personal nature not included above such as alcoholic beverages unless they are part of the program.
Rail passes:
These are priced separately to accommodate the length of your
travels in Switzerland and must be ordered separately. The prices
are subject to change before the tour. Other passes, such as
Eurail or Europasses may also be ordered to fit your travel needs.
Swiss Pass
Saverpasses (requires travel together at all times)
8 consecutive days $360 $306
15 consecutive days $440 $374
22 consecutive days $500 $425
1 month $560 $476
International Air: We can get great coach and business
class rates and schedules! Please request upon booking.
Optional additional hotel nights (rates include breakfast, service charge and taxes):
Week 1
Pre-tour nights at Hotel Wilden Mann, Lucerne
$160 per single room per night
$133 per person, double room per night
Post/pre-tour
nights at Hotel Suisse Majestic, Montreux
$200 per single room per night
$138 per person, double room per night
Week 2
Pre-tour nights at Hotel Schweizerhof, Zermatt
$143 net per single room per night
$132 per person, double room per night
Post-tour
nights at Hotel Glockenhof, Zürich
$178 per single room per night
$123 per person, double room per night
Terms and Conditions
How to Book: Call our tour desk at 1-800-IRT-4881 to make a reservation. A deposit of 25% 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 due by 90 days before departure by check. A remittance advice form is required for all deposits made by credit card.
Passport: A valid passport is required, valid for six months after the end of your trip.
Cancellations: Notice of cancellations
must be received by this office in writing. The administrative
fee may be applied to a future trip taken within one year of
cancellation.
Cancellation schedule:
Before 120 days:$300 per person administrative fee
120-90 days: Loss of deposit
90 days to departure: 100% of tour cost
Cancellations made within 90 days of departure are 100% non-refundable.
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 strongly recommend that all passengers protect themselves with tour insurance to cover costs in the event of cancellation. Upon booking (or in advance upon request), we will send a brochure about Travelex tour interruption/cancellation insurance. We recommend purchasing coverage immediately upon booking. In order to cover pre-existing conditions or bankruptcy of any of the providers in this program, including your air, coverage must be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit.
Minimum Participants: The two main segments of this tour will be led by Werner Schorn and must have at least 20 passengers in order to qualify for special group rates. The tour will take a maximum of 25 persons.
Prices: This tour price is based on currency exchange rates in effect at the time of printing, July 9, 2003. In the event of revaluation or devaluation of U.S. currency, the tour operator reserves the right to make adjustments. Prices listed are based on a group of 20 participants. If the number of participants drops below 20, the cost of the tour will increase by $100 per person per week. Please note that rail pass prices are subject to change unless purchased before the end of 2003.
Price does not include: Airfare; 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; accident; sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; and excess baggage charges. It does not cover gratuities for your tour leader, which are optional and fully at your discretion.
Extra charges: Some extra charges may apply. If we are required to send final documents outside the continental U.S., an additional international shipping fee will apply (rates depend on destination). After your booking is confirmed and a deposit accepted, we understand changes in your travel plans may occur. We will make the first change with no charge. All subsequent changes to your land program will accrue a charge of $25 per change. Bookings within 90 days of departure require a $50 late booking fee. Exceptions: Pullman Club privilege: all service fees are waived. For information about the Pullman Club, please call 800-478-4881. For a complete list of service fees, please call our tour desk.
Medical: Any physical or mental condition that may require special attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require some walking on the train itself and during tours. You must let us know, for example, if you use a cane or need to bring a wheelchair so we can plan ahead to accommodate your needs.
Baggage: Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout the trip and baggage insurance is strongly recommended. Please note that baggage limitations vary from country to country, depending on where The Society travels. Luggage space on these trains is restricted to two suitcases and two smaller bags. Seasoned travelers pack overnight and evening requirements in light suitcases for the cabin and heavier bags are checked-in through to the final destination. There is no maximum baggage allowance for this tour, but most national and international airlines permit no more than 44 pounds per passenger. Private transfers and baggage handling will be offered at an additional charge for those not booking group air.
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 has 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 or 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, changes in the itinerary, 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.
When issued, the air tickets shall constitute the sole contract between the air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. Please note that advertised air rates can change before ticketing. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or events during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances.
By forwarding of deposit or final payment by either check or credit card, 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. IRT and HPC reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour member 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.
Behavior: Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT personnel and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of our tour leader, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger the safety of other passengers, the tour leader will issue him 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 own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untraveled 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.
Acceptance of terms: Upon payment of a deposit, by either check or credit card, tour participants indicate acceptance of all stated IRT and HPC terms and conditions.
Optional Activities that may be Dangerous: Depending on the itinerary you have selected, optional activities furnished by independent suppliers will be available at some of the places you will visit. Some of these activities carry with them the inherent risk of serious personal injury. These activities include, but are not necessarily limited to: walking safaris; horseback /elephant back/camel safaris; canoe trips, white-water rafting and river cruises; hot-air balloon trips and gorilla-tracking on foot; locomotive foot-plate rides, cab rides or photo run-bys; helicopter rides scuba diving; shark diving; boat rides. You should be aware that your safety cannot be guaranteed. Should you elect to participate in such activities while you are on tour, you are of course, free to do so. However, you must understand that such participation will be at your own risk, and that The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. assumes no responsibility for your safety.
Complaints: The stated mission of The Society of International Railway Travelers is to offer the very best in rail travel around the globe for our members. However, if you have a complaint during your journey, please bring it to the attention to your tour leader as quickly as you can. Should the problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville, KY 40205. Our desire is to set things right. We cannot accept liability for any claims not made to us in writing within two months of completion of your journey. We also cannot tender any refunds for any reason outside the terms set forth above. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
The Society
of International Railway Travelers
800-478-4881
Please call
us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
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