The Central Alps by Rail
June 27 to July 6, 2003
The majesty of the Alps...
The beauty that is Switzerland...
And then, there are the trains...
Join Great Event Tours for ten days in Europe's most beautiful country as we explore the towns and landmarks that make Switzerland a favorite among railfans and non-railfans alike! With the construction of massive tunnels on the Gotthard and Loetschberg lines, the old, scenic routes will be closed to through trains forever in a few years. Take this opportunity to ride through a part of history, as we travel across Switzerland from Zurich to Zermatt, from Lucerne to Lugano. Thanks to careful planning, our schedule is unhurried, giving us plenty of time to enjoy Swiss hospitality along the way...
As a special treat, Swiss railway expert Jacques Vuye will be joining this tour as co-host. Jacques' vast knowledge of Swiss trains and Switzerland itself, plus his charismatic and jovial personality will help make this trip a pleasure. We are delighted to have him along!
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Our Itinerary:
Friday, June 27:
We start our tour in Lucerne, a picturesque city on the banks of the lake of the
same name. Our hotel is the Hotel Alpina, a beautiful four star hotel
directly adjacent to the train station. The trip is kicked off at six p.m.
with a reception at the hotel bar.
View of Lucerne from the lake of the same name
Saturday, June 28: The heart of every railfan will beat harder today, as we visit the Swiss Museum of Transportation. This is a MUST for any train enthusiast, as the museum is filled with historic Swiss locomotives and rolling stock. From massive "Crocodiles" to the 'Red Arrow" to the "Brötli" steam train, the museum offers something for everyone. There is even a ride-on garden railway, exhibits on Swiss airplanes and cablecars, plus an exhibition by Swiss painter Hans Emi.
Courtesy Verkehrshaus der Schweiz
For those who have come less for the trains and more for the charm, the day is your to explore Lucerne. A guided tour through the old town along with shopping in the pedestrian zone is sure to delight. This beautiful city offers all the charm Switzerland has to offer.
Not content with strolling through town? A boat ride on Lake Lucerne might be a better distraction. Soak up the sun on deck as you glide across the clear, clean alpine water on a two hour boat ride across the lake and back...
We return this evening to the Hotel Monopol where we enjoy another restful night...
Sunday, June 29: Today will be a day to remember, as we head deep into the Alps to the famous Furka line, where a steam locomotive and carefully restored historic coaches take us 2,160 meters above sea level past alpine meadows full of wildflowers to a spectacular view of the Rhone Glacier. We return to Lucerne in time for a delightful dinner on a terrace overlooking Lake Lucerne.
Monday, June 30: Today we travel by bus south through Switzerland to the town of Lugano on the Italian border. On our way we will stop in Wassen, where the famous church offers three different views of trains plying the famous Gotthard line, not to mention the panoramic views of the Alps. In addition, we'll stop in Erstfeld, where an incomperable collection of historic locomotives awaits. In the afternoon we will arrive at our hotel in Lugano, the four-star Hotel Lugano Dante, a charming hotel accessible from Lugano station by funicular railway. Dinner this evening takes place sailing on beautiful Lake Lugano.
Tuesday, July 1: The beautiful city of Lugano awaits those with a desire to spend the day "train free". The artisan's district of Morcote is at your disposal, and a cable car ride to the spectacular view from San Salvatore is also included in your day of activity. Time for a break? No problem! How about a relaxing massage and sauna instead? Say the word, and you can enjoy a day of pampering and relaxation. It's included in your tour.
The die-hard train fans will spend the morning in Chiasso, watching the exchange of Italian and Swiss motive power. This will be followed in the afternoon by a visit to the large Marklin layout at Menrisio, plus the amazing "Swiss Miniatur", a huge garden filled with miniature representations of some of Switzerland's most famous landmarks (and a garden railway to boot). We return to Lugano late in the afternoon, in time for a glass of Grappa and a hearty dinner.
One of dozens of famous Swiss landmarks, faithfully reproduced in G scale at Swiss Miniatur
Wednesday, July 2: It's time to leave this beautiful city, and we cross into Italy as we head west towards Brig, Zermatt and the Matterhorn. We follow the picturesque Centovalli line, and enjoy lunch and wine tasting in the Italian town of Domodossola. The Simplon route is next, bringing us to Brig and the Hotel Victoria, across the street from the train station.
The Hotel Victoria, our home for two nights in Brig
Thursday, July 3: Today the town of Zermatt awaits us. Only a generous hour by train away, we'll spend the day poking through the designer boutiques and marvel at the jewelry, watches and fashions of this multi-national playground of the elite. For a better view of the Matterhorn, we'll ride the rack railway up to Gonergratt to the foot of this majestic peak. In the afternoon we return to Brig.
an amazing view is to be expected on the Gonergratt line!
Friday, July 4: This is a good day to load up on the hotel's sumptuous breakfast buffet, as you will need your energy. The Loetschberg line plays host to our day of travel, as we ride the BLS to Kandersteg, crossing the famous Bietschtal viaduct in the process. From there we head out on foot for an easy 4-mile hike along beautiful trails offering splendid views of the Alpine wilderness, and the trains on the Loetschberg line to boot!
A bus returns us to the station, and we ride the BLS the rest of the way to Interlaken. Our hotel, the Hotel DuLac, sits just outside the Interlaken Ost station, affording views of the railway on one side, and beautiful Lake Thun on the other. You will be lulled to sleep with the distant sound of brakes on wheel flanges, and the lapping of clear water against the boardwalk...
Saturday, July 5: We are headed back to Lucerne today, but not before we ride the historic Bruenigbahn, which is slated to be closed in a few years. In Brienz we travel on the Rothorn steam cog train, where we could see as many as eight steam trains making their way up to a spectacular panorama of the Bernese highlands.
We lunch at the Rothorn Kulm Hotel, then ride back down the mountain and continue to Lucerne.
The Hotel Monopol awaits, though we arrive in time to enjoy a walk along Lake Lucerne's promenade before heading off to a delicious dinner.
The beautiful Hotel Monopol, our final stop on this exciting tour
Sunday, July 6: A cruise on Lake Lucerne starts our last day of the tour. We sail over to Fluelen, then ride up to the summit of Mount Pilatus on the world's steepest railway.
The view from 7000+ feet is amazing, with Lucerne at your feet and the mountains all around. We head back down the mountain and return to Lucerne by train. A farewell celebration takes place this evening, and we say our goodbyes...
Lucerne at dusk
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Your trip includes:
10 days and 9 nights in 4 star hotels, admission to the Swiss Transportation Museum, all train travel first class (where available), ship's passage on all the lake crossings, breakfast every morning, transfer costs, two group dinners, and all gratuities for included events. Alternate events listed in the itinerary are also included for a limited number of guests. The total cost of this tour including everything mentioned above is as follows:
Total cost not including airfare: $2475.00 per person, double occupancy
Including coach airfare from Detroit to Frankfurt round-trip: $3195.00 per person, double occupancy
Supplement for single room accommodations: $185.00. Family rooms for up to four are also available, and often children under 6 are free. Contact Great Event Tours if you have any special requirements.
Does this sound like a trip of a lifetime? If so, please read the terms and conditions below. Then please complete the application form by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. Send the application along with your deposit check (PayPal also accepted) to the address listed at the bottom.
AS ALWAYS: Please do not hesitate if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to make this trip as enjoyable as possible, and will be happy to review any items with you. We want you to come along!
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE APPLICATION FORM
Terms and Conditions:
Deposit and Payment: An initial deposit of $500 is required by April 15 to secure reservation of one or more of the limited spaces. Final payment must be made by June 1. Checks must be made payable to Great Event Tours, Inc. and sent to 515 Miner Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Those wishing to pay their deposit or total amount due by Visa / MasterCard may do so through PayPal simply by clicking on the icon below. If you wish to pay by credit card but do not wish to use PayPal, please CONTACT GREAT EVENT TOURS for payment information.
Departure from Standard Itinerary: Should you wish to join us for a portion of the trip, or if circumstances require that you deviate from the group for a portion of the tour, every effort will be made to accommodate you. If possible, a portion of the trip cost will be deducted from the total based on your requirement / request. Great Event Tours prides itself on our flexibility. This is your vacation. Anything we can do to make it as enjoyable as possible will be done, period. Please let us know what your desires are and we will put full effort into making it happen.
Cancellations: Any cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations made after May 15 will result in forfeit of the deposit. Cancellations made after June 1 will be refunded with a 50% penalty, while cancellations made after June 15 cannot be refunded.
NOTE: In order to realize this Great Event, it will be necessary to have at least fifteen persons signed on the tour. If fifteen deposits have not been received by May 15, 2003, Great Event Tours may, at their discretion, cancel the tour and return all monies paid. Great Event Tours cannot be held liable for any additional costs (airfare, etc) as a result of this cancellation.
Proof of Citizenship: All U.S. citizens are responsible for having proper proof of citizenship. Married women traveling with documentation in their maiden name must supply a marriage license. All trip participants, regardless of age, must possess a valid passport. No refund will be issued because you forgot your passport! For non-U.S. citizens, it is your responsibility to be sure you have proper travel documents. No refunds will be issued if you are denied admission to the flight or the E.U.
Itinerary: Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as written on this page. However, due to circumstances beyond our control, we may be required to revise this itinerary without prior notice. Great Event Tours, Inc. reserves the right to make any changes to this itinerary or the locations listed herein.
Legal Mumbo-Jumbo: Great Event Tours, Inc. is responsible for arranging the tours, travel arrangements, and accommodations (or reasonable substitute) listed herein. Great Event Tours is not responsible for any act, error, omission, injury to person or property, inconvenience, accident, delay, disappointment, or behavior of any company and/or their employees, agents, servants, or facilities in connection to or in service of Great Event Tours, Inc. during this tour. It is expressly understood that Great Event Tours is not responsible for any delays or cancellations of airline flights due to reasons beyond our control, including acts of terror, work stoppages, labor strikes, or Forces Majeure and shall have no liability whatsoever relating to flight or train delays, including but not limited to liability for damage related to shortened vacation time, inconvenience or hardship, additional expenses, or any for of damage. By accepting this contract, you hereby relieve Great Event Tours, Inc. of all such liability.
CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE APPLICATION FORM
If you have any questions regarding this or any other tour, please feel free to give us a call at +1 (734) 846-2433 or email us here