Train Journeys of the Alps
June, 2009
10 Days • 16 Meals: 9 Breakfasts • 7 Dinners

Highlights…GoldenPass Panoramic Train • Chateau de Chillon • Zermatt   Matterhorn • Gornergrat Railway • Glacier Express • Bernina Express • St. Moritz • Innsbruck • Salzburg

Discover breathtaking Alpine vistas as you journey on some of the most dramatic railway lines and roads that pass through Switzerland, Italy and Austria. Experience Swiss train travel in all its glory, renowned for its special engineering and impeccable service, as you travel on four amazing trains. Enjoy the stunning beauty of the magnificent Alps, charming traditional villages and grand castles, and the distinctive cultural treasures found in this pristine corner of Europe. 

Day 1: Overnight Flight to Geneva, Switzerland

Day 2: Saturday, October 11, 2008
Stresa, Lago Maggiore, Italy - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in picturesque Stresa on Lago Maggiore. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included.

Day 3: Lausanne - GoldenPass Train
Climb aboard the GoldenPass Panoramic Train for your first Alpine rail journey from Lake Geneva region to Gstaad.  Discover astonishing views of the countryside and the delightful ambiance of Gstaad, a world-famous ski resort.  Traveling to La Maison du Gruyere, learn about the production of this favorite cheese and sample a variety of the Gruyeres. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 4: Lausanne - Chateau de Chillon - Zermatt
This morning travel by motorcoach to visit the legendary medieval Chateau de Chillon, considered the most well-preserved medieval castle in Europe.  Next, journey to Zermatt through the region’s beautiful wine country.  Traveling 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 the Alpine village of Zermatt, featuring beautiful panoramic views of the Alps, including the famous Matterhorn. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 5: Zermatt - Gornergrat Railway - Zermatt
Explore this quaint pedestrian-only village and take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway, featuring a special cogwheel that improves traction on steep slopes.  This trip provides sweeping views of glaciers and the starkly beautiful Matterhorn. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 6: Zermatt - Glacier Express Train - St. Moritz
Traverse bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow-gauge Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world.  Enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic route through the heart of the Swiss Alps, filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep valleys.  Marvel at the endless storybook landscapes and rural Alpine villages accessible solely by rail.  Tonight, explore the many splendors of St. Moritz. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 7: St. Moritz - Bernina Express - St. Moritz
Embark on the Bernina Express Train, which travels along one of the most scenic railway lines in the world.  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 dramatic views of the Italian Alps throughout your journey, including the Morteratsch Glacier. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 8: St. Moritz - Innsbruck
Travel to the magical city of Innsbruck, host to two winter Olympics, nestled comfortably in the mountains. Your home for the next three nights is the lovely Hotel Innsbruck, located just steps away from the well-known Golden Roof villa. The Golden Roof was constructed by Maximilian I of the Habsburg dynasty in the 15th century as a wedding present to his wife. Today breakfast will be included.

Day 9: Innsbruck - Salzburg - Innsbruck
Travel through the Austrian countryside to the magnificent city of Salzburg.  Enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour featuring Mirabell Gardens (seen in the Sound of Music), the quaint Getreidegasse (the street where Mozart was born), and many other highlights.  While at Mozart’s Geburtshaus, 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 return to the famous pedestrian street, the Getreidegasse.  Tonight you will attend a delightful dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter’s Restaurant, located in the historic city center. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

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 the famous Innsbruck Olympic Ski Jump, used for the 1964 and 1976 winter Olympics.  Your evening features a special farewell dinner and a Tyrolean folklore show. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Day 11: Innsbruck - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in the city of Innsbruck. Today breakfast will be included.

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