Collette > Train Journeys of the Alps

Train Journeys of the Alps
11 Days starting from $2,749

Countries Visited:
Switzerland, Germany, Austria

 

Length: 11 Days
Type:
Category:
Operator: Collette
Tour Code: 3402
   
 
About This Tour


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.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing Highlights
  • Additional Details

Enjoy the services of a professional tour manager who accompanies you throughout your trip.

Meals
9 Breakfast(s), 7 Dinner(s)

Hotel Accommodations:
Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges

LAUSANNE Hotel Alpha Palmiers
ZERMATT Schweizerhof Hotel
ST MORITZ Hotel Monopol
INNSBRUCK Hotel Innsbruck
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Complimentary hotel-to-hotel baggage handling.
Sightseeing
Private transportation via a deluxe, climate-controlled motorcoach
Day 1
Overnight Flight to Geneva, Switzerland


Day 2
Lausanne, Switzerland
Your tour begins in the beautiful Lake Geneva region of Switzerland. This evening attend a special welcome reception and dinner.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Day 11
Innsbruck - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends today in the city of Innsbruck.


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
5/7/2009 - 5/17/2009
$2,749
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5/21/2009 - 5/31/2009
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5/28/2009 - 6/7/2009
$2,749
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6/11/2009 - 6/21/2009
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6/18/2009 - 6/28/2009
$2,749
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6/25/2009 - 7/5/2009
$2,749
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7/2/2009 - 7/12/2009
$2,749
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7/30/2009 - 8/9/2009
$2,749
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8/6/2009 - 8/16/2009
$2,749
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8/13/2009 - 8/23/2009
$2,749
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8/27/2009 - 9/6/2009
$2,749
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9/3/2009 - 9/13/2009
$2,749
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9/10/2009 - 9/20/2009
$2,849
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9/17/2009 - 9/27/2009
$2,849
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9/24/2009 - 10/4/2009
$2,899
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10/1/2009 - 10/11/2009
$2,749
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10/8/2009 - 10/18/2009
$2,799
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Know Before You Go...

Due to tour scheduling, flights on Day 2 should arrive in Geneva prior to 4:00 p.m.

Return flights out of Munich should be booked after 10:00 a.m.

Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required.

Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures air passengers will arrive into Geneva airport.  All transfers will depart from/return to these airports. 

The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. 

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Musuem visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.

This tour includes moderate physical activity.  The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time.  Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

 Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

Set against the backdrop of magnificent Alpine vistas, meet local guest speakers who will enhance your special journey.
• Explore the spectacular natural history of the Alps during a lecture about the geologic wonders of this fascinating region.
• Gain insight into Swiss rail travel, including the special engineering necessary for trains to operate in this mountainous area.
• Learn about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the social and political circumstances of 18th-century Salzburg, which influenced the education of this musical genius.

Know Before You Go...

Due to tour scheduling, flights on Day 2 should arrive in Geneva prior to 4:00 p.m.

Return flights out of Munich should be booked after 10:00 a.m.

Tour price does not include fees for a passport, which is required.

Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures air passengers will arrive into Geneva airport.  All transfers will depart from/return to these airports. 

The days and order of sightseeing may change to best utilize your time on tour. 

Single accommodations are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Musuem visits and shopping may be affected with observance of religious or local holidays.

This tour includes moderate physical activity.  The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time.  Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.

 Passport & Visa Information
Certain countries require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa requirements.

IMPORTANT: We recommend that our clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your emergency contact.

   
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