Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in Winter30 Apr 2024
CHRISTOPHER JOHN MORRIS
“For context, we live in New Zealand and booked to do this trip in March 2020, but Covid got in the way. We thought that was it, we'd never get to go. We were given a credit by Vacations By Rail (VBR) as many other companies did. Then, for global, cost and personal reasons, we could not do this trip until this year. Now I have to say, VBR went above and beyond to keep the dream alive. Their team (Hilary, Charles, Gabrielle and others) were very supportive and got us on tour in March 2024 and it was just fantastic.
The itinerary was very well planned, presented and easy to follow. It gave us time and options along the way. The 15-day SwissPass, SBB (Swiss Rail) and their SBB App were the magic that unlocked so many things to do. We used it heaps in Zurich and the surrounding regions where we had 6 days. We used it to visit museums, take Lake Cruises, Trains, Buses and Trams everywhere all included. A free tour of Chillon castle in Montreux (great to do, get the audio guide) etc... The hotels were great. Zurich, Old Town, Hotel Wellenberg great location and staff, Zermatt Alpenhof, brilliant, was the best we stayed in. Great hotel, luxury, location and restaurant (ask them to pick you up from the station, good to know). Same at the Crystal in St Moritz, give them a call. Interlaken Royal St George was pure luxury. Beautiful place. And many more. All an excellent experience.
As you can see we really enjoyed this trip and have nothing but praise for how VBR looked after us for four years and then with their excellent tour, meticulous planning and great choices of destinations and hotels. And all by email and a few calls from Chicago 13,000kms away. Thanks again. We couldn't ask for more and will remember this one for quite a long time. Chris & Helen
Some things we learnt along the way;
- Switzerland shops and supermarkets are shut on Sundays except for small grocery stores, cafes, pubs and restaurants etc
- If you are travelling in March/April just think about the impact Easter may have on your travels and day. Otherwise, great time of the year to travel. Not too many tourists and skiers. Not weather extremes either
- Ask the hotels about pickups from stations.
- Check the local attractions in and around Zurich. Some great places to see
- The Zurich Tourism office in Zurich's Hauptbahnhof is very good and well worth a visit for ideas and savings, oh and free WiFi as is SBB
- Have some change as they charge for the public bathrooms, 2CHF. Many have PayWave.
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Highlights of Switzerland & Italy by Rail27 Apr 2024
ROBERT PAUL ROMIG
“Our experience with Highlights of Switzerland and Italy by Rail was excellent! The trip was well-organized, the accommodations met or exceeded our expectations, and we thoroughly enjoyed the excursions and small group tours. A special thanks to the staff of Vacations by Rail staff, including Derek Espinosa, Gwen Freeman, Chrissy Brown, and Jeffrey for their support in making this a memorable experience for us.
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Winter in the Rockies11 Apr 2024
Helen Adams
“This was a great trip; the hotels were beautiful and we loved the overnight train! Just the right amount of coordination by Vacations by Rail so that our time was our own but all of the transportation details were arranged conveniently and expertly. This was our second Vacations By Rail trip, and we will definitely take more of them as we are big train travel fans.
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Aurora Viewing at Bettles Lodge03 Apr 2024
Chit Aquino
“Bettles Lodge had a homey, family ambiance. Staff were very friendly and entertained us with their personal stories. I was so happy that the Aurora Borealis did not disappoint me. I will definitely recommend this adventure at Bettles Lodge.
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Zermatt & St. Moritz featuring Glacier Express10 Mar 2024
Bryan Case
“It is a trip of a lifetime when done in winter. Everything that we were looking for visually. Made some new friends and a bunch of memories.
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Canadian Snow Train21 Feb 2024
VICTORIA LEEANN STONER
“Sleeper cabins with private toilet, food included, non alcoholic beverages included, snacks, and entertainment on the train is fantastic. The shared shower is a little less fantastic, might need and automated sanitization system. The experience was 10/10 would recommend.
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Canadian Snow Train with Jasper06 Feb 2024
Susan
“This trip was amazing and would highly recommend to anyone interested in train travel.
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New England Autumn Foliage Express13 Nov 2023
SAMANTHA RUBIO
“Exploring by train the romantic countryside painted with green fields, covered bridges, quaint running streams, and enchantingly fiery foliage. This trip had been in my manifestation journal for years, and it DELIVERS. Our trip was the week of October 8-15, 2023 and the foliage was PEAK! The whole trip is jam packed with activities, you really feel you're getting the most out of your experience and the best of New England because you're jumping from spot to spot. Mary Reed our guide was so considerate, always cautioning us what few activities could possibly pose a challenge to those with mobility issues, which most did very well with and had a great experience regardless. Mary was great, making sure we were all on schedule, pointed out remarkable sights, and made the experience informational, fun, humorous, and full of great surprises. Our driver Tom from Brown Coach was so great and personable. We were traveling by motor coach the whole trip, taking us from hotel to train and train to hotel, each train ride lasting 2-3 hours. We had a seat rotation to make sure there is no fighting for the "best seat".
Tips:
- Italian food in Boston Day 1 (we had Famiglia Di Gorgio, Incredible!)
- I found the most unique shopping was in Mystic, Ct. Make time to roam around in it.
- Wear really good walking shoes
- Bring gloves, a warm hat, and extra layers for day 4 as you go on the Mt. Washington train.
- Bring lots of vitamin D and C to maintain your health, everyone was sniffling and sneezing by the end
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(149 reviews)
