Grand Train Tour of Switzerland in Winter30/Apr
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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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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Colorado Rail Experience22 Oct 2023
PHILIP SIMILA
“Generally excellent. Some places had a food desert . Trains all excellent. Need to warn people about the altitude sickness.
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New England in a Nutshell21 Oct 2023
Stephanie Koch-Prest
“Christine very personable and Vincent very attentive driver.
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Highlights of Tuscany11 Oct 2023
Mary Maki-Rich
“Loved the leader, Gilly. Loved the amount of free time and planned time as well. Perfecto.
Loved the food at Ercolini and Savi. Loved that it wasn’t based in Florence. Loved the size of the group.
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Best of Switzerland by Rail05 Oct 2023
MOLL, RICHARD
“Extremely well coordinated throughout the entire trip out guide was superb; very knowledgeable, very concerned for all of us, and a tremendous sense of humor.
Loved the fact that my suitcase was retrieved every morning and forwarded to the next hotel.
Only one hotel was not up to snuff, but luckily we were only there one night.
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(212 reviews)
