TRAIN JOURNEYS OF THE ALPS ITINERARY:
Day 1 — Depart the U.S.
Depart on an 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. (D)
Day 3 — Lausanne and 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. Travel to La Maison du
Gruyere, and learn about the production of this favorite cheese
and sample a variety of the Gruyeres. (B)
Day 4 — Lausanne, Chateau de Chillon, and 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 and Gornergrat Railway
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. (B,D)
Day 6 — Zermatt, Glacier Express Train, and 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. (B,D)
Day 7 — St. Moritz, Bernina Express, and St. Moritz
Embark on the Bernina Express Train, which travels along one
of the most scenic railway lines in the word. 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 the dramatic views of the Italian Alps
throughout your journey, including the Morteratsch Glacier. (B,D)
Day 8 — St. Moritz and 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.
(B)
Day 9 — Innsbruck and Salzburg
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 independently
explore the Hohensalzburg Fortress, which was founded in the
11th century by Archbishop Gebhard, or return to the famous
pedestrian street, the Getreidegasse. Tonight attend a
delightful dinner at the centuries-old St. Peter's Restaurant,
located in the historic city center. (B,D)
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, which was used for the 1964 and 1976 winter Olympics. Your
evening features a special farewell dinner and a Tyrolean
folklore show. (B,D)
Day 11 — Depart for the U.S.
Depart Innsbruck for the U.S. (B)
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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.
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2008 DEPARTURE DATES & RATES |
Land Only Rates Per Person:
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Departures |
Double |
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August 14, 2008
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$2,299
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September 11, 2008 |
$2,399
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September 18, 2008 |
$2,399 |
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September 25, 2008 |
$2,399 |
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October 02, 2008
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$2,299
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May 28, 2009 |
$2749 |
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June 25, 2009 |
$2749 |
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July 30, 2009 |
$2749 |
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August 13, 2009 |
$2749 |
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September 3, 2009 |
$2749 |
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September 17, 2009 |
$2849 |
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September 24, 2009 |
$2849 |
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October 1, 2009 |
$2749 |
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October 8, 2009 |
$2749 |
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION |
- Sample land and air rate is subject to availability and
may vary by airline, flight number, or routing.
- 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.
- 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.
- Our itineraries include many activities and may consist
of walking on uneven terrain or significant walking at
times. Some of the most unique sightseeing can mean
accessing locations that restrict motorcoaches, especially
in historic areas. For your comfort, we recommend bringing
sturdy walking shoes.
- If you have not purchased air through Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures and wish to purchase transfers,
you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.
- Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures air passengers
will arrive into the Geneva airport and depart from the
Munich, Germany airport. All transfers will depart
from/return to these airports.
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EDUCATIONAL
HIGHLIGHTS |
- Meet local experts who will enhance your special journey
through a magnificent backdrop of Alpine vistas.
- 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 that is necessary for trains to operate
in this mountainous area.
- Learn about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the social and
political circumstances of 18th-century Salzburg that
influenced the education of this musical genius.
All information is property of Smithsonian
Journeys Travel Adventures. Certain restrictions apply. All
rates in U.S. dollars. Prices, savings offers, and other terms
subject to change without notice. Images, logos, photographs
etc. on this page is copyrighted by Smithsonian Journeys Travel
Adventures. All such copyright material is acknowledged. These
pages are not endorsed or supported by Smithsonian Journeys
Travel Adventures in any way. All information presented is based
on promotional material provided by Smithsonian Journeys Travel
Adventures. It is presumed to be accurate and is subject
to change without notice.
Call toll-free 1-877-306-5595
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