Following the success of our revised itinerary, I have decided to repeat it for 2008. Highlights are a special tour of the city of Bern by STEAM TRAM,  the remarkable steeply graded steam line high over the Furka Pass to the Rhone Glacier, our own special "main line" narrow gauge steam charter to Grindelwald, and, of course, the delightful lake paddle steamers. As usual, a first class Swiss Pass is included so that you can explore on your own, as you please.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Monday) Mid morning departure by Eurostar from London to Paris, thence onward by TGV to Lausanne.

Tuesday) A day to explore the branch lines around the Aigle area, or perhaps travel inland to visit Murten or Gruyere. Evening cruise by paddle steamer to the medieval village of Yvoire on the French shore of Lake Geneva.

Wednesday) Via the superb MOB railway, one of my favourite rail journeys, via Zweissimen to Spiez, then via the Lotschberg line to Brig. Return to Lausanne direct, or take an afternoon train to the mountain resort of Zermatt, returning later.

Thursday) Morning cruise by paddle steamer on Lake Geneva followed by the Blonay – Chamby museum railway.

Friday) Morning train to Luzern. Today is Swiss National Day, and we join the evening parade of paddle steamers on the lake to an impressive firework display at Brunnen.

Saturday) By main line to the very attractive city of Bern, where we will enjoy a tour by specially chartered STEAM TRAM, with time also to explore the old city centre.

 Sunday) A day to enjoy the paddle steamers of Lake Luzern, or you could use your Swiss Pass to take the Voralpen route towards St Gallen, the branch line to the mountain resort of Engleberg, or enjoy the transport museum.

Monday) Over the Brunig Pass to Interlaken Ost for a private steam charter train to Grindelwald. 

Tuesday) The steam highlight! Southwards via Goschenen and Andermatt to Realp for the spectacular steam line over the Furka Pass to Gletsch. This was once part of the main line between Andermatt and Brig, but was replaced by a tunnel in the early 1980s. Each winter bridges have to be dismantled to protect the railway from the weather!

Wednesday)  Morning departure to Basel and thence by TGV to Paris, and onward by Eurostar to London.

OUR HOTELS

We will be based at the Hotel Agora in Lausanne, and the Central Hotel in Luzern. Both are good quality hotels, and are conveniently situated close to their respective stations. As usual, the tour is arranged on a bed and breakfast basis, but with dinner at the hotel on the first night only. Tour price, based on £1=2.39SFr is £1195 per person sharing twin/ double room, with £150 single supplement if required. This includes travel with the group from London, hotel accommodation as outlined above, a FIRST CLASS Swiss Pass, and the steam railway fares.