Switzerland & The Glacier Express

Switzerland & The Glacier Express

The Bernese Oberland is a popular and attractive region south of the Swiss capital of Bern. In a small area, you'll find a very diversified landscape with lakes, snow capped mountains, little mountain villages, cogwheel trains, hiking trails and much, much more.

 

Seelisberg, itself, is a small village, which towers above the entrance to the southern part of the Lake of Lucerne. The view from Seelisberg of the lake and surrounding mountains is breathtaking. In fact, it is depicted as a fresco in the Swiss House of Representatives in Bern. Seelisberg is a quiet and uplifting place, and perfect for “getting away from it all”.

 

The Glacier Express

Also known as the 'Orient Express of the Alps', the Glacier Express is famed for being the slowest 'express' train in the world. There is a good reason for this slow pace: the train squeezes its way through the Alps, through narrow valleys, tight curves, 91 tunnels, and across 291 bridges - The journey in total between Zermatt to St. Moritz takes about 8 hours. You can also travel part of the route, which we will do from Andermatt to Chur. Air conditioned, modern and spacious observation cars with large panoramic windows make the Glacier Express a wonderful journey through some of  Switzerland’s finest mountain scenery. One of the highlights of the journey is the ascent to the route’s highest point, the Oberalp Pass.

 

Andermatt, at 1436m, is where the Oberalp Pass begins. The Glacier Express winds its way upwards to 2034m, the highest point of this journey. This is where the river Rhine rises. The bare landscape up here is usually covered in snow from November to April. The road is closed during that period. Next up is a long descent along the Rhine valley to Chur, at 585m. Chur is the lowest point of the route. The landscape looks very dramatic in the Rhine gorge between Ilanz and Reichenau, where the river is carved deep into the white rocks. This region is also referred to as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. After Reichenau, the train will reach Chur, the capital of the canton of Graubünden and the largest town along the route. The travelling time is 2.5 hours.

 

The Glacier Express’ catering staff offer an on-board trolley service offering snacks, sweets and drinks.The Panorama Bar, serves a selection of beers, juices and spirits. You can also order snacks and sandwiches to be served at your seat.

 

Your Holiday Includes:

Channel Crossing

1 Night – Reims - France

4 Nights – Hotel Bellevue - Seelisberg

1 Night – Bruges - Belgium

Buffet Breakfast – 6 Mornings

Dinner 5 Evenings - 3 Course Menu

 

Included Highlights:

• Lucerne

• Bernese Oberland - Interlaken & Grindelwald

• Glacier Express Andermatt - Chur

 

Optional Experiences:

• Lucerne Lake Cruise

• Cable Car - Grindelwald

   

Notification of Boarding Times:

Departure Times/Itinerary/Luggage Labels will be forwarded approximately 10 days prior to departure.

Your Hotel

 

Hotel Bellevue - Seelisberg

Situated on the edge of the village of Seelisberg, the Bellevue enjoys spectacular lake and mountain scenery. There is a charming traditional bar and restaurant both rustic in style. Both perfect to unwind, relax, or join friends for drinks and to sit and admire the breathtaking views from panoramic windows. Not forgetting the sun terrace, the ideal spot to get up close and gaze at the vista of snow capped mountain peaks. 

 

All 70 bedrooms are furnished in a typical chalet style with TV, WiFi and hairdryer. Accommodation is housed in the main hotel and annexe building. There are some Ground Floor Rooms and a Lift serves rooms on the upper floors in the Hotel Building. Facilities include Tennis Court, Sauna and Gym.

 

Visit Hotel Bellevue website > Click here