Fred. Holidays launches Switzerland Vintage Trains package

Fly* from London to Geneva in the morning and take a direct train from the airport to the pretty Swiss lakeside town of Montreux, on the shores of Switzerland’s largest lake – Lac Leman (Lake Geneva). On check-in, your 5-star hotel will provide a Montreux Riviera Card for use on the city’s local transport if you’d like to explore this afternoon ahead of an overnight stay.

Today you will board the beautiful Classic Belle Époque carriages and travel along the Golden Pass route to Zweisimmen and on to Spiez, from where you will continue your rail journey south to the Alpine resort of Zermatt, for a two-night stay. On day 3, if you would like to make the most of your free time you can add a half-price journey on the Gornergrat railway using your included Swiss Half Fare Card (optional, ask for details). This optional excursion will provide unparalleled views of the mighty Matterhorn mountain, or, alternatively, enjoy a day at your leisure. Pre-book this excursion at a supplement of £60 per person or arrange locally (Standard Class only)

A truly magical experience starts today as you board the Glacier Pullman Express for your first journey of two on board this exceptional train. Four vintage Pullman carriages, dating back to the 1920s and 30s, will carry you from Zermatt to Andermatt seated in large and comfortable armchairs with the sumptuous surroundings of exquisite hand-carved marquetry in art déco style by renowned French cabinet-maker René Prou. Two of these special carriages were once owned by the “Compagnie International des Wagons Lits”.  You’ll alight from the train for a selection of guided visits, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Aletsch Glacier as seen from the Eggishorn cable car, Fiescheralp, and a steam train journey on the Furka mountain railway. Lunch with drinks is included on board in the “Gourmino” dining cars as you make your way through the ever-changing Swiss scenery. The train will arrive into Andermatt in the late afternoon; head to your 5-star hotel, your evening is at your leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will once again join the Glacier Pullman Express for your onward journey to St Moritz. En-route you will traverse the 2033 metre-high Oberalp Pass to Disentis, where you will enjoy a visit to the Benedictine Abbey, founded in the year 720. Guided by one of the resident monks, you will see parts of the Abbey and learn about daily life here. From Disentis, the train is hauled by one of the famous and distinctive “Crocodile” locomotivess of the Rhaetian Railway through the Rhine Gorge, known as the “Swiss Grand Canyon”, delivering you into Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland, for a guided walking tour of the charming old town. South of Chur, the train will travel along the spectacular Albula Railway Line – also holding UNESCO World Heritage status – over the instantly recognisable Landwasser Viaduct and into St Moritz in the early evening, where you will stay for two nights in a 5-star hotel.

During your time in glitzy St Moritz, you can once again use your Swiss Half Fare Card to join an optional return journey on the glorious Bernina Express at half price (plus seat reservation); you’ll be spellbound as you watch the Swiss mountains and lakes give way to Italian greenery (optional, booking in advance is recommended) or just relax with an Aperol or coffee.Pre-book this excursion at a supplement of £100 per person in First Class or arrange locally – pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Take your rail transfer to Zurich airport and fly back to the UK*