Swiss Railway Tour:
The Glacier Express

Accommodation:
A 16th century mansion in downtown Zurich1 Night | Bed & Breakfast

The small hotel in the centre of Zurich prides itself as an “oasis of tranquillity” in the heart of the city, and indeed the ability to relax in the secluded garden next to the Neptune fountain dating back to 1770 is one of the many features that set this property apart. The small hotel with 35 individually decorated bedrooms offers convenience and comfort on the highest level. Lovers of wine and gourmet cooking will appreciate the restaurant's market-fresh cuisine and exquisite wine cellar. The pleasant oasis in the bustling city is the ideal refuge after a hard day of sightseeing in the nearby Old Town.

Zürich

Attractions:

Zürich
The city at the northern end of Lake Zurich began as a Roman settlement called Turicum. Zurich didn't become a free city until the 13th century, and shortly after that joined the newly established Swiss Confederation. The town's rise to prominence began during the era of Protestant reformer Ulrich Zwingli, who lived in Zurich from 1484 to 1531 and laid the foundation for the emergence of a Puritan-capitalistic culture. Today Zurich is one of the world's richest cities in terms of per capita income and its citizens enjoy the best quality of life in the world according to a survey conducted in 2007. Millionaires and billionaires from around the globe have established a residence in the city because of Swiss bank privacy laws and the country's low tax rate. Yet Zurich has much more to offer than secret bank accounts and low taxes: an attractive old town with chic cafés and bars, over 40 museums, and the famous Bahnhofsstrasse, one of the most elegant shopping avenues in Europe.

From Zürich to Andermatt by rail121 km | 2 hours 30 minutes

Accommodation:
A hotel in Andermatt2 Nights | Bed & Breakfast

In the beautiful village of Andermatt, directly on the Reuss river and close to the Gotthard massif, stands the 300-year-old building which now houses a boutique hotel. During its renovation, the old charm was consciously preserved – old materials such as wood panelling, beams and masonry were combined with modern elements in high-quality design. Each of the three categories offers rooms that have been furnished with a lot of attention to detail. Their design was influenced by Feng Shui and their alpine environment. In the morning a rich breakfast buffet with many local products awaits and provides a perfect start into the day. In the bar of the hotel, one can not only choose from 30 types of whisky, but there are also regular special events around the topic of single malts.

Attractions:

• Ticino: Paradisiac lakes, remote mountain villages
• Andermatt: At the center of exciting mountain passes
• Engelberg: Hiking and skiing paradise near Lucerne
• Furka steam locomotive: Over the pass with the cogwheel railway
• Tremolastraße: Scenic road at the St. Gotthard Pass
• Furka Pass: Watershed between the North Sea and the Mediterranean
• Susten pass (2,224 m): Wild romantic road with glacier view
• Grimsel Pass: Pass with a view between the Bernese Oberland and the Upper Valais

From Andermatt to Zermatt by rail110 km | 4 hours

Accommodation:
A colourful boutique hotel2 Nights | Bed & Breakfast

Red and zebra is the surprisingly attractive colour combination that greets guests to this tastefully decorated hotel, in which every room is different, and every room features a carefully coordinated colour scheme. As guests will happily discover, the entire property has been thoughtfully designed to please the body and soul, from the gourmet restaurant in the warm, wood-panelled dining room to the full three levels of swimming pool and spa facilities. The extraordinary hotel endeavours to make a stay there an intrinsic part of the Zermatt experience. And it succeeds.

Attractions:

• Zermatt: Car-free village at the Matterhorn
• Aosta Valley: Smallest and most beautiful region of Italy
• Brig: At the foot of the largest Alpine glacier
• Simplonpass: High alpine pass between glaciers and Mediterranean ravines
• Castello Fenis: Mighty castle of the counts of Challant

From Zermatt to Lausanne by rail173 km | 3 hours 30 minutes

Accommodation:
A shorefront chateau2 Nights | Bed & Breakfast

The castle-like mansion stands directly on the shore of Lake Geneva. The oldest part of the building, the tower, was built in 1170 by the Bishop of Lausanne. Over the centuries the fortified residence housed a succession of bishops before eventually falling into disrepair in the 17th century after being damaged by a fire. Today the expertly restored chateau is a small luxury hotel that combines first-class service with a first-class location. Guests can relax in the private swimming pool, the sauna, the Mediterranean restaurant or the lake-view terrace.

Attractions:

• Lake Geneva: Medieval towns and castles in front of dramatic alpine scenery
• Lausanne: Capital of the Swiss Riviera
• Thonon-les-Bains: Spa with picturesque view

From Lausanne to Luzern by rail211 km | 3 hours

Accommodation:
A rustic hotel in downtown Lucerne2 Nights | Bed & Breakfast

The unique hotel was constructed of seven carefully restored buildings in the medieval old town of Lucerne. Every room in the inn has a character of its own, which makes guests feel as if they were staying in a private home rather than a hotel. The restaurant specializes in French cuisine, and during the summer months meals are served on the rooftop terrace overlooking the irregular medieval townscape of Lucerne and the lake beyond.

Attractions:

• Lake Lucerne: The heart of old Switzerland: Picturesque Lake Lucern
• Lucerne: Jewel of Central Switzerland
• Maria Loreto: One thousand steps and Marian mysticism
• Pilatus: Switzerland's most famous panoramic summit

From Luzern to Zürich by rail58 km | 48 minutes

Climate Compensation
In order to compensate part of the CO2 emissions caused by your travels, we raise a voluntary donation, which is being transfered in its entirety to the Klima-Kollekte GmbH in Berlin or Wildlands South Africa. 

With your donation CO2-saving projects are supported; one example being solar cookers for Lesotho. Further information can be found at www.umfulana.com/about-umfulana/projects/climate-compensation
www.klima-kollekte.de and www.wildlands.co.za

If you wish to opt out of the Umfulana climate initiative, please note this on your booking form.