Planet Rail · Independent rail holiday

Bern & the Schilthorn by First Class Rail

Bern & the Schilthorn by First Class Rail, a rail journey with Planet Rail

Discover the beauty of Bern and the Swiss Alps with first-class rail, stunning mountain views and the famous Schilthorn summit.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Bern

    By rail to Switzerland

    Your holiday begins as you stroll into beautifully restored London St Pancras International station. Take your time to admire the magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class. On arrival at the Gare du Nord your taxi will take you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France into Switzerland. Arriving in Basel just across the Swiss border, you change trains and continue to Bern, Switzerland's charming capital. Here you spend four nights at the welcoming Hotel Allegro (4 star superior).

    Meals: Lunch/light meal on Eurostar

  2. Day 2overnight: Bern

    Discovering Bern

    Enjoy a day taking in the medieval air of the Swiss capital. The beautiful old town of Bern, with its flagstone cobbled streets, charming covered arcades and red-tiled roofs, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Attractions include eleven ornate fountains dating back to the 16th century, the fascinating Astronomical Clock, and the Gothic cathedral dating back to the 15th century with the tallest spire in Switzerland at around 100 metres. Climb the 344 steps to admire incredible views of the surrounding hillsides and the old town below.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bern

    The Schilthorn

    Travel to the summit of the Schilthorn, one of Switzerland's most popular mountain viewpoints. From Bern take the train via Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, then a shuttle service to connect with the cable car ascending to the peak – more than 9,700 ft above sea level. The Schilthorn was used as a location in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. Enjoy lunch at the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant and discover the interactive exhibition. Optionally walk the Thrill Walk with its glass floor. On descent, break your journey in traffic-free Mürren or stop at Stechlberg to visit the Trümmelbach Falls – the largest underground waterfalls in Europe.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Bern

    A day at leisure

    Another day to continue exploring the charming Swiss capital. Highlights include the Museum of Communication with its cutting-edge interactive exhibits, the Historical Museum which recounts the decade when Albert Einstein lived here, and the elevated rose garden above the Bear Park. Bears have lived in Bern since 1513 and are a much-loved symbol of the city.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5rail

    Bern to London – homeward bound

    After breakfast, bid farewell to Bern and take the train to Basel, connecting with the high-speed TGV service to Paris. On arrival your private taxi transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord where you join the Eurostar to London, enjoying a light meal and drinks served at your seat, ahead of arrival at London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast, Light meal on Eurostar

Included

  • First Class rail travel throughout as described
  • Standard Premier service on Eurostar journeys with a light meal and drinks
  • 4 nights' accommodation in a comfort room at the Hotel Allegro (4 star superior) in Bern with breakfast each day
  • A journey to the summit of the Schilthorn
  • Private taxi transfers between the stations in Paris

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