
Great Rail Journeys
Best of Switzerland
Eight-day independent Swiss tour on Bernina, Glacier and GoldenPass Express trains
Tailor Made Rail · Rail holiday

Visit the unforgettable city of Venice during Carnival time, when the city shakes off its winter slumber and comes alive in a whirlwind of masked balls, pageants, music and food.
Catch a Eurostar and connect onto the high-speed TGV Lyria service through France and into Switzerland. Check in for an overnight stay at the Hotel Adler (or similar) in Zurich, and enjoy an evening in the historic Lindenhof area.
Head back to the station for the journey into the Alps, choosing between the 35-mile Gotthard Tunnel or the longer route through the Gotthard Pass, before descending into Italy, passing through Verona and crossing the Venetian Lagoon by the Ponte della Libertà. Make your way to the Hotel Bisanzio (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
The Venice Carnival is believed to have started at the end of the 12th century as a celebration of victory in battle, evolving into a yearly festival. St Mark's Square is at the heart of things, where you are likely to spot the best costumes; buy a carnival mask and get involved.
A further day enjoying the Venice Carnival festivities. If you want to attend a ball or other paid event, tickets can be bought on the Venice Carnival website.
Make your way back to the station on the Grand Canal for the train service to Montreux via Milan and the Simplon route through the Alps. Check in at the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic (or similar), a lakeside town famous for its annual jazz festival and the photogenic Château de Chillon.
Head along the shores of Lake Geneva, with the UNESCO World Heritage listed Lavaux Vineyards to your right. Change at Geneva and catch a high-speed TGV to Paris, then cross from Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord for the Eurostar back to London.

Great Rail Journeys
Eight-day independent Swiss tour on Bernina, Glacier and GoldenPass Express trains

Great Rail Journeys

Marvellous Escapes

Planet Rail