A 'Grand Tour' exploring the stunning lakes and mountains of Switzerland on board historic trains has been devised by heritage rail operator The Railway Touring Company.

The rail tour, brand new for 2016, was inspired by Switzerland Tourism's 2015 launch of the road-based 'Grand Tour of Switzerland' and public transport-based 'Grand Train Tour of Switzerland'.

Travellers joining The Railway Touring Company's new nine day 'Grand Tour of Switzerland' in October will be treated to an itinerary including Swiss alpine mountain railways on board mostly privately chartered steam trains and the legendary BLS 'Blue Arrow' railcar from 1938.

Commenting, The Railway Touring Company's MD Nigel Dobbing said, “We've applied our years of experience of organising journeys using Switzerland's wonderful heritage railways to create a journey we believe is a worthy addition to Switzerland Tourism's 'Grand Tour' idea.”

The Railway Touring Company's Grand Tour will visit famous mountain resorts such as St Moritz and Grindelwald, which is overshadowed by the mighty Eiger North Face and the Jungfrau. 

Switzerland's historic steam locomotive Nr. 1067, which dates back to 1910, will be employed on one of the legs of the tour and trips on board the legendary Glacier Express travelling past waterfalls, glaciers and over dramatic ravines, the Bernina Express and the William Tell Express are also part of the programme.

The spectacular Lötschberg summit route and Europe's oldest rack and pinion railway with its thrilling ascent to the 'Queen of the Mountains' Mount Rigi for views over the Swiss lakes and alpine landscape across to the German Black Forest will add to the excitement of this nine day exploration of scenic Switzerland, says The Railway Touring Company.  There is also a leisurely lake crossing from Lucerne to Vitznau on board the stately 1901 paddle steamer 'Uri'.

Departing on October 7 the Grand Tour of Switzerland costs £1975 per person (single supplement £195).  It includes eight nights accommodation with breakfast in three and four star hotels, two lunches and three dinners and first class travel on all journeys, including Eurostar to and from London St Pancras and Paris Gare du Nord and onward to Interlaken, except the mountain excursions where only standard class is available.

Other heritage rail based tours in Switzerland in 2016 offered by The Railway Touring Company, include 'Snow & Steam in the Swiss Alps', the 'Swiss Bernese Oberland', 'Lucerne and the Swiss Alps' and 'Summer at Lake Geneva'.

For a full programme of heritage rail holidays visit The Railway Touring Company's website or call for the 'Great Railway Adventures 2016' brochure.

The Railway Touring Company

Tel: 01553 661500

www.railwaytouring.net

ENDS

For further press information please contact:

The Railway Touring Company

Nigel Dobbing or Kelly Osborne, The Railway Touring Company, Tel: 01553 661500

or

Amanda Williamson, Press Officer – The Railway Touring Company, Tel: 01482 861614 amanda@habergham-williamson-pr.co.uk