SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Saanenland

Travel by rail from London to either Gstaad or Schönried in Switzerland. The Eurostar leaves in the early morning for Paris, where you change to a TGV train, arriving in to Geneva mid afternoon.

In Geneva change for Montreux, and then change again for a scenic 2 hour journey aboard the Golden Pass train to the Saanenland, on the border of the French and German speaking regions of Switzerland.

The Golden Pass line winds its way from the lakeside at Montreux, travelling through steep vineyards and up the hillside to Les Avants. In Montbovon and Rossiniere you can view the startling translucent turquoise waters that run in rivers crossed by ancient wooden bridges. The villages you will pass all retain their own individual architectural character, emerging out of plumes of evergreen trees.

The train continues to Chateau-d’Oex and Rougemont. Here the mountains are dotted with quaint chalets, small churches and castles - an image that is very typical of the Pays-d’Enhaut district. Leave Vaud and arrive in Gstaad or Schönried in the evening, and check in to your hotel.

Note: Alternatively you can fly to Geneva and start your train journey from there.

Days 2 to 7: In the Saanenland

Located on the border between the cantons of Bern and Vaud, the Saanenland marks the convergence of five individual valleys and is dotted with traditional Swiss farmhouses. The area is known for its delicious Alpine dairy products, which are served in many of the gourmet restaurants that line Gstaad’s main promenade. This includes traditional ‘fondue’. Gstaad Dairy (‘Molkerei’) will allow you to taste a selection of the over 3,000 cheeses produced here.

Spend seven nights enjoying the highlights of the Saanenland, and making the most of your eight-day rail pass to explore the surrounding villages and valleys. The region has hundreds of Alpine trails and paths, making it ideal for walkers and hikers of all abilities, with access by cable car to mountain tracks. The railway system allows you to travel to the various starting points. If you are adventurous, take a trip up to Glacier 3000 from where, at over 4,000m, you can take in the views of 24 surrounding mountains.

Gstaad is a charming town, with a pedestrianised ‘Promenade’ (main street) lined with up-market boutique shops, chic bars and stunning chalets. It sits in a glorious landscape of valleys and mountain pastures and combines style, Swiss ‘Gemütlichkeit’ (geniality) and tradition in a delightful way.

Schönried sits on slightly higher ground than its famous neighbour, Gstaad. It is a chalet village that is a paradise for nature lovers, with a mountain railway offering access to Horneggli Mountain. In winter this gives direct access to the largest ski area in the region and it is a cross-country skiing paradise. The village has named its central square in honour of Mike von Grünigen, the world champion Giant Slalom alpine skier.

Cable cars in the area can take you from Zweisimmen to Rinderberg, Schönried to Rellerli, Gstaad to Wispile, Rougemont to La Videmanette, Chateau-d’Oex to La Braye, Gsteig to Sanetsch, Reusch to Oldenegg, and Col du Pillon to Glacier 3000, the only glacier area in the Bernese Oberland.

Walkers can enjoy high-altitude hiking from the Rinderberg to the Horneggli, with its flower trail. You can also hike from Rellerli to Sparenmoos, or from Mount Wispile to Lake Lauenen. Another delightful walk is along the shores of the Sanetsch reservoir. There is another excellent flora and fauna hike at Oldenegg, and you can also walk along the Glacier 3000 marked trail.

The regional capital of Saanen is one of the most beautiful chalet villages in the Bernese Oberland. Tradition, handicrafts and a rich history give it a special charm. You can enjoy guided tours of Saanen, Zweisimmen and Rougemont, with the first two having museums of local history. Ensure you try an outdoor fondue from a restaurant that serves authentic alpine dairy products. Cheese tasting and cellar tours are also available at La Maison de l’Etivaz.

Many local sports are available including cycling, swimming and tennis, with the Swiss Open tennis tournament held in Gstaad each July. Located in Chateaux-d’Oex, Espace Balloon Foundation brings together all knowledge relating to hot air ballooning. The Yehudi Menuhin Festival of Classical Music is hosted each year in the 15th century St Mauritius Church in Saanen.

The wide variety of local activities, from cultural and historic tours to scenic walks and hikes, will ensure a most enjoyable stay in Saanenland.

Day 8: Saanenland to London

On your final day, board an early morning train from Schönried or Gstaad to Montreux, Geneva and Paris.

In Paris connect with the Eurostar back to London, arriving in the evening.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes second class rail travel, with supplement for first class and standard premier on Eurostar of about £460 per person.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.