tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30383667662606955092024-03-21T11:08:15.166-07:00Swiss Rail TourAn account of an independent 10 day tour of the Swiss Railway system carried out in July 2007.GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-16017992349997253082007-09-30T13:17:00.000-07:002012-02-20T13:37:17.309-08:00The planning stage<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i><span style="font-size: 85%;">Please note: Normally, blog postings appear in reverse chronological order (ie newest first). I have adjusted the dates for these postings so they appear in chronological order (ie oldest first). This post, for example, was created in May 2007 and hence predates the trip which happened in July 2007.<br /><br />The main purpose of this blog is to provide anyone who is considering planning a trip on the Swiss Railways to share in my experiences. I could have done it more cheaply, but I was determined to organise the whole thing myself. Partly because I wanted to set my own itinerary and partly because I wanted to travel independently, rather than feeling hassled and hustled. OK, it took a bit more effort, but planning the trip was, for me, as interesting and exciting as actually doing it. I hope my ramblings (in both senses) are of help to you. If you have any questions which have not been answered or suggestions as to what could be added, then please leave a comment.</span></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholbTfJmrf1erGCsk_ppBfKfe7IQOJ2SHlQ1R7p7pkEWgQYadN8-PFrbG6mKtrK1VyrRJ_aRQKlbQdhpgwIoSiUS2juOOPm6T3Z_YqXuGYJ-2-thHOiBxAOfbS8JmcLswApkup46TgseE/s1600-h/IMG_0237cropped.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256206327200405554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholbTfJmrf1erGCsk_ppBfKfe7IQOJ2SHlQ1R7p7pkEWgQYadN8-PFrbG6mKtrK1VyrRJ_aRQKlbQdhpgwIoSiUS2juOOPm6T3Z_YqXuGYJ-2-thHOiBxAOfbS8JmcLswApkup46TgseE/s320/IMG_0237cropped.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>Ever since I can remember I have wanted to travel on the Swiss railway network. This year, for various reasons, I decided to fulfil this ambition. Apart from a car trip through Switzerland a few years ago, I knew nothing about the Swiss railway system. So my first enquiry led me to the Swiss Travel System website and their map of the system:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/fileadmin/pdf/STS-P-M-08-enLOW.pdf"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/fileadmin/pdf/STS-P-M-08-enLOW.pdf</span></a><br />
<br />
Five airports are shown on the map - Basle, Zurich, Geneva, Lugano and Bern. Looking at the rail network, Geneva looked like a promising start and end point. From here, I plotted a route which would last approximately eight days and started looking for hotels. It was at this point I started looking also at air fares. None of the airports appeared to be destinations for cheap flights from Liverpool or Manchester, so I looked for an alternative - for example, travelling by train or flying to another airport and catching a train to Geneva.<br />
<br />
The RyanAir service map made me realise that one of its destinations, Milan (Bergamo) is quite close to Lugano, the southernmost point of the Swiss rail network. Furthemore, looking again at the map of the railway network, using Lugano as the start and end point was going to be far more effective than using Geneva.<br />
<br />
Consequently, a new route was determined:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold;">The route</span><br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Day 1 </span>- Milan - Lugano - Goschenen - Andermatt - Chur<br />
(This includes the St Gotthard tunnel and part of the <a href="http://www.glacierexpress.ch/" target="_blank">Glacier Express</a> route)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Day 2</span> - Chur - Tirano - Lugano<br />
(<a href="http://www.rhb.ch/index.php?id=33?&L=4">The </a><a href="http://www.rhb.ch/index.php?id=33?&L=4" target="_blank">Bernina Express</a>)<br />
<br />
Day 3 - Lugano - Locarno<br />
(An easy day - with an opportunity to visit<a href="http://www.swissminiatur.ch/" target="_blank"> Swiss Miniatur </a>)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Day 4 </span>- Locarno - Spiez - Interlaken<br />
(The<a href="http://www.centovalli.ch/centovalli/home/home.php" target="_blank"> Centovalli Line</a> and Simplon Tunnel)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Day 5 </span>- The Jungfrau<br />
(<a href="htthttp://www.jungfrau.ch/en/quick-navigation/top-of-europe/jungfrau-railways/" target="_blank">The Jungfraubahn</a>)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Day 6 </span>- Interlaken - Lucerne<br />
(Part of the <a href="http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/content/experiences/scenic-routes/goldenpass-line/" target="_blank">Golden Pass Line</a>)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Day 7</span> - Lucerne - Lugano<br />
(<a href="http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/en/content/experiences/scenic-routes/wilhelm-tell-express/" target="_blank">The William Tell Express</a>)<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Day 8</span> - Lugano - Milan<br />
<br />
With the route finalised, the hotels and trains were booked.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #006600; font-weight: bold;">Booking Hotels and Trains</span><br />
Booking the hotels, hostels and guest houses was a relatively straightforward process using the internet and was accomplished in a couple of evenings. To keep costs down we booked into cheapish rooms (around £60 per room per night - 2007 prices). It remains to be seen what they are like.<br />
<br />
Buying the Swiss Rail Pass was accomplished easily online through the Swiss Travel Centre. As this was going to be a once in a lifetime experience we decided to travel first class which at £205 each for eight days (you get 15% discount for two) seemed like a bargain (and cheaper than a first class return ticket from Crewe to London!).<br />
<br />
Named trains in Switzerland need to be booked in advance. A phone call to the Swiss Travel Centre in London quickly solved this - I was even able to book a meal on the Glacier Express and return tickets from Milan to Lugano on the Italian Railway system.<br />
<br />
The trip begins on 18th July. Watch this space!</div>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-67908182104465549852007-09-29T05:44:00.000-07:002012-02-20T13:35:00.060-08:00Day 1 - Liverpool to Bergamo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had heard a few horror stories about budget airlines cancelling flights and hence decided to fly out a day earlier than planned. The trip was so carefully planned that a delay on the first day would have had disastrous consequences for the whole holiday.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105631820226820386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46MFLeM4fU5nHsTgxuT-tEfYc5RhX2oqQ-_OQBE-VJO5ILUiiO-o_wQsm-Gxbn1JivPUDX_MwDjAkAqhogoDstzVVl8JOro0uC_EWn-Cb3Qh8bD2LU15pgW7Z_ap81ptb_6AwSnRUwdA/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
As it turned out, the Ryanair flight from Liverpool to Bergamo was uneventful and we booked into a the recently built Art Hotel in Bergamo which was comfortable, air conditioned and well within budget.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105631824521787698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh416OhCNNIK8sGLLR8KGjxNdH58irX2ZOHBk64rRQBRdEFKlgVGGvMhH8ttiteGggMp3QwZ4yiCtmIgY_wRQHD7U8mPSfBW-K7onpyQsKQpnt4WDy8MXOxpIQF8b2y_Grr3p3DimvYnEM/s320/IMG_0020.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
A ten minute stroll into the centre of the local community of Stezzano led to a pleasant meal outside the local pizzaria. Although this hotel is a ten minute taxi ride from the station, it was certainly worth it in terms of facilities and value for money.</div>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-77218194762530670732007-09-28T05:51:00.000-07:002012-02-20T13:37:46.489-08:00Day 2 - Bergamo to Milan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After a leisurely breakfast, a taxi ride to Bergamo station and our first experience of the Italian railway system.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105633035702565186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojFojXjdzPjmLzuW8gtgSrj4IIDqyKBtfsIGwfQCeH0oizF_Tuk_GTF5ezK9D5TXotcRY8Z6ZAiep_8L4lDXC3bqbiYzrYoGavJOGtuOriNfsfJmw78EjYun-sX5AMNAsZcAkKYHEEuU/s320/IMG_0025.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
A stopping train eventually took us into the centre of Milan. The Centrale station building in Milan is very impressive, though it was in the process of being renovated. I had booked us into the Hotel Gonzaga which is within easy walking distance of the station; it was clean, cool (the temperature in the city was 39 degrees!) and comfortable. Don't be put off by the exterior, inside it is great!<br />
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105633039997532498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqcCOYF6Je0lXjvbiQNSVnkaKhNq3klhyphenhyphenyAe83QDn5gFtq4ZGoNbZ6OAdDQ4eGygcZWJm1xdPVyWcN_J_9sSGbvh3tX8074xT3eLkWNbFv3d0yj1T7I3aCv1xPcJbALw3gCn-ZniZ_p8/s320/IMG_0031.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
Divested of our suitcases we were able to explore the city. A day pass on the subway system enabled us to travel to the centre and thence to Porta Genova where we discovered the delights of the <i>'Happy Hour'</i> at the cafes, bars and restaurants beside the canal. A set price entitles you to a drink as as much food as you can consume from a buffet. Beware though, we discovered that the price of the second drink is the same as for the first (ie including the cost of the buffet). <br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105633044292499810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZWRAYZgUiEfAyoR_3_mbDxPHibHiGymAfEVFmkyTlp41FV9Yh-IMsC-X_M3w9hGDQK_ZpAZcu0GCorS-9u_yIyl8YjRwXSp5iS_TpMvLUo3AcSUIhPdwbEF5k2XdSuVzw9OHwl0UknM/s320/IMG_0032.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /><br />
We weren't that impressed with Milan - maybe we didn't find the interesting sights - or maybe it was too hot. We found the Museum of Technology (which was quite interesting - though we were disappointed we were unable to go aboard the submarine), the Duomo and arcade (expensive!), the opera house and the park. However, the atmosphere by the canal was pleasant and relaxed.</div>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-90950763960278795112007-09-27T05:59:00.000-07:002007-10-14T05:38:45.956-07:00Day 3 - Milan to ChurThis was the day the rail holiday really began!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105635702877256050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0JmHl6wICiPGLqqjE6AkXpQQ9Rt2jLNhcg-n9wGTGC-KBlbrbOgxy1xcnBx-DJptN0TixetH89CWLRvvsNAR5E4YBR_iOZfG2bRprpCMKBcJJwBtS02yam7ML7sujzdtnoXEOhuhsICg/s320/IMG_0038.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Swiss Railways train took us from Milan Central through the southern states of Switzerland, through the St Gotthard tunnel and on to Goschenen. Here we disembarked and boarded the rack railway which climbed up the Schollenen Valley to Andermatt.<br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='280' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx5tin05SKRhIDnvBNbKQsIN8FBEuuadRBTju1MMDMTJonrevsPu8RlXoCsXSvvoYGKOVsngRcloZUq4GOb' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p><br />By this time I realised I had made a tragic error in booking the train from Milan, which meant we missed the <em>Glacier Express</em> (and our meal booked in the restaurant car). H0wever, we found the quality of food at the station cafe in Andermatt was very good - including home-cooked lasagne and some staples of Swiss fayre (eg sausages). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105635707172223362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYP_H1fW0WKCi9ugAXqb98mjtKH1F4vNG-qyPf4ySSFk_efQaEZdUIqK4ellc_Fy762is_iiIV4q9B-tqbBDP7bzxb6pVgr95TrGWYl8-1kFSacTONfdX226-QejAOAMKGpHWEAomoqbk/s320/IMG_0043.jpg" border="0" />Fortunately, trains run regularly over the Swiss system and we were able, with our Swiss Passes, to board the next available train to Chur which followed the same route as the Glacier Express. For me, the journey on the local train was far more interesting and rewarding than it would have been had we been crammed into the panorama coaches. On the local train, the windows could be opened for uninterrupted photography. In addition, we had the first class section of our carriage to ourselves and hence felt uninhibited in opening all the windows and leaping around taking pictures and video clips at our leisure.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105635711467190674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE4r_sn6Qhw7aOGOKnMB-RjZI20a5xEPyU7PRQ3tguTmTR0K1MpqkjniU94rQD1g5FVi2h2Ng6BwQtnEdgCpTQMDfrJM4b2Y835P3V0uqAcqYlDFAupblJfjyJHu1kdWpCKPajcFprz50/s320/IMG_0047.jpg" border="0" /><br />We arrived in Chur in sufficient time to be able to stroll into the city centre to find food (and drink). The town has been modernised and pedestrianised but there are some interesting nooks and crannies to explore.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105651023025600946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaTdbdVr9ZDk4jtUrP7gm615h5nAsKPGQPWtzhkL7nTU3z5GF2zeirpeEPPcVA66cTJ5Jq7JxfhhSycXvn9vL3vJj362bH_n7iD2GDSUZ0hZIsHoKaCxydCDKKCNrUYEJekizMrD8nCw/s320/IMG_0070.jpg" border="0" /><br />We stayed at the IBIS hotel in Chur, which is within walking distance of the city centre (though not with suitcases). <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105635715762157986" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIvh86ZLBhgk3eLW30SFw7XXB3NOuId8vLKsjRT3lANMoOd15tiM4FXPvgFG2YzmV46zwgOrcZltJy86vAPba7JqwYjRKk4d48aSB3VHQLs1Zrr0wOUUHbW2hZBENN9_evdYf1eY_lko/s320/IMG_0079.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>As can be seen, the hotel has an interesting pyramidal design - we stayed very near the apex in a large and comfortable room. The staff were very friendly and the buffet breakfast was well worth the extra cost - setting us up for the day ahead. </p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxVYvEpVqdJO6sfJq8memthnVKgeMZm3DzQs6ZA3P_myKicpcJCK3SvYLwtGKx0pZrAJ6qvBgW2R8W8I_3Ozg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-90059972220047191112007-09-26T06:13:00.000-07:002012-02-20T13:39:52.931-08:00Day 4 - Chur to Lugano<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The station at Chur is fascinating. A junction of several railways - both standard and metre gauge - with arrivals and departures every ten minutes or so, means there is plenty to watch while waiting for the train.<br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105715537729354178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVLMu0YCxOcgJLZMDeFhvTbKPqcEU8_SuTxLBehUrx6l083mJdLzBHkpPXuqft0VcOT4tVgEG2_mQ8oxFJMyfNvyNGbcLXfg4XKqsA_fAoRycYT1gUd0h6Y3VruLCTatDNshV17IlN9OA/s320/IMG_0085.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /> <br />
We had booked aboard the panorama train of the Bernina Express which ensures everyone has a superb view of the scenery, but being unable to open the windows makes photography difficult. However, the commentary in German, Italian and English was very helpful in alerting us to particular and impressive aspects of the railway, which winds and spirals its way up and over the Bernina Pass. A key feature of the line is that it uses adhesion for the entire journey - there are no rack sections, even though the gradient is a steep as 1 : 14 (7%).<br /><br />Key features of the line are: <br />
<ul>
<li>The Landwasser viaduct (probably the most well known railway feature in Switzerland)</li>
<li>The spirals between Bergun and Preda </li>
<li>The Montebella curve and Alp Grum </li>
<li>The descent into the Poschavio valley</li>
<li>The spiral viaduct at Brusio </li>
</ul>
<div align="center">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzA5kSIdC7EY4AupRj1jCBtWdfbDVykzdQOlfJeThRsoM-yxUGSNFJp83T8E4G0XMSQJnu44Mm-TMjXwDZSJQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
The line terminates in the Italian town of Tirano where a coach (which must also be booked in advance via the Swiss Rail Centre) took us past Lake Como to Lugano. The coach journey was particularly interesting as we neared Lugano where the road wound through the mountains and villages and in several places narrowed to a single lane. Our driver was clearly familiar with the route and threw the coach (sometimes almost literally) through impossibly narrow gaps and, with blasts on his horn, sent other motorists into complicated reverse manoevres. <br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105726326687201746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXoTPpzMWBT8_qxEPx07RV4Iqycno4LTzkkwv4ug1Aj9-_wt7hZTsrdN3uYKKA3nDblQ2diR2E-VZ1BiNWG2xYy8V6-W3OPGnZaqHcLdDkkp0YG_08DHAo38wPe5A3UTyTGH29Wnrklc/s320/IMG_0125.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" />The only positive thing we can say about the hotel we booked into was that it was close to the lakeside and was reasonably priced. Lugano itself is fascinating with plenty of night life and slightly faded elegance. We found the bar at the Lido to be particularly pleasant for a glass (or two) of Prosecco or a Campari Soda as an aperitif before strolling into the centre for a leisurely al fresco meal. Mind you, the selection of food is fairly limited. It's fine if you like staple Italian fare (pizzas and pasta) - but limited if you want a bit more variety.</div>
GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-60411208296819792092007-09-25T02:59:00.000-07:002012-02-20T13:41:54.433-08:00Day 5 - Lugano to Locarno<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Day 5 was relatively restful. My daughter spent a leisurely day reading, swimming and eating in Lugano whilst I took a short train journey beside the lake to Melide to see Swiss Miniatur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_iO-_CXhRMLpNl26sulMHb9BMTGLBwgxvP9WDgREs9lb_wef3Jf3PjDr54N4hxJO_uLhezzt5NmL3y9dPkTFKh8f8kJlyMEGeR2KQoPXVf82_OcF0t2izkq9a5fKIUnmVDlr7Pm590U/s1600-h/IMG_0133.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115643567521405170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_iO-_CXhRMLpNl26sulMHb9BMTGLBwgxvP9WDgREs9lb_wef3Jf3PjDr54N4hxJO_uLhezzt5NmL3y9dPkTFKh8f8kJlyMEGeR2KQoPXVf82_OcF0t2izkq9a5fKIUnmVDlr7Pm590U/s320/IMG_0133.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZdn8PuxNwhUGxR3TA15nyfNF7yWA1AYJGrjGwFud7uiUEFBM0BWSLrT3AYyILTMj9uqrAyZvqqDQSKnJGkuDmz_uaQ8ixlK4mjoKtxOkXc0Zzfk2KROfEJIOs8DNuR9hjai9NzNOZbg/s1600-h/IMG_0135.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115643571816372482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZdn8PuxNwhUGxR3TA15nyfNF7yWA1AYJGrjGwFud7uiUEFBM0BWSLrT3AYyILTMj9uqrAyZvqqDQSKnJGkuDmz_uaQ8ixlK4mjoKtxOkXc0Zzfk2KROfEJIOs8DNuR9hjai9NzNOZbg/s320/IMG_0135.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS10SwRvLQWzj-YUNw6D1sdmBwdAg1BZyY1IIZk24nNXv6KXlHm05tlsn3VCLJvE5zvS5pTcTI4F0lSFPT9ub4uRW74s3cFpfiCi9_IsyPbcsAqaQOkEHMRdtYbGzMmXOe9n5R7vjiK7I/s1600-h/IMG_0137.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115643580406307090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS10SwRvLQWzj-YUNw6D1sdmBwdAg1BZyY1IIZk24nNXv6KXlHm05tlsn3VCLJvE5zvS5pTcTI4F0lSFPT9ub4uRW74s3cFpfiCi9_IsyPbcsAqaQOkEHMRdtYbGzMmXOe9n5R7vjiK7I/s320/IMG_0137.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a> It was a blisteringly hot day but the modelling was of a very high standard and the whole thing is well executed. It's well worth a vist if you already happen to be in the area.<br />
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A rail journey of about an hour took us to nearby Locarno. I found Locarno to be more to my liking. Although similar in many ways to Lugano, the Piazza Grande has a more interesting range of shops and the lakeside seems more attractive. We arrived just before the Film festival was about to start - which takes place in the Piazza<br />
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We booked into the Hotel America - which is tucked away just off the Piazza Grande above a bar. It was clean, pleasantly decorated and comfortable.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbhJ0KZ31bRDKKkul_qxJiyuO_KMA28-nIgpPHY7Rn59dEwY_A7WYBAdH8T6r8DASenoirFGzLJZbSCQ_rxqelA9ObiSwab3zoKNVq6D2nT6XPF2jmyjIwUFrwIsCSDPWyygjf2TtQgo/s1600-h/IMG_0138.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115643588996241698" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbhJ0KZ31bRDKKkul_qxJiyuO_KMA28-nIgpPHY7Rn59dEwY_A7WYBAdH8T6r8DASenoirFGzLJZbSCQ_rxqelA9ObiSwab3zoKNVq6D2nT6XPF2jmyjIwUFrwIsCSDPWyygjf2TtQgo/s320/IMG_0138.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwQczHFWSPrBssFRNkD8do6Ca8FXWVeNtarDsiFF6BWW8AXhB-yDZ2-C0kHpvLi3MZ11zbvXBynklGFjUQtqwnIZ4M3bf6EGbEwBtqW5cRJCqftdAyrOlkatk_zTJZb2TR6xryACmB-U/s1600-h/IMG_0149.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115643593291209010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJwQczHFWSPrBssFRNkD8do6Ca8FXWVeNtarDsiFF6BWW8AXhB-yDZ2-C0kHpvLi3MZ11zbvXBynklGFjUQtqwnIZ4M3bf6EGbEwBtqW5cRJCqftdAyrOlkatk_zTJZb2TR6xryACmB-U/s320/IMG_0149.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>After a thunderstorm and torrential downpour we ventured out in the evening to await the grand firework display - which was staged on the lake. I have never seen such a spectacular display - which must have lasted a good 20-30 minutes.<br />
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GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-43931127050962395552007-09-24T08:45:00.000-07:002007-10-07T02:05:04.164-07:00Day 6 - Locarno to InterlakenAfter a leisurely breakfast we boarded the Centovalli train for Domodossala. Again, we had the first class compartment to ourselves and hence could open all the windows and leap about taking video and photos without disturbing other passengers. We were fortunate to travel in some of the older rolling stock with opening windows; the more recent air conditioned panorama coaches do not afford this luxury.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115907149664360786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJzI7tQP7G7j3xvtxmuRgexTqWnOdntNj6Qwun8ztXAEcvbfw6sTZhjAyQWRlqIkhNjrsvdJpk7JTgPOI3LSlgBQwFxVSN88GqIYuvLOKvUl1oub8Xhjfab08B3Bvb7AKgOdY7b-mXcw/s320/IMG_0184.jpg" border="0" /><br />For the mostpart, the railway clings to the side of the wooded gorge, crossing the 100 valleys (which gives the railway its name) on a series of stone and steel viaducts. The most impressive is very early in the journey at Verscio where the viaduct spans a gorge 75m below(see video below).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115907175434164578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1jzhejkjJJSc7L8AD3whh9JLF3C-e3NfDrvLw2SHgJJT3fpTJ2rBf6DyOZGOTOR0uOmtcNNXWnb8CxZM6hMnSxvY48kfvuwk9lxriWPy6qUmxaQGUvKKngNaGqNVRSbiGEtvpBw7jPE/s320/IMG_0187.jpg" border="0" /><br />The descent to Domodossala is also quite an impressive feat of engineering with the line zig-zagging across the hillside as it loses height. At Domodossala we boarded the standard SBB express bound for Berne to travel through the Simplon tunnel, via Brig to Spiez.<br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115907184024099186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtnHuQNYgwtoJQa7TgO4_gqZWnKI2D_3Z9KFiVyblQPfD1_vmntRJJzaGN37XVIRolZpF4J3Uj0OJRxWhZq5you8hS0FcQ-wzd3nS7dbrqIH-DoZkgkQeO-F3WjSzlScTUMFkLfKer1w/s320/IMG_0206.jpg" border="0" />The scenery after emerging from the tunnel was incredible, particularly as we could review it from different perspectives as we retraced our journey at different heights along the side of the valley.</p><p>At Speiz, we changed trains for Interlaken.</p><p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115907205498935682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHXKxC7x_2eZr1CQRkIc0v5nTrxIk0fV_ZM8wduvzyue7p_QOJ4j6_8cxKZo0i1WQIAfDZ-sTXxyt4Yyf0Y53qbQmWno0xKpbxv8UxFG-j8lwJMeteTX_6oTwKhbf_c6l5W6MLAC9oCE/s320/IMG_0224.jpg" border="0" /><br />The views along the lakeside contrasted with the mountain scenery of the Lotschberg line. </p><p>We left the train at Interlaken West to find the Lotschberg Hotel, a short walk away. This was my favourite hotel of the trip. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, there is a coffee lounge with internet access (free wifi) and the room was clean and comfortable. Furthemore, a washing machine and drier is provided for a small charge.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115907123894556994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8NJxHHfgAXRRyQxi-SJOmsV2-F6Q0CyIjlsi_yvbxbnGP2rM0kuhULzaNkGajAfKLh2KsMEnJARI5KWBQspesk2RtuJWOFXUbOyLrFltDlkO1c4eemJV_WALLqDuga-GzfjbZqoBlwU/s320/IMG_0290.jpg" border="0" /><br />There was time for me to visit the Modelleisenbahn-treff, a five minute walk from the hotel. The main feature is a layout depicting many of the key railway sights in Switzerland in what appears to be 7mm scale. 50 trains run simultaneously spiralling up mountains and across the ceiling to connect with different parts of the layout. I tried following one train as it traversed the layout but lost track of it in one of the tunnels. I did spot it later in a totally unexpected part of the layout. The hour I spent there was nowhere near sufficient - and I wish now I had taken more photos and some video. I think I've talked myself into a return visit! </p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzgDIJZBy9GERrJdd871ualTlL-jXosmBE0hma0UA_i0p3xMIKQxiNHIxqHPrT7v1g0uPIXrDiEbouLXKmt1Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-12964909703380091412007-09-23T02:16:00.000-07:002007-10-07T02:05:24.958-07:00Day 7 - The JungfrauAnother highlight of the tour was the trip up the Jungfrau Railway. We were advised to start as early as possible (the first two trains have discounted fares). We went for a more leisurely 9.00 am start, but even then the queue for tickets was quite long.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117916121223755202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QbFRYgFsz5v1s2_KPbC_SJoPTreHHf3fDTwMeND-G52akqMCyJ5v9sAEnZKf-FxA73Li6FhCFI7e5ifkAopz1RRqH5-NT3Z4oXmTNkCoECUxkNgF2GP8lODF1gNSEvr7LsA_uvBdqLk/s320/IMG_0239.jpg" border="0" /><br />We decided to travel up via Grindelwald and return via Lauterbrunnen - the staff at the hotel recommended this to make the most of the sunshine in the valleys.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXLbLk2cKnC93_1roKVShg0ViYNuRwjw_xBL8R9IXsgolKNBIfUEtAiY6_X5qwxWy84AwQ-eaq1HF0uxzUlj8Tkw9dDM-_CmdPDUz9gt23hE4t6hD5jxsmYVioBLmZmhiLbaBTq4oUYc/s1600-h/IMG_0230.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118113252218946594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXLbLk2cKnC93_1roKVShg0ViYNuRwjw_xBL8R9IXsgolKNBIfUEtAiY6_X5qwxWy84AwQ-eaq1HF0uxzUlj8Tkw9dDM-_CmdPDUz9gt23hE4t6hD5jxsmYVioBLmZmhiLbaBTq4oUYc/s320/IMG_0230.jpg" border="0" /></a> The first train journey from Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald sped along giving us occasional glimpses of the Eiger until we reached Grindelwald where the famous North Wall dominates the skyline.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117916138403624402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-68VSoBCo6nURWepjXFrR2dHtYKzAJvsMNoBTRiquJe3AMrPsxMPcVVa-PYdn-uao5tY3i0tqTkQa1VVcCACsfoW49_7RK3hcN_oP-yigRB1oSBiAZ5GqrSqJLWSriFqnA8S9CJ2jaow/s320/IMG_0237.jpg" border="0" /><br />A change of trains and we started the tortuous climb towards Kleine Scheidegg and another change of trains.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118113265103848514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivW6SkGxJZZWK6SqdZlJTVlt3Ul-o738uvtRcIg_YzO8nopaky3t43zD34Wbe64av7UnTHBRXMc55tluaDQmXW8OhtU5wz_MUpBxH0xaiB8DddpVCNOrKMo-4hif_7DfdvRu5lwoaCJBM/s320/IMG_0260.jpg" border="0" /><br />After the rolling slopes of the foothills beneath the Eiger, the scenery here became more rugged. The station had all the busyness of a mainline railway junction as passengers changed trains from or to Launterbrunnen, Grindelwald and, of course, the Jungfrau Joch<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117916146993559010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gjszBy88yvpfENtBA-cXRi3s98lkK359HKpdEy1C_LK3zNg1Iw_9Ui51oCd6x-kxdw1xze6ng1AMq8TbCOCZ7dpRpYAsWyzg4bI-dWcPpOKEdXz1-G7-3Vuc01_jAKFISacD27yaYyQ/s320/IMG_0245.jpg" border="0" />After a short climb to Eigergletscher, the train disappeared into the Eiger tunnel, blasted through the rock in a steady climb across the North Wall. At about the half-way point the train stopped at Eigerwand station to allow us a ten minute view through windows set in the North Wall. A further halt at Eismeer provided us with a view across the ice field before completing the climb to Jungfrau Joch.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5117916151288526322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfjRP1KMgECGOhGBykfB_J_ds2ddrygyTDd4unqSHiNhfkXQI5R4cqLMR4176TqEmaiu7bExUPmYpiBYGsSULkSW-0TQbB_3hsauk6wPj1pT1H6BwAN_DZw8TyMguzVUi8Yc4x69tdRo/s320/IMG_0248.jpg" border="0" /><br />Unfortunately, the summit was shrouded in cloud, and blowing a gale, but the ice caves and the observatory proved interesting. I hadn't expected to suffer quite so much from the thinness of the atmosphere, having to catch my breath when climbing the stairs, for example.<br /><br />After an hour and half at the summit we hopped on the train for the return journey. At Kleine Scheidegg we opted for the Lauterbrunnen route, via Wengen.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxUBWRX121sgEVhAwBZreYO6EdhwxXM7hCcHMW5i8qzDjNovHAM0oZ0CpBuOlDL4PFnSYEnzvaE9BXlbiVIE80BVFZ8frjcCD3GsCnsw3moSJ2cXH7V4fN7odMM-PX1tM9zmW0VqQzbU/s1600-h/IMG_0277.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118113260808881202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDxUBWRX121sgEVhAwBZreYO6EdhwxXM7hCcHMW5i8qzDjNovHAM0oZ0CpBuOlDL4PFnSYEnzvaE9BXlbiVIE80BVFZ8frjcCD3GsCnsw3moSJ2cXH7V4fN7odMM-PX1tM9zmW0VqQzbU/s320/IMG_0277.jpg" border="0" /></a>To my mind, this route is more picturesque than that through Grindelwald. The valley is narrower with a couple of spectacular waterfalls cascading down cliffs from improbable heights (see video).<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118122344664712274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilbaAXTQYKiwPhMf_D_3oAkD__PGYqHv8VbOKi107R_BGb-A9wDE9WdHdXZjdJalXKatrT309vXTVwlSYeP7nOdTnw75yBcaXFoQrrk0s27Uhxf5WEkqdx5m-ckVdYnVl-z_EmfgTm_eo/s320/IMG_0279.jpg" border="0" />A change of trains at Lauterbrunnen and we returned at high speed to Interlaken Ost.<br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dza6_mtCngBHDptRxkTH1jqCeAew-fswca2uJJ9xowAtjOFC7D83XW00288EGmX8Zci4b2wauZ5YrHfZhYhEA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>So, was it worth the money? Definitely, yes! Despite the fact we were shrouded in cloud at the summit, the journey itself is well worth the expense and the experience of high altitude cannot be replicated, unless you have a bent for mountaineering. It's inevitably a popular and busy tourist destination, so in future I would try to avoid peak holiday periods if I had the choice.<br /><br />There are several other railways and cable car services in the area which, given time, I would love to explore. Hence, if (hopefully, when) I return, I will allow more time to revisit this area - particularly as the hotel was so welcoming.GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-62513870994152255042007-09-22T02:17:00.000-07:002007-10-07T12:55:50.895-07:00Day 8 - Interlaken to LucerneThe journey from Interlaken Ost to Lucerne forms part of the Golden Rail Express service. We had expected the train to be crowded but, as you can see, once again we had the First Class panorama coach almost to ourselves.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_mlen9xuuRS50ksbT3nLE91if_jYy7D97FaLiHYxqidSMH7JsChutK3RdqPW3FR_jxh6gpi4c6f6-7_x2CV5-sjd8pYIX8-0sId036y1oKfoyIf6kXsIB-1UwfUp_rs0X-t0C9R3Auc/s1600-h/IMG_0293.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118508530944099426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_mlen9xuuRS50ksbT3nLE91if_jYy7D97FaLiHYxqidSMH7JsChutK3RdqPW3FR_jxh6gpi4c6f6-7_x2CV5-sjd8pYIX8-0sId036y1oKfoyIf6kXsIB-1UwfUp_rs0X-t0C9R3Auc/s320/IMG_0293.jpg" border="0" /></a> The first part of the journey took us alongside Lake Brienz and down the valley to Meiringen where the train reverses to climb over the Brunig Pass.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118514543898313922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWd-m1HmZLjPCGz9p8HfuidKx9WsKP3NwNsKpn-Rb9mbqfPaR5LOmgMK3mhepksddaLQrf1fxxaDjDadr3Ox3hzLU-l4qb_M_dFzCcw9riWGpzMBz70h_lNPG1Omg5Hn0KcaX5Ctgp9Bg/s320/IMG_0311.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>An announcement that the dining car was available solved the problem of where to find lunch. My daughter had been disappointed we had missed the meal aboard the Glacier Express and this opportunity proved more than compensation. Although pre-prepared, the meal was of a good standard with the added bonus of constantly changing scenery.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118508548123968658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIO589kui313wEwKynFg-F1QnAhQZHjXIp-ECn02xoGtsJ8wUI5iUePTJ6v5aGmtcQFArywrhNWj3u7g564rc_ahG_ciZQQ8AAZW1c_64PrEoKBFWJPQDz3FymMO7SgmMd4TPDeyHLIs/s320/IMG_0313.jpg" border="0" /> The station at Lucerne is a lavish affair, directly opposite the quay for the Lake steamers. After dumping our bags at the hotel, we had plenty of opportunity to explore the city and found the cinema was showing the latest Harry Potter film (with French and German subtitles).<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118508552418935970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcfyb9EkUggzrad9sLkJE2yYYlrZt_aGPiVlmklJfjoiS7Mw0XEl778bjjd__1KELEm-hWPnZ7uu9Ex4Sw4WY3u3ui4C9m6vMnfvVytekAO4rBl2pnbR-LE7HXEIEPEyyAZU5vkLh0XI/s320/IMG_0331.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118514548193281234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFI4LKNN7C-ELhGKIWhwfhQUp5VFL_i4R90TlVBSiScnRWa3B5SZBcZLNdDD2wYvTtbwnuGA3YgFX0eHgN6VYnaOTSrOXmhJNjrhyphenhyphenuyG8NkuOFrfXOW3prRmRSTlxqOA4V6jf2_fMC1GI/s320/IMG_0326.jpg" border="0" /></div></div>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-71984392698702659932007-09-21T02:18:00.000-07:002007-10-14T04:24:35.612-07:00Day 9 - Lucerne to LuganoOut penultimate day saw us boarding a paddle steamer to takes us across Lake Lucerne as part of the Wilhelm Tell Express journey. It was a glorious day, both in terms of the weather and the trip. The Stadt Luzern is one of five paddle steamers still in service on the lake.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0-88U4d7-HAzdEplw5dxQPi_YcqH38mCr0_A_ZaHM3UgmY5eczMEPGgAhQU4yBIZqZCbCwGioYQGCHXOu1_xfwBgVAb_xZu8rtiLU2XYKNRv-pDB6PlKMtoeMW7BOfVQLBjAapgp_Ng/s1600-h/IMG_0391.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118542667344168162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb0-88U4d7-HAzdEplw5dxQPi_YcqH38mCr0_A_ZaHM3UgmY5eczMEPGgAhQU4yBIZqZCbCwGioYQGCHXOu1_xfwBgVAb_xZu8rtiLU2XYKNRv-pDB6PlKMtoeMW7BOfVQLBjAapgp_Ng/s320/IMG_0391.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div>The fully inclusive ticket entitled us to a meal in the first class lounge. The menu is set and hence the choice is limited to the dish of the day. However, it met our needs and we supplemented it with an excellent bottle of wine.</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmKUzThEGGTuND5EWLr6p4AcKMDMtu_mo7Tp8MaZiA1gt_IWTCg2pE_ZDAnH-wbhD-W0WhoSziyAux17Nd117ekofvSh1Xfuy-pkIaqlwyG63iOtcrcLOstX6xDX5E1PqjuDW2HG_eJA/s1600-h/IMG_0339.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118542675934102770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmKUzThEGGTuND5EWLr6p4AcKMDMtu_mo7Tp8MaZiA1gt_IWTCg2pE_ZDAnH-wbhD-W0WhoSziyAux17Nd117ekofvSh1Xfuy-pkIaqlwyG63iOtcrcLOstX6xDX5E1PqjuDW2HG_eJA/s320/IMG_0339.jpg" border="0" /></a> The journey along the lake lasted nearly three hours, but there was plenty to see and we were entertained by the antics of the other passengers.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfoi89C0CjdDeqo38FJKU7Ay36ufTWMhQ7DaqyYcXF1cY_3iQ3YKs0Ks-JahjqDF-vYfZqKRxoc7VnBk5lTNuA2XDEyTFQjmfkg1u_WVN-nj5UspLaCIR01TU9TwWa7k_2JGNhrVk7hs/s1600-h/IMG_0354.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118542680229070082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfoi89C0CjdDeqo38FJKU7Ay36ufTWMhQ7DaqyYcXF1cY_3iQ3YKs0Ks-JahjqDF-vYfZqKRxoc7VnBk5lTNuA2XDEyTFQjmfkg1u_WVN-nj5UspLaCIR01TU9TwWa7k_2JGNhrVk7hs/s320/IMG_0354.jpg" border="0" /></a> At the far end of the lake we joined the train at Fluelen for the last leg of the journey. This included three glimpses of the church at Wassen as the railway loops its way back and forth across the mountainside to gain height.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkjSm905KuplnLrQQNmOSoDe0ccIo2zNpme1PoDQVJ7b5TqQ6sN95dRtStK6O0rjUp8-fgqiUYvmV_Quex_s78mq7BUhwtouN_bo4BICZIXxamAI5A6RJTN3TZ4CZ_fO-h8gMjuO4_I4/s1600-h/IMG_0396.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118542680229070098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHkjSm905KuplnLrQQNmOSoDe0ccIo2zNpme1PoDQVJ7b5TqQ6sN95dRtStK6O0rjUp8-fgqiUYvmV_Quex_s78mq7BUhwtouN_bo4BICZIXxamAI5A6RJTN3TZ4CZ_fO-h8gMjuO4_I4/s320/IMG_0396.jpg" border="0" /></a> This time, the first class panorama coach was quite crowded. We passed back through the Gottard Tunnel and traversed the Freggio, Prato, Piano Tondo and Travi spiral tunnels in grand style.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wObfNjUPHVqI_igVQdWqtsbfLotnppqx3dd0lSYBgr4beSPV5E3AEm9cEhqE1HiFZKVWg-ohM96tYj4bmeQrTsbVmDJ1TVdHnQpN2PpJnHLJfSRsWVH7f0I6hF9keQsfSeNwz1kKw00/s1600-h/IMG_0426.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118542684524037410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5wObfNjUPHVqI_igVQdWqtsbfLotnppqx3dd0lSYBgr4beSPV5E3AEm9cEhqE1HiFZKVWg-ohM96tYj4bmeQrTsbVmDJ1TVdHnQpN2PpJnHLJfSRsWVH7f0I6hF9keQsfSeNwz1kKw00/s320/IMG_0426.jpg" border="0" /></a> I had booked us into a hotel in Lugano which was more central. Tucked away between two shops the Hotel San Carlo was more stylish than our previous experience in the town. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118543264344622386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokkn8VZ2KSc12fkuL4amDPgOXctB2WA4oa-lYxxwV29W2rg9mfWj6dfOBIqutwjhI6cj3S225eIykbWKbKPUwRAct-TCzCQbgURsg3i4sZNldHEUoWeyssjSA6Rl5RrXIdjqOr7sc2TA/s320/IMG_0432.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>In the evening, we tucked into an Italian meal at a restaurant in the square and absorbed the ambience. </p><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwhUiAh266tHWm1J9VvGpoEctAyB8uXWdeopGzcE7vJolqEUdCj_yHln06aMD2augygwzL5ttWP0UhqZNKOfA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><p>Beside the hotel, a group of folk singers performed their repertoire as we retired for the night.</p><br /><p align="center"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwoDlVqPCpvJDMr_SmaNSarJgwrpqmgQ7ZjY_WMWXaJ4GA-7wTGmBqoPvTxbnuRrRuDvw0v-IwjkqS5tmBycw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-10102251888225088742007-09-20T02:19:00.000-07:002007-10-07T13:56:46.606-07:00Day 10 - Lugano to Milan to LiverpoolThe original plan was to take an early train to Milan and spend the day sightseeing in the city. However, having already toured the city on Day 2 (and been singularly unimpressed) we decided to spend a more relaxing day in Lugano.<br /><br />I hopped aboard the Funicular which plies between the centre of the town and the station to investigate changing our booked train to Milan. The assistant was very apologetic but was unable to change the booking and suggested buying another ticket for a later train. 'What the heck!' I thought, 'Why spoil the last day?' So I asked for two First Class single tickets to Milan - total cost approximately £16.00! If I had thought to use my Swiss Pass, I would have got them cheaper as the journey to the Swiss border would have been free.<br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7z-ZDRUG90AvYmgTQR2q2LzHy08kw1FgGG0T5GuM97vt31Tcv0cx5guUYkAzIKTzSBZu5WKK1YXdnrI8nt1xtERjy1aF5iFlyyeIiJpg7dTbd6poYrqJVcpCLYp6rVFeixDxS7pyl14/s1600-h/IMG_0422.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118697711368586578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7z-ZDRUG90AvYmgTQR2q2LzHy08kw1FgGG0T5GuM97vt31Tcv0cx5guUYkAzIKTzSBZu5WKK1YXdnrI8nt1xtERjy1aF5iFlyyeIiJpg7dTbd6poYrqJVcpCLYp6rVFeixDxS7pyl14/s320/IMG_0422.jpg" border="0" /></a> A pedalo ride worked off the breakfast. Once again, it was scorchingly hot!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118697719958521186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fwMUaF6LXHKBTLtwxejwHLbzAsqm2VULWwWlgcjTwiUi9m7kPDtHUWnpxKDdk6jUzGBc1gWIrTXOhzO7NojzAONkAvR9OPOEEjp6DhJtL7C1XBNwpApRQSLWU5W1_LYtrMo8HYhcj0E/s320/IMG_0439.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>The salad at the little lakeside cafe was more than adequate, followed by a leisruely stroll and a bit of souvenir hunting.</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118697707073619266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVLaZH2EgotUvrwdTpe-LB7ME7eOCnOxh8O8c2hFSiNx-UeMywoRrPuML1v9Le3tzug23tenKQnV9FHn3YgXjUGawuOrrWndx1u3bsBILjGWBeBIqoAioLSrXCvAzLrmGCfuNGVwdhjI/s320/IMG_0437.jpg" border="0" />All too soon, we boarded the train for Milan and, with considerable regret, bade farewell to Switzerland and its marvellous railway system.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhRuVCGrnphSdwBIa2IWYCiZ1KF3cEKdj1OX-2xtzBFCDCqVXXJJSIHdnffPfDlzMrFE6MR58dFoTAoJ36nxnHjsQmbzQOFxQ9sPdgqQo42VPnc7es1lT-87g4I2sooVSYfo5DAqd0oE/s1600-h/IMG_0441.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118697724253488498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhRuVCGrnphSdwBIa2IWYCiZ1KF3cEKdj1OX-2xtzBFCDCqVXXJJSIHdnffPfDlzMrFE6MR58dFoTAoJ36nxnHjsQmbzQOFxQ9sPdgqQo42VPnc7es1lT-87g4I2sooVSYfo5DAqd0oE/s320/IMG_0441.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>But it is definitely 'Au revoir' rather than 'Adieu!'</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCu1rTFxdOR6dXF2cZpK40tC7D68vosBQDk9dnKUxYAUgNLcMpwR9ur3lULX_WRRJYc5cjmhwlhwPsLI4wSmaTkBxi7TXHJ3sLSC2hzeVy1sDwxy6nUc392itrzyNTe_yWMD6fCw2PoQ/s1600-h/IMG_0447.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118697732843423106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCu1rTFxdOR6dXF2cZpK40tC7D68vosBQDk9dnKUxYAUgNLcMpwR9ur3lULX_WRRJYc5cjmhwlhwPsLI4wSmaTkBxi7TXHJ3sLSC2hzeVy1sDwxy6nUc392itrzyNTe_yWMD6fCw2PoQ/s320/IMG_0447.jpg" border="0" /></a> Coaches for Bergamo airport run conveniently from beside Milano Centrale station, obviating the need for a train followed by a taxi ride. We returned to a dismal, wet UK.GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-38981514029165299082007-09-01T00:05:00.000-07:002007-10-24T14:28:03.806-07:00So how much did it cost?The main costs were:<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5120720632331795266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobyoSTf_GRP_04O6ZCh1Sm2MnV9qyHzrzqVYuG1oGIbcABMB_hbIqSZT6rd8ZtT6sqkXV2ahtRnwfYPt4qzIXEL-3dW8cGdfTAUXsa7mIv0byBGhq1QplniwAtyIZyFuX0v9QtfyoTho/s320/cost-table.bmp" border="0" />This, remember is for two. It could have been done more cheaply (see below)</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">Flights</span></strong></p><p>We flew from Liverpool to Bergamo with <em>Ryanair</em>. The cost of £25.00 per person each way included all taxes (the flights themeselves were advertised as £0.01 and £0.05). It's difficult to see how these prices could have been bettered - the cheapest flights we could find to the other Swiss airports were in the region of £100 each way.</p><p><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;"><strong>Transfers</strong></span></p><p>Air conditioned coaches run from Bergamo to Milan Centrale station at a price of 14 Euros return per adult. At present exchange rates this is approximately £10.00 each. You can book in advance through <em>Terravision</em> (<a href="http://www.terravision.eu/milan_bergamo.html">http://www.terravision.eu/milan_bergamo.html</a>) but there are plenty of opportunities to buy tickets at the airport (competitors vie with each other to entice you aboard their coaches). We decided to spend the night in Bergamo when we arrived and hence we travelled by taxi (15 euros) and train (20 euros).</p><p><span style="color:#003300;"><strong>Hotels</strong> </span><br /></p><br /><p>We booked these online either through the <a href="http://www.ryanair.com/globals/partnerurls/redirect.php?language=EN&culture=GB&partner=EXPHOTELS&pos=NAVTAB">RyanAir </a>website or through <a href="http://www.booking.com/">Booking.com</a>. We had no particular preference for these online booking agencies but when doing Google searches for hotels in particular areas these seemed to come up most frequently. We aimed for rooms around £60.00. Some were cheaper (eg the IBIS at Chur was £50) and some slightly more expensive (eg the San Carlo in Lugano was £68). It would be possible to stick within the £60 ceiling or even find rooms which are cheaper (eg in Lucerne, the local jail has been turned into cheap accommodation). As I went with my 26 year old daughter and we required twin bedded rooms and occasionally booked triple rooms when it was unclear whether twin beds were available. [My wife supplied her with ear plugs to combat my snoring]. As can be expected, triple bedded rooms are more expensive than twins or doubles.</p><p>At no time did we encounter any problems with the bookings, apart from one occasion when we were booked into a double room rather than the requested twin bedded room - but this was quickly remedied.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#003300;">Tickets</span></strong><br /></p><p>We travelled first class throughout (except on some local trains where this was not an option). As indicated in the postings, this proved invaluable in having compartments and sometimes whole coaches to ourselves thus enabling us to leap around taking photos and video without annoying other passengers. Various types of Swiss Pass are available - we opted for the 8-day Swiss Rail Pass which entitled us to unlimited travel on all national railways, buses and steamers. Privately owned railways (eg the Jungfrau Bahn) provide a discount for Swiss Pass holders. Savings could be made by travelling 2nd class (£258 for two 8 day passes). See the <a href="http://www.swisstravelsystem.com/">Swiss Travel System</a> website for more details.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#003300;">Advance Bookings</span></strong></p><p>The titled trains (eg Wilhelm Tell Express, Bernina Express, Glacier Express) require advanced booking for a modest fee (no more than £20 each). This must be done in advance by contacting the Swiss Travel Centre in London. It is possible to travel the same routes on scheduled trains using your Swiss Rail Pass and hence this cost would be eliminated. The pre-booked panorama coaches have the disadvantage of non-opening windows which is a nuisance for photography. The advantage is the additional comfort and a commentary.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#003300;">Insurance</span></strong></p><p>Personally, I would not travel abroad without insurance - but if you are prepared to take the risk, more savings could be made here.</p><p><strong><span style="color:#003300;">Food</span></strong></p><p>Before I started the holiday I was warned about the high cost of food in Switzerland. True, it's not as cheap as Greece or Spain, but we found it was not substantially different to prices in the UK (which are generally more expensive than US, I believe). On average, a meal for two with wine each evening cost us 100 Swiss Francs which is approximately £40.00. We could easily have eaten more cheaply - eg making our own sandwiches, going to cheaper cafes and restaurants - but we were on holiday!</p><p><strong><span style="color:#003300;">Overall</span></strong></p><p>Would I do it again? Most definitely! In fact, I am planning next year's visit - this time my wife has decided to come, even though she dislikes travelling and prefers lying on a beach. Having travelled many of the key routes, I intend to spend more time on some of the private railways (eg the Rigi). The Bernina is a must, though! This time I will travel on scheduled services so I can hop off en route and take a few more pictures!</p><p></p>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038366766260695509.post-9050613556719844882007-08-30T03:08:00.000-07:002007-10-24T14:27:28.271-07:00Further reading and references<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">References / Acknowledgements</span></strong><br /><span style="color:#003300;"><br /></span>On the video clips extracts have been used, with thanks, from:<br /><ul><li>ER Verlag / Rio Grande Video, <em>Bernina Express</em>, [DVD] - see <a href="http://www.duegieditrice.it/">http://www.duegieditrice.it/</a></li><li>Einaudo, Luovico (1999) <em>Eden Roc</em>, BMG Recordi Spa [CD]</li></ul><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">Further Reading</span></strong></p><p>Other sources used in creating this blog include:</p><ul><li>Allen, C.J. (1953) <em>Switzerland's Amazing Railways</em>, London: Thomas Nelson & Sons</li><li>Allen, C.J. (1967) <em>Switzerland: Its railways and cableways, Mountain Roads and Lake Steamers</em>, London: Ian Allan</li><li>Jones, M. (2007) <em>The Essential Guide to Swiss Heritage and Tourist Railways</em>, Usk: Oakwood Press</li><li>MusicBank (2005) <em>Switzerland: The World's Greates Railway Journeys</em>, MusicBank Ltd.</li><li>Photoglob AG (2000) <em>Bernina Express Travel Guide</em>, Zurich: Photoglob</li><li>Transport Video Publishing (nd) <em>The Railways of Switzerland</em> [Video]</li></ul><p>Cecil Allens <em>'Amazing Railways'</em> book provides a evocative overview of the railway system with just enough background history to maintain interest. Although over 50 years old, the routes remain largely the same.</p><p>Mervyn Jones's book provides a more up to date description of all Switzerland's railways with some fascinating background information. I find it frustrating that there is no index, making some of the entries difficult to track down.</p><p>I picked up the <em>Bernina Express</em> DVD at the newstand opposite the station in Tirano for 16 Euros (£11.00). Despite the commentary being in Italian, the shots of the railway from cab, lineside and from the air make it well worth the money.</p><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#003300;">Online Sources</span></strong></p><p>Refer to the <em>Planning </em>page for a list of online sources used in creating the blog.</p>GE Rikhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01825168874175339847noreply@blogger.com0