One of the most visited countries in the world, France offers everything from the bustling city life of Paris to great beaches, scenic mountains and world-class vineyards. Whether you are looking for a driving holiday, a ski vacation or a summer beach escape, France is definitely a destination worth considering.
Switzerland may be one of the most orderly countries in the world, but is by no means boring. From its unique mix of European cultures, to its breathtaking alpine scenery, to its modern cities, you’ll find no time is enough time to spend discovering this country of cheese, chocolates and watches.
Highlights
This trip will showcase the full potential of rail and take you to places that neither planes nor helicopters nor cars can access.
The trains will start with the French Tres Grande Vitesse (TGV), on the newly commissioned LGV Est line from Paris to Reirns and Zurich, travelling at 300km/h. A switch to the local Swiss trains highlight the unrivalled precision and efficiency of Swiss rail.
You will then have a chance to explore the narrow-gauge rails that take you to the mountains. At more than 10,000ft above sea level, some of these trains are a quarter way to airliner cruising altitudes. You will also enjoy a journey on the world’s slowest trains that take you from grassy meadows to snowy mountains, while you lunch in a panoramic glass cabin.
The Trip
Day 1 (Singapore to Paris)
Depart for Paris.
Day 2-3 (Paris)
Explore Parisian central landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Concorde with the Egyptian Obelisk, the Louvre Museum with all the great art works of the world and the Notre Dame – home to the fable of the hunchback.
Day 4 (Chateau de Versailles)
Take a train and explore the most magnificent palace in the world built by Louis XIV in the 17th Century with its formal gardens and mazes.
Day 5-7 (Chur)
Get on the LGV Est line from Paris onboard the TGV travelling 300 km/h to Zurich. From there you will change to a local Swiss train for the town of Chur. Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and the town is perfectly preserved. Take time to explore the medieval cobblestone streets and visit the 12th Century cathedral.
From Chur you will have the opportunity to explore the following rail journeys:
1. The narrow-gauge Rhaetian Railway starts from Chur and sweeps through mountain tunnels and viaducts, passing by waterfalls and gorges as it climbs the Albula Pass. The ascent levels off and circulates into the Engadine Valley before finally arriving at the Bernina Pass at an altitude of 7,000ft. The train winds around snow-capped mountains and finally arrives at the town of Poschiavo in the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland.
It is a beautiful and picturesque town and you will have plenty of time to eat and shop before returning on the same train. There is also an opportunity for you to get off at the exclusive and ritzy ski town of St. Moritz before resuming on the train back to Chur.
2. Lake Lucerne is another location that demands a day to itself. The train from Chur takes you to the lake town of Lucerne and from here you can choose to explore the mountain railways, the lake cruises, or simply take in the sights and atmosphere.
Day 8-10 (Brig)
Brig is a historic town that is best situated to explore Switzerland from. And day 8 is, as the cliché goes, “all about the journey”. Departing from Chur on the Glacier Express, billed as the slowest express train in the world, you will take eight hours to reach your destination. It will nevertheless be an enjoyable ride, with the train featuring panoramic cabins with large windows and partial glass roofs.
Lunch is taken aboard the train itself. Watch the meadows flit as your ride starts to wind and climb the mountain woodlands. Enjoy the use of the famous tilted glass on the train, specially designed to compensate for the tilt angle of the train ascending and descending the mountains. The train reaches its maximum altitude of 6,700ft before coming down the Rhone Valley to arrive at Brig.
From Brig you will have the opportunity to explore the following day trips via rail:
1. Take a narrow gauge railway to the mountain resort of Zermatt. Like St. Moritz, it is winter-home to the wealthy and there are excellent reasons why it is so. The Matterhorn overlooks Zermatt and from here you can also take another train to the Gornergrat, situated at an altitude of 10,000ft.
2. Another suitable day trip will be to the town of Montreux, perhaps the most beautiful town on the banks of Lake Geneva. Enjoy views of the dazzling opal of western Switzerland from a paddle steamer cruise.
3. You may decide instead to travel to Interlaken. From here you can enjoy a lake cruise, or take a mountain railway ride to the highest railway station in Europe, the Jungfraujochat, at an altitude of over 11,000ft.
Day 11-12 (Reims)
From Brig, board the TGV service to Paris. Upon reaching Paris Est station, you will change trains to get to Reims – just under an hour away.
View the great cathedral where all the kings of France were crowned, visit the oldest Champagne house in the world, the estate of Ruinart, and walk through its underground chalk labyrinth, which store the slowly maturing champagnes. At the end of the tour, compare the youthful fragrance of the latest vintage with the smoky oakiness of 1996 Grand Cru. The house is renowned for their Blanc de Blanc Chardonnay Champagnes, so be sure to stock up on some bottles.
Day 13 (Paris to Singapore)
Board the TGV to Paris and take a private transfer for the Charles de Gaulle Airport, where you will board your flight for Singapore.
Day 14 (Singapore)
Arrive in Singapore.
Inclusions:
International flights
Accommodation x 11 nights
1st-class rail
All maps, suggested itineraries & activities, and destination information
theTravelPlanner concierge service
Luxury Option Inclusions:
International flights on SIA (returning from Zurich)
Luxurious accommodation x 11 nights
1st-class rail
All maps, suggested itineraries & activities, and destination information
theTravelPlanner concierge service
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