Grand Swiss Rail Adventure

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply

• 8 nights 4 to 5-star centrally-located hotel accommodation

• Enjoy 8 meals including daily breakfast

• English-speaking driver-guide throughout tour
• Private luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
• Airline taxes and surcharges
• Parking, city tax and toll fees
• 50% discount on additional rail tickets (local transport) and some mountain excursions during free time.

• Travel in first-class rail cabins in Switzerland
• Luxury cabrio mini-coach. Maximum 12 seats by air-conditioned vehicles & equipped with Wi-Fi

• Day 10 airport transfer

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stopover Packages: Break up the long-haul flight with a stopover at a fantastic location. (See checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class. (See checkout for details)
• Preferred Airline: Fly with a preferred airline. (See checkout for details)
• Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today you will depart for Zurich, Switzerland!

Please note: Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 2 to arrive day 2. Flight times will be indicated on your final documentation which you will receive prior to departure.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival into Zurich, make your own way to the hotel. Relax for the remainder of the day in this cosmopolitan city, which combines creative urban life with the freedom of nature.

Overnight: Hotel Glockenhof Zürich or similar, Zurich

Meals included: None

Today after breakfast you will be met by your driver-guide to start your Swiss journey to the spectacle Rhine Falls, Europe's biggest and most powerful waterfall. Enjoy the picturesque landscape and feel the roar and vibration of the water.

In the afternoon, venture to St. Gallen, for a guided city tour of the beautiful medieval old town and the famous UNESCO Abbey library. St. Gallen is a small town in eastern Switzerland, nestled between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland and is a charming, traffic-free old town. The Abbey precinct with the cathedral and Abbey Library has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage listing.

Today is approximately an 85 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Walhalla or similar, St. Gallen

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, continue your journey to the village of Appenzell, beautifully situated in rolling green hills. This region is known for its customs, folk music and dances and is a hub for hiking tours in the Alpstein region.

On the way, stop to taste one of Switzerland's most popular products, Swiss Cheese. Learn how the famous Swiss cheese is made and get to taste it fresh at the source at the Appenzeller Show Dairy.

Afterwards, stop at Liechtenstein's capital, Vaduz where you can enjoy time at leisure. In the late afternoon, arrive at the beautiful alpine resort of St. Moritz.

St. Moritz is one of the top alpine holiday destinations - known for style, elegance and class. The city first became famous thanks to its mineral springs, which were discovered 3,000 years ago and was historically frequented as a summer spa resort.

Today is approximately an 180 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Art Boutique Hotel Monopol or similar, St Moritz

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, board the Bernina Express train from St. Moritz to Tirano (approximately 4 hours). One of the world’s most famous trains, the Bernina Express allows travellers uninterrupted panoramic views across mountains, lakes and meadows. Crossing the Alps in style, the train climbs to an impressive 2,223m to the Bernina Pass and offers breathtaking vistas as you ride over impressive viaducts and past galleries hewn from sheer rock. There are beautiful views of rushing mountain streams, glaciers and even an alpine garden en route to the terminus in Tirano, which lies just over the Italian border. The line is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. On arrival in Tirano, spend some free time exploring this quaint Italian town in Northern Italy - a departure point for one of the most scenic train routes in Europe.

Afterwards, you will be picked up by the driver to proceed to Lugano in a luxury cabrio mini-coach. Lugano is a charming town that boasts a historic centre and attractive shops and restaurants to explore.

Please note:
For your convenience, your luggage (one bag per person) will be transported directly from hotel to hotel, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day's scenic train journeys.

Overnight: Hotel Bellevue au Lac or similar, Lugano

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning your driver will pick you up in the lobby and take you over the Gotthard mountain pass to Andermatt, a pretty mountain village and well known skier paradise, where you get to enjoy time at leisure for lunch (not included). Later in the afternoon, board the famous Glacier Express all the way to Zermatt, another inspiring train journey. The slowest express train in the world, the Glacier Express winds its way up to over 2,000m at the Oberalp Pass, through an unspoilt landscape of glaciers, ancient forests, rushing mountain streams and valleys, passing through 91 tunnels and across 291 impressive bridges. It will be a truly unforgettable journey.

Arrive in Zermatt nestled at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn Glacier, a charming car free town, where you can relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air and awe-inspiring views of the peak.

Please note:
Zermatt (car free)- for this leg of the journey, we recommend clients bring a small night bag (sufficient for your needs until the next day), while the main luggage can be securely kept in the trailer, eliminating the necessity for passengers to carry it on the Glacier Express. They will be reunited with their luggage the next day where the driver will then transport them to Montreaux.

Today is approximately an 110 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Hotel Simi or similar, Zermatt

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, enjoy time at leisure in Zermatt. Take the cogwheel train up to the Gornergrat, where you get the most beautiful view of the famous Matterhorn mountain at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise Station (self-excursion).

Afterwards travel to the french speaking part of Switzerland, onto Montreux to enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Montreux is located on Lake Geneva and protected by high mountain peaks. It’s famous for its mild climate and subtropical vegetation. The town's leafy promenade is lined with flowers, sculptures and grand Belle Époque buildings. Offshore is a medieval island castle, Château de Chillon. This fairytale castle is built on a rock standing off the shore of Lake Geneva and offers visitors a true experience of medieval splendour (entrance not included).

Today is approximately an 150 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic or similar, Montreux

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, your driver will bring you to the train station in Montreux, where you board the GoldenPass, a spectacular scenery train route. Pass through changing landscapes and countless lakes on your way to Interlaken, for some time at leisure. As the name suggests, Interlaken is a small town located in between two lakes and offers the best outdoor sports activities, from rafting to hiking, skiing to paragliding.

Upon arrival, take the opportunity to travel by railway (10 minute ride) to 'the house mountain of Interlaken' - Harder Kulm. If Interlaken had a king, he would reside on the Harder Kulm. Promising a breathtaking view from the viewing platform at 1,322 metres above sea level, you may graciously look down upon Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or admire the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Perhaps enjoy sunset at this breathtaking location to round off your evening.

Please note:
For your convenience, your luggage (one bag per person) will be transported directly from hotel to hotel, allowing you to relax and enjoy the day's scenic train journeys.

Today is approximately a 40 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Grand Hotel Beau Rivage or similar, Interlaken

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning after breakfast, a driver will pick you up to travel to Grindelwald to explore the famous Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. The journey to the top of Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest altitude railway station, is a masterpiece of engineering as the last section of the stretch is built into the mountain itself. Once you arrive back in Grindelwald enjoy a short break before your driver takes you to Lucerne via the mountain pass, Brünig. Upon arrival, enjoy time at leisure in the beautiful Lucerne nestled amongst lakes and soaring peaks in the heart of central Switzerland. You could take a romantic walk through the city centre, admire the medieval Chapel Bridge with its gable paintings, or enjoy a delicious dinner (not included) at one of the many traditional restaurants.

Today is approximately a 90 kilometre travel day.

Overnight: Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora or similar, Lucerne

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, enjoy the last morning in Lucerne before being transferred by bus to Zurich Airport for your return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Today is approximately a 70 kilometre travel day.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some flights may arrive in Australia (or New Zealand) +1 day later.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase. Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

TripADeal Tour packages are non-refundable. If your Tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other package available via the TripADeal website.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with. We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 4th October 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share. 

Single Traveller Supplement  

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1,800 applies.

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability. 

Departure Dates 

2024 

August: 30

September: 27

October: *4

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability. 

Surcharges

Please note: 

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $290 per person. 

Departure Cities 

Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, Perth or *Auckland. 

Departure City Surcharges  

• Brisbane or Adelaide: $200 per person.

• Auckland: $500 per person. 

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used 

• Cabin Class: Economy Class.

• Airlines: Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Qantas Airways, Lufthansa, Swiss Airways, Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Air France, KLM, British Airways, Virgin Australia, Malaysia Airlines, Turkish Airlines and airline partners (subject to availability).

Please note: TripADeal cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Missed Flights 

If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact TripADeal as soon as possible to make arrangements. 

Preferred Airline surcharge  

Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Emirates: $420 per person.

• Singapore Airlines: $600 per person.

Please note:

• Preferred airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopver in Dubai. 

• Preferred airlines refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.

Arrive Early in Zurich, Switzerland

Non high season dates: $300 AUD per person, subject to availability

High season dates: $700 AUD per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6th December - 31st January 2025

Stay Behind in Zurich, Switzerland 

Non high season dates: $300 AUD per person, subject to availability

High season dates: $700 AUD per person, subject to availability

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):

1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23rd September 2024 - 20th October 2024

6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025

Stopover Packages

* Doha

Twin share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1500 one way

* Dubai

Twin share: $1000 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1500 one way

* Singapore

Twin share: $1200 per person/one way

Solo Traveller: $1800 one way

Includes:

• 2 Nights in 4-star accommodation

• Daily breakfast

• Return airport transfers 

Please note: 

• When a pre and post-tour stopover is chosen, the same stopover location must be chosen each way, due to the airline used

• When selecting an Arrive Early or Stay Behind in conjunction with a Stopover Package, the stopover will take place after the departure date you select for your Arrive Early or Stay Behind

• Stopover packages are subject to availability.

• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased preferred airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the preferred airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopver in Dubai. 

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

1st June 2024 - 14 August 2024

23rd September 2024 - 20 October 2024

6th December 2024 - 31st January 2025

Flight Class Upgrades

Business Class or Premium Economy: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.

Please note: 

• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded.

• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.

Accommodation Used:

4 to 5-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

- Zurich: Glockenhof

- St. Gallen: Hotel Walhalla

- St Moritz: Art Boutique Hotel Monopol

- Lugano: Hotel Bellevue au Lac

- Zermatt: Hotel Simi

- Montreux: Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic

- Interlaken: Hotel Beau Rivage

- Lucerne: Ameron Luzern Hotel Flora

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights

Not available at checkout

Please note: If you are interested in booking additional nights of accommodation pre or post-tour, please wait until you receive your travel documentation approximately 4-6 weeks before departure for the confirmed list of hotels. If booking your own additional accommodation directly with the hotel, please be aware that you may be required to change rooms at the start/end of your tour. 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share

Not available

Bedding Configuration

Double or twin bedding (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 9, maximum group size 12 per vehicle.

• Visa fees and requirements 

• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Optional gratuities/tipping 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance 

• Mandatory city tax

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide: 

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader:

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Switzerland:

From July to August, the daytime temperature range is 18°C to 28°C. In September, temperatures begin to drop as summer begins to fade away. The average temperature for Zurich in September is 15°C. The highest temperature for the month is 20°C.

The average temperature for October is 11°C (51F). The highest temperature for the month is 14°C (57F) and the lowest temperature is 7°C (45F).

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity:

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR

Meals:

For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER

Mobility:

If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.

Fitness Level Required:

An easy/low level of fitness will be required. 

Easy/Low is described as light walking on well-maintained surfaces, occasional climbing of stairs and ability to get on and off vehicles without assistance and stand for 30 minutes in hot/humid conditions. A general level of fitness and mobility. 

Please note:

If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities / Tipping:

Land

Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing:

Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping:

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is not required if travelling in Europe on an Australian Passport for stays of up to 90 days. 

Important: 

• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: 

• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Embarking on your next trip is exciting, and while you hope the unexpected does not happen, it is best to be prepared. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when making your booking. Whether it’s a potential medical emergency, a flight cancellation, a delayed suitcase, or an unforeseen event, it's important to ensure you're adequately protected. For more information or advice visit https://www.tripadeal.com.au/travel-insurance

Voluntary Changes

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

 • Changes - $100.00 per booking and additional charges from the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been advised to TripADeal, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. TripADeal has committed to these costs as your Agent and will endeavour to recover all funds committed and/or paid for your Travel Offer, but this may not be possible in all circumstances.

If refunds are unavailable from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. If TripADeal cannot obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee. This fee is not revenue-raising and is paid to or withheld by our suppliers when recovering payments.