Holiday	Grandeur of the Glaciers
Read Time	7 Minutes
Traveller	Graham - Marvellous Escapes Client

Marvellous Escapes client Graham recalls his recent experience of his Switzerland Rail Holiday to celebrate his birthday!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT/HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP?

Feeling on top of the world on top of a mountain above the clouds. That feeling and memory is locked into my soul. Words cannot explain the feeling other than out of body. Truly amazing.

WHICH DESTINATION(S) SURPRISED YOU THE MOST AND WHY?

St. Moritz. When discussing options of things to do in St. Moritz, the Marvellous Escapes team suggested a walk around the lake. I did, admittedly, scoff and said “a lakes a lake, what else is there to do”. I can admit when I am wrong. My hotel was on the lake and the view was outstanding. I did in the morning take a walk around the lake. Wow, just breathtaking! And I was able to take a photo of not one, but two black squirrels (extremely rare). If I am completely honest though, all destinations were outstanding. I think St. Moritz lake sticks out the most because I was so dismissive of it being a tourist attraction, but turned into one of the biggest wow factors of the holiday.

FAVOURITE ACTIVITY OR EXCURSION?

Gornergrat, for the view of the Matterhorn. Most would expect the Glacier Express to be the most impressive, and it was equally as amazing but this was the first trip up into the alps with deep, dense snow, the experience was interactive where I got out and was able to enjoy the snow. Seeing Zermatt and the realisation that I knew that Alp ( it is on the Toblerone box) the Matterhorn, may be silly I know, but it’s such an iconic chocolate bar, and when I realised, I had a childish squeal of excitement inside of me (clearly my inner voice that squealed).

FAVOURITE FOOD FROM THE TRIP?

As a non-meat eater there was lots of choice and variations but for me it was the salads and bread. I have no idea why but their bread tasted so good in Switzerland.

BEST/STAND-OUT SERVICE YOU RECEIVED DURING THE TRIP...

The staff at Hotel Scheizerhof in St Moritz (the hotel I stayed at for my birthday). The staff were helpful, kind, attentive, informative and patient. From reception staff, to housekeeping right through to the Omelette Chef at breakfast. I avoid eggs and dairy for ethical reasons but the omelettes were so good I had to have one each day and I was assured they were free range.

HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARISE YOUR TRIP IN ONE SENTENCE?

A trip of a lifetime and a must-see country.

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE TRAVELLING BY RAIL? AND YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE GLACIER EXPRESS EXCELLENCE CLASS?

Public transport in Switzerland is like nothing I have experienced before. The trains were clean, spacious, on time and not one issue of delays. It actually concerned me what a tourist’s impression must be of our train system in the UK! I would not have been able to do the same style of holiday in the UK as it relied so heavily on trains, and the reliance of them running correctly to get connecting trains, whereas in Switzerland, that was not a problem!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION AND WHY?

It has to be Hotel Scheizerhof. This 120 years old hotel has a Victorian meets modern feel about it and was such a grand hotel. Given the history of St. Moritz and it being the first winter holiday destination, you could imagine the wealthy staying in the hotel and this really made me wonder about the people who had stayed in my room over the past 120 years. I could be wrong but felt some original features were still in the room like the bath and sink taps. Was a great location, close to the station and on the lake, and the staff really went the extra mile to ensure my stay was the best.