Holiday	Switzerland Discovery
Read Time	12 Minutes
Traveller	Julie - Marvellous Escapes Client

Marvellous Escapes client, Julie, shares her recent experience from her Switzerland Rail Holiday....... 

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE MOMENT/HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP?

Can I say two?! Because both were on par with each other—two trips that made me really emotional!

Firstly, the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt was absolutely one of my favourite days. It was a short rail journey, but what an incredible one! Travelling on one of the steepest railways in the world was an experience in itself, but oh goodness, the views! I never thought I’d be someone who cries at the sight of a mountain, but honestly, that view from the highest open-air railway station in Europe was just breathtaking. I had never seen a glacier in real life before, and at the summit, there were numerous ones. Pair that with the sight of the Matterhorn—I can’t even put it into words!

If you’re an active person like me, I highly recommend walking back down (even I wouldn’t walk up it!). You’ll see some exceptional views that you wouldn’t get from the train.

Secondly, my final day at Jungfraujoch was an experience I’ll never forget. I had no idea there was so much to do up there! Once again, the views were absolutely stunning. Being able to go outside onto the mountain and learn more about how this epic destination was created made it all the more incredible.

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

Montreux!!

Travelling to Switzerland in September, I knew the destinations I was visiting would vary in temperature, so I came fully prepared with winter clothes, plenty of layers, and even packed a few summery items (including a swimsuit!). I’m so glad I did because Montreux felt like the Mediterranean!

I had a free day to explore, so I set out on foot, tracked down the funicular, and then walked back down through the gorge—a beautiful route. After all that, I headed to the lakeside (Lake Geneva), soaked up the sun, and even took a dip in the lake. And before you ask—yes, it was absolutely freezing!

FAVOURITE ACTIVITY OR EXCURSION?

I honestly can’t pick one – this whole trip was one I will never forget!

FAVOURITE FOOD FROM THE TRIP?

I stayed at the Hotel Hauser in St Moritz and their restaurant was amazing. Whilst I was there, they had a special menu dedicated to the hunting season and the venison stew was divine! It wasn’t particularly cheap (as food and drink generally isn’t in Switzerland) but when on holiday treat yourself I say!

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

The conductor on the Bernina Express was fantastic—informative, friendly, and chatty. He made sure we knew about the open windows at the back of the train, where we could take photos without reflections from the glass. I couldn’t help but feel envious that he gets to do that journey for a living… maybe it’s time for a career change?!

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THIS TRIP TO YOUR CLIENTS/FRIENDS/FAMILY?

Yes! I travel alone and still enjoyed every second. Strangely enough, I ended up sitting opposite another British solo traveller on the Glacier Express, and we decided to share a bottle of wine to split the cost—such a great way to meet like-minded people!

HOW WOULD YOU SUMMARISE YOUR TRIP IN ONE SENTENCE?

That’s easy – a trip of a lifetime!

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE TRAVELLING BY RAIL?

Fabulous! A much less stressful experience than travelling by train in the UK. I think I only had one delayed train, which meant I missed my onward connection. However, this gave me an unexpected hour to explore Chur, which wasn’t on my original itinerary. I headed into Maron, directly opposite the station, for an amazing hot chocolate and apple streusel. I always believe in making the most of every opportunity, and this was a small but wonderful moment I would have missed if my train had actually been on time!

HOW DID YOU FIND IT HAVING A SWISS TRAVEL PASS?

Very easy! I had been worried about losing it, but Marvellous Escapes also sent all my tickets by email as a backup, just in case. However, make sure you travel with your passport, as I was asked for it once by a train conductor.

WHAT WAS THE MOST SCENIC RAIL JOURNEY IN YOUR OPINION?

At eight hours long, it has to be the Glacier Express—simply for the sheer volume of stunning views everywhere you turn!

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE ACCOMMODATION AND WHY?

I genuinely didn’t expect my favourite hotel to be the first one I stayed in—the Ibis Styles in Zurich. My room was lovely, and most importantly for me (as sleep is one of my favourite things!), it was so quiet that I slept exceptionally well. Breakfast was also great—though, to be fair, all the hotels had fantastic breakfasts!

WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE OF BOOKING WITH MARVELLOUS ESCAPES?

Absolutely incredible. The customer service was fantastic, with great recommendations and the convenience of WhatsApp to stay in touch while I was away. As a solo traveller, this was such a comfort. I’ve since booked another trip with Marvellous Escapes and will certainly be booking again.

I’ll also add that when I first spoke with Danielle about this trip to Switzerland, all I knew was that I wanted to experience the Bernina and Glacier Express. I simply asked her to plan a 10-day trip around them, and she did everything else—and it turned out to be one of the most incredible experiences of my life. If you’ve ever thought about doing it, please just go for it!

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