Portillo's Switzerland Railway Journeys

With a gradient of 48% from Alpnachstad, the Pilatus Bahn has an ingenious design created in 1889 - look through the windows and you'll see the same beautiful views enjoyed by the visitors of the 19th century. Queen Victoria visited the top of the mountain by pony, but it is a much easier journey these days and you can easily spend the day here, enjoying the views over Lake Lucerne, the activities and restaurant. We can even book you into the hotel on top of the mountain!

Where to stay: Lucerne | Weggis | Pilatus Kulm Hotel

Brunnen is a delightful lakeside town, the perfect resort for enjoying the water and visiting the mountains. This is the heart of Switzerland, with the Rütli Meadow - birthplace of the Swiss Confederation - close at hand and plenty of reminders of folk hero Wilhelm Tell. Find them on The Swiss Trail walk or on a Lake Lucerne cruise past the Schiller Stone. To really get to know the old stories of this wonderful region, we recommend the VIP Legends Of Lake Lucerne day cruise from Lucerne. 

Where to stay: Brunnen | Lucerne 

Wonderful scenery on the emerald waters of Lake Brienz - a journey on the Lötschberg paddle steamer is a real treat. This historic vessel plies its way up and down the lake daily during the summer, offering views of lush mountainsides, charming villages and the Giessbach waterfall. We can arrange a stay in the fairytale setting of the Grand Hotel Giessbach above the falls. The hotel is reached by a private funicular and invites you to imagine yourself a genteel visitor of yesteryear.

Where to stay: Interlaken | Bönigen | Grand Hotel Giessbach

An extremely picturesque route connecting Interlaken with Montreux. You’ll enjoy views of Lake Thun and the pyramid shaped Mount Niesen as you depart, then head up into the mountains towards Zweisimmen and Gstaad. Look out for hot air balloons around Chateau-d'Oex then it’s through scenic woodlands and meadows. The dramatically winding descent towards Montreux offers spectacular views of Lake Geneva. Why not upgrade to Prestige Class for the ultimate in luxury rail travel!

Where to stay: Montreux | Vevey | Interlaken

The Schatzalp features in Thomas Mann's 1924 novel 'Magic Mountain' and continues to delight visitors to this day. Situated on a plateau 300m above Davos, this is a fabulous spot for scenic walks and a fine lunch on the hotel terrace. The charming botanical garden is worth a visit for its 2,000 species from mountain ranges around the world. We can even book you for a stay in the Art Deco hotel itself - enjoy the outstanding views and healing mountain air as visitors did in bygone times.

Where to stay: Davos | Klosters | Berghotel Schatzalp

A monumental ancient landslide dammed the river but the power of the water pushed through and over centuries created this awe-inspiring gorge. There are several walks which afford amazing views, such as one to take you to the 12.5m observation deck 'Il Spir' for a bird's eye view. You can enjoy views from points nearer to rail stations and of course there are plenty of opportunities for boating and kayaking on the river itself. The Glacier Express also passes through the Rhine Gorge.  

Where to stay: Chur | Flims