b"Magical momentsinSwitzerlandIt's a country that has it all: breathtaking scenery, picture-perfect towns and iconic trains. Dave Riley, CEO of the Great Rail Journeys family, discusses his love for Switzerland, its amazing railways and, in particular, the Jungfrau region.Secret Service'. I enjoyed looking out at a stunning panorama of peaks and dramatic glaciers. HEADING HOMETravelling back First Class, we made our our way through picturesque valleys to Basel, continuing to London via Paris. I spent quality time with some wonderful customers and was very grateful to our knowledgeable Tour Managers who provided insights and made the travel experience smooth and enjoyable. GONDOLASwitzerland's amazing landscapes are I've been fortunate to have been on ato the summit of Grindelwald First. Atshowcased from the comfort of some number of our tours, and I love comingthe top we had great views across theof the world's best train journeys. Here back to the Jungfrau region. One ofsnowy peaks of the Eiger, Mnch andare just a few of my other favourites.my favourite tours is the Five-StarJungfrau. With the afternoon at leisure, I Jungfrau Express All Inclusive. enjoyed venturing on to a nearby trail. GOLDENPASS LINEThis scenic route connects the Swiss A QUICK STOP IN COLMAR TRIP TO THE 'TOP OF EUROPE' Riviera with the Bernese Alps, passing Our Swiss adventure begins at LondonFor me, this was the highlight of ourgleaming vineyards and quaint villages.St Pancras where we travel via Paris totripriding the Jungfrau Express to the beautiful town of Colmar in Alsace.Europe's highest station. EnteringGLACIER EXPRESSThe region blends French and Germantunnels that cut through the Eiger, youOne of Switzerland's most famous, you influences and is home to chocolate- arrive at the 'Top of Europe', the highesttravel through the heart of the Swiss box townsnone more so than Colmar. railway station on the continent. Here,Alps between St Moritz and Zermatt.After putting my bags in the hotel, Iwe saw the stunning Aletsch Glacier and loved seeing the bridges of Colmar'sentered the Ice Palacea special place 'Little Venice' illuminated on a night. not open to members of the public. ON THE WAY TO GRINDELWALD BRIENZ-ROTHORN RAILWAYAfter a morning in Colmar, we travelledTravelling to Brienz, we began a steam-by First Class rail via Basel andhauled ascent of the Brienzer Rothorn Interlaken to our hotel in the heart ofmountain above the turquoise Lake the Swiss Alps, the Romantik HotelBrienza magical journey. After a walk Schweizerhof in Grindelwald. Runand a spot of lunch, we took a scenic by the same family for generations,cruise back to Interlaken, sailing across this five-star hotel has a Gault Millau- the clear lake on a traditional boat.GLACIER EXPRESSrated restaurant serving Swiss and international cuisine made with localTIME TO EXPLOREingredients; a great way to start andMost of our Switzerland tours give you finish each day of our tour. We also hada Swiss Travel Card to use on your freeFor more information on our drinks provided between 7-9pm. days. I travelled to the resort of MrrenFive-Star Jungfrau Express and continued by cable car to theAll Inclusive tour see page 16 RIDING THE GONDOLA summit of the Schilthorn. The rotatingor visit greatrail.com/GISOur first morning was a memorablerestaurant 'Piz Gloria' featured in the experience as we rode the cable car James Bond film 'On Her Majesty'sSEVILLE6"