T O U R C O D E : 1 9 3 5 0 G R A D E : D J U L Y - S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 03 July - 11 July 08 August - 16 August 04 September - 12 September
9 days duration
THE BERNINA EXPRESS
H O L I D A Y I N F O R M A T I O N
TOUR DESCRIPTIONThis information is additional to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed.
This holiday combines the two things at which the Swiss excel – magnificent mountain walking and the best train system in the world. It is a holiday amongst big mountains, a world of glaciers and craggy peaks. And even with walks at a D grade we can still get high amidst spectacular scenery and the train does most of the climbing for us!
The route is unique, showcasing alpine landscapes around the Albula and Bernina Passes. The train negotiates the 55 tunnels, 196 bridges, It travels from the towering glaciers in the Alps to the swaying palms of Italy. It is the highest mountain railway in the Alps and even has a UNESCO World Heritage status. We will walk a section of the Bernina Express route each day. Some sections of the path will be alongside the track while others lead us inland to explore the countryside, towns and villages along the route. We will also take a public train in sections (which operates along the same track, thus same views) and once we reach the end of the line at Tirano, we will travel back to Chur onboard the great Bernina Express itself.
Our July and August departures will experience some wonderful high alpine flora within the mountain meadows, whilst in September the cooler days and changing colours on the mountainsides give superb early autumnal panoramas. But whenever you go, you can be guaranteed some of the best mountain walking on the planet.
Our hotels are all located in towns and villages right along the route.
The detailed itinerary below gives details of our intended programme. Please note however that the order of the itinerary may change depending on our arrival date, local conditions, train related restrictions and seasonal or unexpected closures of sites.
Day: accommodation:Overnight Daily itinerary: Meals:
1: Thusis
We fly to Zurich from London Heathrow and transfer to our hotel in Thusis (2 ½ hours) by rail. D
2: Bergün
This morning we experience an engineering masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site. We travel on the Albula line with countless bridges, loop and spiral tunnels taking us only 30 minutes from Thusis to Filisur.
After lunch, we walk to Bergün, which take us approximately 3.5 hours. 6 miles (9.5km), ascent 500m / descent 200m maximum altitude 1366m.
B, D
3: Pontresina
We start our day with a throw-back into our childhood. The first Heidi movie was filmed in the nearby village of Latsch. From here our path leads to the nature reserve of Parc Ela, before we reach Preda. The walk will take us about 3 hours. 4.5 miles (7km), ascent 550m / descent 250m maximum altitude 1788m.
After lunch we will board a train to Pontresina, where we will spend the next two nights. .
B, D
4: Pontresina
Today you have the opportunity to do an optional glacier hike near Diavolezza, arranged by a local mountain guide. We have intentionally not included this in our programme as it is above the grade (see further information on this hike in our walks section). Alternatively join the Ramblers Worldwide leader on a pleasant walk from Pontresina to the Muottas Muragl mountain hut (part aided by cable car). 3.5 hours, 6 miles (9.5km), minimal ascent / descent 525m. Alternatively you can take a day out to explore Pontresina itself.
Day: Overnight
accommodation: Daily itinerary: Meals:
5: Tirano
Today we travel part of the route of the Bernina Express, over the Bernina Pass from St Moritz to the Puschlav and into Italy in Tirano. On this route we will be rewarded with wonderful mountain scenery of the Morteratsch Glacier, Diavolezza and Lagalb. Our walk is fairly leisurely but leads us into high Alpine terrain. We pass Lago Bianco and marvel at the magnificent views of the town of Poschiavo. This walk takes a little over an hour. Our lunch break is spent at Alp Grüm, from where we can enjoy a view of the imposing Palu Glacier and the Lago di Poschiavo deep down in the valley. 3 miles (5km), ascent 200m / descent 600m maximum altitude 2359m.
B, D
6: Tirano
The section of the trail we follow is called the ‘smugglers’ path and leads us from Viano to Tirano, crossing the border into Italy as we do so. On the way we can enjoy panoramic views of Brusio and its round viaduct, before ascending through terraced vineyards. The walk will take around 3 hours, 4.5 miles (7km), ascent 100m / descent 900m.
The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
B, D
7: Chur
Today we will go aboard the Bernina Express, which seamlessly connects the warm balmy south with the cool airy north and effortlessly overcomes the steepest gradients travelling from Tirano to Chur.
B, D
8: Chur
A day to discover Chur. We can visit the Gothic old town with St. Martin’s Church and Martinsplatz and all those quaint narrow streets and pretty squares. Alternatively you can take the train an hour up into the mountains to Arosa from where there is a wealth of walks.
B
9
Transfer by train from Chur to Zurich airport for our return flight back to the UK.
HOLIDAY GRADE & WALKING PROGRAMME This holiday is graded D.
We enjoy scenic walking at a moderate pace, over meadows, across plateaux, and through pine forests. We will also go up to some higher routes - however, these walks are planned to avoid steep terrain and will make use of the mountain railways and cable cars to gain height. Travel to and from Zurich and between the centres are included in this holiday. A standard class rail ticket is included and covers all of the journeys described in the itinerary (with the exception of the travel to optional glacier hike in Diavolezza or the train journey up to Arosa from Chur). In addition to this the ticket allows a 50% reduction on any additional mainline rail journeys that you wish to take. So please allow extra funds for this if you intend on taking any additional trips.
Diavolezza Glacier hike:
Escorted by a well-informed local mountain guide, you will depart from the mountain station of the Diavolezza aerial cable car, cross the glacier to the promontory of the Isla Persa and continue to the side moraines to the Boval Hut. From here there are spectacular views over the Piz Palu and Piz Bernina. You will then descend to the glacier’s entry point and finish at Morteratsch station. The return journey is by train to Pontresina.
5 hours, 8 miles (12km), 1,100m ascent.
For this you will need sturdy walking boots with a sole able to take crampons, good windproof / waterproof clothing, gloves, and hat. Sun glasses and walking poles are recommended. Crampons will be provided and included in the cost of the day which depends on how many of the group choose to take this optional and locally booked hike. Please inform your tour leader at the earliest opportunity if you want to take part in this hike. Last minute bookings may not be possible as a local guide may not be available.
Each evening, the leader will discuss the programme for the following day with you. Should you not wish to join the party, please let the leader know.
INSURANCE
Please make sure that your insurance for this holiday covers you for guided walking above 2000m.
Your baggage will be transferred for you by rail so you are not required to carry your luggage with you when walking / travelling to each centre. But please ensure that you have a day sack to carry any essential items that you will require throughout the day.
If you are joining and leaving in Switzerland, it is assumed, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet the party at our hotel in Thusis and leave the party at the hotel in Chur. If this is not your intention, please let us know, in writing, at least 5 weeks before departure.
LOCAL CURRENCY
Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details.
The local currency is the Swiss Franc. You will find banks and ATM machines in each centre.
PASSPORTS & VISAS
Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details of entry requirements to Switzerland.
It is a good idea to carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to the UK.
Please also take your European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) with you - it will help in the event of an emergency. Please note that the EHIC has an expiry date and check that your card is still valid for the duration of your holiday.
Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS
Accommodation on this holiday will be in twin-bedded and single rooms with shower and WC at good tourist class hotels throughout.
Our accommodation in Thusis is at the Hotel Weiss Kreuz, a newly renovated family run hotel in the heart of town. The rooms are equipped with a TV, telephone, a safe and all rooms have free wifi. The hotel has a traditional lounge, a sunbathing area, sauna and a steam bath, and you can additionally book massage treatments.
Hotel Weiss Kreuz Tel: 0041 (0)81 650 08 50 Neudorfstrasse 50 Fax: 0041 (0)81 650 08 55
Thusis Email: info@weisskreuz.ch
CH-7430 Website: www.weisskreuz.ch/
Switzerland
Our accommodation in Bergun is at the Hotel Weisses Kreuz, a former Engadine farmhouse from the 16th century, but was turned into a hotel in 1889. The rooms are equipped with a bath tub or shower, hairdryer, telephone, radio, TV and wifi. The hotel has a library, a lounge and if you’re into the habit of drinking tea, you will be pleased to know that the hotel has an extraordinary list of different tea varieties.
Hotel Weisses Kreuz Tel: +41 81 410 50 10 Plaz 72 / Postfach 18 Fax: +41 81 410 50 11
Bergün/Bravuogn Email: weisseskreuz@berguen.ch CH-7482 Website: www.weisseskreuz-berguen.ch/ Switzerland
Our accommodation in Pontresina is at the Hotel Bernina, a traditional hotel in the centre of town. The rooms are equipped with a bath tub or shower, WC, radio, TV, telephone and a minibar. Many of the rooms have a scenic view over the mountains.
Hotel Bernina Tel: +41 81 838 86 86 Via Maistra 207 Fax: +41 81 838 86 87 Pontresina Email: info@hotelbernina.ch CH-7504 Website: hotelbernina.ch Switzerland
Our accommodation in Tirano is at the Hotel Bernina in Tirano, the hotel is centrally located and enjoys views of both the city square and the snow capped ridges of the Bergamo and Bernina ranges. The rooms are equipped with a TV, a safe, a private balcony and free wifi. Hotel Bernina Tel: 0808 145 3778
Via Pedrotti 1 Email: Via the website
Hotel ABC Tel: +41 81 254 13 13 Ottostrasse 8 Fax: +41 81 254 13 00
Chur/GR Email: abc@hotelabc.ch
CH-7000 Website: www.hotelabc.ch
Switzerland
All hotels are within a short walking distance of the train station.
Breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday charge and will mainly be taken at the hotels with one meal in a local restaurant in Chur. Lunches are not included and can be taken as a picnic or at cafes and restaurants during the walks. On the transfer days a picnic may be appropriate to eat during the journey.
It is becoming increasingly common for Swiss hotels to include a service charge for tap water at meals. This is something that we constantly attempt to challenge with all hotels, but some of our hotels on this holiday will unfortunately not be beaten into submission on the matter!
CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT
The Swiss climate is temperate and it should be warm, but in mountainous areas there is always the possibility of rain, especially at higher altitudes, and even snow. We advise you to take windproof trousers, a windproof jacket, fleece, jumper, gloves, waterproofs and hat, as well as light summer clothes.
Lightweight walking boots with moulded rubber soles are strongly recommended, as some paths are rough and steep. Walking poles may also be useful.
The sun’s rays at altitude are very strong, so we recommend that everyone wears a hat in sunny weather. High protection sun cream is also advisable.
As a guideline for a walking kit checklist:
Walking boots with good ankle support – essential
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers – essential
Lightweight trousers and shorts
Shirts or T-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs!
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat
Day sack for carrying anything extra you’ll need on the walk
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellent, etc
Lunch box for picnic food
TRAVELLING LIGHT
Our luggage will be transferred for us when travelling to each centre; however you will be required to handle your own baggage on the airport transfers where we travel by train. Please therefore try to travel reasonably light. There will be steps up from the platform to the train and you should be able to lift and carry your own luggage. Please also ensure that you bring a day sack with you to carry essential items that you will need with you on the walks each day.
MAPS & SUGGESTED READING
Maps and books of the featured regions may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as:
The Map Shop 15 High Street Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ England Tel: 01684 593 146 Fax: 01684 594 559 Website: www.themapshop.co.uk E-mail: themapshop@btinternet.com
Further information can be found on the last page of our General Information Booklet.
Many local libraries now stock a selection of travel books which may offer you more information regarding Switzerland. You may find a visit to the Swiss Tourist website useful:
www.myswitzerland.com
Or alternatively you can give them a call on: 020 7845 7680 The tourist office of Graubuenden gives information about many of our destinations.
Graubünden Tourism Alexanderstrasse 24 7001 Chur Switzerland E-mail: contactgraubuenden.ch Website: http://en.graubuenden.ch/ Additionally, some cities on our route have their own tourist offices:
Pontresina Tourist Information Engadin St. Moritz
Kongress- und Kulturzentrum Pontresina Via Maistra 133 CH-7504 Pontresina Tel. +41 81 838 83 00 Fax +41 81 838 83 10 E-mail: pontresina@estm.ch Website: www.pontresina.ch/en/winter.html Chur Tourism
Information Centre at the Railway Station CH-7000 Chur
Tel. +41 (0)81 252 18 18 Fax +41 (0)81 254 58 89 E-mail: info@churtourismus.ch Website: www.churtourismus.ch
Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued.
In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we need to make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change.
You may wish to review the latest version of the Holiday Information sheet online prior to travel
PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE AND BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE.
WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN.
