As over 40 percent of 2023 escorted tour bookings taken so far this year are for rail holidays to Switzerland and Germany, rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel believes its wide variety of rail breaks to both countries are meeting the expectations of all types of train tourists.

Switzerland and Germany seem to be the 'go to' European destinations this year as both boast a plethora of fabulous rail journeys that often make the 'Top 10' lists of most scenic railways.  However, one escorted rail tour to each country doesn't necessarily suit all, so Ffestiniog Travel runs several rail escapes with varied itineraries to meet all holiday hopes. 

From the steam train enthusiast to those that simply enjoy sitting back and taking in the view – Ffestiniog Travel has created a smorgasbord of rail tours to Germany and Switzerland in 2023 that offer:

• Steam-hauled rail trips
• Scenic journeys through stunning surroundings
• Stays in picturesque places
• Time to explore vibrant and cultural cities
• Train and tram travel
• The option of independent or guided excursions

General Manager Maria Cook commented; “Our travellers range from the first-time train tourist to the avid and knowledgeable rail fan, so we must consider the content of every tour carefully to ensure we cater for all rail holidaymakers and fulfil expectations. This approach is certainly working this year as 42% of all our escorted bookings are for one of our Swiss or German holidays.

“Those with a passion for railways expect a mix of cultural sightseeing with in-depth railway visits – especially if they bring their partners along too! So every year we rise to the challenge of finding rail journeys that indulge people's enthusiasm for railways within the framework of a refined and relaxing holiday. Switzerland and Germany provide great scope in helping us achieve this. 

“You have the unbeatable classic rail journeys through the Swiss Alps onboard the Glacier and Bernina Express trains, Germany's Harz Railway line up the Brocken has been named as the 'world's most photogenic route' and the Lindau and Lake Constance track is listed as one of Germany's most scenic lines – all are included in one or more of our 2023 escorted tours.”

Rhätischebahn Explorer – Departs 24 May 2023 – 7 days from £1,785pp

A week's holiday devoted entirely to exploring Switzerland's famous UNESCO Rhaetian Railway network. This 7-day escorted rail tour will take you on unforgettable train journeys through the magnificent mountainous canton of Graubünden at an affordable price. It includes return flights from Heathrow to Zürich and a first class Graubünden ticket for unlimited travel during your stay in the Swiss Alps.  Based in the charming, picturesque town of Chur you will have easy access to the Rhaetian Railway network that travels through stunning mountain and alpine scenery. There will also be organised excursions with your tour leader including an amazing return journey on the Bernina Express, a three-course dinner on board the Gourmino dining train and rides on a Crocodile heritage train and the Rhine Gorge Experience train. This is a wonderful way to see Switzerland and experience its excellent tourist rail journeys. The price includes flights, rail travel, B&B hotel accommodation, 3 course meal on the Gourmino Dining car, excursions listed and services of a tour leader throughout.

Harz Explorer – Departs 3 June 2023 – 7 days from £1,420pp

Discover a beautiful region of Germany by train. Travel across Europe to the charming medieval town of Wernigerode, home to the wonderful Harz Railway whose steam trains travel across 140km of narrow gauge tracks through the stunning Harz Mountains, including an unforgettable steam-hauled trip to the top of the Brocken.  Situated on the border of former East Germany, the Brocken was a 'listening' post in Soviet days due to its commanding views across the West and is now home to a museum telling the story of its role during the Cold War. A 3-day travel pass allows you to explore the network and visit the 'must see' UNESCO World Heritage town of Quedlinburg.  This is a delightful, escorted rail tour which includes an outbound overnight stay in Aachen and a return stopover in Frankfurt. The price includes all rail travel, B&B hotel accommodation, 3-day travel pass on the Harz Railway, evening meals on the first and final night and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Tramways of Germany - Departs 4 June 2023 - 15 days from £2,100pp

This is a comprehensive train and tram tour that rides some of Germany's finest tram networks, a great way to explore some of its major cities. Enthusiasts will enjoy travelling on lines of three different gauges and experience a wide variety of vehicles. Cities include Cologne, Mannheim, Dresden and Freiburg with an opportunity also to explore Brussels en route. The tour also includes free time to explore including day trips to Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen and a scenic ferry and tram journey to Bad Schandau.  The price includes all travel, transport tickets for independent sightseeing, B&B hotel accommodation and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Switzerland's Lake Lucerne – Departs 10 June 2023 – 8 days from £1,995pp

Lucerne in Switzerland sits on the banks of the lake that carries its name and is the perfect base to relax and enjoy a lakeside European break surrounded by glorious mountain and lake scenery. This escorted rail tour is the perfect easy rail holiday and a great introduction to train travel. Journey by train from the UK to Aachen for an overnight stay before continuing by rail to the glistening shores of Lake Lucerne, the base for a 5-night stay.  This tour includes optional, escorted excursions including three lake cruises on the Vitznau, Alpnachstad and Flüelen, an ascent of the Rigi and Pilatus mountains by train and journeys through the Brünig and Gotthard Passes by rail.  A Tell Travel Pass is also included to allow the option for some independent sightseeing, including exploring the historic city of Lucerne and unlimited travel on scheduled mountain railways and lake steamers within the region. The return journey to London includes an overnight stay in Bonn. Priced from £1,995pp this 8-day tour includes all rail travel, excursions, a Tell Pass, B&B hotel accommodation, a welcome dinner and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Swiss Rail Adventure - Departs 8 September 2023 - 15 days from £3,840pp

This is one for steam train lovers as it embraces the pleasure of steam travel within stunning Swiss locations. Enjoy steam excursions on the Rhaetian Railways network, Furka, Brienz-Rothorn and Blonay-Chamby Railways as well as a privately chartered trip on the Bern steam tram. Ride a Crocodile heritage train – so-called for its resemblance to the large amphibian and journey on both the iconic Bernina and Glacier Express trains. These journeys are interwoven with plenty of free time to explore the Swiss Alps using a first-class Swiss Pass. Stays in Chur, Thun and Brig are ideal locations from which to explore the region. The price includes all rail travel, a first-class Swiss Travel Pass for unlimited travel on trains, lake steamers, postbuses and trams, daily escorted excursions, B&B hotel accommodation and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Germany in Full Steam - Departs 13 September 2023 - 16 days from £2,750pp

Certainly a rail tour that will appeal to all as this holiday showcases Germany's most scenic regions whilst bringing together the best of the country's East and West steam heritage. An extensive tour that explores narrow gauge and preserved lines including a journey on the Wutachtalbahn with shadow-bus for photo opportunities, return travel on the Vulkan Express, Kandertalbahn, Molli Bahn and Rasender Roland and a 3-day pass to explore the Harz Railway. Railway museum visits and stays in Bonn, Freiburg, Nuremberg, Wernigerode, Rostock and Essen make this the ultimate rail discovery of Germany. The price includes all travel, a 15-day Global InterRail Pass, all excursions, B&B hotel accommodation and the services of a tour leader throughout.

Lindau & Lake Constance – Departs 4 September 2023 – 9 days from £1,725pp

This tour combines three countries in one tour. This new rail holiday allows travellers to visit Germany, Switzerland and Austria from the same picturesque resort. Travel by rail from London to Germany to the delightful town of Lindau situated at the north-eastern corner of beautiful Lake Constance. Its proximity to both Switzerland and Austria make it an ideal base for exploring the region by train and visiting each country in one short break.  Rail excursions include visits to Innsbruck in Austria via the scenic Arlberg Pass, St Gallen and a journey by narrow gauge electric train in the stunning Appenzell region of Switzerland and travel by train to Obertsdorf in Germany to enjoy its lakes and mountain backdrop. Other highlights include a Rhine River cruise from Schaffhausen to Stein am Rhein in Germany. A 10-day Global InterRail Pass allows for unlimited travel including some independent sightseeing. The price includes all travel, B&B hotel accommodation, all excursions, overnight stays in Cologne and Bonn and services of a tour leader throughout.

Maria Cook added; “If anyone is thinking of taking a rail holiday this year, both Switzerland and Germany are ideal destinations for both the debut train traveller and the rail aficionado and our medley of tours appear to be attracting holiday seekers of all kinds of rail travel.”