SWITZERLAND may be landlocked, but it’s also the source of
two major rivers, the Rhine and the Rhone, with many river cruises
boarding or disembarking in Basel.
Another great way to see the country is by rail, as the train
system runs like clockwork – as famously reliable as a Swiss watch,
and as punctual as the local residents.
Combining these modes of transport provides a diverse and
more interesting trip, offering two types of experiences and
perspectives – perfect for the couple who can’t agree how to see
Europe!
Best of all, a Swiss Rail Pass will get you to and from the airport
by train, as well as allow travel on buses, trams and even some
boats, plus entry to museums – all included on the one ticket.
It also includes scenic train rides, such as the Glacier Express or
Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps. Then, you can catch a
train to Basel and switch to the tram (or a 15-minute taxi) to get to
the cruise port.
Alternatively, do your river cruise first.
Or do it my way. I travelled around Europe by train, ending up in
Amsterdam, and then took a Scenic Tours river cruise towards
Switzerland.
I flew in and out of Zurich, starting my train adventure with a
week around Switzerland, then up to Holland via Germany, and
cruised back down to pick up my return flight from Zurich.
I never walked more than five minutes from a train station to a
hotel. It was all so easy and seamless.
I also enjoyed the similarities between rail travel and river
cruising: smoothly gliding along through big cities and small
towns, watching the scenery go by, having lunch onboard (served
at my table by a waiter on the Glacier Express), and visiting a new
destination every day.
Switzerland’s high-speed trains are arguably the best in Europe –
ideal for a river-cruiser who appreciates the finer things in life.
And of course, the Swiss alps, lush valleys and villages are
breathtakingly beautiful.
Tips for a cruise-train combo trip:
– Buy a Swiss Pass (online, before leaving Australia) to keep things
simple and cost-effective.
– Don’t miss the Glacier Express (eight hours) between St Moritz
and Zermatt, home of the famous mountain, the Matterhorn.
– Take the boat from Weggis to Lucerne to explore its charming
Old Town.
– From here, it’s only an hour to Basel, where river cruises depart.
Catch the number-18 tram to the port.
Swiss Pass: www.raileurope.com.au
River Cruise: Basel to Amsterdam, from $3,450 per person; see
www.scenictours.com.au for more information.
Hotels: Alex Schlosshotel in Zermatt (www.alex-schlosshotel.
ch); Hotel Park Weggis (www.parkweggis.ch) or Art Deco Hotel
Montana in Lucerne (www.hotel-montana.ch).
Airline: www.swiss.com
Tourism Info: www.myswitzerland.com
