Day 1

Travel by Eurostar and ICE to Friedrichshafen. Cross Lake Constance by ferry to Switzerland, then take your first journey on the Appenzeller Railway to Schwende. Stay at Hotel Frohe Aussicht***, next to the small railway station and surrounded by Alpine meadows.

Day 2

Stay in Schwende, in the heart of Appenzellerland and surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. The Appenzeller Ferienkarte includes free public transport throughout the region, return journeys on the Ebenalp, Hoher Kasten and Kronberg cable cars, admission to swimming pools, museums and the local cheese dairy. Mountain boots can be hired for two days, one day's bicycle hire is included, and you can also enjoy the summer toboggan run. Take a walk to the mountain inn at Äscher or visit the charming town of Appenzell with its beautifully painted wooden houses.

Day 3

Stay in Schwende and continue exploring Appenzellerland at your own pace.

Day 4

Travel on the panoramic Voralpen Express to Lucerne, then continue to Sion in Valais. From there, take the PostBus to Arolla, at 2,100 metres above sea level, surrounded by unspoilt Alpine scenery with 4,000-metre peaks and impressive glaciers, comparable to the landscapes around Zermatt. Stay at the traditional Hotel Kurhaus***, beautifully located in the forest with a lovely garden and spectacular mountain views.

Day 5

Enjoy one of Arolla's many walking trails, such as the marmot trail or the alpine flower walk featuring more than 100 species of wildflowers. There are also excellent opportunities for glacier walks and mountain hikes.

Day 6

Stay in Arolla and enjoy another day surrounded by nature and tranquillity.

Day 7

Travel back via Visp and Basel, including the Lötschberg Base Tunnel, before continuing by ICE and Eurostar to London or your preferred railway station in Great Britain.

13-day Rail Tour

Difference from the 7-day rail tour:

• 3 additional nights in Schwende
• 3 additional nights in Arolla
• More time to enjoy these remarkable off-the-beaten-track destinations