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SWISS RAILWAY JOURNEYS
SERIES 1
SERIES 2
SERIES 3
SERIES 1
Episode 1: The Albula Line This is one of Switzerland's most spectacular rail journeys from Chur to St Moritz with heart-stopping mountain scenery and fascinating towns and villages en route.
Episode 2: Mob - the Montreux Oberland Bernois Rail Our mapped journey on the MOB (Montreux Oberland Bernois Railway) begins in the Victorian town of Montreux and concludes with the celebrity area of Gstaad before the whistle blows in Zweissimmen. On the trip we will also see a working steam preservation museum, the new tunnel at Vanel, and cheese making.
Episode 3: The Davos Line Travelling through the scenic Malans vineyards and Landwasser river valleys, we head into ski country to visit the famous Klosters and the highest Alpine town of Davos.
Episode 4: The Arosa Line Feel the cool mountain breezes on this high altitude journey from Chur to Arosa, the resort town which named this railway line. Over the years twenty-two tunnels and galleries have been built in the remarkable first section which intersects a narrow gorge. The train passes unusual rock formations referred to as "earthmen" and distinctive river passageways.
Episode 5: The Brunig Line - Part 1 Central Switzerland's lovely lakes are highlighted in this unforgettable train trip on the Brunig Line. Visit Brienz's traditional woodcarving community. Taste the splendours of Swiss Lake Steamers and finish the journey at Meiringen, scene of Sherlock Holmes' fight to the death with arch rival Moriarty.
Episode 6: The Brunig Line - Part 2 Leave Meiringen behind and climb by cogwheel up the Brunig Pass. The train descends to the lush lakelands of central Switzerland to look at baroque churches and the ancient open-air parliament. Journey's end at Lucerne explores the old town and Transport Museum as well as the heartbreaking monument to the Swiss Guards slaughtered during the French Revolution.
Episode 7: The Appenzell Railways The railway company of Canton Appenzell, Switzerland's smallest, runs its lines through some of the most beautiful countryside in the country. The Appenzell is a farming region and the railway is extensively used by the local community. The journey ends at the old Abbey city of St Gallen where we visit the magnificent cathedral and its library.
Episode 8: The Bodensee - Toggenburg Railway This spectacular railway runs through north-eastern Switzerland's lush countryside from the soaring mountains of the Toggenburg region to the sparkling blue waters of the Bodensee. We start at Lake Zurich, interesting diversions en-route include an exploration of the historic town of Rapperswil and a visit to the depot to see the railway's behind the scenes workings. The journey ends at the port of Romanshorn situated on the shores of the Bodensee.
Episode 9: The Emmental Railway - Part 1 The lush Emmental region in central Switzerland is famous throughout the world for its delicious Swiss cheese. Our journey leads us to the mountains of the Jura region of Western Switzerland. The track climbs gently as we reach the slopes of the Emmental and we pass picturesque farms and woodland before reaching the medieval town of Thun.
SERIES 2
Episode 1: The Gotthard Line South Stopping first in Canton Ticino visitors can admire the Italian influence in the architecture. Next, we move into the wooded valleys and the high Alps in the heart of Switzerland. Marvel at a miniature village representing every Swiss canton, visit medieval castles and pass historic horse-drawn post coaches on a leisurely tour through the spectacular mountain chain.
Episode 2: The Gotthard Line North Until the advent of railway engineering in the 1880's it was impossible for travellers to cross the Alpine backbone from Northern Europe to Italy during winter. Now we can see the route in its entirety and the dramatic scenery from the heart of the Confederation to the Mediterranean in the south. We also learn the origins of the Swiss Army Knife.
Episode 3: The Bern-Lotschberg-Simplon Company We travel from the Italian border through the Lotschberg mountain range and along the shores of Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland enjoying the impressive views afforded by the BLS line. We visit the 17th century Stockpaler palace and enjoy a race between a paddle steamer and a motor boat.
Episode 4: The New Glacier Express - Part 1 We begin this journey at Zermatt popular with mountaineers since the middle of the 19th century and take the Gornergrat railway for a spectacular view over the Alps including the famous Matterhorn. We pause to look at the picturesque old villages of the Goms region and take the cablecar up to the majestic Aletsch glacier, the longest ice sheet in Europe.
Episode 5: The New Glacier Express - Part 2 After travelling along the Rhaetian Railway's tracks through the impressive Rhine valley to Chur, we pause at Ilanz to join a thrilling river rafting expedition down the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'. Then we ride along the breathtaking Albula Line with its lofty viaducts, spiral tunnels, and deep gorges. The journey ends at the famous resort of St. Moritz where we view some of the many exciting sports which attract visitors all year round.
Episode 6: The Emmental Railway - Part 2 We travel through the beautiful Entelbuch valley which is famous for its traditional farming methods where horses are still widely used to pull carts. After visiting the rural museum in Langnau we stop at a cheese centre in Affoltern where we are able to observe old and new cheesemaking methods.
SERIES 3
Episode 1: The Engadine Line More journeys along the picturesque railway lines of Switzerland. On this journey we take the Rhaetian Railway along the beautiful Engadine Valley from the world famous resort of St Moritz to the spa town of Scuol. We visit the old town of Zuoz, the former capital of the Upper Engadine, and delight in the picturesque little village of Guarda. Journey's end is at Scuol with its curative springs which have attracted bathers for well over a century.
Episode 2: The Gruyere Railway We take the Gruyere Railway to Broc where we view some of Switzerland's most mouthwatering chocolate creations in production. The line now runs through the Gruyere region of Switzerland famous throughout the world for its cheese. Mountain peaks dominate the line as it winds along the Sarine Valley to journey's end at Montbovon.
Episode 3: The Jungfrau Railways – Part 1 In the first of a two-part visit to the glorious Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland we join the BOB train at Interlaken Ost for the scenic journey to Lauterbrunnen. There we take the funicular to Grutschalp before making a winter journey to the car-free resort of Murren. A visit to Grindelwald and its impressive glaciers is also on the itinerary.
Episode 4: The Jungfrau Railways: Part Two In this second journey on the Jungfrau Railways we return to Lauterbrunnen to make the ascent from the opposite direction pausing to look at the 300 year old tradition of lacemaking. The summit station at Jungfraujoch is the highest in Europe. Visitors here can experience the ice palace huskies and the breathtaking panorama visible from the Sphinx's viewing terrace.
Episode 5: The Bernina Express Today the journey begins at the fashionable resort of St Moritz where winter equestrian events take place on a frozen lake. After passing the small town of San Antonio the track makes a dramatic drop in height over the unique open spiral viaduct at Brusio before slipping across the border to the Italian pilgrimage town of Tirano.
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