25 Day Norway & Swiss Rail Premium Winter Wonderland
Designed to take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Travel with no more than 26 people (on average 16-20), allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
✓ Incredible sightseeing! Experience a journey on the renowned Swiss scenic trains as they traverse snow-capped mountains, embark on a serene boat excursion across the pristine waters of Lake Lucerne, and delight in the flavours of a delectable cheese fondue, savouring every moment.
✓ See the famous Lofoten Islands, fly through the Arctic forest by husky sled, hunt for the northern lights in wild Finnish Lapland, visit Santa Claus’ Village in Rovaniemi and more
✓ Experience the best of both worlds with Independent travel in Switzerland from Days 1-9, and a Fully Escorted tour in Norway from days 10-25 with an English speaking guide
✓ 22 nights handpicked, 3-4 star accommodation
✓ World-famous scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps, including the spectacular Glacier Express and Bernina Express
✓ Dedicated rail ticket in 2nd class, as per the itinerary, including seat reservation on all scenic trains in Switzerland
✓ Self-guided excursion to Mount Rigi including a stunning cogwheel train ride and boat ride on Lake Lucerne
✓ 1 night on board the overnight Santa Claus Express train from Helsinki to Kemi
✓ 1 night night in a magical glass igloo under Saariselkä’s starry skies, looking for the northern lights
✓ All transportation, rail tickets and entry fees as per itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Grüezi! Welcome to Switzerland.
Take an included rail transfer to Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and a hub of both its economic and cultural vitality. The charming pathways of the central Altstadt, flanking the Limmat River, offer glimpses into its ancient origins. Riverside promenades like Limmatquai guide the way along the river, leading to the 17th-century Rathaus, or town hall. Enjoy an overnight stay in Zurich.
Arrival airport train transfers are included as part of your package.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. In the early morning, board a train for your journey to Lucerne. Your itinerary includes a visit to the "Queen of the Mountains." Commence your adventure at Lucerne Pier, where you'll embark on a crossing of Lake Lucerne, heading towards Vitznau. At Vitznau, you'll find the cogwheel train ready to transport you upwards through snow-kissed landscapes. Ascend to the mid-station, Rigi Kaltbad, where you can relish a delectable cheese fondue experience (the location, either at Rigi Kaltbad Hotel or the local Cheese Dairy, depends on the date). Continue your ascent to the pinnacle, Rigi Kulm, and conclude your circular expedition by journeying up to Arth-Goldau, where a regional train will whisk you back to Lucerne.
Embark on a train journey to Interlaken through the captivating route via Lucerne, which forms a segment of the renowned GoldenPass Line. Your arrival in Interlaken is scheduled for the afternoon. This charming town is nestled within the heart of the Bernese Oberland and the majestic Swiss Alps. Serving as the entrance to the Jungfrau region, Interlaken provides access to the iconic peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Graced by its location between the serene Thun and Brienz lakes, Interlaken rests at the base of the imposing Jungfrau massif.
Proceed further by train to Zermatt and enjoy a leisurely day.
Zermatt lies at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn peak. The town's touristic development is closely linked to what is arguably the world's most famous mountain. This car‐free resort offers guests an abundance of activities such as visits to the local mountains of Gornergrat or the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. It is also home to the highest open-air cog railway in Europe.
Zermatt offers an array of captivating activities for every traveller. From the dramatic backdrop of the Matterhorn to the charming village streets, this Alpine paradise caters to all interests. Embark on exhilarating hikes or take scenic train rides like the Gornergrat Railway. Explore the cultural gems at the Matterhorn Museum, savour alpine cuisine in local eateries, and relish the serene pleasure of stargazing. Zermatt's diverse activities promise an unforgettable journey amidst the breathtaking Swiss Alps.
Embark on a remarkable journey today as you uncover the myriad highlights along the Glacier Express route. The passage from Zermatt to St. Moritz is an indelible experience. Enveloped by a breathtaking mountain panorama, the route stretches eastward into the Upper Rhone valley, reaching a peak of 1366m at Oberwald. It then winds through Andermatt and ascends to the Oberlap Pass, the apex of the journey at 2034m. Descending, the route continues through the Rhine valley to reach its lowest point at Chur, 595m. The landscape undergoes a marvellous transformation, especially in the dramatic Rhine gorge.
Take a regional train to Pontresina and switch over to the Bernina Express panoramic train bound for Tirano. Appreciate the wintry scenes unfolding through your window as the train traverses the Upper Engadine Valley. The journey continues, guiding you through the loftiest peaks of Canton Graubunden and past the Morteratsch Glacier, marking the initiation of the ascent up the Bernina Pass. Amidst this seasonal backdrop, Lago Bianco appears, its surface adorned with snow. Shortly after, you'll reach the pinnacle at 2253m, Ospizio Bernina, before the thrilling descent via Alp Grum commences. This leg affords you magnificent vistas of the Palu Glacier. Your voyage concludes in the charming northern Italian town of Tirano. Later, return to St. Moritz using the regional train service.
Commute via train to Zurich for your ultimate overnight stay. Enjoy one final evening to explore and experience the city at your leisure. Why not treat yourself to a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum?
At the appropriate time, catch a train transfer to Zurich Airport for your included flight to Helsinki.
Welcome to Scandinavia! Please make your own way to the hotel.
Tonight you will enjoy a welcome meeting and dinner to get to know our fellow travellers a little better. This meeting commences at approx 6pm.
Transportation:
Train connection between Helsinki city centre and Helsinki Airport is carried out by local commuter trains which run every 10 minutes on peak hours. Travel time from Airport Train Station to Helsinki Central Station is about 30 minutes. Single ticket fare from Helsinki Airport to city centre is € 4.10 from the ticket machines located at the station.
You will start your day early, departing the hotel at 6:00am for a transfer to the ferry terminal. Enjoy breakfast onboard as the ferry cruises through a picturesque stretch of the Baltic Sea, arriving in the medieval city of Tallinn, Estonia. Upon arrival, take part in a 2-hour guided walking tour of Tallinn's magical Old Town, an exceptionally well-preserved district dating back to the 13th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Following the tour, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace before boarding the ferry back to Helsinki. Upon your return, you will be transferred to the hotel for the evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
The walking tour will be passing by the highlights and does not include entrance. You will have free time to explore these further on the conclusion of your walking tour.
If you have booked on our Baltic City hop extension tour and already visited Tallinn, you may opt to have this day at leisure.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning to further explore Helsinki, revisit a favourite spot, or simply relax at your own pace. Hotel checkout is at midday, after which you may wish to have lunch or continue exploring the city until the afternoon.
At approximately 3pm, return to the hotel to collect your luggage and board the coach for a guided city tour. The first stop will be the remarkable Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the ‘Rock Church’. Carved directly into solid bedrock and completed in 1969, this unique space blends natural elements with modern design, offering a striking example of contemporary Finnish architecture.
Following the visit to the Rock Church, enjoy a panoramic tour through Helsinki’s vibrant cityscape, offering a final glimpse of its architectural elegance and Nordic charm. The tour concludes at the central train station, where you’ll prepare to board the ‘Santa Claus Express’—an iconic overnight sleeper train bound for the heart of Finnish Lapland.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Luggage can be stored at the hotel while you enjoy your free time in the city. Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to collect it before departing on the city tour. For ease and comfort on the train, we recommend packing an overnight bag, as cabin space is limited. Larger bags can be stowed under the bunk beds or in the carriage’s luggage compartment.
This morning we will arrive at Kemi at 6:00am , where a morning breakfast is served at the SnowCastle Resort. Visit the main building of the SnowCastle Resort, where there will be snow & ice sculptures on display, an ice bar and an ice restaurant.
Later, we’ll travel to the Ajos Pier located by the Bothnian Bay, where the sea freezes over during winter. It’s time to board a real life Icebreaker for an incredible adventure. Ploughing through the thick ice is not the only attraction for passengers onboard this powerful vessel: guests also have the unique opportunity to swim among the ice (in a full-body waterproof 'survival suit', of course).
After an unforgettable day, we continue the journey north to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Autumn Departures (Sep - Nov)
Due to the lack of ice on Bothnian Bay, the Icebreakers are not yet in operation. Autumn departures will travel directly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi on the overnight sleeper train and the Icebreaker activity will be replaced by Arctic Floating.
Arctic Floating in Rovaniemi is a unique and exhilarating experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Finnish wilderness. It involves floating in a near frozen lake. You'll be provided with a high-quality, waterproof floating suit that keeps you warm and dry, even in near freezing temperatures. Experienced guides will accompany you throughout the experience, ensuring your safety and providing insights into the local environment.
Today, after breakfast, visit Santa Claus’ Village for a couple of hours of Christmas magic. Here, you’ll cross the Arctic Circle and receive a certificate to commemorate this. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the village’s many charms and fun activities, like meeting Santa’s reindeer, perusing the souvenirs or exploring Snowman World. You can even send a postcard home from the post office, staffed by Santa’s postal elves – it will have a special Arctic Circle postmark not available anywhere else. And of course, you can meet Santa.
Inspiring Highlights
Discover Lapland’s unique snowy nature and the fun of snowmobiling. The best way to get to the heart of nature – and back. During this fun safari, you’ll learn how to ride a snowmobile along frozen rivers and through snow covered forests. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river valley from the hilltops. A break with hot beverages will keep your motor running.
Time: 2:30pm.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours.(including 1.5 hours driving time).
Includes: Thermal outfit (warm overalls, boots and woollen socks, gloves, scarves and hats), helmet, balaclava, guidance in English, fuel, traffic insurance (maximum personal liability €980), hot beverage.
Snowmobile Safari:
Begin your day travelling further north through the picturesque winter landscape, with a stop in Sodankylä for a brief outdoor visit to the historic old church. Continue to a husky farm for your Inspiring Sight: a thrilling Husky Safari. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the enthusiastic barks of the friendly huskies. Before setting off on your sledding adventure, you will receive a briefing on how to control the sleds. After the safari, return to the farm to warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire and enjoy a conversation with the head musher, learning fascinating insights about these incredible animals. Continue to Saariselkä for your Inspiring Stay. Tonight, you'll enjoy the unique experience of staying in a glass-roofed cabin, designed to let you sleep beneath the starry skies and, with some luck, witness the magical Northern Lights. These well-insulated Aurora cabins provide a warm and comfortable retreat, even in the coldest of temperatures.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Your Husky Safari includes thermal clothing (overalls, boots and mittens if needed). We recommend wearing at least two warm layers of clothes and bringing your own gloves and boots for maximum comfort.
On some departure dates, you might stay at Northern Lights Village Pyha or at Aurora Village in Ivalo, instead of Northern Lights Village Saariselkä.
After breakfast today, continue your journey north with a stop in Inari to visit the renowned SIIDA Museum, offering insights into the culture and history of the Sámi people and the Arctic region. Afterward, cross the border into the stunning landscapes of Norway, arriving in Karasjok later in the day.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Departing Karasjok at 7:00am, continue your Arctic journey toward Norway’s northernmost point, the awe-inspiring North Cape (Nordkapp).
Upon arrival, receive a certificate commemorating your visit to Europe’s northernmost point and savour an Inspiring Taste experience with sparkling wine and caviar while admiring the breathtaking scenery. After some free time to explore the dramatic landscapes of North Cape, continue to Honningsvåg, where the afternoon is yours to discover this charming fishing village at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Departing the North Cape region after breakfast, begin your journey south along Norway’s stunning coastline to Alta. Upon arrival enjoy some free time before a visit to the Alta Museum and its renowned World Heritage Rock Art Centre, showcasing fascinating prehistoric carvings.
This evening at approximately 8:00pm, embark on a scenic drive around Alta for another chance to hunt the Northern Lights, experiencing this natural wonder from a fresh perspective.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast, depart from Alta and continue south to Tromsø, the largest city in Northern Norway, situated 350 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Tromsø offers an array of local pubs and restaurants specializing in fresh Arctic ingredients.
En route, travel through the breathtaking Lyngen Alps, a majestic mountain range flanked by the Lyngen Fjord to the east and Ullsfjorden to the west, offering spectacular scenery along the way.
Upon arrival in Tromsø, enjoy time at leisure to explore this vibrant city, often referred to as the Gateway to the Arctic.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
Please note: you can only select ONE of the optional tours provided on Day 10. Places are subject to availability and extremely limited due to popularity. If we cannot confirm your selection, we will offer an alternative (where available) otherwise, we will remove the optional tour from your order and provide a refund (where applicable).
View the magnificent Northern Lights on the arctic sea! Explore the arctic night while enjoying a warm beverage on board the boat Polar Adventure. With departure from the dock in the city center, the boat will head towards the area where the chances of seeing the Northern Lights are the greatest. We choose where to go depending on the weather conditions and where we can find clear skies.
On board is a variety of snacks, cookies, and a small bar where you will find coffee, tea, hot chocolate, water, and juice. In the self-service bar, you can drink as many coffees and eat as many cookies as you want.
The crew will guide you through a wonderful arctic night, while viewing the Aurora, you will learn about the origin, myths, and stories of the Northern Lights. This activity's main and sole focus is to find and see the Northern Light. We will travel as far as we can taking into consideration the duration of the tour.
Meeting Point: Polar Adventures Office, Killengreens gate 7-11, Front Pier
How to get there: Walk
Includes: Guide, Transport, Hot drinks, snacks, water, Insulated body suit.
Please bring: Warm clothes (at least two layers), gloves and hat, good winter boots.
Start Time: 7:45pm Check in for an 8:00pm Departure
End Time: 11:30pm
This is an extraordinary hunt for the Northern Lights, an experience you will never forget. Your Northern Lights chases are guided by a mix of professional tour guides, and experienced aurora hunters, all in small groups as it makes the experience more genuine and creates a special, cozy atmosphere and makes us more flexible. This is a small-group, outdoor tour, tailored especially to explore the Arctic nature while you are hunting for the Northern Lights. The main purpose is to give you an authentic experience of the countryside outside of Tromsø while you are admiring the Aurora Borealis. You will be picked up by your local guides in the city center. We will choose where to go depending on the weather conditions and where we can find clear skies, sometimes we go as far as to the Finnish border to find the right conditions for the lights (don't forget your passport!).
You can expect an unforgettable experience as the arctic nature is unpredictable. You will be provided snacks and hot drinks. Your guide will take photos on the tour and share them with you the day after the trip. After the tour you can be taken directly to your hotel. Let the chase begin!
Meeting Point: Front Pier, Killengreens gate 7-11, 9008 Tromsø
How to get there: Walk
Includes: Guide, Transport, Hot drinks, Snacks, Insulated body suit, Unlimited number of photos (25 NOK per photo for download without watermark)
Please bring: Gloves, Hat, Wool socks, Winter shoes (water resistant), General outdoor clothing (we have thermal suits available), spikes for winter boots, food/a meal for the tour
Start Time: 7:15pm Check in for 7:30pm Departure
End Time: As late as 2:30am (5 -7 hours)
Today is yours to enjoy at leisure, with plenty of options to explore Tromsø’s unique offerings or partake in an optional tour. You might choose to visit one of the city’s fascinating museums, such as the Polar Museum, where you can learn about Arctic exploration, or the Tromsø Museum, which offers insight into the region’s natural history and Sámi culture. For those seeking spectacular views, a visit to the Arctic Cathedral or a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic vistas of the surrounding fjords and mountains is highly recommended. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, take a stroll through the charming streets and enjoy the local cafes, or explore the vibrant harbour area.
Special Information
Please note you can only select ONE of the reindeer optional tours provided on this day.
Venture into the wilderness and walk amidst a herd of 300 reindeer, with the opportunity to feed them. Following this enchanting encounter, enjoy a 15-20 minute sleigh ride.
Then, step into a cozy candlelit gamme for a serene three-course feast (veg/vegan meal available), followed by joiking, traditional Sami tales, and insights into Sami history. If the skies are clear, you might be lucky to see the awe-inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights.
Note: Ensure to dress appropriately with warm clothes. We recommend at least two layers of warm clothing.
Includes: Visit a reindeer camp, reindeer feeding, 15-20 minute sleigh ride, 3-course meal, hot drinks and cookies. Warm overalls and snow boots can be provided if needed.
Duration: 4,5 hours
Start: 6pm
Pick up/meeting point: At the corner of Bankgata and Fredrik Langes Gate
(Please note that due to reindeer migration, this tour only operates from November to March)
NOTE: Optional tours in Tromso are slight variations of a local experience. It is suggested to only choose one of these experiences to avoid repetition of some included activities. Please note you can only select ONE of the reindeer optional tours provided on this day.
Enjoy a 25-30 minute sleigh ride as the reindeer guide you around the valley and along the coast. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to feed 300 of these magnificent animals before entering the gamme for a traditional meal cooked over the fire (veg/vegan meal available). Finish the day by gathering around the fire to listen to Sami history, stories and joiking (songs).
Note: Ensure to dress appropriately with warm clothes. We recommend at least two layers of warm clothing.
Includes: Visit a reindeer camp, reindeer feeding, 25-30 minutes sleigh ride, lunch, hot drinks and cookies. Warm overalls and snow boots can be provided if needed.
Duration: 4 hours
Start: 10am
Pick up/meeting point: At the corner of Bankgata and Fredrik Langes Gate
After breakfast, depart Tromsø and head toward Narvik, located at the gateway to the stunning Lofoten Islands. Upon arrival, visit the Red Cross War Memorial Museum, which commemorates the pivotal battles of Narvik in the spring of 1940. This museum recounts the story of how Norwegian, British, French, and Polish forces delivered Nazi Germany its first defeat during World War II. Explore the museum to gain a deeper understanding of the historic Battles of Narvik and their significant role in the war.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Leaving Narvik after breakfast, journey to the charming town of Svolvær, nestled within the renowned Lofoten archipelago. Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes and the iconic red wooden houses that line the waterfront, Svolvær offers a sublime setting. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the magical Lofoten Islands, known for their striking natural beauty and unique cultural heritage.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Today, embark on an exploration of the breathtaking Lofoten Islands, renowned for their remarkable natural beauty. A highlight of the day is a visit to the picturesque village of Henningsvær, nestled among a cluster of small islands at the base of the striking Vågakallen mountain. Known as one of Lofoten's most iconic fishing villages, Henningsvær offers a unique blend of traditional wooden architecture and contemporary art galleries, set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. This charming village is truly a one-of-a-kind destination.
Inspiring Highlights
After checking out of the hotel, travel by bus to Evenes to board a flight to the captivating Norwegian capital, Oslo. Upon arrival, a short transfer will take us to our centrally located hotel. Known for its lush green spaces and rich cultural heritage, Oslo is home to several museums, many of which are situated on the scenic Bygdøy Peninsula, including the Norwegian Maritime Museum by the waterfront. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day or evening at leisure, exploring this pedestrian-friendly city at your own pace.
Special Information
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Oslo, featuring a scenic drive past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the Parliament building, flanked by two imposing lion statues at its entrance, the National Theatre, and the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the Norwegian Monarch. Our next stop is the Akershus Castle and Fortress, a medieval stronghold built by King Håkon V in the 14th century. Today, the fortress stands as a national symbol and a popular spot for both historical exploration and recreation.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Akershus Castle only opens on Saturdays and Sundays in wintertime. It will be replaced by the Historical Museum on Tuesday to Friday, or the Fram Museum on Mondays.
Today marks the end of your magnificent and unforgettable tour through Northern Scandinavia.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
There are various options to reach Oslo airport. The Flytoget Express train is convenient and efficient. Trains depart from Oslo Central Station 6 times/hour (weekday, 3 times/hour during weekends).
This package is sold as land only, however you do have the option of adding domestic & international airfares to your booking. Simply click on’ book now’, and under upgrades , you will be asked “Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?”. By selecting this option Inspiring Vacations will contact you to discuss adding flights to your chosen destination. We can then assist with turning your booking into a flight inclusive package.
Upon completing the purchase of your package and fulfilling the following booking requirements, you will be granted access to our flight portal via your Traveller Hub.
Once these criteria have been met, access will be made available to you via Traveller Hub to book your flights via our flight portal.
The following requests are able to be processed through the online flight portal:
The online flight portal is unable to process the following requests and you must book these yourself independently:
Online check-in
Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
This tour is a combination of 9 Day Premium Swiss Rail Winter Wonderland, which operates on an independent basis, and 17 Day Norway Winter Premium Small Group Tour
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a”3”
Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $5,500.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for this tour to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.
Visas may be required.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Group Size
Travel in Switzerland is on an independant basis
Travel in Norway is group size 12-24
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note: All add-ons, including upgrades, pre/post accommodation, and optional tours, are subject to availability until confirmed by our operators. We recommend waiting for final confirmation of all itinerary components before making irreversible bookings like flights.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour, you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Glacier Express 3-Course Lunch
As you gaze out at the stunning alpine panorama, enjoy a freshly prepared 3-course meal on board and served at your seat.
1st Class Rail
Select this supplement if you would like to upgrade your itinerary to 1st class rail on all sectors, including seat reservation on the scenic trains.
Glacier Express Excellence Class + 1st class rail supplement
A panoramic trip through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express is now even more spectacular with guaranteed window seats and panoramic views. The new Excellence Class sets standards that are as high as the mountain peaks along the legendary route. Along the way you will be served a refined regional 5-course menu with accompanying wines. For an aperitif, some delicious cocktail or to exchange with fellow travellers the Glacier Bar is the perfect place to visit. Thanks to the compass on the ceiling none of the many turns will be missed.
During the entire journey, you will be taken care of by a concierge. Be it with culinary delights, answers to personal concerns or exciting anecdotes and information about nature, culture and people along the journey.
Complementary Services in Excellence Class
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‘Come for the views and stay for the wine’, should be your motto as your travel through one of Switzerland’s most picturesque lake-side spots, discovering some of its most iconic vintages along the way Though a mere stone’s throw from some of the most famous wine-making regions in the world – think Burgundy, Champagne,...
There’s a whole lot more to an Alpine adventure than photo ops and skiing. Here are seven quintessentially Swiss experiences you can only find in the Alps From celebrating cows in a town famous for its cheese and soaking in thermal baths, to hiking with St Bernards (yes, the dogs) and crossing the world’s largest suspe...
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