Fred.\ Holidays Italy & Switzerland brochure

At Fred.\ Holidays, we specialise in tailor-made holidays. This means we can create the perfect holiday designed specifically to your requirements; whether you prefer 3, 4 or 5-star accommodation, additional nights, rail transport, regional flights or even multicountry holidays, simply let us know and we will do the rest. Inside this brochure we have hand-picked our most popular Italy & Switzerland holidays including river cruising and rail journey itineraries. If however our suggested holidays are not quite what you are looking for, or if your preferred destination is not featured, please do not hesitate to call us for more information and your personalised holiday quotation. For your peace of mind – In addition to being part of one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred.\ Holidays is ABTA & ATOL bonded, ensuring that you are financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

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Italy is well-connected by an excellent rail network extending from the very north, right to the most southerly tip, combining high speed Frecciarossa trains - featuring comfortable Standard, Business and luxurious Executive Classwith comprehensive regional connections. The lake regions are conveniently serviced by water, making remote lake-side resorts accessible without a car.

Swiss Travel System – the most delightful and sustainable way to explore Switzerland. Some 29,000 kilometres of Swiss public transport network await you!

Trains, buses and boats are geared up to take travellers to their destinations comfortably and punctually. Hop on board, discover panoramic routes, visit over 500 museums, enjoy mountain excursions and travel to more than 90 towns and cities – all of it with Swiss Travel System!

One of the most popular products of Swiss Travel System is the Swiss Travel Pass. For guests, this all-in-one ticket is the key to Switzerland’s public transport network. It enables visitors to explore Switzerland from end to end by train, bus and boat on 3, 4, 6, 8 or 15 consecutive days or choose the flex pass and select your travel dates - exploring Switzerland has never been easier!

ItalyVenice

Simplon-Orient-Express & Venice

No-Fly Holiday

Travel back in time to the Golden Age of Rail Travel on board arguably the most famous train of all - the Venice Simplon-OrientExpress. There is not a moment during this most sought-after rail experience when you will not feel the nostalgia that radiates from every inch of the beautifully-restored Pullman carriages.

What’s included:

• Flight from UK to Venice

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Venice with breakfast

• Overnight full-board journey on Venice

Simplon-Orient-Express from Venice to Paris

• Eurostar from Paris to London (can be extended to allow for a stay in Paris)

• Overseas transfers

Selected 2023 & 2024 departures 4 nights from £3,999 pp

Enhance your experience:

Upgrades available: hotel, Suite or Grand Suite on board the train

Fly return available

London

Venice

Paris

What’s included:

• Standard Premier Eurostar from London to Paris

• Overnight full-board journey on Venice SimplonOrient-Express from Paris to Venice

• First Class Rail from Venice to Desenzano del Garda

• 7 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Desenzano del Garda with breakfast

• First Class Rail from Desenzano del Garda to Chambéry

• Overnight 4-star accommodation in Chambéry with breakfast

• First Class Rail from Chambéry to Paris

• Standard Premier Class Eurostar from Paris to London

• Transfer from Paris Gare de Lyon to Gare du Nord

Italy Lake Garda via Venice Simplon-

Orient-Express

No-Fly Holiday

Take the luxury route to spend a week in the Italian Lakes. Before arriving on the shores of Lake Garda you’ll be transported back in time on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Synonymous with all that is special in the realms of rail travel, there is no better way to start your holiday.

Selected 2023 & 2024 departures 10 nights from £5,389 pp

Enhance your experience:

Upgrade your cabin on the Venice

Simplon-Orient-Express

Hotel room upgrades

Fly start/return available on request

London

Venice Desenzano del Garda

Chambéry

Paris

Italy Royal Clipper Italian Mini Cruise & Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

On this express week-long luxury Rail & Sail break, following a four-night mini cruise round trip from Rome, visiting Corsica, you will head to Venice by first class rail for a two-night stay ahead of an overnight journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Rail & Sail

What’s included:

• Return flights from London Gatwick

• 4 nights’ full-board sailing on Royal Clipper round-trip from Rome, visiting: Portoferraio, Elba (Italy) | - Calvi, Corsica (France) | East Corsica, Beach (France)

• First Class Rail from Rome to Venice

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Venice with breakfast

• Overnight full-board journey on Venice Simplon-Orient Express from Venice to Amsterdam

• Overseas transfers

• Port charges

Departing 16th July 2024

7 nights from £6,179 pp

Enhance your experience:

Upgrade your cabin on board Royal Clipper

Upgrade your cabin on board Venice

Simplon-Orient-Express

Regional departures are available, on request

London

Venice Rome

Portoferraio Calvi East Corsica

Paris

Your luxury Rail & Sail break begins with a journey on board Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, the most famous train of all time and a much sought-after travel experience in its own right with its timeless elegance, ubiquitous style, exquisite gastronomy and unrivalled service.

What’s included:

• Standard Premier Class Eurostar from London to Paris

• Overnight full-board journey on Venice SimplonOrient-Express from Paris to Venice

• First Class Rail from Venice to Rome

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Rome with breakfast

• 7 nights’ full board sailing on Star Flyer round trip from Rome visiting: Lipari, Aeolian Islands (Italy) | Messina, Sicily (Italy) | Amalfi (Italy) | Sorrento (Italy) | Ponza, Pontine Islands (Italy)

• Flight from Rome to London

• Overseas transfers

• Port charges

Italy

Venice SimplonOrient-Express with Star Flyer Amalfi & Sicily Cruise

Departing 14th August 2024

10 nights from £6,789 pp

Enhance your experience:

Upgrade your cabin on board Star Flyer

Upgrade your cabin on board Venice

Simplon-Orient-Express

Regional departures are available, on request

Rail & Sail

London

Venice Rome

Lipari Messina

Amalfi Sorrento Ponza

Paris

Italy Rome & the Amalfi Coast

in partnership with

Escorted Tour

From the legendary Colosseum to the rocky cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, take in the best of southern Italy. Uncover Classic Rome’s myriad treasures and embark on an in-depth guided visit of the spectacular Colosseum. Explore the breathtaking scenery of Italy’s coastline, from the dramatic beauty of the Amalfi Coast to the charms of seaside Sorrento. Visit the renowned monastery of Montecassino. Discover Pompeii’s ruins. Stop at a local winery at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, learn how mozzarella cheese is made, and sip on some real-deal limoncello. From 2 of Italy’s most beloved locales, experience the country’s renowned food, culture, history, and landscapes.

Departing March to December 8 nights from £2,799 pp

What’s included:

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas escorted travel from your hotel arrival

• 13 meals: 8 breakfasts; 2 lunch; 3 dinners

• 8 nights’ 4-star accommodation

• Exclusive highlights and guided day excursions

Highlights:

• Culinary inclusions:

• Sample local specialties at a familyowned limoncello factory in Minori

• Enjoy a tasting and lunch at a local winery at the foot of Mount Vesuvius

• Cultural experiences

• Discover the mountaintop monastery of Montecassino and its role in World War II

• Tour a family-run farm on the Sorrento Coast and learn how they make mozzarella cheese by hand

• Enjoy free time to explore Amalfi, a historic trading hub along its namesake coast

• Must-see inclusions

• Take a walking tour of classical Rome, featuring an in-depth visit to the legendary Colosseum

• Visit the seaside resort town of Sorrento

• Discover the excavated ruins of Pompeii with a local expert

Rome Pompeii

Montecassino

Amalfi

Amalfi Coast Minori Sorrento

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 16th March 2024.

Italy

Ischia - Botania Relais & Spa

A 45-minute ferry ride across the Bay of Naples takes you to Ischia - a paradise full of thermal spas, magnificent hotels, jaw-dropping landscapes and inviting beaches. Located on the north-west side of Ischia, close to the town of Lacco Ameno, the 5-Star Botania Relais & Spa is a peaceful oasis set amongst three hectares of glorious gardens. Ten villas lie within the beautiful flora, offering a total of 40 rooms and suites in which you can relax and enjoy this serene natural environment.

The resort has a keen focus on sustainability and looking after the environment. The activity of the Polito family shows pride and respect for the extraordinary rules of nature, choosing an approach aimed at preserving the natural balance of the beloved island of Ischia. The architectural forms of the villas that make up the Botania Relais & Spa blend harmoniously with the gentle slopes of the park; everything is designed to follow the rhythms of nature. The organic farming garden and the eco-sustainability choices complete this philosophy that makes Botania Relais & Spa a modern and responsible company, where the energy used is 100% from renewable sources.

Daily departures April to October 7 nights from £1,599 pp

What’s included:

• 7 nights’ 5-star accommodation including breakfast

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas transfers and ferry crossing

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Luton on 26th September 2023.

If you’re visiting Sicily for its Mediterranean flavours, you’ve picked the right place. This Italian region holds many family-owned restaurants that use timeless recipes passed down through generations and island-grown ingredients such as shellfish, pistachios and ricotta.

Donna Carmela is a historic residence between Etna and the Ionian Sea. It is a Resort surrounded by a lush garden of 10,000 square meters overlooking a nursery of Mediterranean and subtropical plants.

Next to the Sicilian beam there are 8 lodges surrounded by vegetation that makes them unique and makes guests’ experience in full contact with nature.

A privileged location for a relaxing holiday and at the same time an ideal starting point to discover the beauty of eastern Sicily: Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Noto, Catania and Piazza Armerina.

Italy Sicily - Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges

The football being kicked by Italy’s boot, Sicily is located towards the south and best-known for its rich history. Being the home and burial ground for the Romans and many other ancient cultures means there’s plenty of archaeological sites to see.

Daily departures available 7 nights from £849 pp

What’s included:

• 7 nights’ accommodation including breakfast

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas transfers

Italy Southern Italy & Sicily

in partnership with

Escorted Tour

Journey through a crossroads of civilizations in Sicily and on to the spectacular coastlines of Southern Italy. Uncover Sicily’s capital Palermo and its Moorish and Norman influences. Explore Agrigento’s ancient Valley of the Temples. Travel to the historic hilltop town of Taormina. Visit a local winery for a wine tasting and agriturismo dinner. Venture to the ancient cave dwellings of Sassi di Matera. Discover spectacular Mt. Etna Volcano National Park. Explore the stunning Amalfi Coast and Sorrento. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans in the excavated Pompeii. Allow the unique culture to capture your heart and get a glimpse into an age-old heritage composed of ancient monuments and cultivated lands.

Departing March to December 11 nights from £2,899 pp

What’s included:

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas escorted travel from your hotel arrival

• 19 meals: 11 breakfasts; 1 lunch; 7 dinners

• 11 nights’ 4-star accommodation

• Exclusive highlights and guided day excursions

Highlights:

• Culinary inclusions:

• Sample Sicilian snacks at a popular 19th-century eatery

• Indulge in a delicious regional diner inside a winery’s agriturismo restaurant

• Sample local specialties at a familyowned limoncello factory

• Cultural experiences

• Stand in awe before the ancient Greek theatre in Taormina

• Tour a vineyard and cellar with an expert guide

• Experience Mt. Etna Volcano National Park with a local expert

• Must-see inclusions

• Venture along the breath-taking Amalfi Coast

• Experience the excavated ruins of Pompeii at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius

• Journey to Sassi di Matera, known for its cave dwellings

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 4th May 2023.

Italy Idyllic Italy – London to Sicily by Rail

Let Italy ignite your imagination on this comprehensive trip from the north to the very south of this boot-shaped peninsula. We’ve kept it simple with transport and accommodation included, but we have a wide range of enriching experiences on offer in Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome, so that you can tailor-make this journey into your own dream Italian holiday with a selection of pre-booked excursions to suit you. Or, just sit back and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Daily departures April to October

14 nights from £1,999 pp

What’s included:

• Rail from London to Italy

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Milan with breakfast

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Venice with breakfast

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Florence with breakfast

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Rome with breakfast

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Taormina, Sicily, with breakfast

• Standard Class Rail within Italy

• Transfer to hotel on arrival in Milan

• Transfer to airport from Sicily hotel on day of departure

• Flight from Sicily back to UK

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotels, upgrade to First Class rail from £300 per person, fly start/rail return available

Many optional excursions to choose from in each destination

London

Italy Spotlight on Tuscany

in partnership with

Escorted Tour

Discover the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to sprawling vineyards, charming medieval hill towns, and enchanting cities. Savour a 7-night stay in Montecatini Terme, the famous resort and spa town. Visit Pisa, Florence, and San Gimignano into the Italian countryside. Discover the charming town of Lucca, Italy’s best-kept secret. Learn about the heroic deeds of WWII at remains of the Gothic Line and visit the Museum of Liberation. Enjoy free time to explore the cultural treasures of Florence. Partake in a Tuscan cooking class. Sample cheese at the farm where it is made. Enjoy fabulous local wines and the region’s famous cuisine. Steeped in history, culture and legend, this is Tuscany as you always imagined it.

Highlights:

• Culinary inclusions:

• Sample delectable wines during a wine tasting at a local farm

• Spend time at a cheese farm to taste flavourful pecorino cheese

• Learn about Tuscan cuisine during a cooking class

• Cultural experiences

• Step to the front of the line to see Michelangelo’s famous statue of David

• See the Gothic Line, one of the Germans’ last lines of defence during WWII

• Retrace the steps of ancient pilgrims as they crossed the Devil’s Bridge in the Serchio Valley

• Must-see inclusions

• Stay in the famous spa resort town of Montecatini Terme for 7 nights

• Journey to Florence for a tour of the “Cradle of the Renaissance”

• Stop in the medieval city of Lucca, encircled by 16th-century walls

Departing March to November

7 nights from £1,799 pp

What’s included:

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas escorted travel from your hotel arrival

• 10 meals: 7 breakfasts; 3 dinners

• 7 nights’ 4-star accommodation

• Exclusive highlights and guided day excursions

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London City on 20th March 2024.

Wander along winding canals and cruise on mountainlined lakes as you take in the essence of Northern Italy. Settle in for a 3-night stay in Padua, an ancient city of Veneto, and delve into the city’s culture on a walking tour. Embark on a guided tour of Venice and enjoy a free afternoon to do as you please. Witness the sinking castle of Sirmione. Relax during a leisurely 4-night stay on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Cruise the waters frequented by the rich and famous on Lake Como. From the stone bridges of Padua to the deep blue waters of Lake Maggiore, allow the beauty of Italy to move you.

Highlights:

• Culinary inclusions:

• Journey by boat to isola dei Pescatori for a farewell dinner featuring local cuisine

• In Stresa, taste margheritine, a favourite treat created in 1857 for the future Queen of Italy

• Cultural experiences

• Witness a glassblowing demonstration on Murano Island

• Cruise Lake Como, a beloved retreat of the rich and famous

• Must-see inclusions

• Make your way through the iconic St. Mark’s Square in Venice

• See the famous sinking castle in the Sirmione peninsula

Northern Italy & Its Lakes

Italy

Departing March to November

7 nights from £1,899 pp

What’s included:

• Return flights from the UK

• Overseas escorted travel from your hotel arrival

• 10 meals: 7 breakfasts; 3 dinners

• 7 nights’ 4-star accommodation

• Exclusive highlights and guided day excursions

Price is based on two adults sharing a room departing London Gatwick on 29th October 2023.

Escorted Tour

Murano Venice

Padua Sirmione

Lake Como

Lake Lugano

Lake Maggiore

Italy & Switzerland Lake Garda via The Bernina Express

No-Fly Holiday

Head for the Italian Lakes via one of the most dramatic and diverse rail lines in Europe – if not the world. Leaving London by rail and staying overnight in the heart of the Alps, before taking the spectacular Bernina Express from the Swiss peaks down to the palm trees of verdant north Italy and onwards for a week-long stay on Lake Garda for some well-deserved R&R.

London

Chambéry 1

Daily departures available 9 nights from £1,599 pp

What’s included:

• Rail from London to Chur

• Overnight 4-star accommodation in Chur with breakfast

• Rail from Chur to Lake Garda, via the Bernina Express

• 7 nights’ 4-star accommodation including breakfast on Lake Garda

• Rail from Lake Garda to Chambéry

• Overnight 4-star accommodation in Chambéry

• Rail from Chambéry back to London

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotels, fly start/return available

Upgrade to First Class rail from £370 per person

Chur

Tirano

Lake Garda

Italy & Switzerland

Italian & Swiss Lakes via Centovalli Railway

No-Fly Option Available

Enjoy the best of the Italian/Swiss border regions, where bodies of water pepper the landscape and rail lines weave between the depths to deliver you to your lake-side destinations for some well-deserved R&R. You’ll enjoy a journey on the Centovalli Railway across a window of Italy and back to the southern Swiss side of Lake Maggiore for a short stay, ahead of a longer stay on Italy’s Lake Como. This holiday can be tailored to your requirements - want to spend more time in Switzerland? No problem! Just ask our friendly team of specialists to modify the itinerary to your exact liking.

Departures year-round

9 nights from £1,689 pp

What’s included:

• Rail from London to Lausanne

• Overnight 4-star accommodation in Lausanne with breakfast

• Journey on the Centovalli Railway

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Locarno with breakfast

• 5 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Como with breakfast

• Standard Class rail for the duration of your trip

• Flight from Milan to the UK

Enhance your experience

Fly start/rail return is available

Upgrade rail to First Class from just £160 per person

Upgrade your hotels

Regional flights on requests

What’s included:

• Rail from London to Bern

• 2 nights’ accommodation in Bern with breakfast

• Journey on the Centovalli Railway

• 3 nights’ accommodation in Lugano with breakfast

• Excursion to Monte Generoso including cog railway

• Swiss Half Fare Card for half price additional public transport during your free time in Switzerland

• Ticino Ticket (provided locally by hotel in Lugano)

• Rail from Lugano back to London

Switzerland

Bern & Lugano via The Centovalli Railway

Enjoy a short stay in the lesser-explored capital city of Switzerland before heading to the south of the country and across a window of Italy and back to the southern Swiss lakes to Lugano. This two-centre holiday showcases the contrasts of the German-speaking north-west to the more temperate climes of the Italian-speaking Ticino region.

No-Fly Holiday

Daily departures available

5 nights from £1,259 pp

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotels, rail, fly start/return available

London

Lugano Monte Generoso

Bern

Switzerland Glacier & Bernina Expresses feat. The Matterhorn

Three of the most iconic European rail journeys and a breath-taking homeward voyage through the “romantic” Rhine Gorge combine to make this week-long rail holiday a great way to experience some of the best of what European rail has to offer. The Glacier Express trundles across 291 bridges, including the truly spectacular Landwasser Viaduct, finally completing the day-long trip on the UNESCO World Heritage Albula Line. The Bernina Express showcases a variety of glorious scenery; white glaciers, green valleys and turquoise lakes as you pass from Switzerland into Italy and back, and the trio of Swiss rail journeys is complete with a trip up the Gornergrat for the best viewpoint of the mighty Matterhorn mountain.

Geneva

Daily departures available 7 nights from £1,549 pp

What’s included:

• Rail from London to Geneva

• Overnight 3-star accommodation in Geneva

• Rail from Geneva to Zermatt

• 2 nights’ 3-star accommodation in Zermatt

• Journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway for incredible views of the Matterhorn

• Journey on the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St Moritz (full day)

• 3 nights’ 3-star accommodation in St Moritz

• Return journey on the Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano, Italy

• Rail from St Moritz to Cologne through the Rhine Gorge

• Overnight 3-star accommodation in Cologne

• Rail from Cologne back to London

• Swiss Half Fare Card for half price additional travel during your free time in Switzerland

Enhance your experience:

Upgrades available: hotels,

fly start/return available

Upgrade to First Class rail from £470 per person

Jungfrau Railway & The Bernese Oberland Switzerland

No Single Supplement

Make your way to the Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. Complete with an Ice Palace full of ice sculptures and the Sphinx Observatory with a 360-degree view over this incredible terrain, a journey to Europe’s highest railway station - Jungfraujoch - is not just a rail excursion. Centred in the pretty car-free village of Wengen in the heart of the spectacular Bernese Oberland, deep in the Swiss Alps, this exceptional 8-day holiday showcases the highlights of this breath-taking region, featuring a trip up the majestic Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe and a steam train excursion on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn, along with evening meals, packed lunches for your excursion programme and a welcome bottle of wine.

What’s included:

• Return flights from the UK to/from Zurich

• Return rail from/to Zurich Airport to Wengen

• 7 nights’ 3-star accommodation on a full board basis in Wengen including Meet & Greet at train station, evening meals, packed lunches, welcome beverage and speciality fondue dinner.

• 8-day Bernese Oberland Pass for travel to/from Wengen to:

ₒ Schilthorn – James Bond Mountain

ₒ Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe

ₒ Lucerne

ₒ Harder Kulm funicular railway

ₒ Brienz Rothorn steam train excursion

ₒ Lake Brienz cruise

Daily departures June to October 7 nights from £2,099 pp

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotel

Extend your holiday and travel by rail from the UK for a No-Fly option

Upgrade to First Class rail from £220 per person

London

Zurich Wengen

Swiss Cheese & Chocolate Switzerland

No-Fly Holiday

Stay in Montreux on the “Swiss Riviera” for six nights, and explore the highlights of the region. Indulge in tasty treats, from savoury local cheeses, to sweet Swiss chocolate, and take a walk in the sky between two mountain peaks where the snow and the views will give you chills!

What’s included:

• Rail from London to Montreux

• 6 nights’ minimum 3-star accommodation including breakfast in Montreux

• Montreux Riviera Card (provided locally by hotel)

• Excursion on the Chocolate Train and visit to cheese and chocolate making with entrance to Maison Callier

• Entry to Chillon Castle, followed by Wine Tasting and planchette vigneronne (platter) at Domaine Croix Duplex in the Lavaux and cruise on Lake Geneva

• Excursion to Glacier 3000 via Gstaad

• Visit to Lausanne with included entry to Olympic Museum

• Rail from Montreux back to London

• Swiss Half Fare Card for half price additional travel during your free time in Switzerland

Departing 16th July 2024

6 nights from £1,499 pp

Enhance your experience:

Upgrades available: hotel, fly start/return available

Upgrade to First Class rail from £320 per person

Optional excursion: Cheese Train Some

What’s included:

• Flight from UK to Geneva

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Lucerne

• Lake Lucerne and Mount Rigi excursion

• Rail Lucerne to Interlaken via The Golden Pass in vintage Belle Époque seating

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Interlaken

• Jungfrau Railway excursion

• Rail Interlaken to Montreux via The Golden Pass

• 2 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Montreux

• Swiss Half Fare Card for half price additional travel during your free time in Switzerland

• Lucerne City Ticket and Montreux Riviera

Swiss Lakes & Mountains feat. the Golden Pass & Jungfrau Railway

FREE UPGRADE TO FIRST CLASS RAIL!

On this 8-day tour you’ll travel through Switzerland from Lake Lucerne westwards, to the country’s largest lake, Lac Léman (Lake Geneva), take a ride on the oldest rack railway in Europe up Mount Rigi, head to the Top of Europe on the Jungfrau Railway, and delight in the vintage Belle Époque carriages from a time gone by on the beautiful Golden Pass route.

Card (provided locally by hotels)

• Flight from Geneva back to the UK

• Rail to and from the airports in Switzerland

Departing March to November 7 nights from £1,499 pp

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotel, Rail start/return available

London Lucerne Interlaken Montreux

Switzerland Winter on Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a Christmas paradise, with traditions, customs and culinary delights from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Festively decorated cities in all four countries illuminate the shores. The many Christmas markets lure visitors lakeside, to the beloved islands, between snowy mountain peaks and baroque castles. Christmas is a special time for enjoyment as spiced mulled wine fills the crisp air and locals are busy cooking and baking holiday treats. Despite the close proximity of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein to each other, each country is proud of their own traditional Christmas specialties, so it’s a good idea to visit as many holiday markets and festivities as you can.

Daily departures available 5 nights from £549 pp

What’s included:

• 3-star accommodation on Lake Constance including breakfast

• Return rail travel from Zurich to Lake Constance

• 3-day Bodensee Card Plus

• Return flights from the UK

Experience more with the Bodensee Card Plus:

• One Ticket – 160 Attractions

– Endless Adventure

• Discover numerous activities including cable car rides (Säntis cable car), castles (old castle Meersburg) and exciting museums (Zeppelin Museum)*.

Swiss Travel System – the most delightful and sustainable way to explore Switzerland. Some 29,000 kilometres of Swiss public transport network await you!

The best way to explore this amazing network is with the Swiss Travel Pass. Trains, buses and boats are geared up to take travellers to their destinations comfortably and punctually. Hop on board, discover panoramic routes, visit over 500 museums, enjoy mountain excursions and explore more than 90 towns and cities – all of it with one ticket, the Swiss Travel Pass.

Daily departures available

3 nights from £995 pp

SwitzerlandExplore Switzerland from Zurich

What’s included:

• Rail from the UK to Zurich

• 3 nights’ accommodation including breakfast in Zurich

• 4 day Swiss Travel Pass

• Rail from Zurich back to the UK

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotel, rail, fly start/return available

Switzerland

Vintage Trains of Switzerland

No-Fly Option Available 1st Class Rail

For vintage rail enthusiasts this seven-day holiday is a real treat! Combining two nostalgic rail journeys with First Class rail travel throughout, you’ll experience Switzerland in a unique way. The Glacier Pullman Express runs only twice a year in each direction and is a delight to behold; taking you from one side of the country to the other in comfort and its inimitable glamourous art deco style.

Departing 5th July 2023 & 2nd August 2023

What’s included:

• Flight from the UK to Geneva

• Rail from Geneva airport to Montreux

• 2 nights’ minimum 3-star accommodation in Montreux with breakfast

• Rail from Montreux to Zermatt. Including a journey in vintage Classic Belle Époque carriages on the Golden Pass

• 2 nights’ minimum 3-star hotel accommodation in Zermatt

• 2 full-day journeys on the vintage Glacier Pullman Express luxury train with included lunch and excursions, from Zermatt to St Moritz via Andermatt

• Overnight minimum 3-star hotel accommodation in Andermatt

• 2 nights’ 3-star accommodation in St Moritz

• First Class rail travel for the duration of your trip

• Swiss Half Fare Card for half price additional travel during your free time in Switzerland

• Flight from Zurich back to the UK

7 nights from £2,899 pp

Enhance your experience

Upgrades available: hotel, rail, fly start/return available

Price is subject to availability, based on two adults sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis departing London Gatwick - other dates are available on request in reverse direction.

Switzerland Grand Train Tour of Switzerland

No-Fly Holiday

If you like to fit as much into your holiday as possible, this extensive week-long Swiss tour is for you! A full-circle trip taking in cities, mountains, glaciers, lakes and epic rail journeys over constantlychanging terrain, you really can see it all in one short holiday. And, don’t forget with our bespoke tailor-made holiday service you can extend your stays and add in excursions as you please and see the best of Switzerland, your way.

St.

Daily departures available 7 nights from £1,999 pp

What’s included:

• Rail from the UK to Zurich

• Overnight stay in Zurich

• Rail from Zurich to Interlaken via the Lucerne-Interlaken Express

• Overnight stay in Interlaken

• Excursion to the “Top of Europe” - Jungfraujoch

• Rail Interlaken to Montreux via the GoldenPass Line

• Overnight stay in Montreux

• Rail Montreux to Zermatt

• Overnight stay in Zermatt

• Glacier Express Zermatt to St Moritz

• Overnight stay in St Moritz

• Bernina Express Rail & Bus from St Moritz to Lugano

• Overnight stay in Lugano

• Gotthard Panorama Express from Lugano to Lucerne by Rail and Boat

• Overnight stay in Lucerne

• Rail from Lucerne back to the UK

Enhance your experience:

Upgrades available: hotels, excursions, fly start/return available

Upgrade to First Class rail from £330 per person

The Amadeus Experience

The Amadeus Experience

As a traditional family-owned Austrian company since 1972 Amadeus River Cruises combine the highest luxury with world-class hospitality and legendary itineraries. In partnership with tailor-made experts Fred.\ River Cruises we invite you to “discover the art of travel your way”.

Amadeus have an enviable reputation with some of the highest rated ships on European waters, and their passion for quality shines throughout with world-class dining and service. At each mealtime you can expect a choice of regional delicacies alongside classic favourites, so you can taste the cuisine of the destination as you sail the waterways. With every lunch and dinner you’ll enjoy included free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks. While for breakfast why not try one of the delicious pastries - freshly baked on board each day.

Throughout your cruise your time is free to spend as you wish. Relax in the lounge or sun-deck with a good book or perhaps stretch your legs with a stroll around town. If you fancy venturing further afield there are a choice of optional excursions bookable on board to give you complete flexibility to do as much or as little as you wish.

Fred.\ River Cruises are part of the Fred Olsen Travel family and are experts in European and Worldwide rivers and holidays. As a tailor-made specialist you don’t need to be one of the crowd when you book with Fred.\ River Cruises. We can combine your chosen cruise with flights, rail, transfers and much more, including pre and post-cruise tours and stays. Contact our expert team at Fred.\ River Cruises to create your perfect holiday.

The Amadeus fleet features some of the largest cabins available on European waterways. All cabins include a modern en-suite bathroom with shower and w/c, a walk-in wardrobe, choice of bed configuration (double or twin bed), flat-screen television, mini bar, individual climate control, hair dryer, direct dial telephone and in-room safe.

Deluxe Suite

Upper Deck

26.4M 2 , WALK-OUT BALCONY

Our suites, situated on the upper deck also include a comfortable corner sofa and walk-out exterior balcony.

Balcony Cabin

Middle or Upper Deck

17.5M 2 WITH FRENCH BALCONY

Our balcony cabins, situated on the middle and upper decks also include an electronic dropdown panoramic window which transforms into a French balcony.

Standard Cabin

Lower Deck

16M 2 WITH PANORAMIC WINDOW

Our standard cabins, situated on the lower deck feature all amenities required to ensure you enjoy a comfortable stay on board.

Your Amadeus River Cruise Includes:

 large, outside riverview stateroom with picture window, French balcony, or walkout balcony.

 Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe’s famous wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner onboard.

 Gourmet dining onboard with regional specialities

 Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner.

 Services of an experienced Englishspeaking onboard Cruise Director.

 24 hour coffee station.

 All onboard entertainment including talks, musical performances and nightly piano music.

 Bottled water in every stateroom.

 In-stateroom infotainment centre.

 Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard.

 Complimentary use of onboard bicycles.

 Complimentary state-of-the-art audio headsets for optional excursions.

 All local taxes & port charges included.

Classical Rhine

Departing April to October

7 nights cruise only from £1,298pp

Flight inclusive from £1,695 pp

Rail inclusive from £1,995 pp

Extend your stay

Intertwine an extension with the Rhine

Combine your Rhine cruise with the extensions featured on page 38-39

Discover the many beautiful facets of “Father Rhine“ along 500 miles of rivers from Amsterdam in the Netherlands through Germany and France to Basel, Switzerland or vica versa. Pass through the Dutch Ijsselmeer on the way to the cathedral city of Cologne.

Take a detour along the winding Moselle River, with its blossoming vineyards tucked on each side of the valley. Delight in the panorama of the myth-enshrouded Middle Rhine Valley with its high concentration of castles nestled on sunny hillsides around every bend, and the fabled Lorelei — siren of the Rhine. Visit quintessential wine villages as well as the one of Germany‘s oldest cities — Speyer. Visit Strasbourg, the capital city of the Grand Est region (formerly Alsace) before ending in Basel, located at the three countries corner of France, Germany and Switzerland.

Haarlem Edam Volendam

Utrecht

No r th Sea

Ijss elmeer

lake

Amsterdam

NETHERLANDS

BELGIUM

Rh i n e

Cologne

Koblenz

LUXEMBOURG

FRANCE

Strasbourg

Cochem Rhine

Alsace

Basel

GERMANY

Rüdesheim

Mannheim

Speyer Heidelberg

Freiburg

SWITZERLAND

Your Itinerary:

DAY/PORT

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM

1 BASEL Embarkation from 4 pm

Welcome Cocktail and Welcome Dinner

• Strasbourg with canal boat tour

2 STRASBOURG

3 SPEYER MANNHEIM

4 R ÜDESHEIM KOBLENZ

• The romantic landscape of the Alsace and its wines

• Speyer walking tour with visit to the Imperial Cathedral

• Heidelberg with visit to the castle or Visit to the German National Garden Show 2023*

• Rüdesheim walking tour with Music Cabinet Museum or Visit to a vineyard with tasting and Drosselgasse in Rüdesheim Cruise through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

• Koblenz walking tour with Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

5 KOBLENZ COCHEM Scenic cruising on the Moselle River

6 COLOGNE

7 AMSTERDAM

• Cochem walking tour with visit to the Reichsburg Castle

• Cologne — historic capital of the Rhineland with Kölsch tasting or Visit to the Chocolate Museum

• Amsterdam with canal trip

• Haarlem — art, history and Dutch lifestyle or Holland Waterland with Volendam, Edam and cheese tasting Captain‘s Gala Dinner

8 AMSTERDAM Disembarkation after breakfast

Excursions listed in green are not included in the cruise price.

* The German National Garden Show 2023 takes place between 14 Apr and 08 Oct.

See pages 34-35 for more about the Amadeus Experience.

Italy & Switzerland Rhine Cruise Extensions**

The Glacier Express

The Glacier Express is widely-regarded as one of the world’s most famous rail journeys. It climbs to 2,044m above sea level and traverses a wide range of landscapes on its journey across Switzerland. You’ll also ride the Gornergrat Mountain Railway and spend time in Zermatt and Chur before embarking a 7 night 5* river cruise from Basel to Amsterdam.

4 nights from £995 pp

What’s included:

• 2 nights’ 4-star hotel accommodation in Montreux with breakfast

• Overnight 4-star accommodation on Lake Geneva with breakfast

• 2 nights’ 4-star hotel accommodation with breakfast, in the alpine resort of Zermatt

• Overnight 4-star accommodation in Chur with breakfast

• Journey on the Glacier Express

• Journey on the Gornergrat Mountain Railway

• Rail travel in Switzerland

Lake Como

Combine your Five-Star Rhine cruise with stunning Lake Como. With a direct rail journey from Como to Basel it’s so easy to travel from the Italian Lakes to Switzerland to embark your ship. Enhance your experience with a lake cruise, wine tasting or pasta cooking class!

3 nights from £645 pp

What’s included:

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Como with breakfast

• Transfer from Milan airport to Como

• Rail travel from Como to Basel

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is the perfect place to relax and unwind before or after your river cruise. With easy access by rail Montreux is a vibrant lake-side resort with much to discover. Enjoy an included cruise on the lake and a tasting of Swiss wine.

3 nights from £695 pp

What’s included:

• 3 nights’ 4-star accommodation in Montreux with breakfast

• Rail travel in Switzerland

• Lavaux region wine tasting experience

• Chateau de Chillon excursion by boat

The Bernese Oberland

Take a Five-Star Rhine river sailing and combine it with the gorgeous Bernese Oberland.

Centred deep in the Swiss Alps is Wengen in the breathtaking Bernese Oberland. You discover the highlights of the region including a trip up the majestic Jungfrau and a steam train excursion on the Brienz Rothorn Bahn. All rail travel is included as part of your Oberland pass. Along with evening meals, breakfasts and packed lunches our local representative will be on hand to meet you on arrival as you settle into your surroundings.

7 nights from £1,895 pp

What’s included:

• Meet and greet on arrival in Wengen

• 7 nights’ 3-star accommodation with breakfast

• 7 dinners, including a fondue experience

• Packed lunches and “James Bond Brunch”

• 8-day Bernese Oberland Pass in Standard Class

• Jungfrau Express railway

• Harder Kulm funicular railway

• Brienz Rothorn steam train excursion

• Lake Brienz cruise

• Onward rail to meet your cruise