Ancona & Switzerland by Car & Train

Itinerary

Day 1 – Plane & Train to Milan

Our travellers take a morning flight to Zürich from Birmingham International Airport and connect to Zürich Railway station for a lunch time train journey to Milan, arriving late afternoon. Their one-night stay is at the Best Western Hotel Madison, a 5 minute walk from the railway station and a great location with views overlooking the Sant’Agostino Church.

Days 2 to 5 – Ancona

Mid-morning train to Ancona, arriving mid-afternoon. A hire car was booked on arrival in Ancona to allow the travellers the freedom of planning their own accommodation and sightseeing for the next four days. Ancona enjoys great weather and has some fantastic beaches along the Adriatic coastline that are serviced by world class hotels. The bustling port area has an interesting combination of modern facilities and historic buildings such as the Arco di Traiano and the Mole Vanvitelliana. There are many wonderful squares, historic monuments and museums to explore in the city and a host of fine restaurants and bars to enjoy. The Cathedral of Saint Ciriaco is the most iconic religious structure in the city and towers above the surrounding region.

Day 6 – To Switzerland

After returning the hire car in Ancona the travellers take an afternoon train to Brig in Switzerland via Milan, arriving in the evening. Enjoy a 2-night stay at the Hotel Ambassador, located only 200 yards from the railway station.

Day 7 – Explore Brig

A day at leisure in Brig. Brig boasts an attractive historic old quarter and the Stockalper Palace. The city lies in the sunny Upper Valais at the foot of the Simplon Pass and has its own thermal baths, making it an attractive holiday resort. A Swiss Travel Pass allows for plenty of options for travel and exploration in and around the town including a return trip to Zermatt to ride the Gornergrat Railway (the Swiss Travel Pass entitles you to a 50% discount) and enjoy great views of the Matterhorn.

Day 8 – Glacier Express

A wonderful morning travelling on board the famous Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps to Chur, arriving at lunchtime. A 3-night stay at the Ambiente Hotel Freieck, is ideally located in the centre of Chur, a 4-minute walk from the Art Museum, 6-minute walk from the cathedral and a 9-minute walk from the train station.

Day 9 – Explore Chur Friday

A day at leisure in Chur. Chur is Switzerland's oldest city with a pedestrianised Old Town and is ideally located for travelling on the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways network. Again the Swiss Travel Pass provides plenty of options for free travel and exploration including a return trip to the Swiss Alps resort of Arosa.

Day 10 – Bernina Express

A full day’s return excursion on the wonderful Bernina Express, with time for lunch in Tirano. This route is the only North-South Alpine rail crossing and the summit of the line lies at an altitude of 2253 metres (7391ft). Sit back and enjoy many scenic vistas. Arrive back in Chur early evening.

Day 11 – Return Home

Lunchtime departure from Chur to Zürich to connect to a late afternoon flight to Birmingham International Airport, arriving at 1800.