Check-out these great deals, to explore Switzerland, from Rail Europe

Swiss Rail Passes

The Swiss Travel System is one of the best in the world. Take advantage of traveling around Switzerland using a Swiss Pass. You can even get FREE admission into over 400 museums with your pass! Take a look at our offerings for Swiss Passes.

Extras that can truly enhance your trip

Don't want to carry your luggage with you from city to city while in Switzerland? Why not think about Fast Baggage, a great option to have your luggage arrive at your desired location in Switzerland. Mountain top excursions are always a fun way to enhance your trip, choose from Mount Titlis, Mount Pilatus, the Schilthorn/Piz Gloria or Jungfraujoch and feel like you're on top of the world! Check out our add-on offerings for your upcoming trip to Switzerland.

Find out more about Switzerland and how to make the most of your trip there with Rail Europe

Here are some excursion ideas to work into your Swiss holiday

Light up the night

The Cathedral in Cologne is a spectacular site for travelers to see. On July 11, 2009, visitors to Cologne will be treated to a very special display of fireworks and festivities as Cologne presents its Kölner Lichter celebration. If you are in Switzerland, you can take the train from Zurich to Cologne. There are direct services that operate between these two cities earlier in the day. You can plan on spending roughly 6 hours on the train. The train will make stops along the way, however, you will not need to change trains at any point, you can go direct.
Get more details on the Kölner Lichter.

An event of giant proportions

While not typically at the top of travelers' itineraries, Douai is a fantastic city to travel to for families. Chock-full of folklore and legends, Douai will capture your heart and leave you wanting to return on your next trip to France. The city of Douai will once again host its Fêtes de Gayant beginning on July 4, 2009. This festival will run through July 20, 2009. During this time, when you visit Douai you can see many effigies that stand nearly twenty-six feet tall! It's great fun for the whole family. Douai can be reached from Lausanne, via Paris. Simply take the train from Lausanne to Paris, then another train from Paris to Douai. The total train journey will take about 5 hours. Click here to learn more about the Fêtes de Gayant and Douai .

The Salzburg Festival, cultural highlight

For those of you visiting Chur, you may want to consider a trip to Salzburg. From July 25-August 30, 2009, you can experience phenomenal performances by some of the most talented musicians.and ensembles, along with the Vienna Philharmonic, as the Salzburg Festival gets underway. This is one of Austria's most anticipated festivals so if you're nearby, it's definitely worth taking part in. From Chur, you can take the train to Sargans, and then hop on another train that will take you to Salzburg. The total trip time by train is about 5 hours. And remember, when you travel by train you arrive right in center of the city. Learn more about the Salzburg Festival by clicking here.

Traveling on a budget

Did you know that Europe is not as expensive as you might think? With the many great deals on airfare to various destinations in Europe, all you need to do is get an idea of what you want to see and do in Europe and you can create a budget-friendly itinerary. Traveling by train is viable option for all travelers. Most trains offer several fares to choose from, making train travel affordable. Plus, when you take advantage of special promotions and deals you end up saving even more! You can visit many famous tourist attractions for free, provided you do not take a guided tour of these structures. And if you do want a tour, consider some of the great hop-on, hop-off tours offered by Rail Europe. The last thing on most to-do lists is sleeping arrangements. Well, Rail Europe now offers an array of hotels and hostels for travelers to take advantage of. But remember, sometimes if you take an overnight train, it allows you to see a bit more of Europe and helps avoid a night at a hotel. Once you have these major trip components worked out, then you can worry about your food budget and of course, the gift/souvenir budget for all your friends & family back home, but these are minor things to consider in comparison to the rest of your planning!

Rail Europe's Rail Protection Plan™

Did you know that the Rail Protection Plan™, offered by Rail Europe, will protect your passes/tickets in the case of exchanges or cancellations due to medical illness or death, railroad strikes, and in the case of loss or theft in Europe? Definitely a product to consider when purchasing your rail products. Please read details about how the Rail Protection Plan™ works by clicking here.

Find the latest Travel Tips on Rail Europe's Europe Destination Guides.

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All about European Rail travel

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Win a FREE trip to Europe

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Eurail, Rail Europe and Eurail want to send you to Europe on a sophisticated adventure. Just answer a few questions and you could win a trip for two to explore Europe with Eurail.

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Save up to 50% on Thalys

When you book travel on Thalys trains now through August 15, 2009 - you'll receive up to 50% off. Discount is valid for first and second class regular one-way tickets on most Thalys routes.

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Up to 75% Off Your Next Train Trip

What to do if you've missed out on seeing some of the fabulous sites in Europe on your first visit? Well, if you purchase your railpass with Rail Europe you can get up to 75% off your next purchase.

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Discounted Eurostar Fares

Book your Eurostar tickets now through July 17, 2009 to take advantage of special pricing on Leisure Select class fares.

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Eurail ISIC Promotion Pass

Rail Europe is offering a special deal to any student (under the age of 26 with a valid ISIC card (International Student Identity Card)). When you purchase a Eurail 8-day Select Pass through July 31, 2009, you’ll get 2 additional days free. That means your 8-day pass becomes a 10-day pass, regardless of whether you choose from our 3,4, or 5 country options.

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European Rail Timetable Winter/Spring 2009

The Thomas Cook Rail Timetable includes comprehensive schedules for all rail connections throughout Europe. Plus, you can find ferry crossing information as well.

Order your copy today!

Audio Guided Tours

A European audio tour gives you easy-to-hear instruction on and off the beaten path, at a pace that's perfect for you and your feet. Experience Europe with nothing more than a rail pass and an iPod, MP3 or CD player.

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