GENERELL INFORMATION

 
TRIP ORGANISATION

This catalogue contains individual, self-guided tours; you have the benefit of the full services of a professional tour operator and can book everything in one go:

  • Competent knowledgeable advice
  • Reserved accommodation
  • Daily luggage transfers
  • Guidebooks and travel documentation
  • Rental bikes and / or tents on request
  • 7-day help line phone (telephone number)

All the tours listed may be started on any chosen day. For some routes the season starts on 1 April; others may start in mid April or later depending on the snow situation. Details are given on the relevant catalogue pages. Last possible start date is 15th October.
TRAVEL BY TRAIN AND RECEIVE 20% DISCOUNT

The cost of getting here and back and all transfers en route are not included in the package price. The SwissTrails package price entitles you to purchase a train ticket from where you live (within Switzerland) to the start location and back again from the end point with a 20% discount on the normal tariff. This reduction applies to all single tariffs in 1st and 2nd class, with or without a 50% discount card. This special ticket, issued by RailAway, can be issued at any station upon presentation of a SwissTrails voucher.
BIKE TRANSPORT

Bicycles rented through Swiss Trails may be transported free of charge by train; a ticket must be obtained if using your own bikes. Bike transport capacity is limited and in some cases (especially on postal buses) is only possible through advance booking. Details can be found in your travel documents.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION, ROUTE GUIDES

Together with your travel documents you will receive a comprehensive detailed program with all the special features of your chosen route as well as vouchers for your booked accommodation, luggage transfer and hire bikes, if applicable. The price also includes the official route guide for the relevant route (for details of individual countries, see pages 7, 35, 44, 67, 72).
ACCOMMODATION

HOTEL
Hotels used by Swiss Trails are mostly in the 3-star *** category or of a comparable standard. All rooms include a private shower or bath and WC. Most rooms have a well-stocked mini-bar and TV. Every morning a rich nourishing breakfast (generally a buffet) is provided. All stage destinations with hotels are labelled in the altitude profile with a red dot.

BUDGET
Accommodation in simple hotels, youth hostels, tourist chalets or sleep-in-straw option. Generally dormitory or multi-bed rooms, i.e. depending on room size, sharing with other guests. Shower / WC in the room or on same floor. If you choose the ‘sleep-in-straw’ option, the cost of accommodation includes a food voucher for CHF 10.– per person which can be redeemed at the farm for food, drink or local produce. All stage destinations with budget accommodation are labelled in the altitude profile with a green or yellow dot.

HOTEL TOP CLASS
You can also now book a top class hotel at certain stage destinations through SwissTrails. These top class hotels are characterised by their magnificent location (e.g. overlooking a lake) or by their fantastic infrastructure (e.g. well-being area, swimming pool, etc). All stage destinations with top class hotel accommodation are labelled in the altitude profile with a blue crown. This option is constantly being expanded. The current list of stage destinations offering top class hotels can be found on our website at www.swisstrails.ch
BIKE & CAMP
Accommodation at a TCS camp site in your own tent or a hire tent. Details page 31.
LUGGAGE TRANSFER

Swiss Trails drivers transfer your luggage from lodging to lodging daily. This way you are free to really enjoy your trip. Your luggage (1 bag / suitcase of up to 20 kgs per person) must be deposited at the reception of your lodging by 9.00 am. Should you start your hiking or biking tour without a previous overnight stay, please ensure that your luggage is left at the starting point railway station by 10.00 am. If arriving later you are urgently advised to contact the Helpline the evening before. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your next lodging by 6.00 pm at the latest.
PRICES AND SERVICES

All prices are stated in both CHF (Swiss francs) and EURO and are inclusive of local taxes and V.A.T. Included in the basic price:

  • Accommodation in the chosen category
  • Breakfast (generally buffet-style)
  • Daily luggage transfer along the route
  • Guidebook and / or comprehensive route documentation
  • 7 / 7 help line, 8.00 am - 8.00 pm.
PRICE REDUCTIONS FOR CHILDREN

Children under 12 years will be granted the following price reductions, if accompanied by at least one adult:

  • Flat rate with hotel accommodation: 30% on the price of a double room
  • Flat rate with budget accommodation: 10% on the price of a dormitory
  • Bike & Camp: 50% on package price
The hotel has the right (but not the duty) to accommodate children with a price reduction in the parents’ room – this very much depends on room availability.
GROUPS

SwissTrails also welcomes groups. Groups of 10 people and above will benefit from a group discount of 10% on all prices.
BOOKING FEE

A booking fee of CHF 40.– / EUR 25.– is charged for every booking order independent of the number of persons booked at one time. This fee is applied in all circumstances. See also amendments and cancellations costs on page 74.
GENERAL CONDITIONS

Please refer to the small print on page 74.
TOUR OPERATOR


SwissTrails GmbH
Chlupfstrasse 8
8165 Oberweningen
Telefon +41 (0)44 450 24 34
Fax +41 (0)44 450 24 35
www.swisstrails.ch