The Bernina Express crosses the Landwasser viaduct near Filisur - 13 Aug 2014 Photographer?

Switzerland - Rail has got to be one of the best ways to travel.
 
It gives travellers a chance to relax and recharge.
 
You can stretch your legs and stroll through the carriages, or simply chill with a good book, not having to worry about driving directions.
 
Europe gets top marks for its rail system.
 
Easy and efficient, you can get from one European capital to the next without the hassle of airport security.
 
And then there's the views.
 
Journeying by rail allows you to become immersed in the landscape as you fly beside dense forests, craggy mountains, cobalt coloured lakes, and traditional villages, where it appears life hasn't changed much over the centuries.
 
Sure, there may be quicker ways of getting across country, but few that offer more pleasure than this.
 
I recently spent a week loafing through Switzerland by rail, and had a blast doing so.
 
Here's the thing about the Swiss, they are precise.
 
When the train says it's going to leave at 05:27, it leaves exactly then, and you better be on it.
 
For tourists, the Swiss Travel Pass is the way to go.
 
This one ticket allows you to travel by rail, road, and waterway throughout the whole country.
 
To my surprise it included bonus benefits, like discounts on ski tickets, gondolas, and free admission to over 480 museums.
 
For our family, the biggest advantage was children under 16-years of age travel for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
 
Here are two scenic adventures that travellers should bookmark for their grand tour to Europe:
 
Glacier Express
 
Feats of engineering link the Alpine resorts of St. Moritz and Zermatt together on the world's slowest express train.
 
This red and white choo-choo threads its way over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels.
 
Don't worry, you won't miss anything, because panoramic cars with massive window skylights afford stunning views of the landscape.
 
You'll chug by valleys dotted with medieval castles, the 400-metre deep Rhine Gorge, plus the mighty Matterhorn.
 
Those keen to know exactly what they're passing by can snag headphones with route information in six languages, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, Italian, and German.
 
Tips:  Take advantage of the vintage dining car while on-board the Glacier Express.
 
Enjoy coffee and dessert or a 3-course menu prepared on board.
 
Bernina Express
 
This is one of those dramatic Alpine crossings and one of the most beautiful rail trips in the world.
 
Departing from Chur (storybook character Heidi hails from around here), the train climbs to the Upper Engadin before weaving its way into the Valtellina region of Italy.
 
The route has received UNESCO World Heritage status between Thusis and Tirano, thanks to its closeness to the famous Montebello Curve (with views of the Bernina massif and Morteratsch Glacier), Alp Grüm and the Brusio circular viaduct.
 
Near Filisur, the train goes over a 65-metre high viaduct, an awe-inspiring landmark you'll want to have your camera ready for.
 
Tip:  Prolong your excursion with a little diversion by taking the Bernina Express Bus from Tirano, Italy, along Lake Como (where George Clooney has a lake house.) and back into Lugano, Switzerland.
 
Good to Know
 
For around $20 you can take advantage of the Fly and Rail baggage service.
 
This means your heavy luggage will get transported from the check-in desk at the airport, to your train, and to some hotels at ski resorts.
 
Why lug skis when you don't have to?
 
Author unknown.