How do you get your rail holiday inspiration? There’s nothing better than talking to the real destination experts!

Last week, some of our customers and subscribers were lucky enough to hear first hand from Switzerland Tourism and partners about what this stunning, versatile country has to offer. All whilst experiencing a taste of Switzerland – wine, canapés and a traditional fondue – at one of London’s most exclusive dining clubs, Mosimann’s, owned by the Swiss Mosimann family.

With our co-hosts Switzerland Tourism and their regional partners, representing some of the most iconic Swiss rail and transport experiences, we welcomed over 60 guests for lunch on Monday 28th April.

The sunshine streamed through the stained glass windows of the balcony bar as guests enjoyed a sparkling wine reception before moving down to the main restaurant to meet Switzerland Tourism’s destination experts.

Drinks reception in the Balcony Bar

The event opened with a welcome from Simon Hodge, MD of Tailor Made Rail, and Alex Herrmann, Director of Switzerland Tourism, together with some inspirational films about Switzerland.

To ensure guests were able to talk to every Swiss partner and members of our TMR team, this part of the event was run along the lines of a speed dating session! Each Swiss partner chatted to their table about a particular experience, region or train before moving on after a set time at the sound of, yes you guessed it, Swiss cow bells!

Tables were equipped with a detailed map and the tourism partners had brochures, videos and images to illustrate the discussion – perfect for our enthusiastic audience.  Once this part of the afternoon had finished, guests moved to the balcony bar for canapés and drinks before lunch.

The staff at Mosmiann’s delivered a wonderful traditional Swiss fondue with wine, followed by coffee and petit fours. Over lunch, the conversation continued as our team, Switzerland Tourism and partners joined in with guests, exchanging tips and stories from past holidays.

Traditional Swiss fondue

The event closed with a prize draw of Switzerland-themed prizes, including chocolates, wine and a Swiss army knife. The grand prize was a holiday to Switzerland, including first class travel in Switzerland, stays in the 5* Lenkerhof Gourmet Spa Resort, 5* Hotel Waldhaus Sils, a Driver’s Cab experience on the Luzern-Interlaken express and a ride on the world’s first open air cable car, CabriO Stanserhorn.

If you would like to find out more about the hotels and experiences or would like to book a similar holiday, just get in touch! Or, browse our selection of rail holidays to Switzerland.

Here’s what some of the guests had to say:

“It was great to hear from the different representatives at our table all giving tips and ideas of where and when to visit. The location was fabulous and so too was the food and wine.  All in all a lovely event to meet other fellow travellers and staff from your company and uncover different places in Switzerland to add to our increasing list!  A bonus was hearing tales and tips from fellow guests.” Janet and Jonathan

“We would like to extend a huge thank-you to Switzerland Tourism, Mosimann’s and each of the Swiss Tourism partners listed below, for making this such a successful event.‘We just wanted to say thank you for a really interesting event yesterday. We really did find out so much about Switzerland and the rail travel opportunities there. The venue and lunch were both perfect too.” Liz & Richard

“We both want to thank you so much for a fabulous day.   Everyone was so helpful and informative.  The venue was amazing and we are sure it was appreciated by us all.” Ian & Gill

Discover Switzerland ‘speed dating’  

Simon Hodge, MD Tailor Made Rail

Mosimann’s members dining club

View from the Balcony Bar

Alex Hermann, Director, Switzerland Tourism