Originally Posted by
FlyerGoldII
Questions:
a) I understand that there are 2 actual "tickets"- one if the paid ticket for the train travel and the second is the paid seat reservation (to put it another way, can you get away with the paid seat reservation)?
b) I understand there are 3 classes on this train- I read the web site for the information on second class vs first class vs excellence class. What would you recommend? We are not really connoisseurs of food or alcoholic beverages. We are 4 in our group - we want to sit together on one side of he aisle. But we want the best view possible. Is there a special section of the train with special views- ie glass roof/ceiling as well as windows from roof to the floor?
I guess food is included in the ticket for excellence class, but one can order and pay for food in the other 2 classes of rail travel. I guess there is no dining compartment in first and second classes- there is only a dining compartment in excellence class.
c) one of 4 members of the group has medical issues. If she can not make it - can a medical certificate from a doctor be enough for cancelling all 4 passengers tickets and getting a full refund?
d) we will be based in Zurich-so it is worth taking the Zermatt to St Moritz complete route- or should we take the Zermatt to Chur route- ie anything of significance to see between Chur and St Moritz.
e) one of the party is mobility impaired- what does it mean per the web site that there are special wheelchair tickets
f) we feel uncomfortable buying tickets directly from the web site- are there any travel agents in Canada (where we live) who specialize in selling train tickets- especially if those travel agents are Flyer Talk participants..
I took the trip from St Moritz to Zermatt in 1st class a couple of years ago. The difference between 2nd and 1st is just seating as far as I could tell. It's 1+2 in 1st and 2+2 in 2nd. On my day of travel lots of people joined in Chur but in my opinion that's a mistake since the part between St Moritz and Chur is very scenic. If anything the last section between Brig and Zermatt was least interesting. Visiting Zermatt itself made it worth it.
We bought Interrail tickets that covered 3 days of unlimited travel which meant the connections to/from Zürich were paid for. I quick note on that is to not take the regional train via Ems, Filisur etc as that is the same route as the Glacier Express use. Instead take the regional train that goes from Landquart to St Moritz the 'other' way.
Which side to sit on? I don't think it matters but some people have opinions but in the end you're able to see on both sides. There are things to see on either side depending on where you are along the route.