SWISS
HOLIDAYS
The compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland has a charming, traffic-free old town. Colourfully-painted oriel windows are a town feature. The Abbey precinct with the cathedral and Abbey Library has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage listing
The name and foundation of the town stem from the Irish missionary monk Gallus who founded a hermitage here around 612. From 747, the then St.Gallen monastery was already following Benedictine Rule, which required the contemplative study of books and accordingly also stipulated the presence of a library. In the Middle Ages, the town developed into an important hub of culture and education in Europe. Later, the St.Gallen embroideries attracted international recognition and brought prosperity to the town.
St.Gallen is a university town with a focus on the economic sciences. The home town of the renowned «Mummenschanz» theatre group offers a varied cultural offering with theatres and museums. In summer, the romantic art nouveau Dreilinden-Weiher open-air pool with its splendid views over the town attracts visitors to swim.
The excellent location in the four-country corner Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Principality of Liechtenstein make St.Gallen the best starting point for excursions into the Appenzellerland with the Säntis, and to Lake Constance. Whether by rail or bicycle, the cycling and inline paradise of Lake Constance can be reached quickly along the Lake Constance Cycle Path. The combination of rail ‘n’ bike allows captivating tours to be undertaken which cross national borders. For walkers, the ‘Bridge Trail’ which passes over 18 brides in the Sittertobel near St.Gallen is an experience: much about the design and construction of bridges is learnt en route. A six-hour section of the ‘Route of St. James’ leads from Rorschach to Herisau via St.Gallen.
St.Gallen’s most famous landmark is its Baroque cathedral with the Abbey Library, which houses some 170,000 documents – in part hand-written and over a thousand years old. The library probably also has Switzerland’s most beautiful Rococo hall. The entire Abbey precinct was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983
With the included booklet you get a FREE audio guide at the Abbey Library and, when using your Flexi Pass, FREE entry too!
If you wish to fly, we can assist you with scheduled flights from most airports to Basel, Geneva & Zurich.
With SWISS, you get free baggage allowance, drinks, food, on-line check-in and they fly from London Heathrow, London City, Birmingham and Manchester.
If you prefer, you are welcome to use one of the Low Cost Base Airlines, such as EasyJet who fly from 12 regional airports to Switzerland, so we should be able to find a good value flight for you!
If you fly we also include a 3-day Flexi Pass offering you 3 days of your choice of unlimited travel on Swiss Travel System!
If you wish to drive, we include cross-Channel Ferries & Eurotunnel.
| Train Transfer Time from Basel: | 2hr 11min |
| Train Transfer Time from Bern: | 2hr 03min |
| Train Transfer Time from Geneva: | 4hr 03min |
| Train Transfer Time from Zürich : | 51min |
| Driving Distance from Calais: | 523 miles |
View the Swiss Rail timetable.
We have hotels to suit any budget or preferences. We offer a huge range of availability on hotels and can offer any level from 2, 3, 4 or 5-star hotels. All our hotels are situated in great locations and offer the best quality and Swiss style and friendliness.
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