Journey

We will Travel to Switzerland by a express coach service which operates several times per week. We will have seats specifically reserved and allocated for our group. 

The driver will be provided with a passenger list and a seating plan. The coach has a no smoking policy.

Departure point

We are currently negotiating a departure point. The departure point is normally at Euston in London but the coach that we are set to travel on will be coming down from Norwich, so we are planning a pickup at Stotfold scout hut.

Coach Journey

The coaches are high-quality touring vehicles, which provide a high standard of performance, reliability and comfort. The coach will be fitted with seat belts.

Refreshments

We will have regular refreshment stops during the journey. You will also have the option to pre-book a meal both on the outward and return journey.

Venture abroad have asked that picnic meals should not be eaten on the coach.

Toilet stops

The coach will be fitted with toilets; however there will also be regular stops along the route.

Videos

The coaches are normally fitted with video screens and usually show a film along with a preview of Switzerland on the outward journey, as well as one on the return. Due to the constant movement, video working on coaches can be rather temperamental and so the availability of this facility cannot always be guaranteed. Films and music are not normally played during sleeping hours.

 Travel sickness

Since the route is almost entirely along the motorways, travel sickness is rarely a problem. Some sensitive children may be affected and the following hints may be helpful:

1.                  Take travel sickness tablets.

2.                  Wear loose and comfortable clothing.

3.                  Avoid rich foods

4.                  Suck boiled sweets or barley sugar.

5.                  Avoid reading.

ITINERY ARIVAL AND DEPARTURE

Arrival

On the arrival morning all luggage is unloaded and held in a central area whilst the leaders are briefed on the rules of the site.

The morning will be spent : 

-                     Explaining the layout of the site

-                     Showing you your specific area and tentage

-                     Explaining the shared cooking facilities

-                     Introducing you to members of the team.

On this morning the site staff will be clearing the site and relocating tents for the new groups so it will be about 12:00 before we can get onto the site, so in this time we will go into the village of Kandersteg for a walk along the river.  

Departure

On the return journey the coach drivers rest period is arranged to occur in Thun.

The coach will pick us up late morning from the site and take us to Thun for a day of sight seeing, relaxation or even shopping, while the drivers have their rest.

In Thun there is an excellent shopping centre, a wander around the old town on the north bank of the river Aare is a must. The busy main street has an amusing feature, whereby the flower-decked terraces of the houses serve as footpaths so that one actually walks on the roofs of the shops in the arcades below. From the upper part of the Hauptgasse (main street) a curious covered staircase leads to Thun castle with it’s historical museum. A visit to the castle is recommended.

Thun can also serve as the starting point for a pleasant lakeside walk and there is time to take an inexpensive boat ride on one of the scheduled ships, which run on the lake. There are many food shops and restaurants in the town for your mid-day meal or alternativly have a picnic by the side of the lake.

The coach will leave from Thun ship station between 16:30 and 17:00 in order to arrive at Colmar in time for an evening meal break.