Classic Glacier Express Brig to Chur 2012 

Our adventure into Switzerland begins at the wonderfully restored St Pancras International, where we board the Eurostar to Brussels. We travel in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served during the journey. From Brussels we continue by train in First Class, travelling through the rolling hills of the beautiful Ardennes region to Luxembourg, where we spend the night at the Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa. On Day 2 our journey continues by train across the Swiss border to the city of Basel. Here we join the superb Swiss railway network, famous for its efficiency and punctuality. The final leg of the journey takes us on a spectacular route along the Rhône Valley, past expansive vineyards that line the surrounding hillsides. Our destination is small, historic Brig, a charming town situated at the bottom of the Simplon Pass. Brig is an ideal base from which to explore this region of southern Switzerland by mountain railway, and we spend the next four nights here at the Hotel Simplon. (Day 1-E,D; Day 2-B,D)

Today we experience the first mountain railway journey of the holiday as we travel to the charming, car-free resort of Zermatt. We walk the short distance to Brig railway station to board our narrow-gauge train, heading south through picturesque vineyards and alongside the River Rhône to Visp. From here we join the mountain track for the steep ascent to Zermatt. The train clings to the track as we wind left and right, ascending past small clusters of houses and tiny hamlets that together form the region's village communities. The spectacular approach to Zermatt takes us through 8 tunnels and across 42 bridges, the gradient of the ascent requiring cogwheels to be engaged. Finally we reach the grandiose scenery of Zermatt, nestled below the tilted peak of the instantly recognisable Matterhorn. In Zermatt you are free to spend your time as you choose. One option that you will find hard to resist is the ascent to the summit of the Gornergrat by funicular railway. The views from the top are some of the most spectacular in Europe. (B,D)

Our destination today is Interlaken, situated between Lake Brienz and Lake Thun. One of the the best things about Interlaken is the abundance of stunning places that surround the town. Whether you choose to climb the Schilthorn by mountain railway, take a gentle cruise across Lake Brienz or ride to the 'top of Europe' on the Jungfrau Railway, you cannot fail to be delighted by the stunning scenery and spectacular sights that the Bernese Oberland has to offer. (B,D)

Today is free to spend at leisure, which presents a superb opportunity for you to discover the area by mountain railway, with 50% discounts available using your included First Class GRJ Swiss Travel Card. Among the most popular options available to you is a journey 'across a hundred valleys' on the Centovalli Railway, a narrow-gauge line that winds over high bridges and past sleepy villages to the town of Locarno, located on the shores of delightful Lake Maggiore. Other options include a railway journey along the Rhône Valley to Montreux on Lake Geneva, as well as a fascinating journey on the panoramic GoldenPass Line train. (B)

We leave Brig today, travelling from the sunny Valais to the rocky landscape of the fantastic Graubünden canton on the iconic Glacier Express. We make the journey in First Class, enjoying unspoilt views through panoramic windows - views of the scenery for which Switzerland is justly famous; lush green meadows, intricate vineyards and verdant forests rising up the hillsides beside the track towards towering snow-capped peaks. A two-course lunch is served at our seats during the journey, followed by tea and coffee - the perfect accompaniment to our time on board 'the slowest express train in the world'. We follow the Rhône Valley and climb towards and through the Furka Base Tunnel. We continue past the countless small villages that line our route, nestled in the foothills of the surrounding mountains, before our steep ascent over the Oberalp Pass - at 6,670 feet the highest point of the route and where the views south include the distant peaks of the Italian Alps. Our descent from Oberalp takes us along the beautiful Rhine Valley and into Chur - Switzerland's oldest town, for three nights at the Romantik Hotel Stern. (B,L,D)

Today's excursion takes us on the historic Bernina Express - a railway journey on the superb Bernina Line that passes mighty glaciers, rushing mountain streams and flower-filled alpine meadows. The railway line is over 100 years old and has been rewarded with UNESCO World Heritage Status - as a testament to the incredible civil engineering that was required to create the line, as well as for the breathtaking scenery through which it travels. From Chur we head south, travelling through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, including the instantly recognisable Landwasser Viaduct, an architectural treasure. The track clings to the mountainside as we wind our way above deep ravines and past idyllic waterfalls. Looping and spiralling through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley, our ascent takes us through the Albula Tunnel and over the Bernina Pass to an altitude of more the 7,000 feet. We then begin our descent towards Poschiavo, entering the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland before arriving at our destination. Pastel-coloured houses line the streets of picturesque Poschiavo, where we have time for lunch before enjoying the journey in the opposite direction. (B,D)

Your free day in Chur presents another fantastic opportunity to explore the Swiss Alps. The wild, rugged and rocky landscape of the glorious Graubünden region is waiting to be discovered, with superb railway journeys available from Chur (available with a 50% discount using your GRJ Swiss Travel Card) that take you over, around and across the dramatic valleys that make this one of the most attractive cantons in Switzerland. Your Tour Manager will be able to help you to plan the perfect day's sightseeing. A journey on the Arosa Express to lakeside Arosa is a popular option, while a scenic train journey to Lucerne will allow you to explore the charming city, home to the picturesque Chapel Bridge and the fascinating Swiss Transport Museum. (B)

We leave Chur and travel by train in First Class via Zürich and Basel into Germany. We head along the scenic Rhine Gorge, passing fairytale castles and lush vineyards. We arrive in Cologne and spend one night at either the Four Points Hotel or the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, both located within walking distance of the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. On Day 10 we continue by First Class rail for Brussels, where we connect with the Eurostar to London. We travel in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board ahead of our arrival at St Pancras International. (Day 9-B,D; Day 10-B,E)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
Where shown, meals are included in the price of your holiday