First Class Glacier Express at Christmas (Brig-Chur) Hotel Simplon 2012 

Thanks to a renegotiation with some of our suppliers, we are delighted to confirm a reduction in the price for this tour from the original brochure price as of 12 August 2011.



We depart St Pancras International and board the Eurostar for Brussels, in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served on board. In Brussels change trains and continue First Class through the scenic Ardennes region to Luxembourg for an overnight stay at the Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa. (E,D)

From Luxembourg, we travel into Switzerland and transfer onto the efficient Swiss rail network, which takes us on a wonderful journey to Brig for a three-night stay at the welcoming Hotel Simplon. Brig is a small town situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass, and is an excellent base from which to explore. (B,D)

The picturesque resort of Zermatt makes a superb full-day excursion from Brig by narrow-gauge mountain railway. Overlooked by the Matterhorn, Zermatt is ideally situated for journeys higher into the mountains. The most exciting of these is the train trip up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally). At over 10,000 feet (3,048m) it truly is spectacular in winter, with dramatic vistas over the valley below. (B,D)

You are free today to explore the area at leisure,enjoying 50% fares using your included Swiss Card. We particularly recommend travelling down the Rhône Valley to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here you can join the GoldenPass Line panoramic train to make the spectacular trip to the chic resort of Gstaad, a favourite destination of the rich and famous. Alternatively, the wonderful journey on the Centovalli Railway across 'a hundred valleys' is an excellent choice for today. (B)

We leave Brig on the famous Glacier Express narrow gauge train, probably the slowest 'express' in the world.The train climbs up the Rhône Valley to Andermatt and then snakes and spirals its way towards the Oberalp Pass,the highest point of the route at 6,670 feet (2,033m).Descending through pasture and woodland to the Rhine we continue along the broad valley to Chur, a historic town in south-east Switzerland. Lunch on board the train is included and served at our First Class seats. We arrive in the afternoon in Chur, for a four-night stay at the charming Romantik Hotel Stern. (B,L,D)

Set against a breathtaking backdrop of towering mountains, Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and a pleasure to explore. Take time to stroll through the medieval alleyways and tranquil squares of the Old Town, and visit the beautiful 12th century cathedral.Alternatively, use your GRJ First Class Swiss Travel Card for 50% fares, perhaps to make the spectacular train journey on the Arosa Express to the scenic mountain resort of Arosa. (B)

On Christmas Eve we travel by train to Lucerne, a historic lakeside city of cobbled streets, squares and the famous Kapellbrücke bridge. In the evening we begin our celebrations with a five-course dinner with wine, and carol singing by the Christmas tree. (B,D)

On Christmas Day the narrow-gauge Bernina Express takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past frozen waterfalls and deep ravines and ascends the Albula Pass.The ascent loops into the Engadine Valley before climbing even higher over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). Enjoy the breathtaking views of the snowcapped peaks as we travel to Poschiavo, a picturesque town in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. We return to the hotel where we enjoy drinks followed by our five course gala Christmas dinner with wine. (B,D)

We leave Chur and travel by First Class EuroCity train via Zürich and Basel into Germany. Our journey continues up the stunning Rhine Gorge, past fairytale castles and vineyards to Cologne. We arrive late afternoon and spend one night at the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre or the Four Points Hotel, both situated close to the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic Cathdral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B,D)

Today we leave Cologne and travel on the high-speed rail service to Brussels. In the Belgian capital we connect with the Eurostar, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board before our arrival at St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday