First Class Glacier Express at New Year (Brig-Chur) 2012 

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 we change trains and continue First Class through the scenic Ardennes region to Luxembourg for an overnight stay at the Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa. On Day 2 we travel into Switzerland, joining the efficient Swiss rail network for the wonderful journey to Brig for a three-night stay at the welcoming Hotel Simplon. Situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass, Brig is an excellent base from which to
explore. (Day 1-E,D; Day 2-B,D)

Today we travel alongside the River Rhône en route to Visp. From here we make the spectacular journey by narrow-gauge railway into the mountains, crossing a number of bridges as we pass dramatic valleys, climbing ever higher to the picturesque, traffic-free resort of Zermatt. Overlooked by the famous Matterhorn, Zermatt is ideally situated for journeys even higher into the mountains. The most exciting of these is the train trip up to Gornergrat (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 today, travelling from the pretty 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; sloping snowy meadows and frosted forests, rising up the hillsides beside the track towards towering mountain 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 ft 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. This evening we enjoy a New Year's Eve celebration at the hotel with a five-course meal accompanied by wine. We ascend to the rooftop terrace at midnight to watch the fireworks over Chur, accompanied by a glass of Champagne. (B,L,D)

On New Year's Day we travel on the narrow-gauge Bernina Express, which takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past frozen waterfalls and deep ravines before ascending 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 for dinner. (B,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)

Today we travel by train to the historic lakeside city of Lucerne. You have plenty of time to discover the cobbled streets lined with pretty, frescoed buildings, picturesque squares and the famous Kapellbrücke bridge. The bridge has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury in its long history. The Swiss Transport Museum, with its fascinating collection of artefacts relating to land, air and sea transportation is also well worth a visit. (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, situated close to the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic Cathdral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Day 10 we leave Cologne and travel on the high-speed rail service to Brussels, where we join the Eurostar, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board before arriving at London St Pancras. (Day 9 -B,D; Day 10 -B,E)

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