First Class Glacier Express in Winter & Spring (Brig-Chur) 2012/13 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class, with a light meal and drinks served during the journey. In Brussels we change trains and continue through the scenic Ardennes region to Luxembourg. Here we spend one night at the Mercure Alfa, located opposite the railway station, and close to Luxembourg's historic centre. (E,D)

From Luxembourg, we travel south into Switzerland to Basel. Here we join the famously efficient Swiss rail network, which takes us on a wonderful journey along the spectacular Rhône Valley to Brig for a four-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)

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 (supplement payable locally). At over 10,000 feet (3,048m), the Gornergrat is a truly spectacular place to visit in winter, offering dramatic vistas over the valley below. (B,D)

Today we travel to Interlaken, which enjoys an unparalleled location in the heart of the Bernese Oberland region between Lakes Thun and Brienz, and at the foot of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Your time here is free to explore, with many varied options available. You could take the cable car to the summit of the Schiltorn, or enjoy the ultimate mountain railway journey to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, situated at 3,454m above sea level (supplements payable locally). Alternatively, Interlaken itself is a delightful town, where you can explore the Höheweg, the town's charming main street, as well as the historic casino and selection of shops. (B,D)

Your day is free to explore this beautiful region, using your GRJ First Class Swiss Travel Card which gives 50% reduction on rail fares. We particularly recommend travelling along 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 the day. (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 snow-covered scenery for which Switzerland is justly famous, intricate vineyards and frosted forests rising up the hillsides towards towering mountain peaks. Much of the scenery is covered in a beautiful blanket of snow during the winter months, which melts to reveal lush green meadows and colourful flowers as warmer weather arrives in the spring. 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, the narrow-gauge Bernina Express 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 snow-capped peaks as we travel to Poschiavo, a picturesque town in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. You have some free time here to discover the delightful town before we return. (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 a 50% reduction on rail fares, perhaps to make the spectacular train journey on the Arosa Express to the scenic mountain resort of Arosa, or to travel to the beautiful lakeside city of Lucerne. (B)

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 Cathedral, 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 refreshments 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



Our Swiss Travel Card covers all included rail journeys and permits 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys.