Glacier Express in Winter & Spring (Chur-Kandersteg)  2012 

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





We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. We change trains for the onward journey to Cologne, where our hotel for one night is either the 4-star Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre or the 4-star Four Points Hotel, both close to the station, the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (D)

We leave Cologne by EuroCity train for Switzerland. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery during the journey along the Rhine Gorge, with its many fairy tale castles nestled amongst extensive vineyards. We journey across the Swiss border through Zürich, past a landscape of lakes and meadows to Chur, a historic town in southeast Switzerland where trains still run through the streets. We spend three nights here at the Hotel Freieck. (B,D)

Today we enjoy an excursion on the narrow-gauge Bernina Express. The beautiful line, which was made a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008, takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past frozen waterfalls and deep ravines as the train climbs the Albula Pass. The ascent loops and spirals into the Engadine Valley before climbing even higher over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). Enjoy the views of the snowcapped peaks as we travel to Poschiavo, a picturesque town in the Italian-speaking region. Here you have some time to discover the delightful town before we return to Chur. En route there may be time to browse around the shops of St Moritz or enjoy a stroll alongside the lake. (B,D)

Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and a pleasure to explore. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town and visit the beautiful 12th century cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Alternatively, you could make use of your Swiss Pass to take the scenic train journey on the Arosa Express to the mountain town of Arosa surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks. Lucerne, a historic lakeside city of cobbled streets, squares and ornate churches, is also well worth a visit. Whilst in Lucerne, see the Kapellbrücke covered bridge, enjoy exploring the beautiful Old Town or perhaps visit the Swiss Transport Museum. (B)

We leave Chur on the Glacier Express narrow-gauge train, probably the slowest 'express' in the world. The train makes its way along the broad valley before it starts to climb through snowy pastures and woodland. The train then snakes and spirals its way towards the snowy Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 6,670 feet (2,033m), before it descends to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley to Brig. Here we take the local train for the wonderful journey to Kandersteg, a pretty mountain village in the Jungfrau region. Our route takes us over the imposing Kander Viaduct, through the old Lötschberg tunnel and past some truly beautiful mountain scenery. We arrive mid afternoon for a three-night stay at the Hotel Victoria. (B,D)

Enjoy the dramatic Swiss scenery as we take the narrow gauge mountain railway to Zermatt, a pretty Alpine town overlooked by the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car free village so you can wander along its cobbled streets at leisure, or perhaps, if you have a head for heights, make the train journey up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally), situated at over 10,000 feet (3,048m), and with truly spectacular views across to the snowbound Matterhorn and the valley below. The rack railway which winds its way up the mountain was built in 1898. (B,D)

Today is free for you to explore Kandersteg, renowned for its breathtaking views and scenic trails. You could take the cable car up to the stunning Oeschinen Lake, which is part of a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. Although the lake is often frozen in winter, it still offers incredible vistas and there are a number of activities here. You can visit the traditional Swiss restaurant or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you could toboggan back down to Kandersteg. Alternatively, explore the wider region using your included Swiss Travel Pass. Perhaps travel over the Lötschberg Pass, and through the amazing views of the Rhone Valley to Interlaken, a charming town situated between Lakes Thun and Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. Here you could take a mountain railway ride through the Alpine meadows or undertake the ultimate excursion on the Jungfrau Railway, which celebrates its centenary year in 2012. The railway runs to Jungfraujoch, which at 11,333 feet (3,454m) is Europe's highest railway station. (B)

Today we depart from Kandersteg, and travel by train via Brig to Geneva. Here we join the high-speed TGV service direct to Paris, with the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery along the shores of Lake Geneva and the attractive rolling French hills during the journey. In Paris we cross the city by coach and connect with the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)

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

This holiday includes a two-person Swiss Travel Pass (Standard Class), giving unlimited travel together on most trains, buses and lake steamers, and free entry to most museums during your stay in Switzerland.