Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express at New Year 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar, travelling through the Channel Tunnel and on to Brussels. After changing trains in Brussels, we continue through the rolling Ardennes to Luxembourg, where we spend the night at the Grand Hotel Mercure Alfa, located close to the station and the historic centre. We dine together this evening. (E,D)

Our journey to Switzerland continues today as we travel by EuroCity train to Basel, where we change trains for the onward journey to Interlaken. A town situated between the lakes of Thun and Brienz, Interlaken sits at the foot of the famous trio of peaks, the Eiger, the Monch and the Jungfrau, and is well known for its superb scenery and perfect setting. We stay at the centrally located Hotel Metropole. (B,D)

We travel by train to the picturesque mountain village of Mürren today. Situated high above the Lauterbrunnen Valley at 5,413 ft (1,650 m) above sea level, the village is a popular tourist destination all year round, thanks to the incredible mountain views it offers - and in winter in particular, it is alive with activity. Your time in this traffic-free village is free for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps take a walk on one of the well-prepared footpaths and admire the spectacular scenery, or even have a go at skating on the open-air ice rink if you're feeling adventurous. Another popular option is the Schilthorn (payable locally). From Mürren, you can take a cable car to the summit - where you can visit the Piz Gloria, which was the world's first revolving restaurant and was made famous in the James Bond film, 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'. We return to Interlaken in time dinner. (B,D)

Your day is free, giving you the opportunity to use your GRJ Swiss Travel Card for 50% fares to explore further afield. From our base in Interlaken there are many mountain peaks and beautiful places to be discovered - why not make the journey across the Brünig Pass to Lucerne, a favourite destination among Great Rail Journeys customers due to its wonderful lakeside location and stunning mountain scenery. The compact city boasts charming streets and the famous 14th century Chapel Bridge, which was built in 1333 and is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe. Other highlights include the nearby water tower, which has served as a prison and a treasury in its long history. The Swiss Transport Museum, with its fascinating collection of artefacts on land, air and sea transportation, is also a popular option. Alternatively, you could visit Montreux, which is easily accessible by rail and superbly situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. From here you can take a fabulous journey into the mountains by cog railway to Rochers de Naye, one of Switzerland's most beautiful viewpoints. You could then return to Interlaken along the beautiful GoldenPass panoramic line, taking in the magnificent scenery along the route. (B)

Today we travel to the pretty Alpine village of Grindelwald, a delightful winter resort nestled at the foot of the imposing north face of the Eiger. At this time of year, the idyllic village is covered in snow, making it a haven for skiers. From Grindelwald we enjoy a carriage ride through the snowy scenery, followed by tasty gingerbread and glühwein. You have time to explore Grindelwald at your own pace before we return to Interlaken together to enjoy a New Year's Eve gala dinner together in the hotel. (B,D)

On New Year's Day we enjoy what is undoubtedly the highlight of our stay in the Bernese Oberland, with our excursion to the summit of the Jungfrau. We begin on the Bernese Oberland Railway trundling through the foothills of the Alps from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen, through snowy pastures and past pretty villages. In Lauterbrunnen, we change trains to continue our ascent through ever changing scenery, to reach Kleine Scheidegg, where we join the Jungfrau Railway itself. Rising higher still, from Kleine Scheidegg the distinctive string of red and yellow carriages disappear into the tunnel through the Eiger mountain, making stops at the observation windows hewn out of solid Alpine rock, before emerging at Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', located at 3545m above sea level. With free time at the summit station, you will have plenty of time to explore the Ice Palace and its many ice sculptures, the Sphinx Terrace with superb views onto the Aletsch Glacier, at 22 km the longest ice stream in the Alps, and the walking plateau, eternally covered in snow. After time to explore and to enjoy lunch, we descend via the charming mountain resort of Grindelwald. (B,D)

Leaving Interlaken, we travel via Basel into Germany as we begin our journey home. We travel along the scenic Rhine Gorge to Cologne, where we spend the final night of the holiday at the Grand City Hotel, located close to the station and the city's impressive Gothic Cathedral. On Day 8 we take a train to Brussels, where we connect with the Eurostar to St Pancras International. (Day 7-B,D; Day 8-B,E)

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