Jungfrau Express in Winter & Spring 2013 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal and drinks during the journey. We continue by First Class train through the extensive forests and rolling hills of the Ardennes region to Luxembourg. We stay here overnight at the Mercure Grand Hotel Alfa, located opposite the railway station and close to Luxembourg's historic centre. (E,D)

From Luxembourg we travel on the First Class rail service into Switzerland, to Basel. We continue on the efficient Swiss rail network past Lake Thun to Interlaken, where we change for the narrow-gauge train to the small, charming town of Meiringen. Our hotel in Meiringen is the elegant Park Hotel du Sauvage, where we stay in well appointed deluxe rooms for six nights. The hotel is set against a magnificent backdrop of towering snow covered peaks and situated just a short walk from the town centre and station. (B,D)

One of Switzerland's best-kept secrets, the town of Meiringen remains unspoilt and typically Swiss. The author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle loved the town and was so taken with it that he let his famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, plunge to his death at the impressive Reichenbach Falls nearby. This morning we take a cable car ride to the Alpen Tower where we experience dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding peaks from a height of over 7,300 feet (2,225m). In the afternoon we visit the small Sherlock Holmes Museum, with its replica of the detective's study. You have some free time to explore the town. Make sure you don't miss Meiringen's other claim to fame; the meringue, available in many varieties throughout the town. (B,D)

Today's excursion is by mountain railway to the historic lakeside city of Lucerne, one of Europe's most charming cities. Our route takes us through some truly magnificent scenery, over the dramatic Brunig Pass and alongside the emerald green waters of Lake Lungern. In Lucerne you have plenty of time to discover the cobbled streets lined with pretty, frescoed buildings, picturesque squares and the famous Kapellbrücke bridge, a beautiful covered wooden bridge originally built in 1333, and containing many beautiful interior paintings dating to the 17th century. 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)

Our excursion today is one of the highlights of any visit to the Bernese Oberland, as we travel on the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest railway station at 11,333 feet (3,454 m). The route from Interlaken takes us firstly to Lauterbrunnen on the Bernese Oberland Railway. This narrow-gauge line was opened to the public in 1890, and is 12 miles in length. Over the course of the route we pass snow-dusted meadows, charming wooden chalets and attractive farming cabins. At Lauterbrunnen, the Wengeralp Railway runs to Kleine Scheidegg. Due to the steep area through which the railway runs, the line is actually the world's longest continuous rack railway, and on this particular stretch of the route, the views are absolutely outstanding. The final section of the journey is on the famous Jungfrau Railway itself, which runs the remaining six miles to just below the peak of the Jungfrau Mountain. Much of the line is inside the mountain with huge windows hewn from the rock, looking out to the infamous north face of the Eiger, and providing spectacular views down to the valley below. This was a major feat of engineering, completed in 1912. On emerging from the tunnel the train arrives at Jungfraujoch - known as the 'Top of Europe'. We have plenty of free time at the summit to enjoy the incredible views over the Alps. We also visit the Aletsch Glacier, a 12-mile river of ice, with its labyrinth of ice caves and sculptures carved inside. We return to Interlaken via the mountain resort of Grindelwald. (B,D)

We travel to the pretty Alpine village of Grindelwald, a pretty town nestled at the foot of the imposing north face of the Eiger, and surrounded by wonderful Alpine landscapes. At this time of year, the idyllic town is covered in snow, making it a haven for skiers. From Grindelwald we enjoy a horse and carriage ride around the village, followed by warming glühwein and gingerbread. You are then free to explore the village and perhaps enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Meiringen. (B,D)

Your day is free, giving you the opportunity to use your GRJ Swiss Travel Card, perhaps to return to popular Interlaken or travel via the pretty village of Lauterbrunnen to Mürren, a delightful mountain village. The Schilthorn, with its revolving restaurant used in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' offers breathtaking views and is just a cable car ride away from Mürren. Alternatively, the Swiss capital of Bern can also be reached by train. The city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a delight to explore. Take in the ambience of the pedestrianised old town as you wander though the medieval streets and arcades, and take advantage of some excellent shopping opportunities. (B,D)

We leave Meiringen and travel in First Class to Basel. Our journey continues through Germany and along the scenic Rhine Gorge, with its wealth of fairytale castles nestling amongst extensive vineyards. We arrive in Cologne for an overnight stay at either the Best Western Grand City Hotel or Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, both close to the station, the Rhine and the city's magnificent cathedral. (B,D)

Our morning departure on the high-speed train to Brussels (First Class) connects with the Eurostar service to London. We enjoy 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