Jungfrau Express 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels in Standard Premier Class. A light meal and drinks are served at our seats before our arrival. We continue by train through the extensive forests and rolling hills of the Ardennes region to Luxembourg. We 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 by train to Basel, where we transfer onto the efficient Swiss rail network for a wonderful journey through the Bernese Oberland to Meiringen. Our route takes us south then east via Interlaken as the scenery becomes ever more majestic with each passing mile, with towering mountains and serene glacier-fed lakes of deep turquoise and aquamarine. At Interlaken, we make a quick change onto the narrow-gauge train to Meiringen. This, the final leg of the journey, takes us around Lake Brienz before the train ascends to Meiringen; one of Switzerland's best-kept secrets. The small, quiet town remains unspoilt and typically Swiss. The author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle loved Meiringen and was so taken with the resort that he let his famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, plunge to his death at the impressive Reichenbach Falls close to the town. Our hotel for seven nights is the Park Hotel du Sauvage, just a short walk from the station and surrounded by peaceful meadows. Your Tour Manager will guide you through Conan Doyle Place to the hotel. (B,D)

This morning we travel by mountain railway to the Reichenbach Falls and the platform where the dramatic final duel between Sherlock Holmes and his arch-enemy Moriarty took place. From the falls, you have the option of exploring the area on a terrific 90-minute signposted walk. Alternatively, enjoy lunch at the Reichenbach café above the falls, before returning to Meiringen at your leisure. In the afternoon we pay a visit to Meiringen's small Sherlock Holmes Museum and then you have some free time to relax and explore the town. Make sure you don't miss Meiringen's other claim to fame, the meringue, which is available in many varieties throughout the town. (B,D)

Today's excursion takes us to the quaint mountain village of Kandersteg, a true alpine gem surrounded by unspoiled scenery. We enjoy free time here, giving you the opportunity to perhaps take the cable car to the stunning Oeschinensee. We continue by train to Thun for a relaxing lake cruise, travelling across beautiful Lake Thun to Interlaken. Picture-postcard views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, including the Beatenberg and Niesen peaks, accompany our relaxing cruise across the lake. (B,D)

We head west by train along the Brünig line to Brienz for an excursion by steam mountain railway, climbing to over 5,000 feet (1,524m), to the summit of Rothorn.* The summit offers fabulous views of the deep-blue lakes below and the snow-capped mountains in the distance, including one of the highest mountains in Europe, the Jungfrau. On our return to Brienz, we enjoy a steamer cruise on Lake Brienz to Interlaken, before returning to Meiringen. (B,D)

*Please note: this attraction does not operate on some departures in May and early June when an excursion such as the Schilthorn will be taken.

Our excursion today is unquestionably the highlight of any visit to the Bernese Oberland, as we travel on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest railway station at 11,333 feet (3,454m).

Our route from Meiringen first takes the regional train to Interlaken. From Interlaken we travel 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, the line climbs 1,532 feet (467 metres) above sea level, passing isolated chalets and small 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 at just over 12 miles. On this stretch of the route, the views are absolutely outstanding.

The final section of the journey is on the Jungfrau Railway itself, which runs the remaining six miles to just below the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain. The narrow-gauge line was opened in 1912 and celebrates its centenary in 2012. Although much of the line is in a tunnel, the route includes an observation stop with huge windows carved into the rock between the tunnel and the infamous north face of the Eiger, with spectacular views down to the valley below. On emerging from the tunnel the train arrives at Jungfraujoch, which at 11,333 feet (3455 metres) is the highest railway station in Europe.

At Jungfraujoch, we have some free time to enjoy the incredible views over the Alps. Here you can gaze across the Aletsch Glacier, a 12-mile river of ice, which provides a sharp contrast to the lush meadows and Alpine pastures of the lower lying hillsides near the valley floor. While at the summit you should visit the Ice Palace, with its labyrinth of tunnels and fantastic ice sculptures. On our return we follow a different route home, travelling via the pretty resort of Grindelwald. (B,D)

We venture into the mountains by cable car to the Alpentower at 7,381 feet (2,250m). On a clear day at the top station you can see over 400 mountain peaks from the lookout platform. We enjoy some free time perhaps for a walk through the alpine meadows, before we return to the hotel for dinner. (B,D)

Your day is free, perhaps to explore with your Bernese Oberland Regional Pass which gives a 50% discount on most trains, buses and lake steamers in the area. You could travel to Brienz and visit the Ballenberg Open-air Museum. Alternatively, take the mountain railway to Schynige Platte for spectacular panoramic views over the Alps. (B)

We leave Meiringen and travel via Lucerne to Basel. Our journey continues through Germany via the Rhine Gorge, with its fairytale castles nestled amongst extensive vineyards. We arrive in Cologne for an overnight stay at either the Four Points Hotel Central or the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, both close to the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (B,D)

Our mid-morning departure to Brussels connects with the Eurostar for London. We are served a light meal and drinks at our seats before our arrival into 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

The 1st August 2012 marks the centenary of the very first train to Jungfraujoch, the 'Top of Europe', which was the culmination of 16 years' work constructing the line. One of the world's most complex engineering challenges, the Jungfrau Railway is still hailed as a pioneering masterpiece even today.

Our 26 July departure will visit the Jungfrau Railway on the very day of the centenary. This momentous occasion will be celebrated with a number of special events throughout the day, and promises to be truly spectacular. We also have a number of other departures that include a trip on the Jungfrau Railway in its centenary year. These all feature a range of displays and events to celebrate the anniversary, such as a brand new subway, detailing the history of the line.