The Golden Panoramic Express 2011 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris. As we travel in Standard Premier Class, a complimentary light meal and drinks are served at our seats. We cross Paris by coach to join the high-speed service to Switzerland. After changing trains, we travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to Montreux, passing lakeside vineyards and towns, framed by the majestic snowcapped mountains of the Alps. Our hotel for three nights is the Grand Hotel Suisse-Majestic, perfectly located in the heart of Montreux, one of the most popular and prettiest resorts on Lake Geneva. (E,D)

This morning we take a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva, viewing the lake's resorts and surrounding hillsides from a different perspective. In the afternoon we include an excursion by trolley-bus to the Château de Chillon, set on the shores of Lake Geneva, against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery. We enjoy a guided tour of the 13th century château, considered to be one of Europe's best-preserved medieval castles and a fine example of early Gothic architecture. (B,D)

Spend today relaxing in the hotel or perhaps continue your exploration of Montreux. Our hotel is located close to the railway station, so you have many options for excursions into the nearby mountains, such as Les Pleiades, or the rack-and-pinion railway up to Rochers de Naye. You could travel by train to lakeside Lausanne, with its Olympic Museum, or the sophisticated city of Geneva. Alternatively, travel up to the charming village of Les Diablerets or to the popular resort of Chamonix on the Mont Blanc Express. (B)

One of the highlights of European rail travel awaits you today, aboard the GoldenPass Line panoramic train. Sit back in comfort and watch views unfold from the panoramic windows, as our train climbs from the shore of Lake Geneva and winds through alpine scenery, past mountain villages and over the Saanenmöser Pass, 4,209 feet (1,283m) above sea level. The route then descends to the edge of Lake Thun and follows the lake shore to Interlaken, which enjoys a stunning location in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, between Lakes Thun and Brienz and at the foot of the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau. We stay at the Hotel Beau Rivage or Hotel Metropole for two nights (depending on departure date). (B,D)

Today is at leisure perhaps to enjoy the hotel's leisure facilities or to explore using your Swiss Half Fare Card. A favourite option today is the Jungfrau Express, and your Half Fare Card gives you a significant discount on this route. The Jungfrau Express train runs through tunnels built into the North Face of the Eiger and makes its way beneath huge glaciers before arriving close to the Jungfrau summit at Europe's highest railway station at 11,333 feet (3,454m). Alternatively, take a cruise on either Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. (B)

Today our GoldenPass Line journey continues across the Brünig Pass towards Lucerne, overcoming an altitude difference of 1,856 feet (566m) between Brünig Hasliberg and Lucerne stations. Our hotel in Lucerne for three nights is the Hotel Seeburg. Lucerne is a favourite with British tourists due to its mild climate, lakeside walks and mountain scenery. The town has charming streets, restaurants and the famous wooden Kapellbrücke bridge. (B,D)

Another highlight of the holiday awaits today, as we board the Mount Pilatus Railway. Opened in 1889, the line has a gradient of 48%, and is the world's steepest cogwheel railway. We enjoy a journey from Alpnachstad to the summit of the Pilatus Kulm. The summit offers an unequalled panorama of Lucerne, the lake, the Alps and central Switzerland. (B,D)

Today is free to spend as you please. Relax in Lucerne, experience the lake on a cruise, or perhaps explore the area by rail with your Swiss Half Fare Card. If you opt for a day at leisure in Lucerne, you could simply enjoy the views over the lake to the mountains from your balcony or stroll around the town and have a meal in one of the many traditional restaurants. Your rail options include the historic Mount Rigi Railway, Europe's first mountain railway, or even the famous William Tell Express to Locarno, in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland. (B)

Today we travel through Germany and the Rhine Gorge, with its riverside castles overlooking verdant vineyards, on our way to Cologne, where we stay for one night at either the Grand City Hotel or the Four Points Hotel, both close to the cathedral. (B,D)

After breakfast we depart for Brussels for the Eurostar service back to London. A complimentary light meal and drinks are served at your seat 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