The Swiss Classic 2011 

We depart London St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class. We enjoy a light meal and drinks during the journey. In Paris we change trains and join the high-speed TGV service to Switzerland. We stay in Basel for two nights, at either the Hotel Schweizerhof or the Hotel Victoria. (E,D)

This morning we enjoy a tour of Basel's Old Town, an enchanting city on the banks of the Rhine. Following the tour, the rest of the day is free for you to continue exploring at your own pace. You could stroll along the banks of the Rhine or simply relax in one of the many cafés on the Münsterplatz, dominated by the city's impressive Cathedral, and watch the world go by. (B)

Today we enjoy the highlight of our tour as we board the Swiss Classic train, with its beautifully restored 1940s carriages, hauled by a 1939 electric locomotive. Today's journey takes us right across Switzerland through wonderful mountain scenery to Lake Maggiore in Italy. Enjoying a three-course meal served at our seats, we pass Bern, and soon afterwards we skirt the shores of Lake Thun with breathtaking mountain peaks all around. We continue over the scenic Lötschberg Pass, arguably the most beautiful in Switzerland, reaching a height of 4068 ft (1240m). Taking in the stunning mountainous views, we descend to Brig, and shortly afterwards we climb to the Simplon Tunnel. We emerge from the tunnel in northern Italy and follow the twisting, mountainous section of the line to Lake Maggiore, arriving in beautiful Stresa, on the western shore. We transfer to our hotel for the next two nights, either the Grand Hotel Bristol or the Regina Palace. (B,L,D)

Today we discover two of the beautiful Borromean Islands, set on Lake Maggiore. We cruise from Stresa to Isola Bella, home to the sumptuous Borromeo Palace with its Italian-style gardens. Our next stop is Isola dei Pescatori, an island of narrow alleyways and old churches, and a population of just 50 people. Explore the charming fishing village, with its choice of fine trattorias in which to enjoy lunch, and its delightful shops, before cruising back to Stresa. (B)

Today we board the Swiss Classic again, for another fantastic trip through the Alps to Switzerland. We leave Stresa and continue southwards, following the shores of sparkling Lake Maggiore. Continuing around the lake, we begin to climb towards the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps. We join the route of the William Tell Express here, and travel through the Gotthard tunnel, emerging amongst fabulous scenery in Switzerland. We ascend the Gotthard Pass, enjoying the engineering feats on this section of the line - the series of bridges, loops and tunnels all help to overcome the railway's natural obstacles. Having enjoyed our three-course meal at our seats, we begin our descent to Lake Lucerne passing glittering Lake Zugersee on the way. Arriving in Lucerne, we say goodbye to the Swiss Classic. We stay for four nights at the Grand Hotel Europe. (B,L,D)

Today's excursion takes us into the mountains surrounding Lake Lucerne. We begin by taking a boat across the lake to Vitznau, where we board the Mount Rigi Railway to Rigi's summit. We can admire the magnificent views at Rigi's peak before descending on the opposite side of the mountain to Arth Goldau. We make the journey back to Lucerne by local train. (B) 

Today is free for you to explore Lucerne at your leisure. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets and squares of the city, past ornate churches and medieval buildings. Otherwise, perhaps visit the Swiss Transport Museum, or see the famous Kapellbrücke covered bridge which has served as a prison, torture chamber, watchtower and treasury in its long history. Alternatively, you could venture further afield with your included Tell Pass. The pass gives you 50% discount on most trains, buses and lake cruises throughout the Lucerne area and you may wish to visit nearby Kehritsen home to the Bürgenstock funicular railway. (B)

On today's excursion we travel to Alpnachstad where we board the world's steepest cogwheel railway for a journey to the summit of the Pilatus Kulm. Opened in 1889, the Mount Pilatus Railway has a gradient of 48%. The summit offers an unequalled panorama of Lucerne, the lake, the Alps and central Switzerland. (B,D)

Today we leave Lucerne and travel west passing along the shores of pretty Lake Geneva before changing to the highspeed TGV service to Paris. After crossing the French capital by coach, we join the Eurostar service back to London. A light meal and drinks are served at our seats 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