Traditional Glacier Express at Christmas 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Dijon travelling in comfortable Standard Premier Class and enjoying a light meal and drinks. Our journey continues to Dijon where we spend one night. (D)

We leave Dijon by train for Switzerland, crossing the border and continuing alongside Lake Geneva to Brig, then on to Kandersteg for a three-night stay at the Hotel Victoria (B,D)

Enjoy the dramatic Swiss scenery as we take the narrow gauge mountain railway to Zermatt, a pretty Alpine town overlooked by the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car free village so you can wander along its cobbled streets at leisure, or perhaps, if you have a head for heights, make the train journey up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally), situated at over 10,000 feet (3,048m), and with truly spectacular views across to the snowbound Matterhorn and the valley below. The rack railway which winds its way up the mountain was built in 1898. (B,D)

Today is free for you to explore Kandersteg, renowned for its breathtaking views and scenic trails. You could take the cable car up to the stunning Oeschinen Lake, which is part of a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. Although the lake is often frozen in winter, it still offers incredible vistas and there are a number of activities here. You can visit the traditional Swiss restaurant or, if you're feeling more adventurous, you could toboggan back down to Kandersteg. Alternatively, explore the wider region using your included Swiss Travel Pass. Perhaps travel over the Lötschberg Pass, and through the amazing views of the Rhone Valley to Interlaken, a charming town situated between Lakes Thun and Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. Here you could take a mountain railway ride through the Alpine meadows or undertake the ultimate excursion on the Jungfrau Railway, which celebrates its centenary year in 2012. The railway runs to Jungfraujoch, which at 11,333 feet (3,454m) is Europe's highest railway station. (B)

On Christmas Eve we leave Kandersteg for a fantastic journey on the Glacier Express. The train makes its way up the Rhône Valley to Andermatt and then snakes and spirals its way towards the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 6,670 feet (2,033m). We then continue through pasture and woodland tot he Rhine and travel along the broad valley to Chur. We spend four nights at the Hotel Freieck. (B,D)

Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and a pleasure to explore. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town and visit the beautiful 12th century cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Alternatively, you could make use of your Swiss Pass to take the scenic train journey on the Arosa Express to the mountain town of Arosa surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks. Lucerne, a historic lakeside city of cobbled streets, squares and ornate churches, is also well worth a visit. Whilst in Lucerne, see the Kapellbrücke covered bridge or enjoy exploring the beautiful Old Town. On your return to the hotel, we celebrate Christmas with a gala dinner. (B)

Today, the narrow-gauge Bernina Express takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past frozen waterfalls and deep ravines before ascending the Albula Pass. The ascent loops into the Engadine Valley before climbing even higher over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m) and on to Poschiavo. We return to the hotel for dinner. (B,D)

Today we travel by train to the lakeside city of Lucerne, home to the Swiss Transport Museum and the famous Kapellbrücke covered bridge. From here, there are a wide range of sightseeing opportunities including the Mount Rigi Railway (supplement payable). (B)

We depart from Chur and travel by EuroCity train via the Rhine Gorge to Cologne, where we overnight. On Day 10 we depart for Brussels and connect with the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (Day 9-B,D; Day 10-B)

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