Traditional Glacier Express at Christmas 2012 

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris. We change stations in Paris, and journey to Colmar by high-speed TGV. On arrival in Colmar we walk to the Grand Hotel Bristol. (D)

This morning you are free to explore Colmar at leisure ahead of our early-afternoon departure. At this time of year, the city hosts a charming Christmas Market - with delightful stalls nestled in the streets and squares between the beautiful half-timbered houses. We leave Colmar by train to Basel, where we join the superb Swiss railway network, famous for its efficiency and punctuality. We continue via Bern to the Alpine town of Kandersteg, one of Switzerland's truly unspoilt gems - a picturesque destination surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. We check in for three nights at the Hotel Victoria. (B,D)

Today we travel to the charming, car-free resort of Zermatt. We travel to Brig to join a narrow-gauge train, heading south through dramatic valleys and alongside the River Rhône to Visp. From here we join the mountain track for the steep ascent to Zermatt. The train clings to the track as we wind left and right, ascending past small clusters of houses and tiny hamlets that together form the region's village communities. The spectacular approach to Zermatt takes us through 8 tunnels and across 42 bridges, the gradient of the ascent requiring cogwheels to be engaged. Finally we reach the grandiose scenery of Zermatt, nestled below the snowy tilted peak of the instantly recognisable Matterhorn. In Zermatt you are free to spend your time as you choose. One option that you will find hard to resist is the ascent to the summit of the Gornergrat by funicular railway (payable locally). The views from the top are some of the most spectacular in Europe. (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. The lake is frozen in winter, and offers incredible vistas. 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 Swiss Travel Card for 50% fares. We particularly recommend travelling along the Rhône Valley to Montreux. From here you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Geneva or join the GoldenPass Line panoramic train for the journey over the Golden Pass to Spiez. Otherwise travel to Interlaken, a charming town situated between Lakes Thun and Brienz. Take a mountain railway ride through the Alpine meadows, or undertake the ultimate excursion to the highest railway station in Europe (payable locally), Jungfraujoch, at over 11,000 feet (3,353m). (B)

We leave Kandersteg today, travelling through the old Lötschberg tunnel and over the imposing Kander Viaduct to Brig, a small town surrounded by expansive vineyards which line the hillsides of the region. In Brig we board the iconic Glacier Express for a journey from the Valais region to the wonderful rocky landscape of the Graubünden canton, relaxing on board 'the slowest express train in the world'. Our entire journey is accompanied by views of the scenery for which Switzerland is justly famous; beautiful, snowcovered pastures, and frosted forests rising up the the hillsides beside the track towards towering snow-capped peaks. We climb gently up through the Rhône Valley and through the Furka Base Tunnel, climbing past the countless small villages that line our route, each nestled in the foothills of the surrounding mountains. We climb steadily and then steeply as we make our way up and over the snowy Oberalp Pass, with the distant peaks of the Italian Alps in view to the south. At 6,670 feet, the Oberalp Pass is the highest point of the route. Finally, we descend into the beautiful Rhine Valley, passing lakes and snow-covered meadows as we reach Chur, Switzerland's oldest town with over 5,000 years of settlement history for you to explore. We spend four nights here at the Hotel Freieck. (B,D)

On Christmas Day, your entire day is free to spend as you wish. You can explore historic Chur and the surrounding region, or simply spend the day relaxing in the hotel, enjoying the festivities. You could take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town, and visit the 12th century cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Today is a superb opportunity for you to discover the area by mountain railway using your included Swiss Card for 50% fares. The wild, rugged and rocky landscape of the glorious Graubünden region is waiting to be discovered, with superb railway journeys available from Chur that take you over, around and across the dramatic valleys that make this one of the most attractive cantons in Switzerland. A journey on the Arosa Express to lakeside Arosa, surrounded by dramatic snowy peaks, is a popular option for today. Tonight we enjoy a fabulous Christmas Gala dinner together in the hotel. (B,D)

Our Boxing Day excursion takes us on the historic Bernina Express - a railway journey on the superb Bernina Line that passes mighty glaciers and sloping alpine meadows laden with snow. The railway line is over 100 years old and has been rewarded with UNESCO World Heritage status as a testament to the incredible civil engineering that was required to create the line, as well as for the breathtaking scenery through which it travels. We travel through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, including the instantly recognisable Landwasser Viaduct, an architectural treasure. The track clings to the mountainside as we wind our way above deep ravines and past frozen waterfalls. Looping and spiralling through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley, our ascent takes us through the Albula Tunnel and over the Bernina Pass to an altitude of more the 7,000 feet. Enjoy the views of the snow-capped peaks as we descend, entering the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland before arriving at our destination. Pastel-coloured houses line the streets of picturesque Poschiavo, where we have time for lunch before the journey in the opposite direction. (B,D)

Today we travel by train to the beautiful town of Lucerne, known for its cobbled streets and ornate churches. Your time in Lucerne is free to explore. Stroll through this pretty town, and see the famous Kapellbrücke, a 14th century wooden bridge that separates Lucerne's Old Town and New Town. The Swiss Transport Museum, the largest transport museum in Europe, is well worth a visit. (B)

We leave Chur and travel by train Cologne. We arrive late afternoon and spend one night at the Grand City Hotel, situated close to the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On Day 10 we travel on the high-speed rail service to Brussels. In the Belgian capital we connect with the Eurostar to St Pancras International. (Day 9-B,D; Day 10-B)

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