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Interlaken & the Jungfrau Express at Christmas

 
4.3 stars(8 reviews)
Duration
7 days
From per person
£2,499 £2,299
Tour code
LNX26
Mobility Rating 2
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Experience sensational views and snow-capped peaks on a Christmas journey to the 'Top of Europe', travelling on the Jungfrau Express to the continent's highest station

Celebrate Christmas in the idyllic Bernese Oberland, staying in the pristine resort of Interlaken, surrounded by panoramic views, sparkling lakes and snow-capped peaks.

Journey on the Jungfrau Railway to the highest train station in Europe, experiencing jaw-dropping views across the shimmering Aletsch Glacier. Cross the snowy Brünig Pass to lakeside Lucerne, the 'City of Lights', all lit up in its winter finery. Then spend Christmas Day in the quaint alpine village of Grindelwald, ascending the summit of Grindelwald First mountain by cable car before a traditional Christmas dinner in Interlaken.

Unforgettable Experiences

Admiring spectacular views from the ‘Top of Europe’
Admiring spectacular views from the ‘Top of Europe’
On a trip to Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, experience magnificent views of the snow-frosted Mönch and Eiger peaks and the gleaming Aletsch Glacier which stretches as far as the eye can see.
Discovering enchanting Lucerne on Christmas Eve
Discovering enchanting Lucerne on Christmas Eve
Enter a Swiss winter wonderland on Christmas Eve, taking a spectacular journey across the Brünig Pass to the lakeside city of Lucerne, known as the ‘City of Lights’.
Visiting idyllic Grindelwald on Christmas Day
Visiting idyllic Grindelwald on Christmas Day
Explore the fairytale village of Grindelwald, one of Europe’s oldest mountain resorts beneath the imposing Eiger, riding to the summit of Grindelwald First mountain by cable car.
Staying in the Swiss resort of Interlaken
Staying in the Swiss resort of Interlaken
Our base for five nights is the picturesque town of Interlaken, nestled in the heart of the Bernese Oberland, between the sparkling lakes Thun and Brienz, surrounded by Switzerland’s spectacular ‘big three’ mountains.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1An overnight stay in Cologne

Your festive holiday begins at London St Pancras where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding the Eurostar service to Brussels. Here we change trains and continue to the bustling cathedral city of Cologne where we spend the night.

After checking in, dinner is served at our hotel this evening.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2Welcome to Interlaken

After breakfast we journey into Switzerland, passing through Mannheim beside the Rhine and Freiburg in the Black Forest on our way to Basel. From the Swiss city of Basel, we set off on a magical winter journey past glittering lakes and snowy peaks to Interlaken, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland - one of the best-loved regions in the Swiss Alps.

This resort town is nestled between lakes Thun and Brienz, watched over by the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. On arrival, we check in to our modern hotel which has great views of the Bernese Oberland. After settling into our home for the next five nights, we have dinner.

*Please note: the order of this festive itinerary differs depending on the date of departure. For the tour departing on 23rd December, we take the Jungfrau Express to the 'Top of Europe' on Christmas Eve and spend Christmas Day in Lucerne. The Boxing Day excursion is the trip to Grindelwald and cable car ride to Grindelwald First mountain. Our advisors are on hand to explain the exact itinerary for each departure. Telephone 01904 734 359 or email for more information.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3To the ‘Top of Europe’ on the Jungfrau Railway

Today is the highlight of our holiday - an excursion to the summit of the spectacular Jungfrau on the Jungfrau Railway. First, we join the Bernese Oberland Railway to Lauterbrunnen, where the Wengernalp Railway takes us to Kleine Scheidegg. The views on this steep route are outstanding, with sights including the White Lütschine River Valley and Staubbach Falls, often frozen in winter.

The Jungfrau Railway begins at Kleine Scheidegg and runs the remaining six miles to just below the summit of the Jungfrau Mountain. After a viewing stop along the way, making the most of impressive panoramas, we emerge from the tunnel at Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. With plenty of free time here, you could call in to the restaurant or may choose to visit the Ice Palace, first created in the 1930s, which features a labyrinth of ice caves containing glistening hand-carved sculptures recreated each year (payable on entry). Admire the endless expanse of the Aletsch Glacier from the Sphinx Observatory or head to the Lindt store for an insight into the history of Swiss chocolate. After today's glorious experience we head back to our hotel, and you are free to dine independently this evening.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY4Christmas Eve in Lucerne, the ‘City of Lights’

A spellbinding train journey aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne makes a memorable Christmas Eve outing. Entering stunning alpine scenery, we travel along the banks of Lake Brienz to Meiringen, in the shadow of the famous Reichenbach Falls. From here, we climb the Brünig Pass through magical winter scenery to an elevation of 3,287 feet. On the descent, we pass shimmering lakes before reaching Lucerne.

There's time to wander Lucerne's old town where an illuminated spruce fir tree stands 15 metres high, casting a golden glow across the main square. The skating rink is another seasonal attraction, while Lucerne's cobbled streets embody tradition, culture and well-preserved medieval architecture, from ornate churches to frescoed historic houses and the 14th-century covered Kapellbrücke. This sparkling lakeside city is a wonderful place to explore and find somewhere to eat at one of the many cosy cafés and restaurants. This evening, we retrace our journey back to our hotel in Interlaken, where we enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5Christmas Day in Grindelwald

On 'the most magical day of the year' we make our way by rail to the characterful alpine village of Grindelwald, blanketed in snow and nestled at the foot of the imposing Eiger. From here, we take a cable car journey to the summit of the Grindelwald First mountain where we can appreciate grand panoramas of the twinkling valley below and look across at the mighty Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains.

Back in Grindelwald, there is time to admire the attractive wooden chalets and quaint town squares of this fairytale setting, with its backdrop of dramatic mountains. Later we return to Interlaken where we sit down to a traditional Christmas dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY6Boxing Day at leisure in Interlaken

Today is free, giving you a chance to explore Interlaken or possibly to venture further. Locally, you could take a boat ride across one of the lakes before warming up at a cosy café. Or wrap up warm and head out on one of the many nature trails that start in the town.

Interlaken's history can be traced back to a monastery built here in the 12th century, while the surrounding landscapes provide a gateway to the Bernese Oberland, a region which is home to over 45 scenic mountain railways and aerial gondolas that you can discover using your Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% off fares.

This evening dinner is served at our hotel.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY7Homeward bound

This sensational Christmas holiday has taken us into idyllic alpine scenery on renowned Swiss railways. We have explored the unique village of Grindelwald and charming lakeside Lucerne, the 'City of Lights', from our base in the cosmopolitan resort town of Interlaken.

Our tour of the spectacular Jungfrau draws to a close this morning as we depart Interlaken and make our way to Basel, before transferring to the onward rail service to Paris. In the French capital we join the Eurostar to London St Pancras where you are free to continue your journey homewards.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Please note

We want to make sure any holiday you book is right for you. One of the excursions on this tour is at high altitude. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, we recommend you seek medical advice and talk to us.

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotel

Hotel Metropole Interlaken, Interlaken
Hotel Metropole Interlaken, Interlaken
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Trains

More information on the different trains that are used on this tour.

Eurostar

The high-speed Eurostar trains link St Pancras International in London with Paris and Lille in France as well as Brussels in Belgium.

Jungfrau Railway

The route from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest railway station, comprises three different railways. The first leg from Interlaken to Lauterbrunnen is on the Bernese Oberland Railway, continuing to Kleine Scheidegg on the Wengernalp Railway. From Kleine Scheidegg, the Jungfrau Railway climbs to Eigergletscher, before entering the 4.43-mile tunnel that ends in the underground station at Jungfraujoch. During the journey through the tunnel, the train makes a short stop at the Eiger Wall for view through the picture window from the north face of the Eiger down to Grindelwald.

Enhance your holiday

Upgrade to Plus Class on Eurostar

Your holiday begins the moment you meet your Tour Manager at St Pancras International and board the Eurostar train for mainland Europe. If you wish to get your holiday off to an extra special start, why not consider upgrading your on-board accommodation from Standard Class to Plus Class?

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As well as all the amenities enjoyed in Standard Class, Plus Class travellers benefit from extra spacious, comfortable seats, complimentary newspapers and magazines and a light snack with drinks served at your seat during the journey. Before 11am, the light snack comprises breakfast pastries, yoghurt, fruit juice and tea or coffee. After 11am there is a choice of 2 main dishes and a dessert, accompanied by soft drinks, wine or beer and tea or coffee.

Prices for an upgrade from £110pp each way. Please call us for more details.

Eurostar
Extending your European holiday in Cologne

Many of our holidays include a final stopover in Cologne en route to London. Why not extend your holiday by enjoying an extra night or two in this attractive city, returning to London in your own time?

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The Wyndham Cologne or TRYP by Wyndham Cologne City Centre, Cologne
Both hotels are well appointed 4-Star hotels with a bar, lounge and restaurant. Room facilities include en suite bathroom, tea and coffee making facilities (available on request), minibar with free soft drinks, cable TV, hairdryer and telephone. A laundry service is available at both hotels.

TRYP by Wyndham Cologne City Centre, Cologne
London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

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We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

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We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets
Door to door luggage service

Enjoy hassle-free travel to and from Switzerland with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £269 per bag.

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The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel in Switzerland. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag. If flying to or from your destination, you will take your own luggage with you on the flight.

Reviews

4.3 stars4.3 / 5 · 8 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (3)
  2. 4 stars
    (4)
  3. 3 stars
    (1)
  4. 2 stars
    (0)
  5. 1 star
    (0)

Rosemary

5 stars

Submitted 7/Jan

An thoroughly enjoyable trip - the journey , itinerary ,hotels and Tour Manager.

Collected by Trustpilot

J Archer

5 stars

Submitted 08 Jan 2024

All trips were very good hotels were excellent.

Collected by Trustpilot

H Swift

5 stars

Submitted 08 Jan 2023

This was a good holiday. A well planned timetable - all of the trains, big or small, and the cable cars connected on time. A very well organised, friendly and relaxed tour leader (Maggie), and being based in one hotel made it much easier than changing hotels a lot. The option of sending a suitcase ahead and back is well worth doing. On the long distance trains such as Eurostar, we were very glad to have only hand luggage. The weather was variable and some visits to peaks were fog bound. It was winter but I think the advice on take lots of layers was over cautious. Pretty much all of the time we were indoors, either on trains, cable cars, etc. I was more often over warm, and never cold. Well recommend this trip with GRJ.

Collected by Trustpilot

Maggie Lodge

4 stars

Submitted 08 Jan 2024

Fabulous Scenery ..Hotel Metropole Interlaken lovely. Only complaints were dinner every night not good..Spaghetti with Veal and Cabbage for Christmas Dinner..Chef needs replacing for one with better ideas. Also expected to walk to and from Hotel to Railway Station..no transport provided walk was about half a mile at least ..Not good if you are elderly of have problems..Taxis €20 each way which added to your spending ..We were not expecting. Tour Guide nice..Excursions amazing .. Luggage on trains a BIG problem

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C Edward

4 stars

Submitted 10 Jan 2023

I have already submitted a review to great rail.

Collected by Trustpilot

R Graves

4 stars

Submitted 06 Jan 2023

Well organised. Excellent tour manager who dealt with several travel problems during the trip. Possibly a little too 'busy' for a Christmas trip. A little more free time perhaps.

Collected by Trustpilot

Show all 8 reviews
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