Breathtaking views from Swiss mountain railways
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Take in some of Switzerland's finest winter scenery on this magnificent holiday. From our base in the wonderfully unspoilt town of Meiringen, we visit the lakeside town of Lucerne, ride a carriage in the mountain village of Grindelwald, and take a trip to the 'Top of Europe' on the famous Jungfrau Railway.
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris. We continue from Paris south through the French countryside to the delightful Alsatian town of Strasbourg where we enjoy dinner and stay overnight.
Enjoy a morning at leisure to explore the delightful streets and half timbered houses of Strasbourg, before we continue into Switzerland, to Basel. We continue on the efficient Swiss rail network past Lake Thun to Interlaken, where we change for the narrowgauge train to the small, charming town of Meiringen. Our hotel in Meiringen is the Hotel Alpbach, where we stay in well-appointed deluxe rooms for six nights and on arrival we enjoy hot mulled wine. The hotel is set against a magnificent backdrop of towering snow covered peaks and situated just a short walk from the town centre.
One of Switzerland's best-kept secrets, the town of Meiringen remains unspoilt and typically Swiss. The author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle loved the town and was so taken with it that he let his famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, plunge to his death at the impressive Reichenbach Falls nearby. This morning we take a cable car ride to the Alpen Tower where we experience dramatic panoramic views of the surrounding peaks from a height of over 7,300 feet (2,225m). In the afternoon there is time to visit the small Sherlock Holmes Museum, with its replica of the detective's study. You have some further free time to explore the town. Make sure you don't miss Meiringen's other claim to fame; the meringue, available in many varieties throughout the town.
Today's excursion is by mountain railway to the historic lakeside city of Lucerne, one of Europe's most charming cities. Our route takes us through some truly magnificent scenery, over the dramatic Brunig Pass and alongside the emerald green waters of Lake Lucerne. In Lucerne you have plenty of time to discover the cobbled streets lined with pretty, frescoed buildings, picturesque squares and the famous Kapellbrücke Bridge, a beautiful covered wooden bridge originally built in 1333, and containing many beautiful interior paintings dating to the 17th century. The Swiss Transport Museum, with its fascinating collection of artefacts relating to land, air and sea transportation, is also well worth a visit.
Our excursion today is one of the highlights of any visit to the Bernese Oberland, as we board the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch - Europe's highest railway station at 11,333 feet (3,454 m). On arrival at Jungfraujoch, there is time at leisure, before returning to Meiringen via Interlaken and Grindelwald. In Grindelwald, we enjoy a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride through the wintry landscape.
You are at leisure today in Meiringen, perhaps venture out into the nearby countryside or simply relax and enjoy the hotel's facilities.
We leave Meiringen and travel to Basel, where we transfer to Paris for the Eurostar service back to London.
Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with our dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We write to all booked customers approximately 10 weeks prior to the start of their tour to advise the exact departure and return time for their particular group.
An escorted experience and all travel arrangements
Comfortable accommodation in your destination
Delicious meals included
Exciting excursions and free time to explore
Enhancing your tour
Please note: This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
Breathtaking views from Swiss mountain railways
Call:
Enquire