Mountaintops of Switzerland

After meeting at London St Pancras, we travel to Paris on the Eurostar, changing trains for Basel, where we spend the night.

• Dinner
• Eurostar Meal

We take a short walk to the train station then travel by rail to Interlaken, where we board a boat to cruise Lake Brienz. Sailing through the heart of scenic Switzerland, the brilliant turquoise tones of the glacial waters contrast with the green mountain slopes. We cruise past picture-book towns and villages dotting the shores of the lake, many in the shadow of a church steeple. As we disembark, the Giessbach funicular railway is ready to transport us to our mountaintop hotel, the stunning Grandhotel Giessbach. On arrival, we enjoy a welcome drink as a local expert tells us about the history of this unusual hotel. From its secluded setting, the hotel has views across the sparkling lake and up to the cascading Giessbach waterfall.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We board the steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway, a rack-and-pinion line which traverses steep and stony mountain trails. For much of the route, the glittering waters of Lake Brienz can be seen, and as we climb further, the view becomes yet more dramatic. Before long, we reach the first of three passing loops for oncoming locomotives, travelling through woodland and a series of tunnels hewn from the rock. We then arrive at the second passing loop, where some of the older steam engines pause to take on water. Finally, we reach the line's terminus at the summit of Rothorn, 7,362 feet above sea level, and just a few miles from our starting point in Brienz.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Giessbach, we travel by rail and coach to Brig for one of the world's most unique rail experiences, a journey aboard the Glacier Express. Famed as the 'slowest express train in the world', the distinctive red and white carriages - matching the colours of the Swiss flag - make their way across hundreds of bridges and viaducts, and through 90 separate tunnels. Using cogwheels at the steepest points, we enjoy views of green valleys, picturesque villages and the Alpine lake on the Oberalp Pass. We enjoy lunch on board before reaching St Moritz where we stay in lake view rooms at the elegant Hotel Schweizerhof.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Connecting Switzerland and Italy via one of the highest mountain railways in the Alps, the Bernina Express. Rising to the challenges presented by such steep gradients, this is a journey of breathtaking beauty through the iconic Alps. Joining the train in St Moritz, we travel to an altitude of more than 7,000 feet, enjoying views of snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes as we make our way to Italy, traversing the spiralling Brusio Viaduct enroute. In the pretty town of Tirano, you're free to explore the old town, beside the flowing river, before we make the return trip to St Moritz.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We make the most of the efficient Swiss rail network again today, travelling to Lucerne where there's some free time before we board the Mount Pilatus Railway, the steepest cogwheel railway in the world with a 48% gradient. We take the breathtaking half hour ascent from lakeside Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm, up to our unique hotel, the Hotel Pilatus Kulm. We arrive in time to enjoy the sunset over the surrounding lakes and mountains.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We return to Lucerne for some independent sightseeing, you'll receive a 50% discount on the bus and boat there using your Swiss Travel Card. Set in an impressive location, overlooking the lake with the mountains of Pilatus and Rigi on the horizon, Lucerne's famous landmark is the Kapellbrücke Bridge, separating Lucerne's Old and New Town. The oldest wooden bridge in Europe, built in the 14th century, it was constructed to help protect Lucerne from attacks. Inside the bridge, a series of paintings from the 17th century display the city's history. There's plenty to explore in the car-free Old Town, from ornate churches to frescoed historic houses, its cobbled streets embody tradition, culture and offer a plethora of cosy cafés.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We begin the journey back to London today, taking the train to Strasbourg for the night. Capital of the Alsace region, the city is an interesting blend of German and French culture, its architecture ranges from Gothic to modern and the atmosphere is decidedly young and energetic. Here you have some free time to explore the historic Old Town, dominated by the city's spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Discover the half-timbered homes, bridges and towers of the charming riverside area of Petit France or visit the opulent 18th century Palais Rohan.

Please Note: For departures 19/09/2023 and 26/09/2023 you will overnight a the Grand Hotel Bristol in Colmar.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We catch the train to Paris, where we join the Eurostar for our return journey to London St Pancras

• Breakfast
• Eurostar Meal