We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels. As we travel in Leisure Select Class, a complimentary meal and drinks are served at our comfortable seat during the journey. We change in Brussels for a scenic journey via the Ardennes and Luxembourg to Basel where we overnight at the Hotel Victoria. (E,D)

Your morning is free to explore Basel using the Basel Tram Pass which is included, perhaps visiting the city's wonderful cathedral or Old City, or taking a stroll along the banks of the Rhine. This afternoon we travel deeper into the heart of the Swiss Alps, arriving mid-afternoon in the mountain village of Kandersteg, located to the west of the Jungfrau mountain, along the valley of the River Kander. Our hotel for five nights is the family run Hotel Bernerhof. After dinner this evening, we meet one of our Mountain Guides for a briefing about tomorrows walks. (B,D)

Our activity for today is guided walking within the countryside surrounding Kandersteg, which includes the UNESCO World Heritage Lötschberg Area, with access to over 550 km (340 miles) of paths. The walks range from a gentle stroll through peaceful meadows to a challenging hike up the surrounding mountains. The village itself offers well-waymarked trails for all levels, however there are three different guided walks to choose from, depending on your personal ability - our small team of local Mountain Guides will be able to advise you of which walks would be best suited to you. Alternatively, you may wish to explore independently making use of your Swiss Half Fare Card. (B,D)

Today we travel through some of western Switzerland's most beautiful mountain scenery by train. We travel north to Spiez and continue to Zweisimmen. On arrival, we join the GoldenPass Line panoramic train to Montreux. We travel in Belle Époque carriages and enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch. The train winds its way through the mountains, before descending into Montreux, offering fantastic views over Lake Geneva. We have some free time in Montreux before joining the train to Brig, travelling through the Swiss wine-growing areas of the Rhône Valley. On arrival in Brig, we change trains and commence our ascent back to Kandersteg. (B,L)

Today we enjoy another walk with our guides. Again, there are three different walks available depending on your individual ability, whether you enjoy a gentle ramble or a strenuous hike; the views in this part of the Alps are incredible whichever walk you are on. Alternatively, you may wish to relax in Kandersteg or walk independently on one of the area's many other trails. (B,D)

Today we travel by train through the Lötschberg tunnel to Brig and Mörel where we ascend by cable car to Riederalp located on a sunny high plateau at 6,560ft (2000m). Riederalp offers an impressive panoramic view of the 13,000ft (4,000m) peaks of the Valais Alps, including the Matterhorn. From Riederalp, you have the option to ascend higher to the Alps first UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site located by the huge Aletsch Glacier. The Aletsch Glacier is 23km (14 miles) long and is the biggest and most powerful glacier in the Alps, consisting of 27 billion tonnes of ice. (B,D)

This morning is free, perhaps to take a final short walk, or to simply enjoy Kandersteg's majestic surroundings. We take the train back to Basel during the early afternoon, arriving in time to explore Basel a little more. We stay again in the Hotel Victoria and dine together in the hotel. (B,D)

We leave Basel this morning on the route through the scenic Rhine Gorge, with its fairytale castles and lush vineyards, to Cologne then to Brussels, to join the Eurostar service for St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Popular with visitors for the breathtaking views and scenic trails, the Swiss Alps offer a range of walks for all abilities. With many trails to choose from, our Mountain Guides offer advice on different options to get the best out of this holiday. Our guided walks are tailored by our guides to suit the general ability of the group. The group is split into three smaller ability groups for easy, medium and more difficult walks. The gentler walks may include the pretty Blausee, close to Kandersteg or the Oeschinensee high above the town. More challenging walks may include the Blumlisalphutte at 9,350 feet or the Gasteretal Falls and Schwarzbach Gorge. More advanced adventures have included the Lötsche Glacier at 8,850 feet. Many walks are accessed by local bus, tram, or cable car and these are also included in the price of your holiday.