The dramatic snow-clad Swiss mountains form the backdrop to numerous medieval cities and towns, charming alpine resorts and verdant forests. Witness some of this breathtaking scenery up close on a number of scenic train journeys, chief amongst them the ‘world’s slowest express train’, the celebrated Glacier Express.

• UK/Cologne - 1
  

  Your holiday begins on board the Eurostar, travelling via Brussels to Cologne for an overnight stay in this historic cathedral city.

• Cologne/Lucerne - 2
  

  Reboarding the train, you travel south across Germany, passing through the famous Rhine valley, known for its impressive hilltop castles and charming riverside towns. Crossing the border into Switzerland, travel via Basel to Lucerne, arriving in the early evening. You’ll spend three nights in this charming lakeside town on a bed and breakfast basis.

• Lucerne & Mount Stanserhorne - 3
  

  Enjoy a morning of scenic beauty as you take the spectacular funicular to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn. From every angle you can see some of the greatest mountain scenery in Europe, including the famous Bernese Oberland trio of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau peaks. Numerous sparkling lakes and lush green forests add to the charm. On a clear day, you might be lucky enough to see as far as the Black Forest or France.

• Lucerne or Engleberg - 4
  

  You have today at leisure to make your own discoveries in medieval Lucerne. Picturesque squares of frescoed houses characterise the pedestrianised town centre. Centrepiece of the townscape is the medieval covered Chapel Bridge, gracefully spanning the River Reuss.

  A Swiss Saver Pass has been included in your holiday, allowing you to travel free of charge on most of the Swiss rail and ferry network. Perhaps use this freedom to visit nearby Engelberg a beautiful village surrounded by three mountain ranges. The village centre is almost traffic free, the ideal place for a gentle stroll to take in the local ambience, or to linger over a drink in a pavement café.

  Alternatively, take the thrilling cable car ride over the Titlis Glacier to the summit of Mount Titlis to take in the breathtaking views over Mount Titlis. Why not further enhance your visit with the Ice Flyer chair lift over the glacier itself?

• Glacier Express to Zermatt - 5
  

  Today is sure to be the highlight of your holiday as you board the Glacier Express, arguably one of the world’s greatest railway journeys as it winds its way from St. Moritz to Zermatt. Joining the train in Chur, you’ll have plenty of time to sit back, enjoy a delicious lunch and relax as you pass through unspoilt alpine scenery, over countless bridges and through numerous tunnels on an unbelievably scenic journey. You’ll spend the next two nights in the virtually traffic free resort of Zermatt on a half board basis.

• Zermatt - 6
  

  Dominated by the towering peak of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a famous ski resort that is equally welcoming in the summer. Explore the charming town centre at your leisure, perhaps visiting the interesting Matterhorn Museum or follow one of the walking trails through the mountains. Join your Tour Guide for a trip on the famous Gornergrat cog railway as it climbs past forests of pine and larch trees to an altitude of 3,089 metres. From here the views of the Matterhorn and its neighbours are simply stunning.

• Zermatt/UK - 7
  

  Your holiday draws to a close with the return train journey via Lausanne or Geneva, connecting with the Eurostar in Paris for the onward journey back to the UK, arriving early evening.

Accommodation

Cologne - Hotel Mercure (3-star) or similar 1 night

The hotel has a restaurant and bar as well as a fitness centre and sauna. The comfortable rooms feature TV, hairdryer and private facilities.

Zermatt - Hotel Derby (3-star ) or similar 2 nights

This hotel has its own restaurant and is conveniently situated near the station, and the guest rooms feature private facilities, safe and TV.

Lucerne - Hotel Waldstatterhof (3-star) 3 nights

The Waldstatterhof is conveniently located opposite the train station and within walking distance of the old town. The hotel has its own restaurant and the bedrooms provide private facilities, TV, safe, tea and coffee making facilities.

• Flights are scheduled services of eurostar
• Flights depart at 1:00 am and return at 1:00 am

Includes

Not Included