Day 1 - London to France
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris. Sit back in your Leisure Select seat and enjoy a complimentary meal and drinks before our arrival in the French capital. After crossing the city by coach, our journey continues by TGV to Dijon. Here we spend one night at the comfortable Mercure Dijon Clémenceau, located close to the centre of this historic city, famous for its medieval half-timbered houses and the rich architectural legacy of the Dukes of Burgundy. (E,D)
Day 2 - By train to Switzerland
From Dijon we travel by TGV into Switzerland to the capital, Bern. We continue on the efficient Swiss rail network on a pleasant journey past Lake Thun to Interlaken, where we change for the narrow-gauge train to the small, charming town of Meiringen. Our hotel in Meiringen is the elegant Park Hotel du Sauvage, where we stay in well-appointed deluxe rooms for six nights. The hotel is set against a magnificent backdrop of towering snow-covered peaks and situated just a short walk from the town centre and station. (B,D)
Day 3 - Introduction to Meiringen
One of Switzerland's best-kept secrets, 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 close to the town. 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 we visit the small Sherlock Holmes Museum, with its replica of the detective's study, then you have some 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. (B,D)
Day 4 - Lucerne
Today's excursion is by mountain railway on the GoldenPass Line to the historic lakeside city of Lucerne. You have plenty of time to discover the cobbled streets lined with pretty, frescoed buildings and see its medieval towers, picturesque squares and the famous Kapellbrücke covered bridge. The Swiss Transport Museum, with its fascinating collection of artefacts relating to land, air and sea transportation, is also well worth a visit. (B,D)
Day 5 - To the highest station in Europe
Our excursion today is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the holiday and begins on the Bernese Oberland Railway with the journey via Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg. We join the Jungfrau Railway for a sensational journey tunnelling right through the Eiger to the Jungfraujoch and Europe's highest railway station at 11,333 feet (3,454m). Here, sitting beneath the Jungfrau summit itself, the views are truly breathtaking. We also visit the glacier, with its labyrinth of ice caves and sculptures carved inside, before returning to Meiringen via Grindelwald. (B,D)
Day 6 - Sleigh ride from Grindelwald
We travel to the pretty mountain village of Grindelwald which nestles at the foot of the Eiger's imposing north face. From Grindelwald we enjoy a magical sleigh ride into the snowy forests followed by warming glühwein and gingerbread. You are then free to explore the village and perhaps enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Meiringen. (B,D)
Day 7 - A day at leisure
Your day is free, giving you the opportunity to use your Swiss Half Fare Card, perhaps to return to popular Interlaken or travel via the pretty village of Lauterbrunnen to Mürren. The Schilthorn, with its revolving restaurant used in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' offers breathtaking views and is just a cable car ride away from Mürren. (B,D)
Day 8 - Meiringen to Cologne
We leave Meiringen and travel via Lucerne to Basel. Our journey continues through Germany and includes the Rhine Gorge, with its wealth of fairytale castles nestling amongst extensive vineyards. We arrive in Cologne for an overnight stay at either the Four Points Hotel or Hotel Euro Garden, both close to the station, the Rhine and the city's magnificent cathedral. (B,D)
Day 9 - To Brussels and London
Our morning departure to Brussels connects with the Eurostar service to London. We arrive in St Pancras International after a complimentary meal and drinks are served on board. (B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday
