Day 1 - By train to Germany
We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar to Brussels. We change for the Thalys service to Cologne, where our hotel for one night is either the Hotel Euro Garden or the Four Points Hotel, both close to the station and the city's magnificent Gothic cathedral. (D)
Day 2 - Rhine Gorge into Switzerland
We leave Cologne by EuroCity train for Switzerland. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery during the journey along the Rhine Gorge, with its many fairytale castles nestled amongst extensive vineyards. We journey across the border via Zürich past a landscape of lakes and meadows to Chur, a historic town in southeast Switzerland where trains still run through the streets. We spend three nights here at the Hotel Freieck. (B,D)
Day 3 - A day at leisure in Chur
Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland and a pleasure to explore. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town and visit the 12th century cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Alternatively, you could make use of your Swiss Pass to make the train journey on the Arosa Express to the mountain town of Arosa, or visit Lucerne, a historic lakeside city of cobbled streets, squares and ornate churches. Whilst in Lucerne, see the Kapellbrücke covered bridge, enjoy exploring the beautiful Old Town or perhaps visit the Swiss Transport Museum. (B)
Day 4 - Over the Bernina Pass
The narrow-gauge Bernina Express takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past waterfalls and deep ravines as the train climbs the Albula Pass. The ascent loops and spirals into the Engadine Valley before climbing even higher over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). Enjoy the views of the snowcapped peaks as we travel to Poschiavo, a picturesque town in the Italian-speaking region. After time in Poschiavo we return to Chur. En route there may be time to browse around the shops of St Moritz or enjoy a stroll alongside the lake. (B,D)
Day 5 - The Glacier Express
We leave Chur on the Glacier Express narrow-gauge train, probably the slowest 'express' in the world. The train makes its way along the broad valley before it starts to climb through snowy pastures and woodland. The train then snakes and spirals its way towards the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 6,670 feet (2,033m), before it descends to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley to Brig. We arrive mid afternoon for a three-night stay at the Hotel Victoria. Brig is a small, historic town situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass, an ideal base from which to explore southern Switzerland by mountain railway. (B,D)
Day 6 - Mountain railway to Zermatt
Enjoy the dramatic Swiss scenery as we take the narrow gauge mountain railway to Zermatt, a pretty alpine town on the banks of the River Vispa and overlooked by the Matterhorn. Zermatt is a car free village so you can wander along its cobbled streets at leisure, or perhaps, if you have a head for heights, make the train journey up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally), situated at over 10,000 feet (3,048m). The rack railway, which winds its way up the mountain, was built in 1898 and was the first electric railway of its kind in Switzerland. (B,D)
Day 7 - A day at leisure
Your day is free to explore this region using your Swiss Travel Pass. We particularly recommend travelling along the Rhône Valley to Montreux. From here you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Geneva or join the GoldenPass Line panoramic train for the journey over the Golden Pass to Spiez. The journey on the Centovalli Railway across 'a hundred valleys' to Locarno on the northern shores of Lake Maggiore is also an excellent choice for today. Alternatively travel to Interlaken, a charming town situated between Lakes Thun and Brienz in the Bernese Oberland. Perhaps take a mountain railway ride through the Alpine meadows or undertake the ultimate excursion to the highest railway station in Europe, Jungfraujoch, (supplement payable locally) at over 11,000 feet (3,353m). (B)
Day 8 - Through France
We depart from Brig, travelling via Geneva, and join the direct TGV service to Paris, with the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery along the shores of Lake Geneva and the attractive rolling French hills. After crossing Paris by coach we connect with the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday
