Swiss Alpine Holiday

Day 1 – London to Frankfurt

Departing on a late morning Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Brussels, we make an onward connection to Frankfurt for an overnight stay. Dinner is included at our hotel this evening.

Day 2 – Graubünden

Leaving Frankfurt, we head south to Basle. From here, all our rail travel in Switzerland will be in First Class using the unlimited Swiss Travel Pass provided. Leaving Basle, we travel to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland. We stay in this charming historic city for 4 nights, and our hotel is in the traffic free area of the old town.

Day 3 – At Leisure

A day allowing you the chance to explore Chur and the surrounding area using the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways network. There will be an optional escorted excursion on offer but, if you prefer to be independent, your tour leader will be only too happy to help with planning.

Day 4 – Bernina Express

A full day excursion from Chur to Tirano in northern Italy. This route is the only North-South Alpine rail crossing, and the summit of the line lies at an altitude of 2253m (7391ft). The panoramic windows of your First Class coach give you a wide vista, and the many spirals and tunnels all make this a wonderful day out.

Day 5 – Leisure Time

A further day at leisure. Again, there will be the offer of an optional escorted excursion using our First Class Swiss Travel Pass.

Day 6 – Glacier Express

We leave mid-morning on the world-famous Glacier Express to Brig. This is one of Switzerland’s most scenic journeys that delivers the best views through its panoramic windows - so sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. In Brig, we change trains and travel onwards to Thun, our base for the next 4 nights.

Days 7 & 8 – Free Time

Free time based in Thun. Located at the lower end of Lake Thun, it is often referred to as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Take time to wander around this historic town with its medieval architecture and the elevated walkways of the Obere Hauptgasse in the Old Town. Your experienced tour leader will be available to offer an optional excursion each day. Possible options may include include Mürren, Wengen or Grindelwald to see the Bernese Oberland and enjoy views of the Eiger, Monch, & Jungfrau.

Day 9 – Brienzer Rothorn

This morning we take a short journey to Brienz to ride the Brienz Rothorn Bahn. This oil-fired steam cogwheel railway will take us to just below the peak of Brienzer Rothorn where the summit station is located at an elevation of 2224m.

Day 10 – Lucerne

We depart Thun and travel via Interlaken over the Brünig Pass through beautiful mountain and lake scenery to Lucerne where we check in to our hotel for a 4-night stay. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Days 11, 12 & 13 – Relax in Lucerne

There is so much on offer in this region, our excursion list will hopefully help to ensure that you get the most out of your pass. Once again, your tour leader will offer optional escorted excursions daily. Possible destinations may include Pilatus, the Rigi, paddle steamers and the Gotthard Pass.

Day 14 – To Cologne

A morning farewell to Lucerne as we begin our journey back home via Basle to Cologne for an overnight stay.

Day 15 – Homeward Bound

Taking a morning ICE service to Brussels, we connect with the Eurostar service, arriving in London mid-afternoon.