Day 1: By train to Germany
We depart St Pancras International in the early afternoon by Eurostar for Brussels. We change for the Thalys service to Cologne, for a one night stay at the 4* Hotel Euro Garden or 4* Four Points Hotel Central. (D)
Day 2: Rhine Gorge into Switzerland
We leave Cologne by EuroCity train travelling via Zürich to Chur, a historic town in southeast Switzerland where trains still run through the streets. We spend three nights at the 3* Hotel Freieck. (B,D)
Day 3: A day at leisure in Chur
Chur is the oldest town in Switzerland. Take time to stroll through the medieval cobbled alleyways and squares of the Old Town and visit the 12th century cathedral. Alternatively, you could take the train journey on the Arosa Express to the mountain town of Arosa, or visit Lucerne, a historic lakeside city. (B)
Day 4: Over the Bernina Pass
The Bernina Express takes us from Chur over viaducts and bridges, past waterfalls and ravines as we ascend the Albula Pass. The train climbs over the Bernina Pass to more than 7,000 feet (2,134m). Enjoy the views as we travel to Poschiavo, a picturesque town in the Italian-speaking region. After time in Poschiavo we return to Chur. (B,D)
Day 5: The Glacier Express
Today is a real highlight of our tour. 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 pastures and woodland. The train then snakes its way towards the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 6,670 feet (2,033m), before it descends to Andermatt and continues down the Rhône Valley to Brig, situated at the foot of the Simplon Pass.We arrive mid afternoon for a three-night stay at the 3* Hotel Victoria. (B,D)
Day 6: Mountain railway to Zermatt
Enjoy the dramatic Swiss scenery as we take the narrow-gauge mountain railway to Zermatt, an alpine town overlooked by the Matterhorn. Perhaps take a walk into the mountains or take the train journey up to Gornergrat (supplement payable locally), situated at over 10,000 feet (3,048m). (B,D)
Day 7: A day at leisure
Your day is free to explore this region using your Swiss Travel Pass, which gives unlimited travel together on most trains, buses and lake steamers, and free entry to most museums in Switzerland. We recommend travelling along the Rhône Valley to Montreux. From here you can enjoy a cruise on Lake Geneva or join the GoldenPass Line train for a trip over the Golden Pass. Alternatively travel to the charming town of Interlaken. (B)
Day 8: Through France to London
We depart from Brig on a direct TGV service to Paris. After crossing Paris by coach we connect with Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotels
The 3* Hotel Freieck in Chur is situated in the Old Town. The hotel features a restaurant, bar and Winter garden-café. The 3-star Hotel Victoria is opposite the station in Brig. The hotel features a restaurant and a bar-coffee shop. Rooms in both hotels have a television, telephone, hairdryer and safe.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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