Day 1: London to Interlaken
Departing in the morning by Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris, we then take the TGV to Basel and continue onwards to Interlaken, where our home for four nights is the 3* Hotel Carlton Europe. (D)
Day 2: Interlaken
Interlaken is a vibrant resort in a magnificent setting, lying between the lakes of Thun and Brienz with the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and the Jungfrau towering above. Today is free to relax, explore the town, or visit the stunning Jungfrau region, a UNESCO World Heritage area. (B)
Day 3: GoldenPass Line to Montreux
Our included trip today takes us along the Golden Pass Line to Lake Geneva.We travel via the Gruyères valley and Gstaad before zigzagging down the mountains behind Montreux. After free time in Montreux we return via Lausanne then Bern, Switzerland’s picturesque capital, where we stop for a while before continuing on to Interlaken. (B)
Day 4: Zermatt and the Matterhorn
The popular ski resort of Zermatt, which is dominated by the world-famous Matterhorn, is the destination for today’s included rail excursion. Zermatt has retained all the charm of a Swiss mountain village and horsedrawn carriages abound in this picturesque car-free town. (B,D)
Day 5: To Lucerne on the GoldenPass Line
We leave Interlaken and head for Lucerne on the Golden Pass Line, before continuing alongside Lake Brienz to Meiringen, where the train reverses and climbs up to the Brünig Mountain Pass. The track is so steep in places that a rack system has to assist the train. We descend from the pass, arriving in Lucerne and check into the 4* Grand Hotel Europe for a two night stay. (B,D)
Day 6: The William Tell Express Line
Today we travel by rail along the scenic William Tell Express Line. Leaving Lucerne we skirt the lake before climbing into the dramatic mountains of the Gotthard Pass.We travel through horseshoe tunnels and cross galleries and bridges before arriving in Ticino. The views are spectacular as the landscape is a wonderful mix of Alpine and Mediterranean. We descend to Locarno, a Swiss city with a distinct Italian accent, located on the shores of Lake Maggiore. You have free time here for lunch and perhaps to enjoy a lake cruise before we return to Lucerne for dinner together. (B,D)
Day 7: Lucerne to London
We travel by train from Lucerne to Basel, then via Strasbourg to Paris on the new TGV Est line and onward by Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotels
Our base in Interlaken is the 3* Hotel Carlton Europe, close to the station and ten minutes’ walk to the centre, with three restaurants, a bar, lounge area and lift. All rooms are en suite with a television, telephone, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee making facilities and WiFi access (payable locally).
In Lucerne, we stay at the 4* Grand Hotel Europe, a short walk from the Old Town. The 19th century building features antiques, tapestries and stained glass details as well as a terrace bar overlooking the lake. The hotel’s restaurant, Bellevue, serves food from around the world. Rooms are equipped with a television, telephone, safe and hairdryer.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
back to top
