Days 1-2: London to Dijon and Interlaken
We leave St Pancras International by Eurostar on an early afternoon departure for Paris then travel on to Dijon for dinner and our overnight stop at the Ibis Hotel. On Day 2 we depart Dijon and travel on, via Bern, to Interlaken where we stay for the next five nights in the 3* Hotel Carlton Europe. (Day 1-D: Day 2-B)
Day 3: Christmas Eve in Grindelwald
We travel by rail today on our included excursion to the pretty mountain village of Grindelwald, nestled close to the foot of the dramatic north face of the Eiger mountain. From the village we enjoy a sleigh ride. Back in Grindelwald we warm up with a steaming mug of glühwein, before we return to Interlaken for our special four-course Christmas Eve dinner together in the hotel. (B,D)
Day 4: Christmas Day at leisure
Christmas Day is at leisure to spend however you prefer.You may wish to take a leisurely walk around Interlaken.We come together this evening for a festive five-course dinner with live music and dancing. (B,D)
Day 5: Jungfrau Railway to the ‘Top of Europe’
Blow away the cobwebs on Boxing Day with an excursion which is undoubtedly the highlight of the holiday.We begin on the Bernese Oberland Railway with the journey via Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg. Here we join the Jungfrau Railway for a sensational journey tunnelling through the sheer north face of the Eiger, stopping briefly to experience the dramatic views of the valleys far below from viewing windows hewn out of the rock face.We continue towards the Jungfrau, emerging at 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 Interlaken. (B)
Day 6: Interlaken
Our day is free in Interlaken, gateway to the spectacular Bernese Oberland and nestling in a picturesque setting between Lakes Thun and Brienz. The Höheweg promenade, lined with chic boutiques, elegant hotels and cafés, has wonderful views of the Jungfrau and Eiger Mountains, particularly from the city park. A Swiss Half Fare Card is included in the holiday, offering a 50% reduction on all rail, bus and boat travel within Switzerland so your options for exploration today are endless. (B)
Day 7: Interlaken to Basel and home
Today, we leave Interlaken travelling to the Swiss city of Basel, where we join the TGV Est high-speed service to Paris. In the French capital we join the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotel
The 3* Hotel Carlton Europe in Interlaken is close to the station and ten minutes’ walk to the centre of town. The hotel has three restaurants, a bar, lounge area and lift. All rooms are en suite with a television, telephone, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffeemaking facilities.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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