Days 1-2: London to Dijon and Interlaken
We leave St Pancras International on an early afternoon Eurostar 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: Grindelwald and a sleigh ride
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. (B)
Day 4: A day at leisure
Today is at leisure to spend as you prefer. This is a great opportunity to explore this beautiful area, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)
Day 5: Jungfrau Railway on New Year's Eve
Blow away the cobwebs on New Years Eve with the 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. This evening we enjoy a superb gala dinner and welcome in the New Year in style. (B,D)
Day 6: Interlaken on New Year's Day
New Year’s Day is at leisure 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
From Interlaken, we travel 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
Our base in Interlaken is the 3* Hotel Carlton Europe. The hotel has three restaurants, a bar,lounge area and lift, and is situated close to the station and ten minutes walk to the city centre. All rooms are en suite with cable television, telephone, hairdryer, safe, tea/coffee-making facilities and wi-fi access (payable locally).
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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