Day 1: London to Interlaken
We travel by Eurostar from St Pancras International to Paris, then continue to Basel. Here we board our train to Interlaken and our hotel for four nights, the 3* Hotel Carlton Europe. (D)
Day 2: Interlaken
We have a free day today providing the opportunity for you to use your Swiss Half Fare Card which offers 50% discount off all rail and bus travel across Switzerland. Interlaken is a vibrant resort in a magnificent setting, lying between Lakes Thun and Brienz with the famous peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and the Jungfrau towering high above. The renowned Höheweg avenue is lined with chic boutiques, cafés and hotels from the Victorian era, and is a pleasure to explore. (B)
Day 3: GoldenPass to Montreux
We travel to Montreux today along the famous GoldenPass Line. Our journey takes us via Zweisimmen, then through the Gruyères Valley and Gstaad, before descending to Montreux.We later return via Lausanne then Bern, Switzerland’s picturesque capital, where we stop for a short time before returning to Interlaken. (B)
Day 4: Zermatt and the Matterhorn
The ski resort of Zermatt is the destination of today’s rail excursion. It has retained all the charm of a Swiss mountain village, and horsedrawn carriages and sleighs abound. The world-famous Matterhorn dominates the skyline high above. (B)
Day 5: Interlaken via Brünig to Lake Lucerne
We leave Interlaken this morning and head for Lake Lucerne.We travel along the north bank of 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 Hergiswil where we check in to our hotel, the 4* Seehotel Pilatus, for two nights, we enjoy dinner together this evening. (B,D)
Day 6: Lucerne
You may wish to travel to Lucerne today, just a short train ride away from our hotel. Lucerne is a delightful town thanks to its attractive lakeside setting, beautiful historic buildings and variety of shops. The famous Chapel Bridge is the oldest preserved wooden bridge in Europe which, along with the octagonal Water Tower, formed part of the inner city fortifications. Other must-see sights include the famous Lion Monument and the Jesuit and Franciscan churches. Lucerne is home to many interesting museums, including the Swiss Museum of Transport. (B)
Day 7: Lake Lucerne to London
We depart Hergiswil by train to Basel, then to Paris and on by Eurostar to St Pancras International. (B)
Your hotels
Our base in Interlaken is the 3* Hotel Carlton Europe, close to the station and the town centre. The hotel boasts three restaurants, a bar, lounge area and lift. All rooms have a television, telephone, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee-making facilities. Owned and run by the same family for over 80 years, we stay at the 4* Seehotel Pilatus in Hergiswil, situated directly on the lakefront, and with great leisure facilities including an indoor swimming pool.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday.
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