Swiss Alpine Holiday

Day 1 – London to Frankfurt

Departing on a late morning Eurostar service from London St Pancras to Brussels, we make an onward connection to Frankfurt for an overnight stay. Dinner is included at our hotel this evening.

Day 2 – Graubünden

Leaving Frankfurt, we head south to Basle. From here, all our rail travel in Switzerland will be in First Class using the unlimited Swiss Travel Pass provided. Leaving Basle, we travel to Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland. We stay in this charming historic city for 4 nights, and our hotel is in the traffic free area of the old town.

Day 3 – At Leisure

A day allowing you the chance to explore Chur and the surrounding area using the UNESCO World Heritage Rhaetian Railways network. There will be an optional escorted excursion on offer but, if you prefer to be independent, your tour leader will be only too happy to help with planning.

Day 4 – Bernina Express

A full day excursion from Chur to Tirano in northern Italy. This route is the only North-South Alpine rail crossing, and the summit of the line lies at an altitude of 2253m (7391ft). The panoramic windows of your First Class coach give you a wide vista, and the many spirals and tunnels all make this a wonderful day out.

Day 5 – Leisure Time

A further day at leisure. Again, there will be the offer of an optional escorted excursion using our First Class Swiss Travel Pass.

Day 6 – Glacier Express

We leave mid-morning on the world-famous Glacier Express route to Brig. This is one of Switzerland’s most scenic journeys that delivers the best views through its panoramic windows – so sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular scenery. In Brig, we change trains and travel onwards to Interlaken, our base for the next 3 nights.

Days 7 & 8 – Free Time

Free time based in Interlaken. Your experienced tour leader will be available to offer an optional excursion each day. Possible options are Montreux and the Golden Pass route.

Day 9 – Relax in Lucerne

A relaxing two-hour train journey over the Brünig Pass, through beautiful mountain and lake scenery, brings us to the famous resort of Lucerne which will be our base for the next 3 nights.

Days 10 & 11 – Time at Leisure

There is so much on offer in this region, our excursion list will hopefully help to ensure that you get the most out of your pass. Once again, your tour leader will offer optional escorted excursions daily. Possible destinations include Pilatus and the Rigi.

Day 12 – On to Lausanne

Leisurely start before boarding a late morning service direct to Lausanne, where we will stay for 2 nights.

Day 13 – Explore

Lausanne’s medieval city has shop-lined streets, a 12th-Century Gothic cathedral and the 19th Century Palais de Rumine, housing fine art and science museums. As always there will be an optional escorted excursion each day but if you prefer to be independent, your tour leader will be happy to assist with planning and timings. Possible destinations may include Zermatt or the old walled town of Murten.

Day 14 – To Cologne

A morning farewell to Lausanne as we begin our journey back home via Bern and Basle to Cologne for an overnight stay.

Day 15 – Homeward Bound

Taking a morning ICE service to Brussels, we connect with the Eurostar service, arriving in London mid-afternoon.