Picture-postcard towns and sparkling alpine views are calling on this sensational Swiss holiday, which includes two iconic rail journeys through breathtaking scenery

Meeting our Tour Manager and group at London St Pancras, we begin our Swiss holiday by boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Travelling in Plus Class, we enjoy a light meal at our seats and dash through the French countryside. From the French capital, we continue east to Strasbourg for an overnight stop.

This historic Alsatian city has a compact but captivating centre, with grand squares and narrow waterways. Blending German and French architectural influences, the picturesque centre is dominated by the Gothic cathedral. Dating from the 13th century and featuring a façade of ornately carved portals, the cathedral is topped by an octagonal tower. After checking in to our central four-star hotel, we take a short walk to a local restaurant for dinner, a flavour of the Alsace.

Please Note - For departures 5th & 29th April, 15th May, 4th June and 6th July we will now be staying in Basel, staying at the Victoria Hotel.

For departure 16th June we will travel out via Colmar, staying at the Maison Turenne.

For departure 16th September we will travel out via Colmar, staying at the Novotel Suites Colmar Centre.

For departure 19th May and 6th October we will travel out via Colmar, staying at the Mercure Colmar Centre Unterlinden.

With a free morning after breakfast you could explore the sights of Strasbourg independently. The grand main square, Place Kléber, is the focal point of city life, while La Petite France is a short stroll from our hotel. Home to tanners, millers and fishermen in the Middle Ages, this pretty area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of cobbled streets, flower-lined canals and half-timbered houses.

Leaving Strasbourg around noon, we travel First Class to Switzerland. In Basel, we join the efficient Swiss rail network in Standard Class and witness the scenery quickly increasing in beauty and altitude. From the gentle shoreline of Lake Zurich, the Swiss Alps begin to surround our route as the landscape becomes more dramatic.

As the country's oldest town, Chur is full of history - as is our central hotel. After a welcome drink and dinner, we settle down to spend the first of three nights in a 360-year-old hotel, a favourite of our customers.

Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, a journey on the Bernina Express in panoramic carriages is a highlight of this holiday. After breakfast in our hotel, we take the short walk to Chur train station and join this amazing train. The UNESCO-listed route twists and spirals its way south through the rugged landscape of the Engadine Valley, across the curved Landwasser Viaduct and looping through tunnels as it climbs the Albula Line. Reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, we pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco before crossing the Bernina Pass. Pausing to view the spectacular Palü Glacier beside the tracks at Alp Grüm, we then wind down to the Italian-speaking town of Poschiavo.

Pastel-coloured buildings line the streets of this compact alpine town. Hues of pale blue, pink and yellow surround pretty Piazza Comunale, and there are numerous restaurants in which to lunch independently. On the return journey, we stop briefly in the sophisticated resort of St Moritz before arriving back in Chur for dinner.

A leisurely breakfast begins a free day, and there are plenty of lovely destinations to explore. Chur itself is backed by mountains and its colourful Old Town is a delightful place to wander. The centre of the Old Town is the idyllic Martinsplatz, where you can find the Town Hall. Overlooking the historic centre are the 800-year-old cathedral and the terracotta-fronted Bishop's Palace.

For a panoramic view of Chur, take the cable car up Brambrüesch mountain. Alternatively, if you want to head further afield, you could use your Swiss Travel Card for 50% discounts on all rail journeys across the country. The scenic Arosa Line, which climbs more than 3,000 feet in less than 17 miles to the beautiful lakeside town of Arosa, is a popular option, while the stylish mountain resorts of Davos and Klosters, a favourite of British royals, are easily reachable too. Dining independently tonight, you could opt for the local speciality of pizzoccheri, a hearty dish of pasta, potato, cabbage and cheese.

Today, one of Europe's most iconic train journeys awaits, after breakfast in our hotel, we board the incredible Glacier Express to Brig. The scenic route of the 'slowest express train in the world' delves into the Rhine Gorge, where panoramic carriages provide front-row seats to the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' as our train snakes alongside the River Rhine.

Travelling at an average speed of 24mph, we are served a two-course lunch in our seats, admiring the dramatic landscapes from our panoramic carriages. The scenery is uplifting as we rise above the valley floor, passing serene lakes and snowy peaks as we climb to Andermatt. Emerging from the nine-mile Furka Tunnel, we follow the Rhône to the valley town of Brig, nestled beside the river at the northern edge of the Simplon tunnel. We check in to our family-run hotel near the station for a four-night stay, before dinner tonight.

A dramatic journey greets us after breakfast in Brig. Travelling by local train, we zigzag past the lush wildflower meadows, dense alpine forests and thundering waterfalls of the Matter Valley. Rugged, snow-capped mountains guide our way to beautiful Zermatt which is only accessible on foot or by train. As such, the tranquillity is immediately striking.

On arrival, there is free time to explore this idyllic mountain resort. From its location at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, the Swiss national symbol, you could take the Gornergrat Mountain Railway up to the Alps' second largest glacier or hop into a cable car past Schwarzsee and into a year-round winter wonderland. Both provide sensational views of the Matterhorn. Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere in a café in view of the iconic peak.

Later, we tour Zermatt with a local guide to uncover the history of the town, before returning to Brig for a three-course dinner at our hotel.

A day at leisure provides an opportunity to see more of this beautiful part of Switzerland after breakfast. Besides its charming historic centre, Brig also boasts the 17th-century Stockalper Palace, recognisable from miles around due to its three stone towers topped by large, gilded domes.

Using your Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% discounts on rail travel, the glamorous Swiss Riviera can be reached in under 90 minutes. Celebrities including Charlie Chaplin and Freddie Mercury once flocked to live in the villas of Montreux and Vevey. With hillside vineyards, alpine air and the pristine waters of Lake Geneva looking out across to the French Alps, it's easy to understand why. The beautiful Swiss capital of Bern is around an hour away by train, with an attractive UNESCO-listed medieval town.

If you'd prefer to remain in the mountains, the Aletsch Glacier can be reached by cable car, and the Italian town of Domodossola is a short ride from Brig through the tunnel formerly used by the Simplon-Orient Express.

Travelling by rail through the 21.5-mile Lötschberg Base Tunnel after breakfast, we arrive in the quaint town of Spiez*. Set in beautiful grounds beside the crystal-clear waters of Lake Thun is Spiez Castle.

Displaying conical turrets and a central keep with dense stone walls, this fairytale fortress dates from the 10th century. In its grounds is a rustic church, reported to be older than the castle. After a tour of the fortress and its medieval exhibits, we relax on the terrace for an exclusive private aperitif.

Leaving Spiez by boat, we cruise along the turquoise Lake Thun, with mountain views in every direction, including the forest-blanketed Niederhorn that slopes into the water, and the pyramid-shaped Niesen. Along the shore, pitch-roofed chalets and church towers peek out of the trees. On arrival in the historic town of Thun, we catch the train back to Brig in time for our final dinner together.

*Please note: On departures before May and on Mondays, the excursion to Spiez Castle is replaced with free time in the mountain resort of Interlaken followed by the lake cruise.

This classic Swiss adventure has featured iconic journeys on the Bernina Express and Glacier Express, welcoming hospitality in historic Chur and Brig, and the spectacular sights of the Matterhorn and Spiez Castle. We leave the stunning Swiss Alps after breakfast this morning as we board the train to Geneva. The route takes us down the Rhône Valley, with fantastic vistas of mountains and vineyards on the way to Lake Geneva. Travelling behind the lakefront castle of Chillon, we pass through the stylish Swiss Riveira towns of Montreux and Vevey.

Departing Geneva in First Class seats on the high-speed TGV, the southern Jura mountains pass by our windows on our way to Paris. In the French capital, we join the Eurostar service, travelling in Eurostar Plus Class, enjoying a light meal on the final leg of our trip home. On arrival in London St Pancras, your holiday draws to a close and you are free to make your way home.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

The Bernina Express is dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret. Connecting northern and southern Europe, the narrow-gauge railway offers a spectacular means of crossing the Alps. The breathtaking route runs through the ancient landscape of Switzerland's beautiful Graubünden region and beside spellbinding glaciers, providing a stunning connection to Lombardy in northern Italy.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Undoubtedly Switzerland's best-known train, the Glacier Express winds its way through some of Europe's most dramatic and beautiful scenery. Called 'the slowest express train in the world', the panoramic carriages allow us to soak up the spectacular views as we traverse incredible mountain passes, picturesque villages and valleys between the popular alpine resorts of St Moritz and Zermatt. Enroute, the train clings to the mountainsides on the Albula Line, zigzags and spirals its way round mountains and over bridges, and delves into the Rhine Valley - also known as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'.

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially constructed high-speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long-distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

This 4-Star hotel is set within an Art Deco-style building, conveniently located close to Brig's railway station and town centre. The hotel boasts an elegant restaurant, cosy brasserie and delightful garden terrace. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

This stunning 4-Star hotel reflects traditional Swiss architecture and has stood for more than 360 years in central Chur, just a short distance from the train station. In a property that perfectly blends rustic heritage and modern convenience, the well-established on-site restaurant specialises is delicious Swiss cuisine and you can access the rooftop terrace for wonderful views across the stunning surrounding countryside. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Enjoy hassle-free travel to and from Switzerland with our return door-to-door luggage transfer service from only £269 per bag.

The service includes one 20kg bag per person which will be collected from your home before you depart and will be ready and waiting for you at your first destination hotel in Switzerland. Your bag will also be delivered back to your home address on your return.

If your tour involves an overnight stay enroute, you'll need to travel with an overnight bag. If flying to or from your destination, you will take your own luggage with you on the flight.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

Upgrade your hotel room to a deluxe double room at the Hotel Ambassador from £200 per person.