Stay in some of Switzerland’s most spectacular hotels as we enjoy remarkable experiences and journey on the country’s incredible trains

Your memorable Swiss holiday begins at London St Pancras as we board the Eurostar in Plus class. Enjoying a light meal at our seats, we make our way to Paris, then take a direct train to Basel - the quickest route to Switzerland.

This First Class journey transports us through Jura and Alsace before arriving in the Rhine-side city of Basel. Our hotel near the station is popular with our passengers and we have some time to explore this typically Swiss city. Basel's redbrick, twin-spired Gothic cathedral is believed to have 9th-century origins and sits in a charming square next to characterful buildings.

This evening, we gather at our hotel and enjoy our first dinner together as a group.

Waking in Switzerland, we take a short walk to the train station after breakfast for our rail journey to Interlaken. From here, we board a boat to cruise across Lake Brienz.

Sailing through the heart of scenic Switzerland, the turquoise tones of the glacial waters contrast with the green mountain slopes. During the cruise, we can spot picture-book villages dotting the shores of the lake. As we disembark, the Giessbach funicular railway is ready to transport us to our hillside hotel, the stunning Grandhotel Giessbach.

On arrival, we enjoy a welcome drink and can begin to discover the history and charm of this perfectly located Belle Époque hotel. From its secluded setting, the hotel enjoys views across the lake and onto the cascading Giessbach waterfall nearby. We have time to explore our new surroundings before enjoying a three-course dinner at the hotel in the evening.

After breakfast, we set sail from our idyllic hotel to the town that gives Lake Brienz its name. Here, we board the charming steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway*.

This rack-and-pinion line traverses steep mountain trails and verdant alpine meadows - all while providing views of glistening Lake Brienz below. A real heritage rail experience, the small steam engine chugs its way up this dramatic route to its destination at an altitude of more than 7,000ft. On a clear day, the scenery is spectacular as we are only a few miles from the lakeshore as the crow flies. Viewing Lake Brienz from a different perspective really brings out the remarkable colour and you may also be able to make out Grandhotel Giessbach.

Returning to Brienz, we have time to explore this pretty Swiss town with its traditional wooden chalets, most notably the geranium-decorated buildings on cobbled Brunngasse. There is time to relax or explore before reuniting for a three-course dinner in the restaurant with views across Lake Brienz.

*Please note: on April departures and 5th May departure, we will enjoy an excursion to Harder Kulm with tea, coffee and cake at the summit.

Today is a highlight of our Swiss holiday. Taking the train to Brig, we board the incredible Glacier Express to the Engadine Valley. The 'slowest express train in the world' traverses incredible mountain passes, with views of picturesque villages and valleys.

Our panoramic First Class carriages provide front-row seats to the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' as the emerald Rhine winds its way past limestone cliffs. Enjoying a two-course lunch at our seats, the breathtaking scenery is constant. After Thusis, we join the UNESCO-listed Albula Line as it clings to mountain edges, zigzagging and spiralling its way round mountains and over bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct, before arriving in the impressive Engadine Valley.

This part of the Graubünden canton epitomises the beauty of alpine Switzerland with lush meadows on the valley floor surrounded on all sides by imposing mountains. Even in summer, many of the peaks are dusted with snow. This evening is free to explore our new base and dine independently.

Please Note - For departures 5th May and 15th & 29th September we will stay at the Hotel Steffani in St Moritz

Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, crossing the Alps into Italy on the Bernina Express is an incredible experience. From our First Class panoramic carriages, the exceptional alpine scenery continuously impresses as we wind our way up to Ospizio Bernina. Reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, we pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco before we cross the Bernina Pass. Pausing to admire jaw-dropping views of the Palü Glacier, the UNESCO-listed route then winds down the mountains, spiralling round the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio before arriving in the Italian valley town of Tirano.

Crossing the Adda river and entering the Old Town through the Porta Poschiavina, we are greeted by scenes of rustic cobbled streets and stout palazzos. With free time to explore, you could wander the narrow, cobbled streets, uncovering the Collegiate Church of St Martin or the preserved 16th-century Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Tirano.

We return to Switzerland in First Class on a local train in the afternoon before enjoying a three-course dinner at our hotel.

This morning, we travel by rail to Chur in First Class seats, continuing to Lucerne. The fourth most populus city in Switzerland, Lucerne is draped across an inlet of the expansive Lake Lucerne.

We have time to wander independently round the picturesque Old Town. One of the most striking landmarks is the 14th-century Kapellbrücke, which is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe and was constructed to help protect the city from attacks.

Our hotel for the next two nights, Pilatus Kulm, is reached by way of the steepest cogwheel railway in Europe. Reaching a gradient of 48%, the half-hour ascent takes us past alpine meadows and rocky outcrops to a land above the clouds. With such a jaw-dropping location nestled between two peaks, Pilatus Kulm provides stunning views. Due to its position, there are unforgettable sunrises and sunsets (weather permitting) - and we arrive in good time for the latter, before enjoying a three-course dinner in the restaurant. Afterwards, perhaps step outside to view the magnificent display of stars if the night sky is clear.

If you wake in time, you could witness a sunrise that gradually illuminates the mountainous surroundings. While today is spent exploring independently, you might not want to leave this heavenly location. However, with a complimentary return ticket on the Pilatusbahn, you could explore Lucerne or beyond. According to local legend, Lucerne was founded after an angel beamed a light on to the spot where a chapel should be built. The 'City of Lights' has a charming Old Town of cobbled streets, ornate churches and frescoed historic houses.

Alternatively, you may want to explore further afield. With your Swiss Half Fare Card, you receive a 50% discount on rail, boat and most mountain railways, so you could hop on a boat for a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. The Rigi Mountain Railway, Europe's first mountain railway, has been departing from here since 1871 and offers beautiful views across to Mount Pilatus.

Returning to the hotel via the Pilatusbahn, there is another opportunity to delight in the sunset as we indulge in a three-course dinner.

After breakfast, we descend the mountain by funicular, ready to catch a late-morning train from Lucerne in First Class. We arrive in Strasbourg in mid-afternoon, and there is chance to explore after we check in to our four-star hotel. With an interesting blend of German and French culture, Strasbourg's architecture ranges from Gothic to modern.

Located on an island, the historic Old Town is dominated by the spectacular 13th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, while Place Kléber is the city's main square lined on one side by the imposing l'Aubette. This 18th-century building was redecorated in the 1920s by three avant-garde artists and has since been known as the 'Sistine Chapel of abstract art'.

La Petite France is one of Strasbourg's most popular districts. In the Middle Ages, it was home to the city's millers, tanners and fishermen but today draws in tourists with its colourful half-timbered buildings gathering round narrow lanes, and bridges criss-crossing peaceful canals. In the evening, we gather for a three-course dinner at a local restaurant.

For departure 12th May we will travel out via Colmar, staying at the Maison Turenne.

Switzerland's spectacular mountain scenery and glistening lakes have been uncovered on some of the world's most famous train journeys, while our incredible hotels have elevated the experiences by providing exquisite views. Sailing across Lake Brienz to the Grandhotel Giessbach, we admired stunning vistas from our idyllic vantage point before enjoying a trip on the charming Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. First Class journeys on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express showcased the jaw-dropping scenery of this astonishing country, while the panoramas from our Pilatus Kulm hotel were truly breathtaking.

Leaving Strasbourg after breakfast on a morning train bound for Paris, we pass the vineyards of the Champagne region before arriving in the French capital. Changing to Plus class on the Eurostar, we enjoy a light meal as we travel back to the UK, arriving at London St Pancras early this evening.

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.

The delightful steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway was opened in 1892 and provides a real heritage rail experience. A charming small steam engine carries us up the route beside steep and rocky mountains and verdant alpine meadows - all while providing beautiful views of the glistening Lake Brienz below. Its destination is Rothorn mountain at an altitude of more than 7,000ft. On a clear day, the vistas from this vantage point are spectacular and, as it is only a few miles from the lake shore, viewing Lake Brienz from a different perspective really brings out the remarkable colour.

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'.

Opened in 1889, Lucerne's Mount Pilatus Railway is the steepest cogwheel railway in the world. Spend a delightful half hour ascending almost two kilometres from lakeside Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm. Mount Pilatus affords beautiful views of the Alps and Lake Lucerne, and is home to astonishingly diverse flora.

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.

Perched on a hillside high above the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz, this striking 4-Star hotel basks in incredible views of the lake, surrounding forests, alpine ridges and Giessbach waterfall. Inside, the tasteful Belle Époque décor adds extra grandeur, while the restaurants provide wonderful views. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. Upgrades are available for rooms with a view of the waterfall.  

Nestled at the top of a 7,000-foot mountain, this 4-Star hotel was built in 1890 and is only accessible by gondola lift or the steepest cogwheel railway in Europe (summer only). It features stylish rooms, first-class cuisine and spectacular views of the Swiss Alps. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

The 4-Star Hotel Schweizerhof is situated in the centre of St Moritz and provides spectacular views over the lake from its terrace, with the main shopping area on the doorstep. The original Belle Époque surroundings and modern comforts of the hotel include two restaurants, a piano bar and a spa. Guest rooms are comfortably furnished with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, telephone and minibar.

Sitting 1,700 meters above sea level in Samedan, the 4-Star Bernina 1865 hotel is a superb example of Romanesque architecture. Surrounded by the Swiss Alps, it is not far from Switzerland's famous resort of St. Moritz. Spacious guest rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, a flatscreen TV, a safe and tea & coffee-making facilities.

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.