Stay in some of Switzerland’s most spectacular alpine hotels and enjoy panoramic views on the country’s spellbinding mountain railways in First Class on this memorable winter holiday

Your spectacular winter adventure begins as you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers at London St Pancras, ready to board in Eurostar Plus. We enjoy a light meal at our seats before arriving in the French capital, where we board the train to Basel - the quickest route to Switzerland.  

  This sleek journey transports us through Jura and Alsace before arriving in the early evening in the Rhine-side city of Basel. Our hotel here is located near the station, and after checking in, you have a bit of time to admire this typically Swiss city that looks even more beautiful during the winter. Its Old Town of charmingly characterful buildings paints a picture-perfect scene of the season. This evening, we gather in the hotel's restaurant for our first dinner together.  

Leaving our luggage to be transferred to our next hotel, we take a short walk to the train station this morning for our journey to Interlaken. The route to the heart of scenic Switzerland increases in beauty, with snow-capped peaks lining valleys and alpine forests blanketed with snow. 

  When we arrive in Interlaken, there is free time to explore this perfectly positioned town set between lakes Thun and Brienz and overlooked by the Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger mountains. Afterwards, we board a coach to our hillside hotel, the stunning Grandhotel Giessbach, where we enjoy a welcome drink on arrival.

From its secluded setting, the hotel has views across the sparkling lake and onto the Giessbach waterfall, which often freezes over during winter. We have time to get to know our new surroundings before enjoying a three-course dinner at the hotel in the evening.  

After breakfast, a coach transfer takes us to Interlaken, where we travel by train through the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley to the snow-bound alpine village of Grindelwald, nestled at the foot of the magnificent north face of the Eiger. There is free time to enjoy the atmosphere of one of Switzerland's most popular mountain resorts.    

Wandering through this fairytale setting of wooden Swiss chalets and colourful town squares, you are constantly greeted by a stunning backdrop of the dramatic mountains. Due to its location near the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains, Grindelwald was among the first resorts in the Bernese Oberland to become a winter holiday destination. As such, this time of year is a fantastic time to visit.

You could opt to take the cable car up Grindelwald First mountain for great views across the valley and surrounding peaks. Afterwards, perhaps warm up with a hot chocolate in a cosy café before returning to our lakeview hotel for dinner with the group.

Today brings a highlight of any holiday in Switzerland. After taking the train to Spiez, we board the incredible Glacier Express. Our panoramic First Class carriages provide a front-row seat as the 'slowest express train in the world' traverses staggering mountain passes with views of picturesque villages and valleys.

Enjoying a two-course lunch at our seats, we enjoy a constant showcase of breathtaking scenery as the route progresses towards Chur, where we stay for the next two nights.

Surrounded by mountains and lakes, this part of Switzerland is as beautiful as it is cultural. As we arrive, we make our way to our hotel and enjoy a free evening to settle in to our new surroundings. You might like to admire the scenery while seeking out dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying authentic local food, such as fondue, raclette or hearty pizzoccheri pasta.

Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, the Bernina Express follows an incredible course across the Alps to Italy. From our First Class panoramic carriages, the exceptional alpine scenery continuously impresses.  

We wind our way up through snow-bound scenes to the summit at Ospizio Bernina before being greeted by the jaw-dropping views of the Palü Glacier. This stunning route twists its way down the mountains, spiralling round the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio before arriving in Tirano. Free time allows us to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and characterful piazzas of this charming Italian valley town. You might like to enjoy regional delicacies in one of the town's trattorias.

We travel back to Switzerland on a local train in First Class in the afternoon, pausing in the picturesque town of Tirano with a bit of free time to explore. You might like to visit the historic Basilica della Madonna di Tirano, explore the charming Piazza del Popolo or sample the hearty and rustic fare in a local restaurant. We return to our hotel to conclude our day with a three-course dinner.  

This morning, we journey onwards in First Class carriages, passing many beautiful lakes on our way to Lucerne. As Switzerland's fourth most populus city, Lucerne is a historic destination draped across the expansive Lake Lucerne.    

We have time to wander independently around the picturesque Old Town. One of the most striking landmarks here is the 14th-century Kapellbrücke. Separating Lucerne's Old and New Town, Europe's oldest wooden bridge was constructed to help protect the city. Inside the gables of the bridge, a series of paintings from the 17th century relay the local history.      

Our hotel for the next two nights, the Pilatus Kulm, is reached by cable car, taking us past incredible winter scenes to a land above the clouds. With such a jaw-dropping location nestled between two peaks, the Pilatus Kulm provides utterly stunning views across the soaring mountains of central Switzerland. Due to its position, there are unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, weather permitting. This evening, we sit down to a three-course dinner in the on-site restaurant.   

If you wake in time, you may be fortunate enough to witness a sensational sunrise that dramatically 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 cable car, you could head down the hills to explore Lucerne or beyond. According to local legend, Lucerne was formed 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 brimming with ornate churches, frescoed historic houses and cobbled streets. Set on the crystal-clear lake, Lucerne is a great place to wander, and there are plenty of cosy cafés or restaurants in which to warm up with a treat.  

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 cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. Returning to the hotel, delight in the sunset (weather permitting) as we indulge in a three-course dinner.  

After breakfast, we descend the mountain, ready to catch a late-morning train from Lucerne in First Class. We arrive in Strasbourg in mid-afternoon, with plenty of time to explore the Alsace capital after we check into our four-star hotel.

With a wonderful verve to the atmosphere and a rich heritage formed by both the French and the Germans, Strasbourg is as fascinating as it is scenic. The architecture ranges from Gothic to modern, with preserved buildings dating back centuries. Located on an island, the historic Old Town is dominated by the spectacular 13th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, with its renowned astronomical clock, while Place Kléber is the city's main square - attracting tourists, shoppers and people seeking a relaxing meal or drink.   

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

Please note: on the 9th February and 2nd March departures, we will travel to Colmar for an overnight stay.

Our fantastic Swiss adventure has shown us some of the nation's most impressive winter scenery from ground, rail and mountaintop. While staying in incredible hotels with breathtaking views and riding along two of Switzerland's renowned scenic railways, there has been no shortage of memorable views to complement our route.

After breakfast at our hotel, we leave Strasbourg for Paris. We travel through the historic duchy of Lorraine and pass the frosty vineyards of the Champagne region enroute to the French capital. Changing to Eurostar Plus in Paris, we enjoy a light meal at our seats before concluding our journey 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.

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'.

Located in the heart of Basel, this 4-Star hotel blends Victorian ambience with all the comforts of modern life. Amenities include a fitness room, restaurant and bar. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

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.

Near La Petite France and the beloved Strasbourg Cathedral, this modern hotel offers 4-Star accommodations in the Alsace region. Decorated with African influences, this unique hotel includes a bistro, wellness centre, and options for in-room massages and personal training. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, minibar, ironing equipment, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

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.

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.