Great Rail Journeys
Classic Jungfrau Express & Swiss Alps
8 daysfrom $3,070
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Classic Five-Star Top of Europe
Explore the Swiss Alps on this 5-star escorted tour. Ascend to Europe's highest railway station, cruise over Lake Brienz and enjoy your all-inclusive hotel.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Colmar
London to the Alsace town of Colmar
Your Swiss holiday begins at London St Pancras where you meet the Tour Manager before boarding the Eurostar in Plus class, with a light meal served at your seats on the way to Paris. In the French capital, continue by First Class rail to Colmar, the capital of the Alsace wine region. After checking in to the four-star hotel near the station, there is free time to explore before dining at the riverside Restaurant Caveau Saint-Pierre in the Little Venice district.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Interlaken
A First Class journey to Interlaken
Free time to relax or look around Colmar after breakfast. Later, travel by First Class rail via Basel to Interlaken, passing the picturesque shores of Lake Thun and Spiez Castle. After checking in at the luxurious Belle Époque hotel, take seats in L'Ambiance restaurant for a three-course dinner with drinks included from 7–9pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Interlaken
Panoramic views from Grindelwald First
Travel by First Class rail to Grindelwald, then board a cable car to the summit of Grindelwald First for great views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Free time among the fresh mountain air before returning to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure; dine independently. Note: on some departures, Day 3 and Day 4 will be swapped.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4railovernight: Interlaken
A free day to explore mountains and more
A free day with your Swiss Half Fare Card for discounted fares. Options include a rail trip to the medieval town of Thun beside the Aare River, or a funicular up to Harder Kulm with views over Lakes Brienz and Thun. This evening is free to dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5railovernight: Interlaken
A trip to the 'Top of Europe' on the Jungfrau Railway
A remarkable journey to Jungfraujoch – a UNESCO-listed site and Europe's highest train station – on the iconic Jungfrau Railway. An expert guide describes the mountains, geology and history of the railway. From Kleine Scheidegg, travel by cogwheel train through the Eiger tunnel to Jungfraujoch. Awe-inspiring views from the Sphinx viewing platform and the Aletsch Glacier. Enter the Ice Palace carved inside the glacier and enjoy an exclusive tour with a drink at the Ice Bar. Three-course dinner at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: Interlaken
Schynige Platte Railway and the Alpine Botanical Garden
Short rail journey to Wilderswil, then travel by open-coach cog railway to Schynige Platte with sensational views of Jungfrau Mountain. Free time to explore the Alpine Botanical Garden with around 800 species of alpine flora including edelweiss. Return by the quaint railway and continue to Interlaken for dinner at the hotel. Note: on departures up until mid-June, an alternative mountain excursion to the Schilthorn will be offered instead.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 7railovernight: Interlaken
Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway and lake cruise
Head to Brienz for a steam-hauled ascent of Brienzer Rothorn mountain above turquoise Lake Brienz. Free time at the summit to explore and enjoy panoramic views. Afternoon scenic cruise back to Interlaken across the crystal-clear lake on a traditional lake boat. Three-course dinner with drinks at the five-star hotel this evening. Note: on departures before 5th June, the mountain railway goes to the mid-station at Planalp only.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
After breakfast, leave the hotel and begin the First Class journey home, travelling first to Basel passing Lake Thun, then by high-speed rail to Paris, and joining the Eurostar with a light meal at Plus class seats back to London St Pancras.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 4 & 5-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Plus class travel
- First Class rail travel where possible
- All rail, cruise and coach travel throughout the tour
- Eurostar light meals
- Breakfast each day
- 5 dinners
- Beer, wine and soft drinks each evening from 7pm–9pm in Interlaken
- Swiss Half Fare Card (50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railways)
- All guided tours and excursions
- Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch
- Private tour of the Ice Palace and Ice Bar with a drink
- Cable car to Grindelwald First
- Schynige Platte cogwheel railway and Alpine Botanical Garden
- Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway steam ascent
- Lake Brienz cruise
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance