Swiss Mountain Steam

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London, we change stations in Paris, continuing our journey to Basel, just across the Swiss border. We check into our hotel for the evening located next to the train station and enjoy our first evening meal together at a local restaurant.

DAY 2

This morning we travel by train to Thun and we set sail on Lake Thun towards Interlaken. On arrival we catch the funicular up the Harder Kulm, whose peak boasts magnificent views of lakes and mountains, and a lovely Panorama Restaurant, where we enjoy a welcome coffee and cake. Following our visit, we continue by local train to idyllic Grindelwald for a welcome evening meal at our hotel, where our luggage is waiting for us.

DAY 3

A day of steam in wonderful mountain scenery on the Brienz Rothorn Railway, Switzerland's oldest steam cog railway. It has climbed Rothorn Kulm (2,244m) since 1892 at incredible gradients; the thrilling ride leads to spectacular mountain panoramas. We then leisurely cruise along Lake Brienz.

DAY 4

Another highlight awaits today as we head for Wilderswil, where we join our train up to Schynige Platte through alpine pastures, with great views of the Mönch, Eiger, and Jungfrau.

DAY 5

Travelling high into the spectacular mountains to Oberwald where we take a vintage train on the Furka Steam Cog Railway* along the original 'Glacier Express' route - crossing viaducts, through tunnels, and past alpine meadows full of flowers. Marvel at the Rhone glacier viewed between snow-covered mountain peaks en route to the line's terminus at Realp. Returning to Grindelwald by train via the Glacier Express route.

DAY 6

A day at leisure allows you to relax in Grindelwald or maybe use your Bernese Oberland Pass to explore the public transport system of this beautiful region. Most railways are covered in the pass, including the lines to Lucerne and Bern, Switzerland's handsome capital city. Or maybe visit Gstaad on the Golden Pass Line or use your pass to gain a discount on the Jungfrau Railway to the top of Europe. Tonight is free to dine at leisure in a local restaurant.

DAY 7

Today we transfer by rail to Interlaken and enjoy our third nostalgic steam excursion of the tour as we travel to Meiringen on the superb Brünig Steam Railway. During the return journey on the 100-year-old rolling stock, we enjoy incredible views of the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz and the surrounding mountains.

DAY 8

One of the most amazing rail journeys in Switzerland as we travel by train and cable car to the summit of the 'James Bond' mountain - the Schilthorn. We have free time to visit the Piz Gloria revolving restaurant, Bond World, 007 Walk of Fame, and the Piz Gloria View from where 200 mountain tops can be viewed including the Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau. Following our visit, we continue to the glacier fed Trummelbach Falls, Europe's largest subterranean waterfalls.

DAY 9

We return by high speed trains to London

*Please note a short section of this famous steam train journey may be undertaken by diesel train.

B=Breakfast, LR=Light Refreshments, D=Dinner