First-Class Glacier Express, Zermatt and Matterhorn

London St Pancras is our meeting point on this luxury holiday to Switzerland. Travelling in Standard Premier Class on the Eurostar to Brussels, we enjoy a light lunch on board before we are whisked to Cologne in First Class. This lively German city on the banks of the Rhine is dominated by its twin-spired Gothic cathedral, which is only a short walk from our central hotel near the station where we spend the night and get to know one another over our first dinner together.

**Please note: For departure 14/06/2024 will be staying in Dijon (not Cologne).

**Please note: For departure 26/06/2024 will be staying in Koblenz (not Cologne).

• Dinner
• Eurostar light meal

From our First Class seats on the morning train to Basel, we absorb spectacular views on the meander down the Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Mainz. Adorned by clifftop castles and ancient steeped vineyards, this is one of Europe's most enchanting riverscapes. Look out for the imposing Lorelei rock near Sankt Goar, associated with the romantic legend of a heartbroken siren whose song is said to be heard in the river's roar. A captivating climb through the Alps welcomes us into mountainous Switzerland. We snake across deep ravines and scenic viaducts, past snow-capped peaks and rushing waterfalls before arriving in chic St Moritz, where a three-course dinner awaits at our central hotel with uninterrupted views of the lake.

**For departure 04/10/24 we will stay at the Hotel Bernina in Samedan.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, crossing the Alps into Italy on the UNESCO-listed Bernina Express is an incredible experience. From our First Class panoramic carriages, the exceptional alpine scenery continuously impresses. A truly memorable experiences is to be had when we step off the train at Alp Grüm for a chilled glass of prosecco. We are greeted by the jaw-dropping views of the Palü glacier, which we soak up while enjoying our prosecco from the station platform. This stunning route twists its way down the mountains, spiralling round the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio. Free time allows us to explore the narrow, cobbled streets and characterful piazzas of the charming Italian valley town of Tirano, where we can enjoy local delicacies in one of the town's delightful trattorias. We return to St Moritz on the local train, which provides an opportunity to pull down a train window for spectacular photos.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Nestled amidst the mountains and lakes of the Engadine Valley, a free day in the glamorous resort of St Moritz lends itself to an abundance of possibilities. Right outside our central hotel, the Via Serlas is one of the world's most famous shopping streets and brims with upmarket fashion boutiques. The St Moritz resort card provides free travel on the cable cars and funiculars surrounding the town so you can be ferried up to the snow-capped peaks in minutes. The Swiss Travel Card's 50% discount on trains means adventurers can explore the fashionable resorts of Davos or Klosters. For a more relaxing day, St Moritz's serene lake can be enjoyed on a gentle stroll or from our hotel's glorious terrace along with uninterrupted mountain views.

• Breakfast

It's one of Europe's most iconic train journeys and this incredible holiday takes in the full length of the Glacier Express from St Moritz to Zermatt. The 'slowest express train' clings to mountain edges before delving into the Rhine Gorge, where our panoramic First Class carriages provide a front-row seat to the 'Swiss Grand Canyon' as the emerald river winds its way past limestone cliffs. Enjoying a two-course lunch, the breathtaking scenery is constant. Zigzagging up the fairytale Matter valley for a dramatic conclusion, through lush alpine wildflower meadows and past thundering waterfalls, the magnificent Matterhorn looms into view as we approach Zermatt. Accessible only by train, the sense of peace in this chic resort is instantly arresting. A warm welcome and three-course dinner awaits at our chalet-style spa hotel.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The charming Gornergrat Mountain Railway celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2023. Switzerland's original electric rack railway first carried travellers the six miles up the mountain in August 1898. We trace their journey, over valleys and through alpine forests, to an altitude of more than 10,000ft above sea level. The views from the top are jaw-dropping, and on a clear day an astonishing 29 mountaintops are visible, including the best view of the majestic Matterhorn's pyramidal peak. This iconic symbol of Switzerland also provided the inspiration for the design of the Toblerone. Back amongst the low-pitched roofs of Zermatt's timbered chalets, an expert guide reveals that this quintessential alpine resort has several surprising connections to the UK, including the intriguing story of English mountaineer Edward Whymper.

• Breakfast

At the top of the highest cable car station in Europe lies a magical experience, as well as incredible year-round vistas. The snow-covered alpine wonderland of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise provides monumental views of the famous peak, and the enchanting ice palace - the highest of its kind in the world. The experience is further enhanced as a lift lowers us 15-metres inside the glacier, where we are greeted by remarkable sculptures crafted from the perpetual ice that surrounds us, adding a decorative touch to a surreal landscape. A leisurely afternoon provides the opportunity to explore the plateau and the magnificent Matterhorn views from Schwarzsee or relax in the hotel's outdoor jacuzzi or on the terrace.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we travel by rail to the enchanting French city of Strasbourg. Making our way back down the stunning mountain railway to Visp, our journey then takes us past Lake Thun and the quaint lakeside town of Spiez. With its grand architecture, including the half-timbered riverside houses of La Petite France, the historic Alsatian city of Strasbourg is well worth exploring from our central hotel before we gather at a local restaurant for our final dinner together.

**Please note: For departure 09/09/2024 will be staying in Mulhouse (not Strabourg).

• Breakfast, Dinner

The journey home gives us plenty of time to reflect on this magical trip and recall the wonders of mountain railways, glacial plateaus, serene lakes and the charming Swiss towns that welcomed us so warmly. After the high-speed train to Paris in First Class and a light meal on the Eurostar to London St Pancras, this holiday may have concluded but the memories will remain.

• Breakfast
• Eurostar light meal