Autumn is a magical time to experiences the Alps - the changing colours of the valleys, the snow-capped peaks and the first fall of snow dusting the higher resorts. And this five-day no-fly tour offers one of the best ways to experience them.
Based in the classic Alpine resort of Interlaken, you will stay at the comfortable Hotel Carlton Europe, which boasts a spa and traditional décor and Swiss dishes. You will visit the Swiss capital of Bern, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its Gothic architecture, pedestrianised Old Town, fountains, ancient spires, narrow streets and famous 13th Century clock tower.
You will cruise across glorious Lake Thun, flanked with dramatic scenery, chocolate box villages and the mighty peaks of the Eiger and Jungfrau and in the distance. You will visit the colourful lakeside town of Lucerne, before taking a short train to Arth Goldau to climb Mount Rigi on a traditional cogwheel railway.
But the key highlight will be your day on the Glacier Express - dubbed the "slowest Express train in the world". You will board this amazing train in Chur in East Switzerland and enjoy a delicious three-course lunch as you climb inexorably up through the wooded valleys to the towering snow-covered mountains, until finally you reach the mighty Oberalp Pass, some 2033 metres above sea level. A fitting end to a fabulous tour.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Leger Holidays Limited trading as Arena Travel (ABTA V3582 & ATOL 3880).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Leger Holidays Limited trading as Arena Travel (ABTA V3582 & ATOL 3880).
Journey from London to Paris by Eurostar, followed by an onward connection to join the high-speed train to Strasbourg and onward train to Interlaken, Switzerland. Check in at the Carlton-Europe Hotel for a relaxing evening.
Today you'll travel along a section of the GoldenPass Line to Lucerne, where colourful pitched roof buildings perch on the edge of a blue lake, framed by a magnificent mountain range. After some free time you'll take the train to nearby Arth Goldau and then join the cogwheel railway up Mount Rigi for breathtaking panoramic views across the Alps and of Lake Lucerne below.
This morning you'll travel by rail to Chur and join the Glacier Express for a memorable journey along the broad valley before climbing through pasture and woodland. Enjoy a delicious three-course lunch on board as the train spirals its way towards the Oberalp Pass, the highest point of the route at 2,033 metres, before descending to the Rhône valley and stopping at Brig. You'll then continue by rail, returning to Interlaken in the early evening.
The capital of Switzerland, Bern, is your destination this morning. This charming city is perfectly preserved, with many fountains, facades, narrow streets and ancient towers. Traffic is kept out of the old town, so it's a delight to explore with the added beauty of the Aare river and surrounding mountains. In the afternoon you can enjoy dramatic scenery with a cruise on Lake Thun, whose deep blue waters are framed by quaint villages and historic castles, right up to the peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Depart this morning, retracing your route to Paris where your Eurostar connection returns us to London.
Close to the emerald waters of Lake Thun lies the Hotel Carlton-Europe, an 120-year-old adult's only vintage hotel
With an on-site spa, vintage décor and a restaurant serving a menu of traditional Swiss dishes, the Hotel Carlton-Europe will give you a real sense of life up in the Alps. Some of the rooms and the legendary Johnny's dancing bar were recently renovated to enhance its alpine-chic look. All rooms are individually designed using unique furniture and are equipped with a flat screen TV, a telephone, a safe, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, an electric kettle and either a shower or a bathtub.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Leger Holidays Limited trading as Arena Travel (ABTA V3582 & ATOL 3880).
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit required. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. Travel insurance is not included but required for most of our overseas trips, and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of Leger Holidays Limited trading as Arena Travel (ABTA V3582 & ATOL 3880).