Swiss New Year Adventure

Your tour commences this evening in Luzern with a welcome drink and dinner. (D) Stay: Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern

Your morning is at leisure in Luzern’s old town. Early afternoon we will board the Zentralbahn Panoramic train for an unforgettable journey deep into the Bernese Oberland, to Interlaken. Sitting beside large panoramic windows we pass crystal-clear lakes, waterfalls and cross over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass. After checking in to our hotel, we will enjoy an orientation walk through delightful Interlaken. Nestled between two lakes, and surrounded by soaring peaks, Interlaken makes a great base for our adventures over the next six nights. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken

Let the adventure begin! Boarding a local train we climb high into the mountains to Kleine Scheidegg. Changing on to the Jungfrau Railway we travel into a tunnel which takes us through the inside of the north face of the Eiger, and up to the Jungfraujoch – the highest rail station in Europe. At 3,454 metres (11,332 ft) the views down onto the Aletsch Glacier are magnificent. You will find several restaurants, an Ice Palace and the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven display. You can also take a lift another 100 metres higher to the dramatic Sphinx lookout point. Your evening is at leisure in lively Interlaken. (B) Stay: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken

Following the lakeside of Thunersee, we reach Bern, Switzerland’s capital city set on a spectacular bend above the River Aare, and a UNESCO World Heritage landmark. Here we have ‘My Time’ to explore the medieval cobblestoned streets with their sheltered arcaded shopping ways, and the famous ‘Bärengraben’ bear pits.

In the afternoon we also stop to visit the pretty town of Thun. This evening join us as we celebrate with a traditional New Year’s Eve Chinoise Fondue dinner in our hotel. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken

Passing through the delightful village of Lauterbrunnen, flanked by 300 metres (1,000 ft) high, sheer cliffs, we take the cable car from Stechelberg up the rockface to the pretty village of Mürren. Here we take the incredible cable car up to the glass floored observation deck of the Birg restaurant. Around the entire peak is the Skyline Thrill Walk – a metal walkway suspended over a sheer drop below. Thrilling indeed!

Then onwards and upwards by cable car to the Piz Gloria, a revolving restaurant set on top of the Schilthorn summit. With astonishing 360-degree views we have included a buffet lunch. This was also the setting for the evil Blofeld’s secret mountain hideout in the James Bond film ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Make sure you visit Spyworld and the ‘Walk of Fame’ that pays tribute to the cast and behind-the-scenes contributors to the iconic movie.

This evening Interlaken is in festival mode, especially around the ice-skating rink. Make sure you watch the impressive New Year’s Day fireworks display. What a spectacle as fireworks explode against a backdrop of snowy mountains and the explosions echo through the Alps! (B/L) Stay: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken

A leisurely start. In the picturesque ski village of Wengen, we do snow shoes, split into smaller groups, and enjoy the experience of a guided snow shoe walk into the snow-laden fields.

Later, back in Wengen, we visit the ice-skating rink to try our hand at the fun sport of Ice Curling! Your evening is at leisure in Interlaken. (B) Stay: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken

Another glorious day in the mountains. This time to the world-famous village of Grindelwald by train, and then by cable car up to the First lookout. Time for an incredible experience as we ‘harness up’ for an exhilarating zip line ‘flight’ down the mountain side. It is very easy and so much fun! Later, free time to explore the shops and cafés of this delightful ski resort, and perhaps take a ride on the Männlichen cable car.

Tonight, we celebrate with a farewell glass of schnapps and dinner at our hotel. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Interlaken, Interlaken

This morning, we will transfer you by coach to Zürich Airport and the city centre. We recommend that you book flights or trains that depart Zürich after 2 pm today. (B)