Swiss Christmas in Grindelwald

Your tour commences this evening in Zürich. Tonight a welcome drink and dinner are included. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. (D) Stay: Hotel Glockenhof Zürich, Switzerland

This morning we enjoy a guided panoramic tour which will bring alive the city. Your afternoon is free to explore and visit Zürich’s Christmas market at the main train station. One of the largest indoor Christmas Markets in Europe, they are famous for their massive, illuminated Christmas Tree. The rest of your day is at leisure in this picturesque lake side city. (B) Stay: Hotel Glockenhof Zürich, Switzerland

On our way to Montreux today we explore the medieval cobblestoned streets of Bern with a local guide. A UNESCO World Heritage landmark, this capital city is set on a spectacular bend above the River Aare. In addition to kilometres of sheltered arcaded shopping ways, an intriguing clock tower and the famous ‘Bärengraben’ bear pits, there are several sets of excellent Christmas markets scattered around the old town.

Continuing on, our afternoon stop is in the unique village of Gruyères. Rising out of the flat valley floor, Gruyères village and castle are perched on top of a steep rocky hill. The broad cobblestoned main street, flanked by centuries old houses, is an astounding time capsule and one of the great sights of Europe. Arriving in Montreux, we are now on the exclusive Swiss Riviera, where we will stay two nights. (B/D) Stay: Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic

This morning we have included entrance and a guided tour through the beautifully preserved Château de Chillon. Made famous in Byron’s poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’, this 13th century fortress juts out imposingly into Lake Geneva.

Later we visit Charlie Chaplin’s hometown of Vevey. Make sure you walk along the lake foreshore to see the statue of the ‘little man with baggy pants’. We also visit Chaplin World, a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, the legendary artist and man, that retraces the extraordinary life of this cinematographic genius. Returning to Montreux the rest of the day is at leisure. Make sure you explore the excellent Christmas markets that stretch along the grand lakeside promenade and foreshore. (B) Stay: Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic

An adventure today as we board the GoldenPass Express panoramic train which will take us across the Alps, past the chic ski resort of Gstaad and Château-d’Oex, to Interlaken. Our seats are pre-booked in the special panoramic carriages and the views throughout the journey are spectacular. (Your luggage will travel separately, making this an easy and relaxing day).

We change trains in Interlaken and then continue deep into the heart of the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald where we stay the next five nights. Grindelwald is known over the world for its dramatic setting surrounded by massive snow covered peaks and meadows and the views directly onto the north face of the Eiger are exceptional. Justifiably famous for its skiing, the village is full of restaurants, cafés and shops.

Throughout your stay we have included buffet breakfasts and four course dinners. Highlight of your stay will be a Christmas Eve celebration dinner and a Christmas Day dinner (B/D) Stay: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

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.

This afternoon enjoy ‘My Time’ to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery which surrounds you. Use your Swiss Travel card to take advantage of reductions on trains and cable cars around the Grindelwald area. Perhaps try your hand at a winter sport or take a trip up one of the mountains? (B) Stay: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

Following an enjoyable train ride along the lakeside of Thunersee, we spend time exploring the old town of historic Thun. Later we board a boat for a relaxing cruise down the length of Lake Thunersee to Interlaken. Nestled between two lakes, and surrounded by soaring peaks, Interlaken makes a great place for some last minute Christmas shopping. Early evening we will enjoy a glass of red wine punch in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, your evening is at leisure. (B) Stay: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

Christmas Eve! What a magnificent location to relax over Christmas!We have included a cable car ticket for you to use at your leisure today to visit First also known as the “Top of Adventure”. The First cable car valley station is located in the town centre of Grindelwald. The Firstbahn Gondola Cable Car whisks you in three stages from the valley station via Bort and Schreckfeld to Grindelwald-First at 2,168 metres above sea level. Once at the top enjoy the incredible views of the upper Grindelwald glacier, the Wetterhorn, the Schreckhorn, the Kleine Scheidegg, the Männlichen and Grindelwald. Otherwise, your next two days are free to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery which surrounds you, and do as much,or as little, as you want!

Over these two days you are able to use your Swiss Half Fare card to take advantage of reductions on trains and cable cars around the Grindelwald area. Whether you are a ‘super active snow sports’ person or a ‘take it easy and relax’ person there are numerous activities you can enjoy, and your Tour Manager will be at hand to assist and advise you.

You will be in the heart of the Bernese Oberland – home to the mighty peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger (of ‘The Eiger Sanction’ fame), the Breithorn, Männlichen and the Schilthorn, as well as internationally known winter resorts like Wengen and Mürren. The skiing is of course fantastic! Non skiers can easily access all the main peaks by funicular trains, cable cars and chair lifts. At all ‘drop off’ points there are restaurants, cafés and restroom facilities – usually with extraordinary panoramic views spanning the jagged Alps.

All around Grindelwald there are hundreds of kilometres of winter footpaths which often double as Nordic or Cross Country ski paths, as well as numerous toboggan runs – one of which is the longest in the Alps. Paragliding is also available for the adventurous. For those wanting to just relax, you will have free use of the pool and spa facilities in your Grindelwald hotel.

This evening will be special as we enjoy a four course themed Christmas Eve dinner. (B/D) Stay: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

Christmas Day at leisure in a stunning location. There is so much to see and do. A Christmas Turkey lunch will be enjoyed and later in the evening there is a themed Christmas Day dinner. Apparently, at some point Santa Claus will make an appearance! (B/L/D) Stay: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

This morning we take the train along the shores of picturesque Lake Brienz and on to Luzern, with its covered wooden bridges (again, no hassles with your luggage as it will travel separately and be delivered to your hotel). On this two hour train ride you experience some of the most spectacular views the Swiss Alps have to offer, through large panoramic windows. The journey will take you along the shores of crystal-clear lakes (no less than five!), past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass.

Arriving around midday, the afternoon is at leisure to explore this charming lakeside town. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern

Your Christmas tour comes to a close and it is time to say farewell. (B)