Day 1 - London to Cologne
As you arrive at London St. Pancras, make your way to our dedicated Departure Office to meet your Tour Manager and fellow travelers. Together, we board our Eurostar train bound for Brussels. Here, we change trains to complete the day’s travel, arriving in Cologne, Germany, where we stay for the night. Overnight Cologne. (D)
Day 2 - Cologne to Interlaken
After breakfast, our journey presses forth into Switzerland by train. The scenery as we depart Cologne is truly magnificent, with sweeping valleys framed by snow-capped mountain peaks. We travel along the beautiful Rhine Gorge, with its storybook castles, lush forests and views of the gentle Rhine River. Entering Switzerland, marvel at lovely scenes of protected parklands and enjoy the contrasts of modern cities and traditional alpine villages. The train continues into the Bernese Oberland with Interlaken as its destination. This part of Switzerland is highly regarded for its incredible scenery, and as we enter it, it is clear to see why. Look upon Lakes Thun and Brienz, as well as at the notable mountains - Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau - that surround Interlaken as we near the station. On arrival, the remainder of the day is yours to get acquainted with the region. Thanks to Interlaken’s unique position in a tranquil valley beneath the Alps, there is no shortage of adventures to be had. You may wish to boat across one of the lakes to soak in the scenery from a new vantage point or to set out on foot in search of the delightful timber houses that dot the region. This time of the year also brings festive Christmas Markets to Interlaken, allowing you to experience the Alps’ traditions and holiday cheer firsthand. Overnight Interlaken. (B, D)
Day 3 - The Bernese Oberland Railway and the Jungfrau Railway
Journey to the summit of one of the region’s most impressive mountains today: the Jungfrau. Our trip begins on the Bernese Oberland Railway, meandering through the foothills of the Alps to Lauterbrunnen. After changing trains, the journey proceeds to Kleine Scheidegg, where we join the Jungfrau Railway. This memorable journey takes us through the Eiger Mountain tunnel before emerging at Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe.” Disembark the train with ample time to explore the offerings of Europe’s highest railway station. Perhaps visit the Ice Palace to gaze upon its many ice sculptures or step out onto the Sphinx Terrace to look upon the Aletsch Glacier, eternally covered in snow. This time of year also brings the highest Christmas tree in Europe, which is thoughtfully decorated on the terrace. There is a Lindt Chocolatier at the station, as well as the Snow Fun Park, where you can zipline over the Aletsch Glacier. Return to Interlaken later this afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Interlaken. (B, D)
Day 4 - Christmas Eve in Mürren
Today’s excursion takes us to the atmospheric Walser village of Mürren, situated at the base of the towering Schilthorn Mountain. One of Switzerland’s car-free destinations, Mürren is a fantastic place to soak in the Bernese Oberland’s ambiance and look out over the surrounding valleys, mountains and villages. An incredible adventure awaits your arrival: a cable-car journey ascension to the peak of the Schilthorn. Taking less than 20 minutes to complete, the ride to the summit is brimming with breathtaking views, all enhanced by pristine snow. Superb 360-degree views await at the top. Look over the Swiss skyline and more than 200 mountain peaks, including those of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. We are returned to the mountain base in Mürren with time to sightsee or shop for last-minute gifts at leisure before returning to Interlaken in time for dinner. This evening, enjoy a delicious Christmas Eve feast with your fellow travelers. Overnight Interlaken. (B, D)
Day 5 - Christmas Day in Grindelwald
After a relaxed start to Christmas morning, we venture to nearby Grindelwald. Your time here is at leisure to explore as you please. Grindelwald is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts and offers more than 90 miles of ski trails. You could also snowshoe through the winter wonderland or wander around downtown, seeking out historic buildings. We return to Interlaken to continue the day’s celebrations culminating in tonight’s Christmas gala dinner. Overnight Interlaken. (B, D)
Day 6 - Interlaken at Leisure
Boxing Day is yours to enjoy Interlaken and its neighboring villages at leisure. Join the locals in their annual retail adventures on Höheweg, downtown’s main shopping street. There are plenty of boutiques, sporting equipment stores, chocolatiers and Swiss watch shops to peruse. Perhaps set out on a winter hike or rent a kayak to enjoy the snow-clad scenery from Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Paragliding amongst the mountains is an ever-popular activity for thrill-seekers. If it is relaxation you seek, Interlaken is home to a wonderful assortment of spas and wellness centers - each with varying amenities. Take a dip in a heated outdoor pool, surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, or soak in one of the hotpots (hot tubs) alongside Lake Brienz. Indulge in any number of specialized spa treatments for the ultimate experience. Overnight Interlaken. (B)
Day 7 - Tour Conclusion
After breakfast, we depart Interlaken by train, with Basel as our destination. We switch trains in Basel and continue to Paris, where our Eurostar train awaits for the final leg of the journey to London, where your Christmastime voyage through Switzerland concludes. (B)
Destination & Sightseeing
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