Classic Glacier Express at New Year

Your stunning seasonal adventure gets underway as you land at Zürich airport. From here, you travel independently to Brig with your rail ticket included.

As you head deeper into Switzerland, the scenery quickly increases in seasonal beauty. The snow-capped Swiss Alps begin to surround the route, and the landscape becomes more dramatic.

Brig is a charming valley town nestled beside the Rhône at the northern edge of the famed Simplon tunnel. Checking in to our family-run four-star hotel near the station for a three-night stay, you meet the Tour Manager and traveling group before enjoying a three-course dinner.

• Dinner

A dramatic journey along the Matter Valley follows breakfast this morning. Flanked on either side by steep cliffs, our train winds between jaw-dropping winter scenes. Sugar-coated trees blanket the rising slopes, while huddles of chalets gather in small villages lining the valley floor.

On the approach to the car-free resort of Zermatt, the Matterhorn comes into view. This pyramidal peak is the Swiss national symbol and inspired the design of the Toblerone. This popular mountain resort exudes a charming atmosphere in winter, and you're free to spend the rest of your time here as you choose.

One option is to ride the 125-year-old Gornergrat Mountain Railway to the summit for some of the best Matterhorn views. Zermatt itself has many beautiful sights, such as the picturesque historic chalets of Hinterdorfstrasse. Later this afternoon, we return by rail to Brig in time for dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A day at leisure provides the opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Switzerland after breakfast. As well as a charming historic center, Brig also boasts the impressive 17th-century Stockalper Palace. Built by wealthy local silk merchant Kaspar Stockalper, it is recognizable from miles around due to its three stone towers topped by large, gilded onion domes.

Alternatively, you could make the most of your Swiss Half Fare Card, taking the train along the Rhône Valley to Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Here, you can join either the GoldenPass Line panoramic train to Gstaad or explore the striking Château de Chillon and the sights of Montreux - including its beautiful lakefront promenade and statue of former Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.

For those wanting to remain in the mountains, the Aletsch Glacier can be reached by cable car, and the Italian town of Domodossola is a short ride from Brig through the tunnel formerly used by the evocative Simplon-Orient Express.

• Breakfast

Leaving Brig after breakfast today, we enjoy a sensational journey on the iconic Glacier Express.

Traveling on this world-famous train, Switzerland's striking natural beauty is revealed throughout. Spellbinding scenes of snowy meadows, frozen streams and white mountaintops all play their part to create a jaw-dropping winter wonderland setting. From our panoramic windows, we can marvel at the alpine scenery while we enjoy lunch served at our seats. After climbing through the nine-mile Furka Tunnel, unmissable views are revealed as we ascend to the roof of the route on the Oberalp Pass. Making our way through the elemental 'Swiss Grand Canyon', we arrive at our destination.

Chur is the country's oldest town and full of history - as is our 360-year-old hotel. After checking in for the first of four nights, we enjoy a welcome drink and celebrate the coming of the New Year with a special gala dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a full free day today to look around Chur, a town with a history dating back more than 5,000 years.

Chur itself is backed by mountains, and the colorful buildings of its charming Old Town means it is a delightful place to wander at this time of year. The center of the Old Town is the idyllic Martinsplatz, where you can find the arcaded 15th-century Town Hall. Overlooking the historic center are the 800-year-old Cathedral of the Assumption and the terracotta-fronted Bishop's Palace.

Once you've marveled at the historical landmarks and wintry mountain setting, back at the hotel we sit down to a traditional dinner with all the trimmings.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Making our way by rail to Lucerne after breakfast today, there is time to explore this attractive town situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne at the foot of the Swiss Alps.

Known for its cobbled streets and ornate churches, you can enjoy a stroll through the town to see the famous Kapellbrücke, a 14th-century wooden bridge that separates Lucerne's Old and New Town. The historic center is situated north of the River Reuss and is rich in history. Houses decorated with frescoes line the picturesque squares, with several half-timbered structures and the remnants of the old town walls a reminder of just how old Lucerne is. The Jesuit church, dating from the 17th century, is regarded as Switzerland's first Baroque building and the twin towers of the Hofkirche form an integral part of the townscape. Alternatively, travel on the Rigi mountain railroad or enjoy a paddle steamer cruise across Lake Lucerne using your Swiss Half Fare Card for 50% fare reductions.

Later, we return to Chur for an evening at leisure.

• Breakfast

Our final full day in Switzerland delivers an unforgettable journey after breakfast as we board the panoramic carriages of the Bernina Express.

This stunning seasonal journey over the Alps reveals views of ancient castles, frosted forests and snow-bound plateaus. Twisting along the UNESCO-listed Albula Line, our route then climbs high into the mountains to an altitude of 7,392 feet. Views of frozen lakes and peaks blanketed in pristine white greet us as we skirt Lago Bianco and descend towards our destination. Poschiavo is a pretty, Italian-speaking town of pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. The quaint main square, Piazza Comunale, enjoys views of the wintry mountains and the campanile tower of the Church of Saint Victor.

There's time to grab lunch, perhaps enjoying local specialties, such as pizzoccheri - a hearty pasta dish with cabbage, cheese and potatoes. Afterward, we return to Chur via a short stop in St Moritz, dining at our hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

A winter wonderland of spectacular snow-bound scenery, cozy chalets and iconic trains - Switzerland is breathtaking at this time of year. Having experienced many delights of this beautiful country, from the Bernina Express and Glacier Express to the mountain panoramas of Zermatt and lakeside Lucerne, your Swiss adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Leaving Chur, your rail ticket is included as you make your way independently to Zürich airport ready for your flight back home.

• Breakfast