First Class Mountaintops of Switzerland

Your memorable Swiss vacation begins at London St. Pancras as we board the Eurostar in Plus class. Enjoying a light meal at our seats, we make our way to Paris, then take a direct train to Basel - the quickest route to Switzerland.

This First Class journey transports us through Jura and Alsace before arriving in the Rhine-side city of Basel. Our hotel near the station is popular with our passengers and we have some time to explore this typically Swiss city. Basel's redbrick, twin-spired Gothic cathedral is believed to have 9th-century origins and sits in a charming square next to characterful buildings. This evening, we gather at our hotel and enjoy our first dinner together as a group.

•  Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

Waking in Switzerland, we take a short walk to the train station after breakfast for our rail journey to Interlaken. From here, we board a boat to cruise across Lake Brienz.

Sailing through the heart of scenic Switzerland, the turquoise tones of the glacial waters contrast with the green mountain slopes. During the cruise, we can spot picture-book villages dotting the shores of the lake. As we disembark, the Giessbach funicular railway is ready to transport us to our hillside hotel, the stunning Grandhotel Giessbach.

On arrival, we enjoy a welcome drink and can begin to discover the history and charm of this perfectly located Belle Époque hotel. From its secluded setting, the hotel enjoys views across the lake and onto the cascading Giessbach waterfall nearby. We have time to explore our new surroundings before enjoying a three-course dinner at the hotel in the evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we set sail from our idyllic hotel to the town that gives Lake Brienz its name. Here, we board the charming steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway*.

This rack-and-pinion line traverses steep mountain trails and verdant alpine meadows - all while providing views of glistening Lake Brienz below. A real heritage rail experience, the small steam engine chugs its way up this dramatic route to its destination at an altitude of more than 7,000ft. On a clear day, the scenery is spectacular as we are only a few miles from the lakeshore as the crow flies. Viewing Lake Brienz from a different perspective really brings out the remarkable color and you may also be able to make out Grandhotel Giessbach.

Returning to Brienz, we have time to explore this pretty Swiss town with its traditional wooden chalets, most notably the geranium-decorated buildings on cobbled Brunngasse. There is time to relax or explore before reuniting for a three-course dinner in the restaurant with views across Lake Brienz.

*Please note: on departures in April and early May, we will enjoy an excursion to Harder Kulm with tea, coffee and cake at the summit. On departures from early May to June, the Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway will only travel as far as Planalp.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today is a vacation highlight. Taking the train to Brig, we board the incredible Glacier Express to the Engadine Valley*. The "slowest express train in the world" traverses incredible mountain passes, with views of picturesque villages and valleys.

Our panoramic First Class carriages provide front-row seats to the "Swiss Grand Canyon" as the emerald Rhine winds its way past limestone cliffs. Enjoying a two-course lunch at our seats, the breathtaking scenery is constant. After Thusis, we join the UNESCO-listed Albula Line as it clings to mountain edges, zigzagging and spiraling its way round mountains and over bridges, including the curved Landwasser Viaduct, before arriving in the impressive Engadine Valley.

This part of the Graubünden canton epitomizes the beauty of alpine Switzerland with lush meadows on the valley floor surrounded by imposing mountains. Even in summer, many of the peaks are dusted with snow. This evening is free to explore our new base and dine independently.

*Please note: on the 27 April, 2 May and 7 September departures, we will travel on the Glacier Express to Chur and stay in Bad Ragaz.

• Breakfast, Lunch

Dubbed the rail experts' best-kept secret, crossing the Alps into Italy on the Bernina Express is an incredible experience. From our First Class panoramic carriages, the exceptional alpine scenery continuously impresses as we wind our way up to Ospizio Bernina. Reaching the summit at more than 7,300 feet above sea level, we pass the turquoise waters of Lago Bianco before we cross the Bernina Pass. Pausing to admire jaw-dropping views of the Palü Glacier, the UNESCO-listed route then winds down the mountains, spiraling round the corkscrew viaduct at Brusio before arriving in the Italian valley town of Tirano.

Crossing the Adda River and entering the Old Town through the Porta Poschiavina, we are greeted by scenes of rustic cobbled streets and stout palazzos. With free time to explore, you could wander the narrow, cobbled streets, uncovering the Collegiate Church of St. Martin or the preserved 16th-century Sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin of Tirano.

We return to Switzerland in First Class on a local train in the afternoon before enjoying a three-course dinner at our hotel.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we travel by rail to Chur in First Class seats, continuing to Lucerne. The fourth most populus city in Switzerland, Lucerne is draped across an inlet of the expansive Lake Lucerne.

We have time to wander round the picturesque Old Town independently. One of the most striking landmarks is the 14th-century Kapellbrücke, which is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe and was constructed to help protect the city from attacks.

Our hotel for the next two nights, Pilatus Kulm, is reached by way of the steepest cogwheel railway in Europe. Reaching a gradient of 48%, the half-hour ascent takes us past alpine meadows and rocky outcrops to a land above the clouds. With such a jaw-dropping location nestled between two peaks, Pilatus Kulm provides stunning views. Due to its position, there are unforgettable sunrises and sunsets (weather permitting) - and we arrive in good time for the latter, before enjoying a three-course dinner in the restaurant. Afterward, perhaps step outside to view the magnificent display of stars if the night sky is clear.

• Breakfast, Dinner

If you wake in time, you could witness a sunrise that gradually illuminates the mountainous surroundings. While today is spent exploring independently, you might not want to leave this stunning location. However, with a complimentary return ticket on the Pilatusbahn, you could explore Lucerne or beyond. According to local legend, Lucerne was founded after an angel beamed a light on to the spot where a chapel should be built. The "City of Lights" has a charming Old Town of cobbled streets, ornate churches and frescoed historic houses.

Alternatively, you may want to explore further afield. With your Swiss Half Fare Card, you receive a 50% discount on rail, boat and most mountain railways, so you could hop on a boat for a cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau. The Rigi Mountain Railway, Europe's first mountain railway, has been departing from here since 1871 and offers beautiful views across to Mount Pilatus.

Returning to the hotel via the Pilatusbahn, there is another opportunity to delight in the sunset as we indulge in a three-course dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, we descend the mountain by funicular, ready to catch a late-morning train from Lucerne in First Class. We arrive in Strasbourg in mid-afternoon, and there is chance to explore after we check in to our four-star hotel. With an interesting blend of German and French culture, Strasbourg's architecture ranges from Gothic to modern.

Located on an island, the historic Old Town is dominated by the spectacular 13th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, while Place Kléber is the city's main square lined on one side by the imposing l'Aubette. This 18th-century building was redecorated in the 1920s by three avant-garde artists and has since been known as the "Sistine Chapel of abstract art."

La Petite France is one of Strasbourg's most popular districts. In the Middle Ages, it was home to the city's millers, tanners and fishermen but today draws in tourists with its colorful half-timbered buildings gathering round narrow lanes, and bridges crisscrossing peaceful canals. In the evening, we gather for a three-course dinner at a local restaurant.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Switzerland's spectacular mountain scenery and glistening lakes have been uncovered on some of the world's most famous train journeys, while our incredible hotels have elevated the experiences by providing exquisite views. Sailing across Lake Brienz to the Grandhotel Giessbach, we admired stunning vistas from our idyllic vantage point before enjoying a trip on the charming Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway. First Class journeys on the iconic Bernina Express and Glacier Express showcased the jaw-dropping scenery of this astonishing country, while the panoramas from our Pilatus Kulm hotel were truly breathtaking.

Leaving Strasbourg after breakfast on a morning train bound for Paris, we pass the vineyards of the Champagne region before arriving in the French capital. Changing to Plus class on the Eurostar, we enjoy a light meal as we travel back to the UK, arriving at London St. Pancras early this evening.

•  Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal