Feel on top of the world on this fantastic exploration of the breathtaking Swiss Alps, traveling on mountain railways and staying in five-star accommodation

Your luxurious Swiss vacation begins as you land at Zürich Airport and transfer independently by First Class rail to Interlaken using your included rail ticket. Known as the gateway to the beautiful Bernese Oberland, this idyllic town is situated ideally between two turquoise lakes - Thun and Brienz - and is surrounded by impressive alpine peaks.

Our four-star hotel is in a peaceful location beside the Aare River and backdropped by dense forests and mountains. After checking in at this Belle Époque hotel, you can take some time to enjoy the views before meeting the Tour Manager. Together, we take our seats in L'Ambiance restaurant for a three-course dinner this evening, with all drinks included from 7-9 p.m, as they are each evening we dine at the hotel. Overnight Interlaken.

After breakfast in the riverside dining room, we walk across to the station nearby to travel by First Class rail up to the idyllic town of Grindelwald, where quaint wooden chalets are dwarfed by the dramatic north face of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau Mountains.

Here, we board a cable car to the summit of Grindelwald First Mountain, one of the most popular in the Jungfrau region. Ascending by sky gondola, we experience great views of the snow-dappled peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, swathes of forests and distant villages. Enjoy some free time among the fresh mountain air and spectacular scenery before returning by cable car and rail to our hotel.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. You may like to get to know the popular resort town and browse some of the local shops. Dining independently tonight, explore the town's wide range of restaurants, from traditional Swiss cuisine to international favorites. Overnight Interlaken.

With a scenic paradise on our doorstep and a railway station close to our accommodation, there are plenty of exciting ways to spend this free day.

Using your Swiss Half Fare Card for discounted fares on rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys, you could venture further into the mountains or explore beautiful nearby towns. One option is a half-hour rail along the tranquil lake, passing Spiez Castle, to the medieval town of Thun set beside the glistening Aare River. Wander its winding streets, admire brightly painted houses with flower-filled balconies, pass the Rathaus (town hall) and perhaps walk up to Thun castle above the town. Alternatively, take a scenic funicular up to Harder Kulm, where a viewing platform overlooks the sparkling lakes of Brienz and Thun.

However you choose to spend your day, you are sure to enjoy breathtaking Alpine views. This evening is free for you to dine independently and explore Interlaken's varied selection of restaurants at your own pace. Overnight Interlaken.

Please note: on some departures, Day 3 and Day 4 will be swapped.

Today is set to be a highlight of your vacation as we enjoy a remarkable journey to Jungfraujoch - a UNESCO-listed site and Europe's highest train station - on the iconic Jungfrau Railway.

As we travel, an expert guide tells us about the mountains and geology around us and describes the history and construction of this remarkable railway line. From Kleine Scheidegg, we travel the final section by cogwheel train, entering an incredible tunnel that cuts through the Eiger. On reaching Jungfraujoch, the vistas from the Sphinx viewing platform are truly awe-inspiring.

At the top, we are close to the stunning Aletsch Glacier - a World Heritage wonder - that stretches as far as the eye can see. We enter the interior of the Ice Palace, carved inside the glacier and adorned with dazzling ice sculptures, for an exclusive tour. Afterward, we enter the Ice Bar, a special location not open to members of the public, to enjoy a glass of wine, beer or glacial water. We return to the hotel for a three-course dinner this evening. Overnight Interlaken.

We take a short rail journey after breakfast to the picturesque village of Wilderswil. From here, we travel along an open-coach cog railway through pretty alpine meadows on our way up to Schynige Platte, soaking up sensational views of Jungfrau Mountain. Enjoying this nostalgic journey from beautifully restored 19th-century carriages, the vintage train hugs the picturesque contours of the mountain as we cross many bridges and burrow through endless tunnels. The higher the train climbs, the more breathtaking the views.

At the summit, we have free time to explore the Alpine Botanical Garden, which has around 800 different species of alpine flora, including blueberries, local azaleas and roses. Look out for the legendary edelweiss flower, a beloved symbol of the Swiss Alps, as it blossoms in its natural habitat.

Returning down the mountain on the quaint railway, we continue by rail to Interlaken for dinner at our hotel. Overnight Interlaken.

Please note: on departures until mid-June, we will enjoy an alternative mountain excursion to the Schilthorn.

This morning, we head to Brienz, the starting point for a steam-hauled ascent of the Brienzer Rothorn Mountain above the glorious turquoise Lake Brienz.

The cog railway journey to the top of the mountain is magical, as we admire the Emmental Alps at every angle. Free time at the summit allows you to explore and bask in the panoramic views at your leisure, whether while taking a stroll or visiting the summit restaurant for a bite to eat. Our afternoon ends with a scenic cruise back to Interlaken, sailing across the crystal-clear lake on a traditional lake boat. With the Alps rising all around us and pretty villages dotting the green shores, our cruise is as beautiful as the ascent.

Back at our hotel this evening, we enjoy another three-course dinner with drinks. Overnight Interlaken.

Please note: on departures before mid-June, the mountain railway goes to the mid-station at Planalp only, where there is free time.

From our hotel in lakeside Interlaken, we have encountered the north face of the Eiger, journeyed up Grindelwald First by cable car and ascended to the "Top of Europe" on the spectacular route of the Jungfrau Express. The region's heritage railways revealed astonishing views from the top of Brienzer Rothorn and the Schynige Platte Alpine Botanical Garden, and we enjoyed a serene cruise along turquoise Lake Brienz, encircled by Swiss mountain scenery.

Checking out of our hotel after breakfast, you are free to begin your journey home independently. Use your included First Class ticket to travel to Zürich, and from here, you can continue your onward journey at leisure.

One of the excursions on this tour is at high altitude. If you have any medical conditions or concerns that could impact this part of the tour, we recommend you seek medical advice and talk to us. We want to make sure that any holiday you book is right for you.

The delightful steam-hauled Brienz-Rothorn Mountain Railway was opened in 1892 and provides a real heritage rail experience. A charming small steam engine carries us up the route beside steep and rocky mountains and verdant alpine meadows - all while providing beautiful views of the glistening Lake Brienz below. Its destination is Rothorn mountain at an altitude of more than 7,000ft. On a clear day, the vistas from this vantage point are spectacular and, as it is only a few miles from the lake shore, viewing Lake Brienz from a different perspective really brings out the remarkable color.

Venture to the "Top of Europe" on Switzerland's Jungfrau Railway. Planning for this electric cogwheel rail line began in 1896, and after nearly 17 years of hard manual labor, digging, excavating, and laying track within the face of Eiger to reach the summit of Jungfraujoch, the line opened in 1912. Passengers have been enjoying this incredible journey for over 100 years. Inspiring panoramas of the Swiss Alps await at each station, and at the summit, attractions range from a spectacular viewing platform to an ice palace.

High up in the Bernese Highlands of Switzerland, stretched between sun-drenched alpine meadows or snow-capped peaks depending on the season, the Schynige Platte Railway winds its way from the town of Wilderswil to the Schynige Platte ridge. Along the way, a jaw-dropping spectacle of ancient mountains reveals itself, indulging passengers in an alpine wonderland of supreme beauty. The route also features marvelous views of the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau mountains.

The 4-Star Grand Hotel Beau Rivage is set in a peaceful spot beside Interlaken's azure Aare River, in a quiet part of the town with a backdrop of dense forest and mountains. The hotel features a restaurant which serves a buffet breakfast, with views overlooking the turquoise river, and a bar. Other facilities include an indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness center. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Great Rail Journeys would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.