Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland

Snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, picturesque cities, alpine meadows, wooden chalets with flower boxes, the purest air – explore the classic image of Switzerland by railway, lake steamer and cable car. Based in Interlaken, it’s the perfect way to experience the Bernese Oberland, a jewel at the heart of Europe.

Lake Oeschinen

Your itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Interlaken

Arrive at Geneva airport for your transfer to your hotel. (D)

DAY 2 – Interlaken

Interlaken lies at the heart of the Bernese Oberland and you’ll get close to some of the world’s most famous peaks – the majestic Jungfrau (young maiden), Mönch (monk) and Eiger (ogre). We take the narrow-gauge railway to Lauterbrunnen and board the PostBus for a scenic drive over the 6,400-foot Grosse Scheidegg pass. This crosses the Rosenlaui Valley, where no private cars are allowed to disturb the flower-filled meadows. We reach Meiringen – an attractive town, famous for the nearby Reichenbach Falls where Sherlock Holmes met his demise. There’s a small Sherlock Holmes Museum. (B,D) + Included Experience – Ride the narrow-gauge railway to Lauterbrunnen, ride the PostBus over the Grosse Scheidegg pass and visit to Meiringen

DAY 3 – Brienz Rothorn Railway

We join the remarkable Brienz Rothorn Railway for the breathtaking ride to the top of the Rothorn, a 7,710foot peak with superb panoramic views across lakes and valleys to the surrounding summits – including the iconic Matterhorn. Although many of the locomotives are modern diesels, a few of

As this is a single-centre tour, all dates stay at our hand-picked hotel in Interlaken.

Carlton Europe Vintage Hotel HHHH

MGallery Royal St Georges Hotel,

Interlaken HHHH

the original coal-burning engines from the 1892 line still operate. There’s time for lunch at the summit and a leisurely wander around Brienz itself following the return ride. If you’re feeling energetic you can choose instead to take the steep but enjoyable hike down the mountain. After that, we return by boat across the Brienzersee to Interlaken. (B,D) + Included Experience – Journey on the Brienz Rothorn Railway, visit to Brienz and enjoy a boat trip across lake Brienzersee

DAY 4 – Free day in Interlaken

You could take the spectacular cable car ride to the Schilthorn. Famous for its revolving restaurant with awe-inspiring mountain views, it starred in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. On our return you can view the amazing Trümmelbach Falls. Or perhaps ride the cog railway from the tranquil village of Wilderswil to the Schynige Platte peak, home to an excellent alpine garden and edelweiss. (B,D)

DAY 5 – Lake Oeschinen

Today’s trip starts with a train journey along the lake to Spiez. Here we change onto the BLS railway that twists and turns up the picturesque Kander Valley to the small town of Kandersteg. Then we take a cable car for a spectacular ride to beautiful Lake Oeschinen, set in a mountain amphitheatre high above the main valley, carpeted with a kaleidoscope of colourful wildflowers. On a short scenic walk we pass the lush pastures nourishing cows whose rich milk goes into making that legendary Swiss chocolate.

Returning to picturesque Spiez, there’s free time for lunch and a wander before MGallery Royal St Georges Hotel

returning at your leisure by lake steamer to Interlaken – you might like to stop off and explore the pretty communities lining the lakeside. (B,D) + Included Experience – Cruise by lake steamer to Spiez and take a cable car to Lake Oeschinen

DAY 6 – Lucerne

Today we enjoy a visit to Lucerne. After breakfast our outward train takes the lakeside route to Brienz, then we go over the steeply graded Brünig Pass into central Switzerland. As you leave the station in Lucerne you’re greeted by one of Switzerland’s iconic images – Chapel Bridge with its octagonal water tower. You’ll have plenty of time to explore Lucerne, its charming waterfront and the narrow streets and squares of its car-free Old Town. Then we board the narrow-gauge train, returning back over the Brünig Pass via Meiringen along the lake to Interlaken. (B,D) + Included Experience – Visit to Lucerne

DAY 7 – Free day

On your free day perhaps head to Mülenen for a ride on one of Europe’s longest funiculars to the summit of Niesen. You could take the train to Kleine Scheidegg and continue on the Jungfrau Railway through the Eiger mountain to Jungfraujoch (direct supplement payable). This is Europe’s highest railway station, with stunning glacier views. (B,D)

DAY 8 – Return flight

Transfer to the airport for our flight home. (B)

Lake Geneva

SWITZERLAND

Lucerne

Spiez

Brienz Meiringen Interlaken

Geneva

FRANCE

ITALY KEY

Arrive Depart

2022

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

2023

Your tour includes

• Return flights from a selection of regional airports with hotel transfers • Seven nights in four-star accommodation, inclusive of all local taxes • Explore the Bernese Oberland with a complimentary Bernese Oberland

Regional Pass, allowing free travel on the entire railway network • The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager

(B) Daily Breakfast, (D) 7 Dinners Prices are per person. For departure dates, prices and flights, please call or visit our website.

YOUR EXPERIENCES • 5 visits including Meiringen, Lake

Oeschinen, Brienz, the Grosse

Scheidegg pass and Lucerne • Cruise by lake steamer in Spiez and Brienz • Ride the remarkable Brienz Rothorn

Railway • Board a cable car to beautiful

Lake Oeschinen

Your options

Personalise your holiday

Try the James Bond experience Head to the summit of the Schilthorn for stunning views of the Swiss skyline and relive James Bond’s adventures from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service at the interactive Bond World 007 exhibition. Perhaps enjoy lunch at the revolving restaurant with superb views of the alpine peaks. From £35pp.

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