Swiss Christmas in Grindelwald

Day 5: Golden Pass panoramic train to Grindelwald

An adventure today as we board the Golden Pass panoramic train which will take us across the Alps, past the chic ski resort of Gstaad and Château-d’Oex, to Interlaken. Our seats are pre-booked in the special panoramic carriages and the views throughout the journey are spectacular. (Your luggage will travel separately, making this an easy and relaxing day). We change trains in Interlaken and then continue deep into the heart of the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald where we stay the next five nights. 

Grindelwald is known over the world for its dramatic setting surrounded by massive snow covered peaks and meadows and the views directly onto the north face of the Eiger are exceptional. Justifiably famous for its skiing, the village is full of restaurants, cafés and shops. Throughout your stay we have included buffet breakfasts and four course dinners. Highlight of your stay will be a Christmas Eve celebration dinner and a Christmas Day dinner

Meals: B,D

Day 6: Jungfrau mountain ride & 'My Time' in Grindelwald

Boarding a local train we climb high into the mountains to Kleine Scheidegg. Changing on to the Jungfrau Railway we travel into a tunnel which takes us through the inside of the north face of the Eiger, and up to the Jungfraujoch – the highest rail station in Europe. At 3,454 metres (11,332 ft) the views down onto the Aletsch Glacier are magnificent. You will find several restaurants, an Ice Palace and the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven display. You can also take a lift another 100 metres higher to the dramatic Sphinx lookout point. This afternoon enjoy ‘My Time’ to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery which surrounds you. Use your Swiss Travel card to take advantage of reductions on trains and cable cars around the Grindelwald area. Perhaps try your hand at a winter sport or take a trip up one of the mountains?  

Meals: B

Day 7: Historic Thun, cruise on Lake Thunersee, 'My Time' in Interlaken

Following an enjoyable train ride along the lakeside of Thunersee, we spend time exploring the old town of historic Thun. Later we board a boat for a relaxing cruise down the length of Lake Thunersee to Interlaken. Nestled between two lakes, and surrounded by soaring peaks, Interlaken makes a great place for some last minute Christmas shopping. Early evening we will enjoy a glass of red wine punch in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, your evening is at leisure.

Meals: B

Day 8: Christmas Eve – Cable car to First and ‘My Time’ in Grindelwald

Christmas Eve! What a magnificent location to relax over Christmas!
We have included a cable car ticket for you to use at your leisure today to visit First also known as the “Top of Adventure”. The First cable car valley station is located in the town centre of Grindelwald. The Firstbahn Gondola Cable Car whisks you in three stages from the valley station via Bort and Schreckfeld to Grindelwald-First at 2,168 metres above sea level. Once at the top enjoy the incredible views of the upper Grindelwald glacier, the Wetterhorn, the Schreckhorn, the Kleine Scheidegg, the Männlichen and Grindelwald.
Otherwise, your next two days are free to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery which surrounds you, and do as much,or as little, as you want! Over these two days you are able to use your Swiss Half Fare card to take advantage of reductions on trains and cable cars around the Grindelwald area. Whether you are a ‘super active snow sports’ person or a ‘take it easy and relax’ person there are numerous activities you can enjoy, and your Tour Manager will be at hand to assist and advise you. You will be in the heart of the Bernese Oberland – home to the mighty peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger (of ‘The Eiger Sanction’ fame), the Breithorn, Männlichen and the Schilthorn, as well as internationally known winter resorts like Wengen and Mürren. The skiing is of course fantastic! Non skiers can easily access all the main peaks by funicular trains, cable cars and chair lifts. At all ‘drop off’ points there are restaurants, cafés and restroom facilities – usually with extraordinary panoramic views spanning the jagged Alps. All around Grindelwald there are hundreds of kilometres of winter footpaths which often double as Nordic or Cross Country ski paths, as well as numerous toboggan runs – one of which is the longest in the Alps. Paragliding is also available for the adventurous. For those wanting to just relax, you will have free use of the pool and spa facilities in your Grindelwald hotel.
This evening will be special as we enjoy a four course themed Christmas Eve dinner.

Meals: B,D

Day 9: Christmas Day in a winter paradise

Christmas Day at leisure in a stunning location. There is so much to see and do. A Christmas Turkey lunch will be enjoyed and later in the evening there is a themed Christmas Day dinner. Apparently, at some point Santa Claus will make an appearance!   

Meals: B,L,D

• Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

Day 10: Panoramic train ride along Lake Brienz, 'My Time' in Luzern

This morning we take the train along the shores of picturesque Lake Brienz and on to Luzern, with its covered wooden bridges (again, no hassles with your luggage as it will travel separately and be delivered to your hotel). On this two hour train ride you experience some of the most spectacular views the Swiss Alps have to offer, through large panoramic windows. The journey will take you along the shores of crystal-clear lakes (no less than five!), past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass. Arriving around midday, the afternoon is at leisure to explore this charming lakeside town. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.

Meals: B,D

Day 11: Luzern

Your Christmas tour comes to a close and it is time to say farewell.

Meals: B

• Hotel Schweizerhof, Luzern