Idyllic Beauty of the Bernese Oberland

DAY 1

Travelling by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then onwards to Thun and our hotel for seven nights, the Hotel Seepark, where we check in and enjoy our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

After breakfast this morning, we enjoy free time in Thun, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, and we can explore the city, visit the historic Thun Castle, stroll through the charming old town, or take a boat trip across the deep, blue waters of Lake Thun. After a day at leisure, we reconvene at the hotel in time for our evening meal together.

DAY 3

This morning, we embark on a leisurely steamboat cruise across the pristine waters of Lake Thun to Interlaken West with wonderful views showcasing the stunning contrast between the blue waters, vibrant green meadows, and white snow-capped mountains sailing past majestic mountains, historic castles, and picturesque villages. On arrival in Interlaken, we have time at leisure to explore the local shops, relax in the quaint cafés, and take in the beautiful surroundings before returning by rail on a scenic journey through the Swiss countryside to Thun in time for our evening meal.

DAY 4

Today, we board the morning train to Zweisimmen to experience the GoldenPass Panoramic route aboard the nostalgic Belle Epoque carriages to Montreux. This two-hour journey affords us one picturesque view after another from lush meadows, traditional wooden chalets, and the tall peaks of the Alps to a fantastic view of Lake Geneva as we arrive at Montreux. Here, we enjoy free time to explore before transferring to Château Chillon, perched dramatically at the water's edge against a stunning mountain backdrop, where we enjoy a guided tour followed by a delightful wine tasting. On our return to Thun, we enjoy our evening meal at the hotel.

DAY 5

After breakfast this morning, we make our way to Erlenbach im Simmental to ride the cable car to the summit of the Stockhorn enjoying sensational views on our ascent and, at the summit, we will be greeted with bracing mountain air and iconic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Afterwards, we return by cable car to Erlenbach to continue our journey by train to Mülenen for a journey on the historic funicular to Niesen Kulm, affectionately known as the Swiss Pyramid, with wonderful views over the Lake Thun. We return by rail to Thun in time for our evening meal at the hotel.

DAY 6

This morning, we travel by rail to Brienz and join the wonderful Brienz Rothorn Railway, an historic steam cog railway that has climbed Rothorn Kulm (2,244m) since 1892 at incredible gradients; the thrilling ride through meadows and forests leads to spectacular mountain panoramas. Afterwards, we enjoy a leisurely cruise along Lake Brienz to Interlaken before returning by rail to Thun for our evening meal together.

DAY 7

Today, we board the morning train to Kandersteg where we enjoy some free time before embarking on a cable car journey to Lake Oeschinen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its crystal-clear, turquoise water and idyllic landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. This picturesque lake is a highlight of the Bernese Oberland, and we spend the day in this natural paradise before returning to our hotel for our final evening meal together.

DAY 8

We bid farewell to Thun and to Switzerland, returning by rail to Paris, where we will join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner