A Swiss Christmas in Grindelwald Tour

Your tour commences this evening in Zürich. Tonight a welcome drink and dinner are included. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers. 

This morning we enjoy a guided panoramic tour which will bring alive the city.

Your afternoon is free to explore and visit Zürich’s Christmas market in the main train station. Featuring 150 stalls it is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. The absolute highlight of the Christkindlimarkt is a 50-ft-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. The rest of your day is at leisure in this picturesque lakeside city.
 

On our way to Montreux today we explore the medieval cobblestoned streets of Bern with a local guide. A UNESCO World Heritage landmark, this capital city is set on a spectacular bend above the River Aare. In addition to kilometres of sheltered arcaded shopping ways, an intriguing clock tower and the famous ‘Bärengraben’ bear pits, there are several sets of excellent Christmas markets scattered around the old town. Continuing on, our afternoon stop is in the unique village of Gruyères. Rising out of the flat valley floor, Gruyères village and castle are perched on top of a steep rocky hill. The broad cobblestoned main street, flanked by centuries old houses, is an astounding time capsule and one of the great sights of Europe. Arriving in Montreux, we are now on the exclusive Swiss Riviera, where we will stay two nights.
 

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 Zwiesimmen. 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). At Zwiesimmen, we change trains and continue to Interlaken, and then deep into the heart of the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald where we stay the next five nights. Grindelwald is known the world over 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.
 

Today you are free to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery which surrounds you. Perhaps try your hand at a winter sport or take a trip up one of the mountains? Lunch in a mountain restaurant tastes particularly good after a walk in the snow. One absolute ‘must do’ is to catch the train from Grindelwald via Kleine Scheidegg up to the Jungfraujoch – the highest rail station in Europe. At 3,454 metres (11,332 ft) the views 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.
 

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. Make sure you spend some time in the Christmas Markets. This evening before dinner we will enjoy a glass of red wine punch in the hotel lobby.
 

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!