Day 1

Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue by TGV to Stuttgart and onwards via Ulm. From Kempten, travel on the scenic Ausserfern Railway through the Allgäu Alps to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Overnight in a 3-star hotel within walking distance of the railway station, for example Hotel Königshof.

Day 2

Take the train and cable car to the summit of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain. On a clear day, enjoy views across the peaks of four Alpine countries. Later, travel from Germany into Austria on the spectacular Karwendel Railway to Innsbruck, one of Austria's most scenic rail routes, descending between dramatic rock faces into the city. Overnight in a 3-star hotel in Innsbruck, for example Hotel Sailer.

Day 3

Enjoy time to explore Innsbruck, including the famous Golden Roof. Early in the afternoon, continue from Austria into Italy via the Brenner Pass, arriving in Bolzano.

Above the South Tyrolean capital lies the Ritten Plateau at 1,200 metres above sea level. From Bolzano station, a cable car glides over vineyards, villages and alpine meadows to Soprabolzano, where you board the historic narrow-gauge Ritten Railway to Klobenstein/Collalbo.

Halfway along the line is Lichtenstern, where Hotel Lichtenstern is located just above the station. Enjoy its sunny setting, swimming pool and views towards the Dolomites. The RittenCard guest pass is included.

Day 4

Free day on the Ritten Plateau. Enjoy a leisurely walk or make use of the included RittenCard for excursions in the surrounding area.

Day 5

Travel back on the Ritten Railway to Soprabolzano and descend by cable car to Bolzano station. Continue by train to Merano, a charming town with a Mediterranean atmosphere, sheltered by the surrounding Alpine peaks. From there, travel on the Vinschgau Railway to Mals, passing orchards, castles, mountain scenery and the River Adige.

Cross from Italy into Switzerland by PostBus over the Ofen Pass to Zernez in the Engadin. Stay at Bever Lodge in Bever, ideally located beside the railway station in the Upper Engadin. From stays of two nights or more, regional trains, buses and (in summer) 13 mountain lifts are included. If Bever Lodge is fully booked, accommodation will be arranged in Bergün, for example Hotel Weisses Kreuz.

Day 6

Travel through the Albula Valley to Chur. Continue by TGV via Basel and Paris before returning to London by Eurostar.

8-day tour

Compared with the 6-day tour, this itinerary includes:

• 1 extra night in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• 1 extra night in Basel to break the return journey

15-day tour

Compared with the 6-day tour, this itinerary includes:

• 1 extra night in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• 2 extra nights in Innsbruck
• 2 extra nights on the Ritten Plateau
• 3 extra nights in Bever
• 1 extra night in Basel to break the return journey