Day 1

Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, then continue by TGV Lyria through Switzerland via Zurich and Chur. From Chur, travel on the Rhaetian Railway to Bergün, situated at an altitude of 1,350 metres on the famous Albula Railway. Overnight in a 3-star hotel close to the station, for example Hotel Weisses Kreuz.

Day 2

Travel on the Bernina Express, one of the world's most spectacular Alpine rail journeys, from glaciers to Italy. The train climbs via countless viaducts and spiral tunnels to the Bernina Pass at 2,253 metres above sea level, with the option of an overnight stay at Alp Grüm. The descent to Tirano at just 429 metres includes the famous Brusio Spiral Viaduct. Continue to Colico on Lake Como for an overnight stay in a 3-star hotel, for example Hotel Villa Colico.

Day 3

Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Como, passing picturesque lakeside villages on your way to Como. Continue by train via Milan to the beautiful Cinque Terre, following one of Italy's most scenic coastal railway lines. Stay in Riomaggiore or Corniglia, for example at Hotel Villa Argentina.

Day 4

Spend the day at leisure in the Cinque Terre. Visit the five colourful villages, all part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy one of the many walking trails and optional boat trips along the spectacular Ligurian coastline.

Day 5

Travel via Monterosso or Levanto and Milan to Lugano in Switzerland. Stay in a 3-star hotel, such as Hotel Federale, conveniently located near the railway station and within walking distance of the historic centre and Lake Lugano.

Day 6

Return through Switzerland along the historic Gotthard route. Travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express to Arth-Goldau, then continue via Basel to Paris by TGV Lyria before returning to London by Eurostar.

If you include an overnight stay in Basel on your return journey, you will travel on the Gotthard Panorama Express as far as Flüelen. From there, continue by boat across beautiful Lake Lucerne to Lucerne before travelling onwards.

7-day tour

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

• An overnight stop in Basel on either the outward or return journey.

9-day tour

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

• 1 extra night in Alp Grüm
• 1 extra night in Riomaggiore
• 1 extra night in Lugano

10-day tour

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

• An overnight stop in Basel on either the outward or return journey
• 1 extra night in Alp Grüm
• 1 extra night in Riomaggiore
• 1 extra night in Lugano

15-day tour

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

• 1 extra night in Freiburg to break the outward journey
• 1 extra night in Bergün
• 1 extra night in Alp Grüm
• 1 extra night in Colico
• 2 extra nights in Riomaggiore
• 1 extra night in Milan
• 1 extra night in Lugano
• 1 extra night in Basel to break the return journey