Swiss Alps by Rail - Bernina Express

After enjoying complimentary airport lounge access, fly to Zurich and transfer to the Hotel Marktgasse, a 15th century building in the midst of the picturesque old town, close by to the river Limmat, Lake Zurich and the main train station. Spend the rest of the day admiring the lake and mountain views, or perhaps take an optional sightseeing tour with a private guide and driver.

Stay: Hotel Marktgasse, Zurich

Transfer to the train station in Zurich and travel by train to chic, elegant and exclusive St. Moritz, located at 1856 metres above sea level and surrounded by the lake landscape of the Upper Engadine. With 322 days a year of sunshine and glamorous cosmopolitan air, St. Moritz attracts the rich and famous to its hotels and revitalising spas. Indulge in some of the best cuisine Switzerland has to offer in the beautiful old town.

Stay: Hotel Steffani, St. Moritz

The Upper Engadine is yours to explore today; take advantage of the included Swiss Card and enjoy one of the many top excursions in the region. The Swiss National Park, a particularly impressive piece of Alpine landscape, is a stunning slice of pure nature. Walk along the marked hiking paths and take in the amazing scenery over the Engadine region. Alternatively, take one the many cable cars from St. Moritz itself to the mountain stations and enjoy a typical Swiss meal at 3000 metres looking over the famous town.

Stay: Hotel Steffani, St. Moritz

After breakfast board the the narrow-gauge Bernina Express at St. Moritz station and enjoy one of the most impressive scenic rail journeys in Switzerland. Climbing over the spectacular Bernina Pass to more than 2253 metres, taking in stunning views of snow covered mountain peaks and glaciers, you will descend towards Poschiavo and Brusio. Passing over viaducts and pass through winding tunnels before reaching Tirano in Italy, the end of the Bernina Express rail line, change onto the Bernina Express Bus which will take you onwards to Ticino, through the vineyards of Veltlin and along the banks of Lake Como to Lugano - southern Switzerland's largest town.

Stay: Lugano Dante Centre, Lugano

Set in a bay on the northern side of Lake Lugano, surrounded by numerous mountains, the traffic-free historic town of Lugano is a joy to discover. The numerous Lombardy style buildings, the exclusive museums, the mountains, lake and packed calendar of events allow you to soak up the sights and relaxed atmosphere.

The lakeside promenade takes in Belvedere Gardens, where the parkland boasts not only camellias and magnolias but also countless sub-tropical plants and modern works of art, also take a short funicular ride from the city to the summits of Monte Salvatore or Monte Bre for panoramic views and leisurely walks.

Stay: Lugano Dante Centre, Lugano

The morning is free to spend at your leisure. Around board your train, taking the scenic route past three lakes and spend your final night in Zurich before transferring to the airport the following day.

Stay: Hotel Marktgasse, Zurich

Transfer to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK and continue your onward journey home.