DAY 1: UK - Munich area.

Fly to Munich where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in the Munich area for one night.

DAY 2: Munich area - Innsbruck.

This morning enjoy the highlights of Munich on an included sightseeing tour with a local guide before journeying deep into a forested valley of the Ammergau Alps for a visit to Linderhof Castle - one of the fairy tale-like former residences of the Habsburg family. Built by Ludwig II, Linderhof was inspired by Paris' Palace of Versailles and houses an extraordinarily opulent interior of gilded furnishings, rich fabrics and awesome chandeliers as well as acres of Italianate terraced gardens. Later, cross the border into Austria and pass idyllic meadows and steep mountain ridges on your way to Innsbruck, one of Austria's prettiest cities and capital of the Tyrol. Here, delve into the beautiful old quarter to view the Golden Roof - a 15th century gold-tiled balcony once used as a royal box for viewing tournaments in the main square below. (B, D)

DAY 3: Innsbruck - Kitzbühel - Grossglockner - Cortina d'ampezzo.

Admire glorious alpine landscapes on your way to the classic Tyrolean town of Kitzbühel. All pretty chalets and cobbled lanes, this picturebook place dates back to the 9th century. Next, journey along the epic Grossglockner high Alpine road, Austria's highest mountain pass and arguably Europe's most spectacular. Snake amongst lush dairy pastures, pretty villages and dramatic peaks for thrilling views over Grossglockner Mountain and watch the scenery change into the jagged peaks of the Italian Dolomites as you continue to the ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. (B)

DAY 4: Cortina - Bolzano - Merano.

This morning, drive to the Veneto and Trentino area of the Dolomites, where the Falzarego and Pordoi passes bring you through the ski village of Canazei. Next, after a stop at mountain-ringed Lake Carezza, head for Bolzano. Surrounded by Alpine hills, this charming Italian town boasts arcaded squares and medieval churches. Its must-see attraction though, is the Ötzi Museum, home to the 'Ice Man' - the mummified body of a mountain hunter who lived around 3,500 BC. Later, drive to the Merano. (B)

DAY 5: Merano - Glorenza - St Moritz.

Today begins in Glorenza, the Tyrol's smallest walled town. After admiring its fortifications, follow the Tubre pass into Switzerland's Engadine Valley, one of the world's most stunning mountain regions. Marvel at its shimmering lakes, pristine forests and quaint, Grison-style villages en-route to St Moritz. (B, D)

DAY 6: St Moritz.

Today your time is free to experience the glamour and gorgeous setting of this stylish Swiss resort. Overlooking St Moritz Lake and a sweep of towering mountains, this chic mountain retreat has plenty to attract visitors, from a delightful promenade to plush boutiques and top-notch restaurants. Alternatively, choose from one of the exciting optional excursions. (B)

DAY 7: St Moritz - Bernina Express - Tirano - Lake Como. 

This morning brings a treat as you ride the Bernina Express railway from St Moritz to Tirano. Revel in the views over snow-tipped peaks, Alpine meadows and rushing streams as you climb the breathtaking Bernina Pass to up to 7,000 feet before crossing into Italy. Later, drive through the town of Chiavenna to Lake Como. (B, D)

DAY 8: Lake Como - Turin.

Travel through the Po Valley today to Turin, the capital of Piedmont, for a guided tour that showcases the town's wonderful Baroque architecture, porticoed streets and glorious 15th century cathedral - home to the hallowed Shroud of Turin. This evening, why not join the optional dinner? (B)

DAY 9: Turin- Gran San Bernardo - Zermatt area. 

Sit back and relax as you journey through Italy's pleasant Aosta Valley and along the dramatic Gran San Bernardo pass into Switzerland heading for the quaint village of Täsch. (B, D)

DAY 10: Zermatt.

Take a short train ride to car-free Zermatt set at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. The day is yours to discover everything Zermatt has to offer, perhaps admiring its wondrous Alpine surroundings or exploring the lovely, pedestrianised town centre. Later, don't miss our optional excursion on Europe's highest rack railway, trundling up the 10,272-foot Gornergrat for epic views over the Matterhorn. (B)

DAY 11: Zermatt area - Glacier Express - Lucerne.

Prepare for more scenic wonders as you ride the legendary Glacier Express train, Switzerland's most celebrated mountain railway. Feast your eyes as you glide over bridges, through tunnels and past flower-filled fields, gurgling streams and postcard-perfect villages before descending to Andermatt in the St Gotthard massif. Rejoin your coach and drive to the gentler landscapes around Lake Lucerne. (B)

DAY 12: Lucerne - Interlaken - Berne - Zürich.

This morning, journey along the dramatic Brünig pass to Interlaken, marvelling at the views over the Jungfrau massif, with its three snow-capped peaks of the Jungfrau, Monch and Eiger, on the way. Next, continue through pretty farmland to the Swiss capital, Berne, for a guided tour of its main sights, including Bear Park and the fountain-fronted Federal Palace. Later, continue to Zürich. (B)

DAY 13: Zürich - UK.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)