DAY 1: UK - Zurich.

Fly to Zurich where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. (D)

DAY 2: Zurich - Appenzell - Vaduz - St Moritz.

Drive amongst the spectacular scenery of some of Switzerland's most famous cantons, stopping first at the old town of Appenzell with its quaint wooden houses and legendary 'Landsgemeindeplatz', a centuries-old meeting place. Next, head through the tiny principality of Liechtenstein to its ancient capital Vaduz, before travelling through the Rhine Valley and the impressive Julier Pass, an important transport route since Roman times. Tonight, stay one night in the stylish Swiss spa resort of St Moritz, famous for its stunning mountain scenery and superb shopping. (B)

DAY 3: St Moritz - Bernina Express to Tirano - Lake Como - Lugano.

Today, experience a memorable railway trip aboard the Bernina Express. Crossing the Alps to Tirano in Italy, this spectacular rail journey takes you to heights of more than 6,560 feet. Later, rejoin your coach for a journey along the shores of beautiful Lake Como, crossing the Swiss border to the lovely lakeside city of Lugano for one night. (B)

DAY 4: Lugano - Lake Maggiore - Täsch area.

In the morning there's time to explore Lugano, described as having the 'gaiety and romance of Italy, encased in a Swiss precision watch', before heading into Italy and on to view the glorious, crystal-clear waters of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by towering mountains and lush countryside. There's a chance to take an optional boat trip to lovely Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands and famed for its picturesque gardens, before heading back into Switzerland, via the scenic Simplon Pass, and on to the Täsch area for one night. (B, D)

DAY 5: Täsch area - Zermatt - Lake Geneva - Lausanne area.

This morning enjoy an included excursion by train to Zermatt at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, famous for having some of the best views in Switzerland. In the afternoon, drive through the vineyards of the lower Rhône Valley to the northern shore of Lake Geneva and the historic city of Lausanne area for one night. (B)

DAY 6: Lausanne area - Gruyère - Berne - Lake Thun - Interlaken - Lucerne.

First stop is the famous cheese-making town of Gruyère and a visit to a local cheese factory. Then it's on to Switzerland's beautiful capital, Berne, standing on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Aare River and offering lots of opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. The visit features the Bear Park (the name Berne derives from 'bear') and the monumental Federal Palace. Continuing along the shores of Lake Thun, enjoy a stop in Interlaken, magnificently set in the foothills of the Jungfrau Mountains at an altitude of 1,870 feet, before heading across the Brünig Pass to the Lucerne for one night. (B)

DAY 7: Lucerne - Zurich.

See the best of Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most charming medieval cities, on an included visit. Later there's a chance to take an exciting excursion to Mount Stanserhorn or a boat cruise on the lake before leaving for Zurich in the late afternoon. (B)

DAY 8: Zurich - UK.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)