Arrive in Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland on an alluvial plain, between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. This vacation destination, which is presided over by the three mighty mountains, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau, is the starting point for numerous activities. It's a compact town, making it easy to get around. The main shopping street (Höheweg), connects the rail station Interlaken West to the rail station Interlaken Ost, (the main station) in 20 minutes on foot. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and dinner is on your own this evening.

After breakfast, today you'll take a non-guided excursion to the Jungfraujoch, known world-wide as the "Top of Europe." The Jungfraujoch is a saddle between the Mönch and the Jungfrau amongst the Bernese Alps in the Jungfrau-Aletsch Protected Area, and is the lowest point on the mountain ridge between Mönch and Jungfrau. Take the train to the Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the famous Eiger. Then change trains to get on board of the Jungfrau railway and ride via 'Eiger Gletscher' to the Jungfraujoch - the highest railway station in Europe at 11,332 ft with some breathtaking views of the Aletsch glacier with 14 miles the longest in the Alps and an UNESCO World Heritage site. Stopping at Eismeer station, you'll view blueish, furrowed ice blocks under a blanket of eternal snow, and in the distance the panorama of four thousand meter peak. Enjoy some time at the Jungfraujoch and make sure to check out the Ice Palace before returning to Interlaken.

After breakfast, your day is free for independent sightseeing. Perhaps rest up in the afternoon, as you will be heading into the Alps for night sledding! In the early evening, a minibus will pick you up from your hotel. As you travel from Interlaken high into the Swiss Alps, take in the starlit winter panorama before beginning your exciting one hour sledge run. Along the way the trail winds through woods, crosses alpine meadows and passes majestic frozen waterfalls. After this exhilarating ride, your sledge run finishes at a small local restaurant for a traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and afterwards, your trip from Interlaken to Lucerne is by your choice of train over the Brünig Pass, or you can take a boat cruise from Interlaken to Brienz then continue by rail to Lucerne. After arrival in Lucerne, check in at your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. This picture-postcard town offers spectacular mountain views with amazing cog railways and cable cars, all within easy reach. There is an impressive Old Town here, with wonderful shops and a wide choice of restaurants in a delightful lakeside setting. Lucerne is very pedestrian friendly. With the preserved city walls protecting the Old Town, a couple of sights to see are the famous covered Chapel Bridge across the River Reuss, and the 19th century Lion Monument, commemorating the Swiss Guards.

Today after breakfast, a self-guided excursion to Mont Titlis awaits you. Take in the beautiful Alpine scenery as the Lucerne-Engelberg Express brings you to Engelberg. Take a leisurely stroll through the resort town. If you are a hiker, the area surrounding Engelberg is home to a network of walking trails through glistening snow fields and ice-encrusted forests. Continuing your journey, you'll take a bus to the 8-seater gondola cable car, and ascend two-thirds up the mountain to the midway station at Stand.The final leg of the ascent is in the famous ROTAIR, a revolving cable car. Once at the top (3020m), stunning views of the surrounding Alps await, as does an ice grotto, scenic chair lift, and a glacier park with year-round tubing. If you're looking for a thrill, try the "Titlis Cliff walk"; 150 steps across Europe's highest suspension bridge. Returning to Lucerne, unwind with something more sedate at a cafe or restaurant.

A self-guided excursion to Mt Rigi is on the agenda. Your journey will begin by rail from Lucerne to Vitznau (1 hr). You'll hop on the historic cogwheel train, Europe's first mountain railway, which brings you to the top of Rigi Kulm. This is the highest point (1798m) and offers panoramic views overlooking Lake Lucerne, the Swiss Plateau with the Bernese Alps, Vosges Mountains, and the Black Forest. Take a short stroll around the top of the mountain to immerse yourself in the 360-degree panoramas or take time to grab lunch in one of the cozy restaurants. Afterwards the cogwheel train transports you down to Rigi Kaltbad. From here enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride complete with warm blankets. Afterwards descend to Vitznau by cogwheel at the base of Rigi, and take the short train ride back to Lucerne. Tonight over dinner, reminisce about your extraordinary experiences this week in Switzerland.

After a leisurely breakfast, time to move on to your next Avanti Destination!