The Bernese Oberland (Highlands) is Switzerland as we imagine it, with fresh mountain air, horizons of snow capped peaks behind clusters of medieval rooftops and fairytale, turreted castles. All around are the most famous mountains of the Alps with names like Eiger and Jungfrau.

In the middle of the region, 20 miles from Bern, we find the ancient town of Thun, as the name translates "a fortified city" on the edge of Lake Thun. Here, on a little peninsula where the river enters the lake, stands our Freienhof Hotel, just a short walk from the lively town centre. The hotel has a stylish restaurant, a bar and, a river terrace. All 68 rooms are en suite with TV, direct dial telephone, hairdryers etc.

In response to positive feedback from previous tours we again include a full day in the beautiful city of Strasbourg on the outward journey, followed by a day along the picturesque Wine Road through Alsace en route to Switzerland. Our return route again goes off the straight and narrow, travelling through the heart of the Black Forest.

During our time based in Thun we travel up the famous Simmental Valley through 'cheese' country, stopping at Gstaad and Gruyeres, visit Brienz and charming Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger, and spend a day in another historic city, the Swiss capital, Bern.