Alps of Lake Geneva - Fantastic value rail holiday with 4 days of excursions

Relax by Lake Geneva and explore the dramatic scenery of the area from our base in the market town of Vevey. Funicular and mountain railways, lake steamers and the excellent rail network bring the sights of the area within easy reach. Find Out More »

Tour highlights

• Lakeside Vevey
• Château de Chillon including a guided tour
• Gruyères
• GoldenPass Line
• Les Pléiades rack and pinion mountain railway
• Dinner at 'Le Chalet' restaurant, reached by Mont Pèlerin funicular railway
• Montreux-Vevey Riviera Card
• Fantastic 4-star superior hotel

Day 1 - London to Vevey

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris. On arrival in the French capital we cross the city by coach to join the high-speed TGV service to Switzerland. After changing trains, we travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to Vevey, passing snow-capped mountains, rolling hills and extensive vineyards. Our hotel for seven nights is the Astra Hotel, just a short walk from Lake Geneva, with its sweeping promenades and pretty flower displays. Vevey is a genteel market town of Roman origin boasting a medieval Old Town, elegant arcades and squares. (E,D)

Day 2 - Excursion to Château de Chillon

Your first morning in Vevey is free to relax, explore the town and perhaps take a gentle stroll alongside the lake. After lunch we enjoy an excursion by trolley-bus to the Château de Chillon, which rises dramatically from the waters of Lake Geneva against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery. We are taken on a guided tour of the 13th century Gothic château, considered to be one of Europe's best-preserved medieval castles. During the return journey to Vevey, you may decide to stop in Montreux to explore. (B)

Day 3 - Through the Golden Pass

Today's excursion begins with a short coach ride to Gruyères, famous for its cheese production. You have plenty of time to explore this pretty town with its medieval hill-top castle. We continue to Montbovon and join the train to the chic resort of Gstaad. After some time here, we board the GoldenPass Line train for the scenic rail journey to Montreux. We travel in comfortable observation cars, relaxing and admiring views of majestic peaks and valleys as we descend into Montreux. (B,D)

Day 4 - A day at leisure in Vevey

Vevey is perfectly situated for excursions by rail and lake cruiser into the surrounding area. Lausanne, the 'Olympic capital', with its medieval town centre and world-famous Olympic Museum, is just 10 minutes away by train. Alternatively, a stroll around Vevey's narrow streets and shops is also an excellent choice. (B)

Day 5 - Lake Geneva cruise

This morning we enjoy a leisurely circular cruise around the eastern part of the lake on a wonderful vintage paddle steamer (or small cruise ship depending on departure date). The cruise gives wonderful views of the mountains on both the Swiss and French sides of the lake. On the southern shore of the lake, we stop in the delightful village of St Gingolph with free time to explore the pretty lakeside promenade, port and castle, dating from the 14th century. (B,D)

Day 6 - A day at leisure

Today is market day, which is an ideal opportunity to spend some time browsing around the colourful lakeside stalls, laden with fresh produce and delicious local delicacies. Alternatively, enjoy the scenery, perhaps by taking a journey along Lake Geneva to one of the lakeside towns or cities. Perhaps make a stop in Yvoire, a medieval town on the southern shores of the lake, or the fashionable spa resort of Evian-Les-Bains. Geneva is also within easy reach by train. Explore the cobbled streets of Geneva's atmospheric Old Town, and discover the dramatic story of the Red Cross at the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. (B,D)

Day 7 - Excursion to Les Pléiades

We enjoy the rack-and-pinion mountain railway journey up Les Pléiades. Les Pléiades is perched in the hills high above the lake at 4,500 feet (1,372m) and gives spectacular views over the crystal clear blue waters of the lake, the towns and villages dotted along the shore, and the soaring mountain peaks that surround this most beautiful area. This evening we travel on the Mont Pèlerin funicular railway to enjoy a typical Swiss dinner at 'Le Chalet' restaurant whilst soaking up the magnificent views of the town and lake. Return at your leisure via the regular funicular services which decend to Vevey. (B,D)

Day 8 - Vevey to London

After a short journey to Lausanne, we connect with the TGV to Paris. We cross Paris by coach, and join the Eurostar service to London. We are served a complimentary meal and drinks on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Alps and Lake Geneva - Luxury Escorted Rail Tour - Rail Holiday

Be amazed by The Alps and Lake Geneva and enjoy 4 days of excursions when you join this 8 day Luxury Escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
Alps, Lake, Geneva, Rail, Tour, Holiday

Alps and Lake Geneva - Luxury Escorted Rail Tour - Rail Holiday

Be amazed by The Alps and Lake Geneva and enjoy 4 days of excursions when you join this 8 day Luxury Escorted Rail Tour. Frequent departures, Find out more.
Alps, Lake, Geneva, Rail, Tour, Holiday