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Switzerland’s Magnificent Lakes and Mountains

Switzerland
Rail

From £1786

Excluding Flights

7 Nights

Year Round

Overview

This year-round Swiss holiday is a journey through some of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes, where the serene beauty of alpine lakes meets the grandeur of towering mountains in every season. Explore Switzerland’s crystal-clear lakes; Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva, and the tranquil Lake Thun, framed by majestic mountain ranges. Whether you take a boat cruise in the summer or enjoy a cosy winter sail, the views of snow-dusted peaks and charming lakeside villages never cease to inspire.

Lucerne

Lake Lucerne, a true gem in central Switzerland, captivates with its fjord-like landscape and rugged mountains. Glide across the lake on a historic steamboat, or in winter, take a ferry surrounded by snow-covered scenery. Explore the enchanting town of Lucerne, famous for its iconic Chapel Bridge and Old Town. For panoramic vistas, ride a cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus or Rigi, where every season unveils a new perspective of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Grindelwald

Switzerland’s awe-inspiring mountains offer unmatched experiences all year. In the Jungfrau Region, summer hiking through the lush meadows and trails of the Bernese Oberland gives way to winter snowshoeing and skiing, all with panoramic views of towering, snow-capped peaks. The picturesque village of Grindelwald, nestled beneath the iconic Eiger, provides an alpine retreat with adventures for every season.

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    Highlights

    Stay in the enchanting city of Lucerne with and option to take aerial cableway to Mt Pilatus

  • Highlights

    Explore the stunning Alpine town of Grindelwald surrounded by the mountains of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau

  • Highlights

    Travel on the Golden Pass Express panorama train

  • Highlights

    Take a stroll along the shores of Lake Geneva in the elegant city of Montreux

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Golden Pass Panorama Express and Lake Geneva

Hop aboard the panoramic Golden Pass Express to Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s most elegant lakes. Stroll along the sun-kissed promenades of Montreux and Lausanne in spring and summer, or experience their cosy charm in autumn and winter. Visit the medieval Château de Chillon, perched majestically on the lake’s edge.

Beyond the outdoor adventure, experience the charm of traditional Swiss villages, indulge in local cuisine with fondue and raclette, and relax in alpine spas that offer stunning views of the mountains. The blend of crystal-clear lakes, majestic mountains, and rich cultural heritage makes a Swiss holiday a magical escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Itinerary

Depart London in the morning and travel to Paris Gare du Nord on Eurostar. Transfer to Gare du Lyon, just two stops on the Paris PER, before departing on your onward journey to Lucerne. Spend the following two nights in Lucerne.

A day to explore Lucerne, a picturesque city set on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Stroll across the famous Chapel Bridge, a 15th-century wooden bridge with beautiful frescoes depicting historical scenes. Make sure to visit the Water Tower next to the bridge. Explore the medieval Old Town, or take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views.

Today’s journey takes you to Grindelwald, nestled in the Bernese Alps. Upon arrival, you’ll be captivated by the charming wooden chalets and the breathtaking mountain backdrop. This idyllic village is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. Enjoy hiking trails with panoramic views of the Eiger mountain, or for a more relaxed experience, take the Jungfraubahn train to the Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” for stunning glacier views.

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Enjoy a day at leisure or choose from various hiking trails, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging routes. Hike the famous Eiger Trail, which takes you close to the base of the Eiger’s north face. For a unique perspective, consider taking the First cable car up to First, where you can enjoy thrilling activities such as the First Cliff Walk.

The Eiger Express gondola swiftly whisks you to the Eiger Glacier in just 15 minutes, offering a breathtaking journey with panoramic views of the majestic alpine landscape.

The journey from Interlaken to Montreux on the Golden Pass Express winds through lush meadows and dense forests, passing through charming towns like Zweisimmen and Gstaad, each offering a glimpse of quintessential Swiss life. As you approach Gstaad, the scenery transforms into a storybook landscape of rolling hills, traditional wooden chalets, and grazing cows. In winter, this region becomes a snow-covered wonderland, while in summer, it’s a vibrant display of wildflowers and greenery.

From Gstaad, the Golden Pass Express continues through vineyards and terraced fields as it descends toward Montreux. The final stretch into Montreux is a true highlight. With the glittering waters of Lake Geneva on one side and the French Alps in the distance, you’ll arrive at this sophisticated lakeside town, famous for its jazz festival and Mediterranean-like climate. The combination of alpine and lake views, along with the train’s large panoramic windows, makes this journey one of the most beautiful rail experiences in Switzerland.

An idyllic montage of mountains, lake and vineyards… Montreux has inspired artists, writers and musicians ranging from Freddie Mercury and Prince to Igor Stravinski. It feels almost Mediterranean along the shores of Lake Geneva between Villeneuve and Lutry where Montreux Riviera enjoys a microclimate that sustains the famous terraced vineyard of Lavaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Enjoy a wine tour, or venture from the lake shore into the forests where walking trails lead through alpine meadows to fabulous panoramic viewpoints.

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End your trip in Lausanne, a vibrant city also on the shores of Lake Geneva. Lausanne is known for its combination of modern culture and historic charm. Explore the Olympic Museum, stroll through the lively Ouchy waterfront district, and admire the city’s stunning Gothic architecture, such as the Lausanne Cathedral.

Board the morning train to Paris Gare du Lyon, then transfer to Gare du Nord for the evening Eurostar to London.

Prices

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private facilities

  • Breakfast throughout

  • Interrail Pass for 5 days of travel in one month

  • All compulsory seat reservation fees on panorama and international trains

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £1786 Excluding Flights

7 Nights

Year Round

Based on two sharing a twin room with private facilities and breakfast. Prices may vary depending on departure date.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Freya
5

Continents visited

18

Countries travelled in by rail

Plan Your Trip

Departure & price guide

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.

Experts with real experience

  • Dawn

    Head of Customer Experience

  • team-in-location-jenna-finland1

    Jenna

    Travel Specialist

  • Ben

    Travel Specialist

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    Jo

    Travel Specialist

  • Eric in Norway

    Eric

    Travel Specialist

  • Phoebe

    Travel Specialist

  • Rosie in Canada

    Rosie

    Travel Specialist

  • Lauren

    Travel Specialist

  • Gary

    Travel Specialist

  • 13

    Polar bears seen

    35

    Countries visited

    2

    Blue whale encounters

  • 18

    Countries visited

    5

    Turtles seen hatch in Mexico

    3

    Continents travelled

  • 1

    World flown around

    5

    Continents visited

    4

    Oceans swam in

  • 4

    Arctic cruises

    2

    Antarctica cruises

    20

    Species of whales & dolphins seen

  • 10

    Visits to Iceland

    3

    Favourite Canadian lakes

    5

    Successful whale watching trips

  • 3

    Successful whale watching trip

    3

    Northern light sightings

    2

    Glacier hikes

  • 7

    Christmas days spent abroad

    28

    Countries visited

    5

    Continents visited

  • 39

    Countries visited

    1

    Rail journey on the Ghan

    50

    Fiordland penguins encountered

  • 6

    Continents visited

    8

    Great Barrier Reef scuba dives

    82

    Countries visited

Meet The Team
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Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

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