Switzerland by Train – Paris, Lausanne, Lake Geneva & Bern
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Golden Pass, Switzerland - Zweisimmen Montreux - MOB Belle Epoque ©Highlights Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
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Golden Pass, Switzerland - Zweisimmen Montreux - MOB Belle Epoque ©Highlights Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland
Explore scenic Switzerland on this fantastic journey for small groups, taking in the sights of Lake Geneva with a stop over in the French Capital Paris. On this tour, you can see magnificent scenery as you relax onboard your train across the alpine east of France into Lakeside city of Lausanne. Lausanne is a city on Lake Geneva, in the French-speaking region of Vaud, Switzerland. It’s home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters, as well as the Olympic Museum and lakeshore Olympic Park. It is the perfect base to explore Lake Geneva, western Europe’s largest lake. The Southern shores are in France, but the rest, including the cities of Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne, is classic Switzerland. This area is bountiful in Snowy mountains, hillside vineyards, ancient castles and cathedrals, and the sound of cowbells tingling in the meadows, all combining to make this a very special destination.
Sustainable Travel
Looking to Travel to and around your destination the right way? There are many sustainable options for transport but none better than travelling by rail. On this tour we have included your ticket to France via Eurostar from the UK, staying nearby to the stations to avoid any excess travelling by taxi or mini-bus then travelling to Lake Geneva by rail making this an eco-friendly way to visit your favourite destinations.
Don’t miss this incredible tour combining two great destinations.
Dates
Suggested itinerary
Day 1
Travel to Paris
Travel to Paris, where you will be transferred to your hotel. Once you have settled, enjoy a guided tour of the wonderful city before.
Day 2
Travel to Switzerland
This morning make the short journey to Paris Gare du L’Est to board your train to Geneva, arriving early afternoon. Here, why not enjoy a stop at the Palais des Nations to see the UN offices in Geneva. Discover the Human Rights Room, the Salle des Pas Perdus, the Assembly Hall, the Council Chamber, a film on the UN’s activities and objectives and donations from different countries to the institution. Here, the guides will talk about current UN activities and the history of the Palais des Nations. Or you travel directly onto your hotel in Lausanne from Geneva.
Day 3
Lake Geneva Cruise, Château de Chillon & Montreux
Today we take to the lake with a relaxing cruise that takes us from the quayside at Montreux to the elegant Château de Chillon. This 13th century fortress, situated on a rocky islet overlooking the lake, is an internationally renowned symbol of the Lake Geneva region and one of the most attractive castles in the country. Afterwards, travel to Montreux to enjoy some free time to explore the city. perhaps, have an early dinner at the Montreux Jazz Café and return to Lausanne on a late cruise (20:00-21:00).
Day 4
Bern by train including GoldenPass Panoramic
This morning, board the 09:20-10:26 train from Lausanne to Bern. Upon arrival in Bern, enjoy a 2 hour guided city tour, the old town, built into a loop on the River Aare, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a highlight of which are the six kilometres of ‘Lauben’, covered shopping arcades. Afterwards, enjoy some free time for lunch before boarding the 14:39-15:59 train from Bern to Zweisimmen, where you can board the magnificent GoldenPass panoramic train to Montreux. Enjoy spectacular alpine views on your journey to Montreux. Upon arrival, take the train back to your hotel in Lausanne.
Day 5
Gruyère cheese and Nestlé Chocolate Factory
Today we discover two of Switzerland’s most famous products – cheese and chocolate. We travel up into the hills overlooking Lausanne to visit the Maison de Gruyère, a dairy where an audio guide talks you through the process of making the famous cheese. A few miles away is the charming village of Gruyères itself, a delightful place with a magnificent 12th century castle. After lunch, it’s time for dessert with a visit to the Nestlé chocolate factory at Broc. A walking tour reveals the secrets, and there are chocolates of all flavours to sample, and buy, at the end.
Note – this excursion is also available by special ‘Chocolate Train’ from Montreux.
Day 6
Return to Paris
This morning, you will be transferred back to Geneva for your train back to Paris. Perhaps spend some more time exploring the French Capital. Then transfer will be arranged back to airport for your return journey home.
Maison Mère, Paris ****
In the heart of Paris. An urban cocoon nestled in the heart of the 9th arrondissement, Maison Mère is located a few steps from the Rue Lafayette. The hotel restaurant is open around the clock and they also have a cocktails bar called Hey Honey. The hotel is a 15 min walk from the major railway stations of Gare du Nord (RER B (Roissy CDG) D, E, OrlyVal) and Gare de l’Est et Gare Saint-Lazare. 2 mins from Metro line 7, Cadet station and 10 mins from RER A Auber (Disneyland, La Défense).
Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne ****
Across from a harbor on the shores of Lake Geneva, this conservative hotel is a 13-minute walk from the Olympic Museum. Rooms range from low-key to sophisticated in styling, and they all offer free Wi-Fi, minifridges, flat-screens, and tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms add lake views, Nespresso coffeemakers, rainfall showers and/or balconies. There is a restaurant with outdoor seating. There’s also an upscale brasserie and a formal fish eatery. Other amenities include a fitness centre and a sauna
| Dates | Price |
| Summer dates | Price on request |
| Winter dates | Price on request |