Switzerland's Golden Pass Railway, Lake Geneva & Montreux - by Rail

Switzerland's Golden Pass Railway, Lake Geneva & Montreux - by Rail

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Switzerland's Golden Pass Railway, Lake Geneva & Montreux - by Rail

8 Days Starting in Euston Rd., London N1C 4QP, UK and ending in london st pancras

Visiting: Geneva, St Pancras, Montreux, Chexbres, Golden Pass Railway, Gruyères, Lausanne

Tour operator:

Riviera Travel

Tour code:

GP6

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

15 - 25

Physical rating:

Low

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Journey by high-speed train through the stunning European countryside to explore Switzerland's largest body of water, Lake Geneva. Wander the lakeside cities set among gentle hills covered in vineyards, including Geneva, Montreux and Lausanne. Visit the charming Château de Chillon and other places of interest along the shores of the lake. Discover a taste of Switzerland with tastings in Gruyères - home of Switzerland's most famous cheese - and Broc, to visit a local chocolate factory.

The absolute highlight of this trip is a ride on the magnificent Golden Pass Express Train from Montreux to Gstaad. Marvel at spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland through the panoramic windows on an unforgettable train journey. Once in Gstaad, we'll make the short journey to Col-du-Pilon and ascend 3,000 metres by cable car to Glacier 3000, the highest point of the Vaudois Alps, for incredible views of Switzerland's most iconic peaks.

This is the ideal holiday for those who love to travel by train and are looking to experience everything Switzerland has to offer.

Highlights

  • Happy by day two or we'll bring you home with a full refund

  • Tour into the unique heart of Geneva and sail across the glistening waters of Lake Geneva.

  • Follow in the footsteps of Freddie Mercury in Montreux with a guided tour of the town, and visit the Queen Studio Experience.

  • Explore the 12th-century Chateau du Chillon, the former home of the Counts of Savoy, to learn more about its fascinating past.

  • Watch master cheesemakers at work on a visit to a local dairy with a chance to taste their delicious cheese.

  • Learn about the history of chocolate making and sample some of the products on a visit to a local chocolate factory.

  • Ride through a fairytale landscape with sheer mountainsides, dark forests and surging mountain streams on the Golden Pass Express Train.

  • Ascend by cable car to the highest point of the Vaudois Alps, with stunning views of the iconic Eiger, Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountain peaks.

  • Enjoy a delightful wine tasting at a family-owned wine estate in Chexbres, where Vaud traditions still flourish.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Travel To Geneva

Location: Geneva, St Pancras

We'll journey from London on the Eurostar to Paris, where we board the TGV high-speed train. From the windows of the train, watch the landscapes of Burgundy and the Saone Valley near Macon. The route becomes ever more scenic as we travel east through the Jura Hills towards Geneva, where we'll stay for two nights.

Day 2 : Geneva

Location: Geneva

Beginning as a Roman settlement, Geneva quickly grew into an important trading town in the heart of Europe during the Middle Ages. Due to its strategic locale, the city was a major target of conquest and changed hands several times before eventually establishing itself as an independent republic in 1602.



After breakfast at the hotel, we'll explore the beautiful city of Geneva on a guided walking tour of its most famous landmarks with a local guide. We'll see Geneva's Jet d'eau, the star of Geneva Harbour, a gigantic water fountain with a beautiful story. Enjoy the 12th-century architecture of St Peter's Cathedral and the nearby Flower Clock in Jardin Anglais. We'll see the monuments, art and cultural institutions in Place Neuve, the cultural hub of Geneva, and the formation wall, featuring imposing stone statues of the key figures of the reformation.



Later, we'll embark on a relaxing cruise across Lake Geneva, the largest Alpine Lake in Europe at approximately 580 sqkm. We'll savour a delicious lunch as we sail across the lake's glistening waters enjoying views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.



The rest of the day is free for you to explore Geneva at leisure or relax at the hotel and enjoy the facilities.

Day 3 : Montreux

Location: Montreux

We'll take a scenic train journey along the northern side of Lake Geneva towards Montreux, enjoying picturesque views of the vineyards of Lavaux, the lake, and the stunning Alpine panorama.



Enjoy free time for lunch in Montreux's Old Town, filled with cafés and restaurants where you can sit and watch the world go by.



This afternoon, we'll follow in the footsteps of Montreux's most famous resident, Freddie Mercury. Our guided tour will start with a visit to Queen Studio Experience inside the renowned Casino Barrière de Montreux. Featuring a permanent exhibit of the British group, this recording studio was formerly owned by Queen and retraces one of the most important periods in the band's life - look out for the striking bronze statue of Freddie outside!



Later, we'll take the train to Lausanne, home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters. After checking in to our hotel, enjoy some free time to explore the local area. Lausanne is made up of a medieval labyrinth of cobbled streets lined with traditional shops and, at the centre, is a fine 12th-century Gothic cathedral with an ornate façade. Just a short walk from our hotel is the Eole Wind Vane, and continue along the lakefront to find the Olympic Museum.

Day 4 : Chateau Du Chillon & Chexbres

Location: Chexbres

After breakfast, we will take a train to Chateau du Chillon, enjoying more views of Lake Geneva. This striking medieval fortress is dramatically located on a rocky promontory, enjoying exceptional views over the crystal waters. Built in the 12th century, it was once the residence and toll station for the Savoy family and is now one of the most visited historic buildings in Switzerland. Here, we'll enjoy a guided tour with a local expert learning more about its fascinating past and exquisite surroundings.



After free time exploring the Chateau at your leisure, we'll travel to Chexbres. Float along the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva on a cruise from Chateau du Chillon to Vevey, then take a short train journey along the lake from Vevey to Chexbres.



Signature Experience:



The climate around Lake Geneva has been heavily influenced by its waters, which keep the climate mild - perfect for growing grapes. The vast majority of vineyards in this area are family-owned, like the estate we'll visit in Chexbres this afternoon. Here, we'll enjoy a delightful wine tasting before travelling back to Lausanne by train.

Day 5 : Golden Pass Experience & Glacier 3000

Location: Golden Pass Railway

This morning, we take the train to Montreux, where we board the magnificent Golden Pass Express train, one of the world's greatest rail journeys. 



Signature Experience:



Gaze in awe as we travel from the lush Mediterranean landscape of Montreux and through picturesque woodlands. We'll then encounter a steep gradient - an ascent of 1 in 37 - and pass through Jaman tunnel, the longest on the line. Here the village names change from French to German. Sit back and savour the views from the panoramic windows of exquisite mountain scenery. We'll pass sheer mountainsides cloaked with dark pine forests, surging mountain streams and bubbling springs cascading into the valley below. Between the trees, spot picturesque mountain villages nestled into the slopes as we journey over high bridges and through incredibly engineered tunnels.



Once we arrive in Gstaad, we will take a short drive to Col du Pillon, where we'll ascend into the alpine landscape in a cable car. Prepare for jaw-dropping views from all sides as we climb up to the icy summit of Glacier 3000, the highest point of the Vaudois Alps. The summit offers stunning views of the most iconic peaks in the world - the mighty Eiger, Jungfrau and Matterhorn.



Here, there'll be plenty of free time to enjoy lunch and some of the activities offered in this wintery wonderland. Try the exhilarating Peak Walk, a 107-metre suspension bridge and the only one linking the two summits, or a thrilling ride on the Alpine Coaster, the highest toboggan run in the world!

Day 6 : Gruyeres & Broc

Location: Gruyères

Today we experience Switzerland's famous local delicacies. This morning, we'll visit a local dairy near the alpine pastures near Gruyères. Twice a day, 22 farmers deliver milk from cows that graze the lush grass of local alpine meadows to the fromagerie. Under the watchful eyes of visitors, the master cheesemakers produce up to 48 wheels of Gruyère cheese a day. During our visit, we'll have the chance to taste and buy some of the products famous in this region of Switzerland.



We'll then head to the medieval village of Gruyères, the namesake for the local cheese, for free time and lunch at your leisure. The picturesque town is pedestrianised so take a gentle stroll through the cobblestoned streets towards the small drinking fountain in the centre.



This afternoon, we'll continue to Broc to visit a local chocolate factory. A sweet adventure awaits you here. Explore the story of their chocolate through a series of interactive, multi-sensorial experiences, and uncover a few secrets along the way. As well as learning about the history of chocolate, you will have the opportunity to witness the production process and, most importantly, sample some of their products.

Day 7 : Free Day

Location: Lausanne

After a busy few days, enjoy free time to explore the Lake Geneva area as you wish with your Lausanne transport card. Perhaps visit the Olympic Museum, the largest archive of the Olympic movement in the world, housing countless artefacts related to sport and the Olympics. Enjoy a pleasant stroll along Lausanne’s lakefront or venture out of the city on public transport. Your expert Tour Manager is on hand to advise and assist you.

Day 8 : Return Home

Location: Lausanne, St Pancras

We’ll journey back to the UK today, enjoying the stunning landscapes of Switzerland and France from the TGV and Eurostar.

What's Included

  • The price of this holiday is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room. Sole occupancy rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement

  • Accommodation

    7 nights in 4-star accommodation. Please note that in Switzerland twin beds are often one bed base with two mattresses and individual bed linen

  • Additional Services

    Cruise across Lake Geneva; All visits and tours mentioned; All local taxes and transfers

  • Fully Guided

    The services of a Riviera Travel Tour Manager

  • International Travel

    Return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar; Return standard class reserved seat on TGV

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast, 1 lunch & 2 dinners

  • Transport

    Lausanne transport card; All additional rail journeys and transfers; Ticket on the Golden Pass Express Train

What's Not Included

  • Insurance

  • Any other item not listed or described as optional

Mode of Transport

Return standard class reserved seat on Eurostar

Return standard class reserved seat on TGV

Lausanne transport card

All additional rail journeys and transfers

Ticket on the Golden Pass Express Train

Accommodation

4* Warwick, Geneva

4* Movenpick Lausanne

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    The maximum group size on our Signature Tours is 25 people

  • What currencies are required for this tour?

    Swiss Francs

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    Yes, please enquire if the single price is not shown

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes, the trip is lead by a Riviera Tour Manager

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes, you will receive the details within your travel documents

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For almost 40 years

  • I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?

    We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns

  • Do I require travel insurance?

    It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.

  • What is my luggage allowance?

    You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.

Reviews of this operator

David Clarke (Google Reviewer)  

This review is for the...

08-Aug-2023

This review is for the italian Lake Como trip Aug 1-8 Wow what a trip. Riviera from start to finish were excellent the booking and help line answering questions were very good and clear. The travel booklet you get is laid out that it is simple to read and follow with step by step info from booking in to flights to meeting the guides. Our guide Matt Purse was just the best guide and real credit to Riviera with his knowledge and straight forward approach to running the trips. Matt kept us informed and told us all the sort of info you want to know without going over the top....This chap should teach other reps ..thank you so much. The coaches they use are all clean and well equipped with usb chargers and have aircon. The places chosen to visit were well researched even down to where coaches park or drop you off. The Bernina Express was the highlight for our family and matts photo tip was welcomed. The only down point was the hotel,a little dated and evening meal in main restuarant was a bit of a let down. I think we were lucky with our room on level 7 and with balcony as the walls are very thin and noise travels. We would book again with riviera

Barbara Shillaker (Google Reviewer)  

I have been on three...

11-Jan-2024

I have been on three trips with Riviera Travel so far, with two more booked during 2024. Highly recommended. Excellent tour guides. Great program of visits. Great hotels used.

Julie Berry (Google Reviewer)  

What a fantastic holiday to...

29-May-2024

What a fantastic holiday to Canada on the Rocky Mountaineer & Alaska Cruise. If you are thinking of booking this do it right now. From start to finish everything was great. The hotels, the transport and the cruise. The rep was absolutely fabulous. If you have ‘B’ as your rep you will make a friend. She is so full of knowledge. We went on this trip with strangers and left it as friends.

Mrs Bodnarec (Google Reviewer)  

Thankyou Riviera and all the...

28-Apr-2024

Thankyou Riviera and all the staff on the William Wordsworth Danube River cruise. My husband and i have just travelled on the Danube to celebrate my husbands 60th and we had such a lovely experience. We were younger than most of the travellers but we met so many lovely people so this wasnt a problem. The staff were so lovely and professional. The service we experienced was so high. The boat was beautiful, the food amazing and the excursions were informative and well managed. I would definately recommend riviera as a company. In fact we are now considering their Japan holiday.

Valerie Pascoe  

We would go again in a heartbeat

22-Jan-2022

Oh my goodness, what a relief it was to actually get away! Full marks to all at Riviera for keeping us up to date before our trip and for the help so cheerfully and patiently given with the extra admin that Covid brought our way. We felt totally safe with the measures taken on board, thank you very much for this. Without exception, Staff were fantastic and our every need was attended to. The additional Covid testing ran smoothly, organised by our Riviera Reps. The guided tours were most interesting: the guides very knowledgeable and more importantly, interesting to listen to. We loved this trip and would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you again Riviera, you were FAB!

Chris Wilson (Google Reviewer)  

Second escorted tour with this...

25-Jul-2022

Second escorted tour with this company. Did 5 days in Iceland tour. Everything went smoothly, excellent tour guide, Per. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting guy. Very friendly too. Highly recommend. Just let down by the room given at the hotel, but I guess the travel company doesn't have control over this.

Christine Hardy (Google Reviewer)  

Although most people seem to...

10-Mar-2024

Although most people seem to book and pay for their holidays online, because we live close by we prefer to make a personal visit. In my opinion if they are offering this as an option they should be better equipped to accommodate visits in person. We have not been on our river cruise yet, so can't comment on that yet.

Norma Patrick (Google Reviewer)  

Recently went on a tour...

18-May-2024

Recently went on a tour of the Deep South USA plus Texas. Before we set off on the trip we were informed that our trip On the Amtrak train would not be going ahead and we were given a £50 refund each. We were disappointed especially as there was no consultation beforehand and to only receive £50 each in compensation was poor. This was one of the reasons we had chosen Riviera Travel and may have considered another company had we been given the choice. Despite this we had a fabulous holiday, although we thought the tour guide was poor. There was no music played whilst we were traveling on the coach and when asked if more could be played we received a flat ‘no’. If we had relied on the tour guide all the time we wouldn’t have gone anywhere. However we ignored his comments that Nashville was ‘mad’ and went downtown and had the best night. All in all we had a wonderful holiday but it could have been better from Riviera Travel point of view. This is a very expensive tour and we thought the standard of hotels were very poor in some places. Probably would try a different tour company next time.

S BP (Google Reviewer)  

Delayed writing this review as...

16-Jul-2024

Delayed writing this review as I wanted to see if my frustrations dampened but they have not and it gives me no pleasure to write the following. Have travelled with Riviera previously without issue, and in fact loved everything. However on the latest riviera cruise from Budapest the vegetarian food offering was way below par and indeed it was clear there were times they cross contaminated between veggie and meat/fish. Staff on the cruise seemed unable to improve the issues and indeed on occasion the attempt to say they were giving this full attention resulted in even worse food. On return my complaint was dealt with quickly and we were refunded what in effect would be the cost of the food element of the cruise without delay. There was no recognition however that the marketing references to fine dining were in fact misleading. The individual who dealt with the complaint mentioned more than once that she had tried the vegetarian food on another ship Riviera use (it's the same two week rotating menu all season across the fleet) and found it to be good; pleased to hear, that doesn't help me does it! And totally ignored the fact that on a cruise you can't exactly jump ashore to supplement your food if it is poor, which meant there were occasions I went to bed hungry as it was truly that bad or lacking in quantity and food is such an integral part of the trip when you are basically held captive. I even bought my own extras when ashore for the chef to add to my meals like smoked tofu which they had the audacity to present to me at the special chefs dinner as cheese they had sourced! Very poor complaint handling that lacked real empathy, did not address all the points I raised and we all know escalating to the ombudsman is pointless as they are a toothless shark. Pictures shown are a main course for dinner - Pad Thai that was actually rice sticks with carrot and pine nuts, two tiny samosas & lettuce while the non veggies had shrimp skewers that were apparently delicious and roasted vegetable pie that was two mm of chopped veg with an inch of mash in top! The cruise itself was lovely but completely marred by the food and Riviera have now lost my business.

Barbara Parkes (Google Reviewer)  

Presently in Croatia staying at...

22-Sep-2023

Presently in Croatia staying at Arauana Hotel, supposedly a 4 star property, but wouldn't give it any star rating. Rooms are small and dirty. Wallpaper blistering. Meals served in a shed like lean-to. Food like warm, greasy and always self service. Second holiday with Riviera this year and neither at standard advertised. Have travelled with them previously and everything was fine, but standards have really dropped. Have booked a holiday with them next year and now dreading it. Certainly don't provide the standard advertised. We have never stayed in such a hovel and have visited youngsters in back packers accommodation which was far better than this supposedly 4 star accommodation. There are no indoor bars or lounges only a shed as a so called restaurant. Absolutely disgusting. Won't be boking with them again

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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