Alps of Lake Geneva in Winter & Spring 2013 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class, enjoying a light meal and drinks on board. After crossing Paris by coach, our journey continues by First Class TGV Lyria through France to Lausanne. We change trains and travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to Vevey, where our base for seven nights is the welcoming 4-star Astra Hotel. Vevey is a genteel market town boasting a medieval Old Town, elegant arcades and picturesque squares. As well as being the home of Nestlé, who began manufacturing chocolate here in the 17th century, Vevey is also known for its famous former resident, Charlie Chaplin, whose statue overlooks the lake. (E,D)

On our first morning we travel by trolley-bus to the elegant Château de Chillon, which rises dramatically from the waters of Lake Geneva and sits against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery. We cross the wooden drawbridge for a guided tour of the 13th century château, considered to be one of Europe's best-preserved medieval castles and a fine example of early Gothic architecture. You are free to return to Vevey at your leisure, perhaps calling at Montreux to explore its delightful lakeside promenade and lively centre. Another popular option is the pleasant lakeside village of Villeneuve, just five minutes from the château. In the evening we have dinner together in one of the hotel's restaurants. (B,D)

Today is free for you to enjoy Vevey and its beautiful scenery, or perhaps to explore the local area further using your included Riviera Card. Vevey is home to a number of interesting museums that are well worth a visit. Other options include the lively lakeside town of Montreux, just ten minutes away by trolleybus. You could travel around Lake Geneva to the picturesque town of Lausanne, home to the Olympic Museum, or visit the sophisticated city of Geneva. Alternatively, you have the opportunity to enjoy an excursion on the GoldenPass panoramic train to Interlaken, following a beautiful route through some truly spectacular mountain scenery. (B)

Our excursion today takes us by narrow-gauge railway from Vevey to the charming mountain village of Les Diablerets. The train makes its way up the sweeping, thickly-wooded valley, using horseshoe bends in places to gain height as it climbs through the increasingly dramatic scenery. A lovely Alpine village of wooden houses and traditional farm buildings situated high in the mountains, Les Diablerets is an idyllic place that remains popular with visitors. A local guide describes the flora, fauna and geology of the area to us, and takes us on a gentle guided walking tour through the wintry alpine meadows. Following our walk we enjoy a fondue lunch in the Auberge de la Poste, a typically welcoming Swiss mountain inn. (B,L)

Today we enjoy a journey on the Mont Pèlerin Funicular Railway. Departing from Vevey, the line climbs steadily up the mountainside, passing through the vineyards and sweeping forests that line the rolling hillsides, all dusted with snow. We arrive at the summit station, where you can admire the excellent views over your beautiful surroundings, including the mighty Alps and a magnificent panorama of Lake Geneva. After time to explore we descend back to Vevey. (B)

Today we enjoy one of the Alps' most exciting and rewarding railway journeys as we travel on the fabulous Mont Blanc Express - a tourist train from its inception over 100 years ago, designed purely to exploit the region's stunning views and mountain scenery. We begin our day with a short journey around Lake Geneva to the small, pretty town of Martigny. Here we board the Mont Blanc Express train to begin the journey to Chamonix. The line from Martigny climbs gently and serenely as we pass through the pretty vineyards which cover the hillsides throughout much of the Rhône Valley. Before long, the train begins its ascent into the mountains, climbing steeply and quickly towards the snow-capped Alpine peaks. The small electric train makes its way effortlessly upwards through the forest as the views across the valley becoming increasingly impressive with every passing minute. The route takes us across the wild, rugged Trient Gorge as the train clings to the mountainside, crossing over countless bridges and through dozens of tunnels and avalanche shelters. In winter, the Trient Gorge is a snow-bound landscape with frozen waterfalls and cosy villages encased by deep snowdrifts. In spring, the gorge transforms as the thaw begins; melt water cascades over waterfalls and new flowers emerge on the slopes. As we approach Chamonix, the mighty Mont Blanc towers above the train and dominates the skyline of the entire Chamonix Valley. We finally reach Chamonix, a bustling town and major winter sports resort which rose in prominence with the opening of the Mont Blanc Express and cemented its place in history by becoming the host of the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924. In Chamonix we join the historic Montenvers Mountain Railway, which has been carrying passengers from the valley floor, through the pine forests above the town, to Montenvers since 1909. We have lunch at an altitude of 6,275 feet (1,913m), enjoying fabulous views over the nine-mile long Mer de Glace glacier, surrounded by some of Europe's most majestic peaks and rock spires. During our time in Montenvers it is often possible to visit the glacier's ice grottos by cable car. We rejoin the Montenvers Mountain Railway for the descent to Chamonix, connecting with the Mont Blanc Express for the spectacular reverse journey back to Martigny and Vevey. (B,L)

Today we take the rack-and-pinion railway from Vevey to Les Pléiades. We travel in a carriage with specially designed panoramic windows to maximize the beautiful views of the dramatic hills and snow covered meadows we pass during the journey. The railway climbs towards Blonay before continuing on to Les Pléiades, perched high above Lake Geneva at 4,500ft (1,372m). From the summit, enjoy spectacular views over the crystal clear waters of the lake, the towns and villages dotted along the shore, and the soaring peaks of the Alps. (B,D)

Today we travel to Lausanne, where we connect with the TGV Lyria for a journey in First Class through France to Paris. After crossing Paris by coach, we connect with the Eurostar service to London, enjoying a light meal and drinks before arriving at 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



Your holiday includes a Montreux-Vevey Riviera Card, which offers many reductions on local transport, funicular railways, lake cruises and museums in the area.