Christmas Alps of Lake Geneva 2012 

Thanks to a renegotiation with some of our suppliers, we are delighted to confirm a reduction in the price of this tour from its original brochure price as of 12 August 2011 for all bookings made on/before 31 October.



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 or Geneva. We change trains and travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to Vevey, where our base for six nights is the welcoming 4-star superior 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. He lived in the town from 1952 until his death in 1977 and his statue stands in gardens overlooking the lake. On arrival at the hotel we enjoy mulled wine and cake, followed by dinner together in the hotel. (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 bestpreserved medieval castles and a fine example of early Gothic architecture. Later we visit the delightful stalls of Montreux's fabulous Christmas Market, which line the lake shore and offer a great selection of decorations, gift ideas and local culinary specialities. On our return to the hotel we are served cakes and mulled wine. (B)

Our excursion today is by the charming TransOrmonan 1913 vintage narrow-gauge railway to Les Diablerets, a lovely Alpine town of wooden houses and traditional farm buildings situated high in the mountains. 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. We enjoy a fondue lunch in the Auberge de la Poste, a typical Swiss mountain inn, before we return to Vevey for dinner. (B,L,D)

On Christmas Day we take the rack-and-pinion railway from Vevey to Les Pléiades. We travel in a special carriage with panoramic windows to maximise the beautiful views of the dramatic hills and sweeping fields we pass during the journey. The mountain railway climbs towards Blonay before continuing on to Les Pléiades, perched high above Lake Geneva at 4,500ft (1,372m). Here we can admire the amazing vistas over the sparkling lake and the towns on its shore, as well as the rugged peaks surrounding the area, before we retrace our route down the mountain. On our return to Vevey we enjoy mulled wine and cakes before a 4-course gala Christmas Dinner. (B,D)

We travel by train to Martigny where we join the fabulousMont Blanc Express, which winds its way through the mountains to Chamonix, a bustling mountain town and a major winter sports resort high in the French Alps. On arrival 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 at 6,275 feet (1,913m) since 1909. We have lunch in Montenvers whilst enjoying the fabulous views over the nine-mile long Mer de Glace glacier, surrounded by some of Europe's most majestic peaks and rock spires. It may even be possible to descend by cable car to the glacier itself and visit the ice grottos. We rejoin the Montenvers Mountain Railway for the return journey to Chamonix, connecting with the Mont Blanc Express back to Martigny and Vevey. (B,L)

Today is free for you to enjoy Vevey and its beautiful setting, or perhaps to explore the local area further using your included Riviera card. Vevey is home to a number of interesting museums, and charming lakefront walks. You could take a short journey by trolley bus to Montreux from where you can take a fabulous journey into the mountains by cog railway to Rochers de Naye, one of Switzerland's most beautiful viewpoints. On a clear day you can see the Eiger and Mont Blanc. Alternatively, you could venture a little further afield to Lausanne, a picturesque town which is home to the world-famous Olympic Museum. The sophisticated city of Geneva is also within easy reach, and here you can visit the chic shops, explore the cobbled streets, or perhaps visit the Palais des Nations, headquarters of the United Nations. Tonight you are free to dine in a restaurant of your choice. (B)

We travel to Lausanne or Geneva, where we connect with the TGV Lyria for a journey in First Class through France and on 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)

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