New Year 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.



We depart St Pancras International for Paris by Eurostar, travelling in Standard Premier Class. After crossing the city by coach, we continue by TGV (First Class) to Vevey on the shores of Lake Geneva. We stay at the Astra Hotel, our base for the next six nights. (E,D)

Today we travel to Château de Chillon, which rises dramatically from the waters of Lake Geneva against a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountain scenery. We enjoy a guided tour of the 13th century Gothic 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 Montreuxt to explore its deslightful lakeside promenade and lively centre. Another popular option is the pleasant lakeside village of Villeneuve, just five minutes from the château. (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. On our return to Vevey you have time to get ready for our 4-course gala dinner at the hotel - a wonderful way to see in the New Year. (B,L,D)

On New Year's 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. (B,D)

We travel by train to Martigny where we join the fabulous Mont 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