New Year Alps of Lake Geneva 2012 

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 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, 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. Following our visit you have some time at leisure to explore the elegant lakeside town of Montreux. (B)

Our excursion today takes us by narrow-gauge railway from Vevey to a quiet, charming mountain village. 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 on its way to Les Diablerets. 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, before we return to Vevey to prepare for tonight's celebrations. This evening we celebrate the New Year in style with a wonderful 4-course gala dinner at our hotel. At midnight we have the opportunity to enjoy the fireworks and other celebrations in the town's market square. (B,L,D)

On New Year's Day we take the rack-and-pinion railway from Vevey to Les Pléiades. We travel in a carriage with specially designed panoramic windows to maximise the beautiful views of the dramatic hills and snow covered meadows 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). From the summit, enjoy spectacular views over the lake's crystal clear waters, the towns and villages dotted along the shore, and the soaring peaks of the Alps. Back in Vevey we enjoy dinner together at the hotel. (B,D)

Today we enjoy one of the Alps' most exciting rail journeys as we travel on the fabulous Mont Blanc Express - a tourist train that maximises on the region's stunning views and mountain scenery. We begin with a short journey around Lake Geneva to the pretty town of Martigny. Here we board the Mont Blanc Express train for the journey to Chamonix. The line from Martigny climbs serenely as we pass through the pretty vineyards covering the hillsides throughout much of the Rhône Valley.

The small electric train then begins its ascent into the mountains, climbing steeply towards the snow-capped Alpine peaks. The train continues effortlessly upwards through the forest; the views becoming increasingly impressive. 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. In winter, the Trient Gorge is a snow-bound landscape with frozen waterfalls and cosy villages encased by snowdrifts.

As we approach Chamonix, the mighty Mont Blanc towers above the train and dominates the skyline of the Chamonix Valley. We then reach Chamonix, a bustling town which became famous with the opening of the Mont Blanc Express and cemented its place in history as the host of the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924. Here 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 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. It is often possible to visit the glacier's ice grottos by cable car. Later we rejoin the Montenvers Mountain Railway for the descent to Chamonix, connecting with the Mont Blanc Express for the spectacular return journey. (B,L)

Today is free for you to enjoy Vevey and its beautiful scenery, or perhaps 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. Otherwise, the lively lakeside town of Montreux is just ten minutes away by trolleybus. The sophisticated city of Geneva is also within easy reach; explore the city's cobbled streets and charming architecture. Alternatively, take the GoldenPass Panoramic train to Interlaken. (B)

On Day 7 we enjoy a journey on the Mont Pèlerin funicular railway. Departing from Vevey, the line climbs steadily up the mountainside, passing sweeping forests 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. On Day 8 we travel via Lausanne to Paris and connect with the Eurostar service to London. (Day 7-B; Day 8-B,E)

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