Free standard class return tickets to London from your local station, on selected 2019 European holidays by rail when you book between 15th February 2019 and the 10th May 2019.
Staying up in the Swiss Alps, this tour takes in the best of Alpine elegance. Enjoy iconic rail journeys and visits to Zermatt and Montreux.
Meet your Tour Manager at London St Pancras International, where you board the Eurostar to Paris. Continue from there to Geneva and on to Leysin, where you stay for the next six nights.
Enjoy the next day at leisure to explore this charming village. Leysin is an undiscovered gem of this region, found at the eastern end of Lake Geneva, under the impervious sight of the Vaudoises Alps. Made up of chalets and squares, there is much to do here, or alternatively, you may wish to venture on a walk out onto the mountains.
Your excursion today sees you travel to the stylish town of Montreux. Stretching out along the crisp blue of Lake Geneva, Montreux offers a true taste of Swiss class. This remarkable lakeside town sits near the foothills of the Alps and boasts an ancient history of fascniating culture.
Originally a Roman settlement, Montreux has blossomed since, thanks to its impressive viticulture and its many world class events, including the iconic Montreux Jazz festival. Jazz giants from around the world and of every discipline have played here including Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald.
During your time here, you may wish to visit the imposing Chateau de Chillon, an impressive castle just a short distance from the town. You can find this castle under the gaze of the ancient Dents du Midi mountains rising up over Lake Geneva. The building itself dates back to 1,005 and was extensively expanded in 1,248. It has achieved iconic status across Europe, and is thought to be the main inspiration for the castle in Disney's Little Mermaid.
Enjoy one of the highlights of the tour today, as you board the magnificent Mont Blanc Express. This wonderful journey takes you through thick forests, over sharp gorges and alongside noble peaks on your way to Chamonix Mont Blanc, regarded as the Alpine capital.
The views along the way are simply sublime. Awesome gorges, sweeping valleys and deep green forests make an appearance at every turn, and as you ascend and descend the mountains, you are granted a spectacular glimpse into what makes Switzerland one of the world's most fantastic destinations.
Upon arrival into Chamonix, You have time here to explore. This town is in many ways a classic Alpine resort, and from here, you can enjoy a glorious mountain panorama which takes in the indomitable image of Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in the Alps.
Returning to Montreux today, you join the impressive rack railway which takes you up into the majestic mountains to Rochers de Naye. The journey is dramatic and entirely absorbing, revealing the astonishing natural beauty of this corner of the world. Be sure to look back across the waters of Lake Geneva as you go, and as the lake disappears behind the low-flying clouds which gather around the mountains.
Rochers de Nayes is a mountain split between two Swiss Cantons and its enviable position means you can gaze down on the lower peaks and the various lakes which hide below. Enjoy some time here to soak it all in before you return later on to Leysin for your dinner.
Today visit the wonderful town of Zermatt, hidden beneath the pyramidical peak of the Matterhorn. In many ways Zermatt is the classic Swiss town. Nestled away in a verdant green valley, this is Switzerland at its chocolate-box best. Snow-dusted mountains gather all around, and the Matterhorn is simply breath-taking. It gained notoriety as one of the most difficult of the Alpine mountains to climb, and it's not hard to see why, thanks to its sheer cliff faces and unique shape. It is one of the iconic images of Switzerland and rightly so.
Your time here in enchanting Zermatt is yours, you may wish to visit some of the boutique shops which line the streets. The streets are car-free, so be sure to take in the charming tranquillity and peaceful way of life which this mountain town has to offer.
Leaving Leysin and Switzerland behind today, we travel by rail to Paris after breakfast, where we board the Eurostar service to London. Here, your tour comes to an end
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices & Availability' button. We will write to you around 10 weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for your tour group.
Not Included
Please note: This tour may be suitable for reduced mobility passengers, please call for further information.
Take in the best of Alpine elegance
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