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Swiss Alps, Lakes and Cities

Switzerland
Rail

From £2197

Excluding Flights

8 Nights

Year Round

Overview

Experience the perfect blend of history, nature, gastronomy, and adventure on this unforgettable journey through some of Switzerland’s most captivating destinations. From the shimmering shores of Lake Geneva to the rolling vineyards of Lavaux, the alpine elegance of the Simmental region, and the medieval charm of Bern, this tour offers a rich and diverse experience. Travel in style aboard the GoldenPass Railway, one of Switzerland’s most scenic train routes, as you journey from Montreux through the Alps to Lenk im Simmental and beyond.

What’s more, it’s completely flight-free – simply hop on a train at London St Pancras International and let your rail adventure begin!

  • Highlights

    Discover the grandeur of the Swiss Alps on scenic hiking trails

  • Highlights

    Embrace the outdoors with wild swimming and scenic lake experiences

  • Highlights

    Explore the charm and secrets of four breathtaking Swiss cities

  • Highlights

    Indulge in vineyard strolls, classic fondue, and the warm Swiss hospitality

switzerland-golden-pass-express-in-rougemont-vaud-st

GoldenPass Panorama Express

The GoldenPass route connects Lake Geneva with central Switzerland, running directly between Montreux and Interlaken on the scenic GoldenPass Panoramic trains. On this itinerary, you’ll travel from Montreux to Zweisimmen, passing through some of Europe’s most spectacular mountain landscapes. On another day, the journey continues via Spiez, beautifully located on the shores of Lake Thun.

Highlights include the dramatic ascent from Montreux, winding through terraced vineyards and elegant country estates, before reaching the breathtaking vistas of the Bernese Oberland. You’ll also have the unique chance to experience one leg of the journey on the nostalgic Belle Époque train, and the other on the sleek, modern panorama train.

Itinerary

Depart London in the morning and travel to Paris Gare du Nord on Eurostar. Transfer to Gare du Lyon, just two stops on the Paris PER, before departing on your onward journey to Lucerne. Spend the following two nights in Lausanne.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, Lausanne is a captivating blend of historic charm and modern culture. Stroll through its picturesque streets, where Gothic architecture meets a lively, contemporary atmosphere.

Begin your visit at the Olympic Museum, a tribute to the city’s status as the Olympic Capital. Then, wander along the bustling Ouchy waterfront, where lakeside cafés and promenades invite you to relax and take in the views. Don’t miss the Lausanne Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that dominates the skyline.

When it’s time to cool off, take a refreshing swim in Lake Geneva. Ouchy Beach, located in the Old Port, features a floating platform—perfect for sunbathing before diving into the crystal-clear waters. For a more secluded spot, head to the small beach near Vidy Port. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful swim followed by a cocktail at one of the charming lakeside bars.

Take the scenic rail ride along the shores of Lake Geneva with stunning views of the Lavaux vineyards.

An idyllic montage of mountains, vineyards and Lake Geneva. Montreux has inspired artists, writers and musicians ranging from Freddie Mercury and Prince to Igor Stravinski. It feels almost Mediterranean along the shores of Lake Geneva between Villeneuve and Lutry where Montreux Riviera enjoys a microclimate that sustains the famous terraced vineyard of Lavaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Enjoy a wine tour, or venture from the lake shore into the forests where walking trails lead through alpine meadows to fabulous panoramic viewpoints.

Enjoy a day at your own pace in the charming lakeside town of Montreux. Enjoy a gentle cruise across the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva, soaking up the stunning Alpine scenery. A visit to the fairytale-like Chillon Castle is always a treat — and for those feeling adventurous, it pairs perfectly with a refreshing dip at the hidden gem of Chillon Beach.

Journey through breathtaking scenery aboard the spectacular GoldenPass Panorama Express. Choose between the timeless elegance of the iconic Belle Époque train or the sleek comfort of a modern panoramic carriage, both offering unforgettable views of Switzerland’s picture-perfect landscapes. Disembark at Zweisimmen and change trains to Lenk. The Adelboden-Lenk-Kandersteg region is a hiker’s paradise, brimming with scenic trails and Alpine charm. Blooming alpine meadows, sunny mountain panoramas and crystal-clear lakes provide the perfect backdrop for hiking, biking and discovering the wild beauty of the Alps.

Discover the wilder side of Lenk just minutes from the village centre. Start at Wallbach Gorge, where rushing water has carved deep, bubbling holes into the limestone—a perfect spot to cool off, splash around, and build your little stone cairns, locally known as Steinmändli.

Then stroll to Lenkerseeli, a tranquil alpine lake offering sweeping views of the Wildstrubel. Whether you are walking the lakeside trail or birdwatching, it’s the perfect place to unwind.

For a true alpine highlight, follow the trail to D’Sibe Brünne—the magical seven springs that form the source of the Simme River. Gushing from a mighty limestone wall, this powerful natural spectacle flows into the dramatic Simmen Falls below, where mist dances in the air near the historic Barbara Bridge.

Along the way, don’t miss a chance to stop at Nessli Beizli, Restaurant Siebenbrunnen, or Restaurant Simmenfälle for hearty local fare—perhaps even a traditional meringue with Nidle (cream)—served with unforgettable views.

Continue your scenic adventure aboard another stunning stretch of the GoldenPass Panorama Express towards Spiez and the sparkling shores of Lake Thun. Why not pause here for a leisurely lunch or a refreshing swim at the Spiez Lido, before carrying on by rail to Switzerland’s captivating capital, Bern.

Switzerland’s capital is a gem, with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, winding arcades, grand cathedral, and medieval clock tower. Framed by the turquoise waters of the River Aare and with views stretching to the Alps, Bern is a beautiful blend of history, culture, and nature.

Don’t miss the hourly show at the Zytglogge, where dancing bears, jesters, and roosters put on a charming medieval spectacle. For a moment of calm, head to the Rose Garden, a peaceful hilltop park boasting over 220 varieties of roses, irises, rhododendrons, and panoramic views over the city and Aare loop. Once a cemetery, it’s now one of the loveliest spots in town, complete with a reading garden, lily pond, and the Rosengarten restaurant.

On warmer days, join the locals at Marzili Lido, a riverside swimming area beneath the Swiss Parliament — a perfect spot for a refreshing dip with an unbeatable view.

Board the morning train to Paris Gare du Lyon via Basel, then transfer to Gare du Nord for the afternoon or evening Eurostar to London.

Prices

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom

  • Breakfast throughout

  • Interrail Pass and seat reservations

  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday

  • No surcharge guarantee

  • Full financial protection

From £2197 Excluding Flights

8 Nights

Year Round

Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based upon your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.

Make this trip yours

Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.

Freya
1

Quarter Swiss

30

Different countries explored

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Departure & price guide

We create holidays that are as individual as you are. And we’ve been doing it for 40 years, crafting each and every holiday using our in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for our destinations. Whatever your brief, we’ll create an amazing trip for you to get excited about. That might mean adapting one of our existing itineraries or we’ll build you one from scratch.

Experts with real experience

  • Gary

    Travel Specialist

  • Kieran

    Travel Specialist

  • Doug

    Travel Specialist

  • Samantha

    Travel Specialist

  • Darren

    Travel Specialist

  • Lauren

    Travel Specialist

  • Rosie in Canada

    Rosie

    Travel Specialist

  • team-in-location-dawn

    Dawn

    Head of Customer Experience

  • team-in-location-jo-sweden

    Jo

    Travel Specialist

  • 6

    Continents visited

    8

    Great Barrier Reef scuba dives

    82

    Countries visited

  • 7500

    Miles covered by train

    27

    US states visited

    1

    Kangaroo punched by

  • 2

    Polar plunges

    7

    Continents set foot in

    8

    Canada provinces visited

  • 6

    Continents travelled over

    24

    Countries explored

    10

    Seas/oceans swam in

  • 10

    Whale watching trips

    3

    Successful northern lights hunts

    45

    Countries Visited

  • 39

    Countries visited

    1

    Rail journey on the Ghan

    50

    Fiordland penguins encountered

  • 5

    Humpback whales spotted in Redoubt Bay

    34

    Countries visited

    6

    Continents visited

  • 13

    Polar bears seen

    35

    Countries visited

    2

    Blue whale encounters

  • 4

    Arctic cruises

    2

    Antarctica cruises

    20

    Species of whales & dolphins seen

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