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Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

GoldenPass & Glaciers

Nine-day Swiss rail loop from Montreux through Jungfraujoch to Lucerne

Illustration of GoldenPass & Glaciers

Marvellous Escapes' GoldenPass & Glaciers is a 9-day tailor-made rail holiday that loops through Switzerland's most scenic regions, departing from London via Eurostar and Paris (or by flying to Geneva with an onward rail connection) and ending in Zurich. The journey spans three cities: Montreux on Lake Geneva, the mountain town of Interlaken, and the lakeside city of Lucerne. The itinerary blends train travel with curated activities. From Montreux, you visit Château de Chillon and ride a cable car to Glacier 3000 at 3,000 meters. On Day 4, you board the GoldenPass Express, a panoramic train that carries you through vineyards and alpine villages to Interlaken. Two days later, the Jungfrau Railway carries you to Jungfraujoch, where you explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observatory. The Glacier Canyon Experience lets you walk through rock galleries carved by glacial water. On Day 7, the Luzern-Interlaken Express brings you to Lucerne for a guided walking tour of the old town, Chapel Bridge, and medieval walls. All accommodation includes breakfast, and most activities are pre-arranged, combining the comfort of guided travel with the flexibility to relax in each location.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Glacier Canyon Experience is available April to October only; alternatives such as Schilthorn or a lake cruise can be arranged outside this season.
  • From-price of £2,499 (USD 3,337) covers the package and hotel stays; London to Montreux rail fare (Eurostar and onward connections) is booked separately, as is the return journey or flights.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Travel from London to Montreux by rail via Paris, or fly to Geneva with an onward train connection. Evening at leisure by Lake Geneva.

  2. Day 2overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Visit the Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. Afternoon at leisure along the palm-lined promenade, perhaps visiting the Freddie Mercury statue.

  3. Day 3overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Excursion to Glacier 3000: cable car to 3,000m, the Peak Walk by Tissot suspension bridge, the Alpine Coaster, and optional husky sled ride.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Board the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, a panoramic rail journey through vineyards, alpine villages and mountain passes. Explore the Höheweg promenade on arrival.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Ascend to Jungfraujoch ('the Top of Europe') aboard the Jungfrau Railway, visiting the Ice Palace, the Sphinx Observatory and the Snow Fun Park.

  6. Day 6overnight: Interlaken

    Interlaken

    Glacier Canyon Experience: a walk through dramatic rock galleries and tunnels carved by glacial water (available April-October only; alternatives such as Schilthorn or a lake cruise can be arranged outside this season).

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Scenic rail journey aboard the Luzern-Interlaken Express from Interlaken to Lucerne. Explore the old town and the Chapel Bridge on arrival.

  8. Day 8overnight: Lucerne

    Lucerne

    Walking tour of Lucerne: the Chapel Bridge and its Water Tower, the Jesuit Church, the KKL Luzern, and the medieval Musegg Wall.

  9. Day 9rail

    Return home

    Scenic rail ride from Lucerne to Zurich, with time to explore before continuing home: by rail via the TGV Lyria to Paris and the Eurostar to London, or by flying direct from Zurich.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Visit Château de Chillon, a medieval castle on the shores of Lake Geneva, followed by a walk along the palm-lined promenade.
  • Day 4Board the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, a panoramic rail journey through vineyards, alpine villages, and mountain passes.
  • Day 5Ascend to Jungfraujoch aboard the Jungfrau Railway to visit the Ice Palace, Sphinx Observatory, and Snow Fun Park.
  • Day 6Walk through the Glacier Canyon Experience: dramatic rock galleries and tunnels carved by glacial water, including the Spiderweb Walk.
  • Day 7Travel on the Luzern-Interlaken Express from Interlaken to Lucerne, then explore the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower on arrival.

Included

  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Montreux with breakfast included
  • 3-nights hotel accommodation in Interlaken with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Lucerne with breakfast included
  • Rail London to Montreux via Paris or fly to Geneva with onward rail
  • Lucerne-Interlaken Express to Lucerne and the GoldenPass Line
  • Lucerne walking tour
  • Glacier 3000 and Glacier Canyon Experience
  • Trip to Jungfraujoch

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, the package includes the GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne, the Jungfrau Railway to Jungfraujoch, and a rail journey from Lucerne to Zurich. However, your outbound journey from London (Eurostar and onward connections) or inbound flight to Geneva are booked separately.
What hotels are included?
The package includes three nights in Montreux, three nights in Interlaken, and two nights in Lucerne, all with breakfast included.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
Marvellous Escapes describes this as a tailor-made rail holiday. A guided walking tour of Lucerne is included; other days offer a mix of arranged activities and leisure time.
When does it run?
The Glacier Canyon Experience, one of the main activities, operates April through October; alternative experiences can be arranged outside this season.
How much walking is involved?
A walking tour of Lucerne covers the Chapel Bridge, Water Tower, Jesuit Church, KKL Luzern, and the Musegg Wall. At Glacier 3000, you walk the Peak Walk by Tissot suspension bridge and the Alpine Coaster. The Glacier Canyon Experience involves walking through rock galleries and tunnels.
What is not included?
Outbound rail travel from London (Eurostar and connections) and your return journey from Zurich (whether by rail or flight) are booked separately. Meals other than hotel breakfasts are not included. The husky sled ride at Glacier 3000 is optional and charged separately.

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