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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

GoldenPass, Mont Blanc & Jungfrau in Winter

Eight-day Swiss winter rail loop from Geneva to Thun via three alpine trains.

Illustration of GoldenPass, Mont Blanc & Jungfrau in Winter

Vacations By Rail operates this 8-day escorted tour through the Swiss Alps and French Mont Blanc region, beginning in Geneva and concluding in Thun. The tour manager accompanies the group throughout, handling logistics and guiding all excursions. Travelers stay three nights in the waterfront resort town of Montreux overlooking Lake Geneva, then four nights in the mountain village of Interlaken. The journey features three celebrated trains: the GoldenPass Express, which opened in December 2022 and runs directly from Montreux through panoramic carriages to Interlaken; the Mont Blanc Express, crossing the Alps into Chamonix, France, with optional access to the Mer de Glace glacier; and the Jungfrau Express, ascending to Jungfraujoch at 3,454 meters, Europe's highest train station, for views of the Aletsch Glacier. Days include guided tours of Château de Chillon and medieval Thun, a lake cruise, and a free day in Interlaken with options to visit mountain villages or nearby towns. This trip suits travelers seeking guided comfort, scenic train travel, and mountain scenery without the need to plan or navigate independently.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of USD 2,499 does not include international flights or airport transfers; rail and all in-country transport are included.
  • Days 3 and 6 include free time; Day 6 is entirely unguided with multiple optional activities to choose from.
  • The trip is scheduled for winter; confirm current departure dates and weather conditions with Vacations By Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Montreux

    A scenic Swiss beginning in Lake Geneva

    Arrive at Geneva airport and take the train to lakeside Montreux; check into the hotel and meet the Tour Manager and group for the first dinner.

  2. Day 2overnight: Montreux

    Touring the fairytale Château de Chillon

    Trolleybus to Villeneuve for a guided tour of Château de Chillon; free time to explore Montreux's promenade and statues.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Montreux

    Mont Blanc Express across the Alps to Chamonix

    Via Martigny, board the Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix, France, with free time; optional visit to the Mer de Glace glacier via the Montenvers cogwheel railway; return to Montreux for dinner.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Interlaken

    The GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken

    Board the GoldenPass Express panoramic carriages via Gstaad and Spiez (Lake Thun) to Interlaken, with a light lunch at the seats.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Interlaken

    Gondola to the spectacular 'Top of Europe'

    Train to Grindelwald, then the Eiger Express gondola and Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station; descend via Kleine Scheidegg and Lauterbrunnen.

  6. Day 6overnight: Interlaken

    Exploring the Bernese Oberland at leisure

    Free day; options include Wengen and Mürren, Lucerne via the Brünig Pass, or Lake Brienz and Brienz village.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Interlaken

    Uncover Thun and cruise the length of the lake

    Train to Thun to explore its 12th-century castle and medieval center; cruise the length of Lake Thun back to Interlaken.

  8. Day 8rail

    Traveling home

    After breakfast, walk to Interlaken's station and take the direct train to Zürich's airport, where the vacation concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Château de Chillon on the shores of Lake Geneva, followed by free time to stroll Montreux's promenade.
  • Day 3Ride the Mont Blanc Express across the Alps via Martigny to Chamonix, France, with optional cogwheel railway ascent to the Mer de Glace glacier.
  • Day 4Board the GoldenPass Express through panoramic carriages past Gstaad and Lake Thun to Interlaken, with lunch served at your seat.
  • Day 5Cable car and Jungfrau Express climb to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station, for views of the Aletsch Glacier and surrounding peaks.
  • Day 7Explore medieval Thun and its 12th-century castle, then cruise the length of Lake Thun back to Interlaken.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 4 & 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • First & Standard Class rail travel; all rail, cruise and coach travel throughout
  • Breakfast each day, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • Swiss Half Fare Card (50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railways)
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. The package includes First and Standard Class rail travel throughout, plus all cable car, mountain railway, boat, and coach travel. The Mont Blanc Express, GoldenPass Express, and Jungfrau Railway are included.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A Tour Manager guides the group from start to finish, and all excursions and guided tours are included.
Which trains are featured?
The GoldenPass Express from Montreux to Interlaken, the Mont Blanc Express from Martigny to Chamonix, and the Jungfrau Express to Jungfraujoch, Europe's highest train station.
What are the hotels?
The Royal Plaza Montreux and Spa (3 nights) and Hotel Metropole Interlaken (4 nights), both 4- or 5-star properties.
What meals are included?
Breakfast every day, one lunch, and five dinners.
How much walking is involved?
Mobility Rating 2: moderate walking on city tours, stairs in some areas, and normal luggage handling between hotels.

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