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Great Rail Journeys · Independent

Lake Geneva and the Golden Pass

Swiss rail loop from Lausanne: Golden Pass Express, lake cruise, Glacier 3000

Illustration of Lake Geneva and the Golden Pass

Lake Geneva and the Golden Pass is a 6-day independent rail holiday operated by Great Rail Journeys, departing from London and based in Lausanne, a French-speaking city on Lake Geneva's north shore. The journey combines scenic train travel, a historic castle visit, and Alpine landscapes in one home-base package. On Day 2, you board a vintage paddle steamer to Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a rock in the lake. On Day 4, the celebrated Golden Pass Express carries you from Montreux through Alpine valleys toward Gstaad and up to Glacier 3000, where the Peak Walk suspension bridge offers views across the snowy peaks. The package includes five nights in a 3-star hotel, a 6-day Swiss Travel Pass for independent exploration of Switzerland's standard rail network, and return flights from London to Geneva. Two unscheduled days invite you to wander Lausanne's medieval streets, visit museums, take a kayak onto the lake, or pursue optional activities such as wine tasting in the Lavaux region or chocolate factory tours. This trip suits independent travellers new to rail holidays and couples seeking a blend of structured highlights with time to design their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • All five nights are in Lausanne; the trip is a base-hotel stay, not a journey across multiple cities.
  • Hotels are listed as options (3-star Aquatis, 4-star Continental, 5-star Lausanne Palace); your final accommodation depends on the tier and availability you choose.
  • The itinerary includes two free days; Great Rail Journeys provides no structured activities or guided tours on Days 3 and 5, though the Swiss Travel Pass enables independent rail exploration.

Day by day

  1. Day 0railovernight: Lausanne

    Outbound Travel – Getting to Geneva

    Your journey begins today with your flight from the UK to Geneva airport. On arrival in Geneva, you'll take the train to Lausanne, where you'll be transferred to your hotel for the night. Alternatively, take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord, and from Paris Gare du Lyon take the train to Lausanne. Upgrades to First Class available.

  2. Day 1overnight: Lausanne

    Arrival in Lausanne

    In this French speaking city, on the banks of Lake Geneva, you'll find a quaint hilly old town, a gothic cathedral, and art galleries and science museums. Take some time to have a wander around the old streets and pop in and out of the boutique shops. Choose from handpicked hotels, 3*, 4*, or 5*, on a B&B basis.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 2overnight: Lausanne

    Paddle Steamer Cruise to Chillon Castle

    Today you'll enjoy a lake cruise on a paddle steam boat to the historic Chillon Castle. One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe, Chillon Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva and is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. As each courtyard, hall or room unveils a part of the castle's history, this special tour is like stepping back in time. Following your tour, you'll travel back by boat to Lausanne, where you'll spend your second night in your chosen hotel.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 3railovernight: Lausanne

    Discovering Switzerland

    Enjoy a free day in Lausanne today and get to know the city a little better. Stroll around the medieval old town, take a kayak out on the still lake, take in the majestic views of the mountains, and visit the hip and trendy coffee shops and bars around the city. Make use of your included Swiss Pass which gives you free train and bus travel (on standard routes) throughout Switzerland. Optional excursions available: Self-Guided Lausanne Choco Tour; Self-Guided Chaplin's World.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 4railovernight: Lausanne

    The Golden Pass Train

    The next part of your epic journey begins with a picturesque train ride from Lausanne to Montreux along the shores of Lake Geneva. You'll then board the enchanting Golden Pass Express to Gstaad, as the scenic landscapes roll by your window. From Gstaad, a bus ride takes you to the valley station of Glacier 3000, where you can immerse yourself in the snowy alpine landscape and cross the iconic Peak Walk suspension bridge with incredible panoramic views. You'll return to Gstaad in the afternoon to explore the charming village, before boarding the Golden Pass Express in the evening back to Montreux, then a train ride back to Lausanne.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 5overnight: Lausanne

    Exploring Switzerland

    Enjoy a second free day in Lausanne today and visit some of the city's intricate arts and design museums. Head to the Olympic Park where you'll see medals, torches and sculptures amid the manicured gardens. Or try out some of the city's many restaurants and discover Lausanne through its complex food scene. Optional excursions available: Wine Tasting in Lavaux; La Maison du Gruyere & Maison Cailler.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 6rail

    Homeward Bound

    Your journey comes to its end today. Enjoy the scenic train ride from Lausanne to Geneva airport, where you'll catch your flight back to the UK. Alternatively, travel by rail from Lausanne to Paris Gare du Lyon, and from Paris Nord to St Pancras Station aboard the Eurostar. Upgrades to First Class available.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: a vintage paddle steamer departs Lausanne across Lake Geneva to Chillon Castle, one of Europe's best-preserved medieval castles, perched on a rock in the water.
  • Day 4Day 4: the Golden Pass Express climbs from Montreux through panoramic Alpine valleys toward Gstaad, then a bus ascends to Glacier 3000, where the Peak Walk suspension bridge spans the snowy landscape.

Included

  • 5 nights in 3 star hotel accommodation (Bed and Breakfast)
  • Lake Cruise on Lake Geneva (Vintage Paddle Steamer to Chillon Castle)
  • Standard Class 6 day Swiss Travel Pass allowing free travel throughout Switzerland on standard rail routes
  • The Golden Pass Train
  • Glacier 3000 visit
  • Return Flights between London and Geneva

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes a 6-day Swiss Travel Pass (standard class) for free travel on standard rail routes throughout Switzerland, the Golden Pass Express from Montreux to Gstaad, and return flights to Geneva. Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris is an optional alternative to the flight, with First Class upgrade available.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
It is independent. Great Rail Journeys provides the hotel base, rail pass, and pre-arranged activities (the paddle steamer cruise, Glacier 3000 visit), but Days 3 and 5 are free for you to plan your own exploration of Lausanne and surroundings.
Which trains are included?
The Golden Pass Express (Montreux to Gstaad and return), standard rail throughout Switzerland via the 6-day Swiss Travel Pass, and either a London-Geneva flight or Eurostar London-Paris plus Paris-Lausanne rail (your choice at booking).
What is the accommodation?
Five nights in Lausanne on a bed-and-breakfast basis. You choose from three hotels: the 3-star Aquatis, 4-star Continental, or 5-star Lausanne Palace. The quoted price includes the 3-star option.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included. Most meals and all optional excursions (wine tasting in Lavaux, chocolate tours, Chaplin's World) are extra.
How much walking is involved?
The trip involves city walking in Lausanne's medieval old town and hilly streets. The Glacier 3000 visit and Peak Walk suspension bridge are included but optional; most other activities involve train or coach travel with moderate walking.

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