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Vacations By Rail · Escorted rail & river cruise

Mont Blanc Express & Rhône Cruise

Alpine rail and seven-night Rhône river cruise from Lake Geneva to Burgundy

Illustration of Mont Blanc Express & Rhône Cruise

Vacations By Rail operates this 11-day escorted journey combining Alpine rail travel with a luxury river cruise through the heart of France and Switzerland. Beginning in London, travelers board Eurostar to Lausanne, where three nights at a five-star hotel on Lake Geneva include a guided tour of the 13th-century Chateau de Chillon and an excursion on the Mont Blanc Express through the Alps to Chamonix. From Lyon, the journey transfers to the Amadeus Provence for a seven-night cruise down the Rhône River, calling at Tournon-sur-Rhône, Avignon, Arles, and Beaune. Days on the river blend guided shore excursions, including a ride on the historic 1891 Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, with time to explore medieval cities and sample Burgundy wines. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director accompany the entire group, managing all transfers, meals, and activities. Nine dinners, breakfast daily, a drinks package with cruise dinners, and a Swiss Half Fare Card are included. The itinerary suits travelers seeking comfort, cultural immersion, and the company of a skilled escort throughout.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 11 includes rail travel back to London; plan for a full day of return journey before disembarking in Chalon-sur-Saône.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; Eurostar is included only from London St Pancras.
  • On Day 7, you choose between the Camargue Delta wetlands or the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct; confirm your preference when booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lausanne

    London to Lake Geneva

    Meet the Tour Manager at London St Pancras and board the Eurostar via Paris to Lausanne, a five-star hotel on Lake Geneva.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Lausanne

    Chateau de Chillon and a scenic lake cruise to Montreux

    Boat ride across Lake Geneva to the 13th-century Chateau de Chillon for a guided tour, returning to Lausanne by coach.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Lausanne

    Mont Blanc Express across the Alps to Chamonix

    Train to Martigny to join the Mont Blanc Express through the Trient Valley and Gorge to Chamonix, with free time before returning to Lausanne.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Ship

    To Lyon, where we board our premium ship

    Train via Geneva to Lyon, coach transfer to the waterfront to board the Amadeus Provence, with a welcome cocktail and first dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Ship

    The steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche

    Coach to Tournon St Jean to ride the historic 1891 Train de l'Ardèche through the Gorges du Doux, then rejoin the ship sailing to Avignon.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6railovernight: Ship

    Exploring Avignon, the "City of Popes"

    Guided tour of Avignon aboard the Petit Train d'Avignon, including the Pope's Palace, with free time before setting sail for Arles.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Ship

    Arles and the Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard

    Guided tour of Arles, then a choice of excursion to the Camargue Delta wetlands or the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Ship

    The Ardèche Gorge, "Europe's Grand Canyon"

    Tour of the Ardeche Gorge including the Pont d'Arc, and a visit to the Lavender Museum near Le Pouzin before rejoining the ship.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Ship

    Touring the gastronomic city of Lyon

    Guided tour of Lyon's UNESCO-listed Old Town with a praline tasting, then an afternoon cruising to Tournon-sur-Rhône.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Ship

    Arrival in Beaune and Burgundy wine tasting

    Coach excursion to Beaune for a sightseeing tour and winery tasting, followed by the captain's Gala dinner onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. Day 11rail

    Traveling home

    Disembark in Lyon, rail to Paris and Eurostar back to London, with a light meal onboard.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Day 1: Board Eurostar at London St Pancras via Paris to Lausanne, arriving at a five-star hotel on Lake Geneva.
  • Day 2Day 2: Guided tour of the 13th-century Chateau de Chillon after a boat ride across Lake Geneva.
  • Day 3Day 3: Ride the Mont Blanc Express through the Trient Valley and Gorge from Martigny to Chamonix in the Alps.
  • Day 5Day 5: Board the 1891 Train de l'Ardèche, a historic steam-powered train, to travel through the Gorges du Doux.
  • Day 10Day 10: Wine tasting at a Burgundy winery in Beaune, followed by the captain's Gala dinner onboard the Amadeus Provence.

Included

  • Escorted throughout by our experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
  • 3 nights' 5-Star hotel accommodation
  • 7-night cruise onboard Amadeus Provence
  • Excellent service onboard, complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
  • Eurostar Plus First & Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Eurostar Light Meals
  • Breakfast each day, 6 lunches, 9 dinners including a spectacular gala dinner
  • Drinks package with dinner every night of your cruise
  • Swiss Half Fare Card, permitting 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat and most mountain railway journeys
  • Superb excursions included

Not included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes Eurostar Plus First and Standard Class from London to Paris to Lausanne and return, the Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix, and the historic Train de l'Ardèche. All rail and coach transfers throughout are included.
What meals are provided?
Breakfast is provided every day. The package includes 6 lunches and 9 dinners, with a drinks package served with dinner every night of the cruise. Eurostar offers light meals onboard.
Is this trip escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager and Cruise Director escort you throughout the entire 11 days. All excursions and sightseeing are guided.
What accommodation is provided?
Three nights at a five-star hotel on Lake Geneva in Lausanne, and seven nights on the Amadeus Provence river cruise ship.
What is the Swiss Half Fare Card?
Vacations By Rail includes a Swiss Half Fare Card, which allows 50% discounted fares on free days for rail, boat, and most mountain railway journeys in Switzerland.
Are flights included?
No. Flights and airport transfers are not included, but Eurostar rail travel from London St Pancras is included.

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