Great Rail Journeys
Classic Five-Star Top of Europe
Swiss Alps escorted rail tour from London, eight days, mountain railways and five-star hotel
8 daysfrom $4,823
75% rail
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise & Rail Holiday
Switzerland, Lake Geneva & Rhône Cruise
Lake Geneva and Rhône Valley by rail, hotel, and seven-night cruise
Great Rail Journeys combines rail and river travel on this 11-day escorted holiday from London to the Rhône Valley. The journey opens with three nights in the five-star Lausanne Palace on the Swiss Riviera, where you visit the medieval Château de Chillon and ride the Mont Blanc Express through Alpine peaks to Chamonix. The focus then shifts to water as you board MS Amadeus Provence in Lyon for a seven-night cruise down the Rhône, stopping at Avignon (with its Pope's Palace), Arles (the city painted by Van Gogh), and a choice between the Camargue Delta's pink flamingos or the Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. A heritage steam train carries you through the dramatic Ardèche Gorge, and days in Beaune and Lyon add wine tastings and culinary exploration. The itinerary suits couples seeking luxury and cultural immersion, with escorted guidance, comprehensive meals, and expert tours throughout.
What to know before you look closer
- The tour includes one single supplement of GBP 1500 (USD 2000 approx.) above half the double rate; confirm cabin options before booking.
- Day 7 offers a choice of two excursions; your final choice will determine which region you visit.
- Some meals outside the cruise are at your own expense; the tour covers breakfast daily, six lunches, and nine dinners.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Lausanne
London to Lake Geneva
Holiday begins at London St Pancras. Board the Eurostar to Paris in Plus Class seats with a light meal served. Switch trains in Paris and travel through the French and Swiss countryside to Lake Geneva. Check in to a luxurious five-star hotel in Lausanne for three nights. First dinner together at the hotel restaurant.
Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Lausanne
Château de Chillon and a scenic lake cruise to Montreux
Late morning boat ride to Château de Chillon across scenic Lake Geneva. Guided tour of this 13th-century fortress, former residence of the Counts of Savoy, including 14th-century paintings, subterranean vaults, parade halls and preserved bedroom. Return to hotel by coach; afternoon free to explore or dine independently.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3railovernight: Lausanne
Mont Blanc Express across the Alps to Chamonix
Train to Martigny after breakfast, then board the Mont Blanc Express for a journey across the Alps through the Trient Valley, past snow-capped peaks and the Trient Gorge to Chamonix. Free afternoon to explore Chamonix independently, with the option to ride the L'Aiguille du Midi cable car. Return to Lausanne for dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (near Ardèche)
To Lyon, where we board our premium ship
Transfer to Lausanne station, train to Geneva, then onward to Lyon. Coach transfer to the waterfront where MS Amadeus Provence awaits. Welcome cocktail on arrival. First dinner onboard as the ship sets sail for the mooring point near Ardèche.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (Avignon)
The steam-powered Train de l'Ardèche
Coach to Tournon-St-Jean railway station to board the historic Train de l'Ardèche (originally opened 1891). Panoramic steam train journey through the Gorges du Doux region, over stone bridges and through cliff tunnels. Return to the ship for lunch; afternoon sailing to Avignon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 6railovernight: MS Amadeus Provence (Arles)
Exploring Avignon, the 'City of Popes'
Guided tour of Avignon aboard Le Petit Train d'Avignon. Visit the Pope's Palace and UNESCO World Heritage historic centre. Free afternoon to explore the city, including the 14th-century walls. Dinner on the ship; set sail for Arles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 7overnight: MS Amadeus Provence
Arles and the Camargue Delta or Pont du Gard
Guided tour of Arles, whose streets inspired Van Gogh's paintings. After lunch on the ship, choice of two excursions: (1) Camargue Delta – wetlands home to nearly 400 bird species including pink flamingos and wild Camarguais horses; or (2) Pont du Gard – ancient Roman aqueduct spanning the Gardon River, UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 8overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (en route to Lyon)
The Ardèche Gorge, 'Europe's Grand Canyon'
Visit the Ardèche Gorge including the Pont d'Arc. Tour of the Lavender Museum. Transfer to Le Pouzin to reboard the ship and begin return sailing to Lyon. Lunch onboard; afternoon at leisure using ship's amenities.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 9overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (Tournon-sur-Rhône)
Touring the gastronomic city of Lyon
Arrive in Lyon overnight; disembark after breakfast for a guided tour of the city including the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Praline tasting before returning to the ship for lunch. Afternoon at leisure onboard as the ship cruises to Tournon-sur-Rhône.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 10overnight: MS Amadeus Provence (Lyon)
Arrival in Beaune and Burgundy wine tasting
Wake in Chalon-sur-Saône. Coach excursion to Beaune for a sightseeing tour and wine tasting at a local winery (Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay). Final dinner together onboard as the ship sails back towards Lyon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11rail
Homebound
Breakfast onboard; disembark and bid farewell to the crew. Transfer to Lyon station and travel by rail to Paris. Board the Eurostar with a light meal onboard, arriving in London.
Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2Guided tour of Château de Chillon, a 13th-century fortress on Lake Geneva, including subterranean vaults and former royal bedrooms.
- Day 3Mont Blanc Express crosses the Alps from Martigny through the Trient Valley past snow-capped peaks to Chamonix.
- Day 5Historic Train de l'Ardèche, a heritage steam train from 1891, travels through the Gorges du Doux with panoramic views of stone bridges and cliff tunnels.
- Day 7Choice of Camargue Delta wetlands with pink flamingos and wild horses, or Pont du Gard, a UNESCO-listed Roman aqueduct.
- Day 10Wine tasting at a Beaune winery featuring Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Chardonnay in Burgundy's heart.
Included
- Escorted throughout by experienced Tour Manager/Cruise Director team
- 3 nights' 5-star hotel accommodation in Lausanne
- 7-night cruise onboard MS Amadeus Provence
- Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi
- Eurostar Plus (First & Standard Class) rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Eurostar light meals
- Breakfast each day
- 6 lunches
- 9 dinners including a spectacular gala dinner
- Drinks package with dinner every night of the cruise
- Complimentary luggage service from home to the ship and back (one case per cabin)
- 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
- Tips/gratuities (at guest's discretion)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes. Eurostar Plus (London to Paris and return), the Mont Blanc Express (Martigny to Chamonix), heritage steam train in the Ardèche, and connecting regional rail are all included.
- Is the tour escorted?
- Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides an experienced Tour Manager and Cruise Director team throughout.
- What accommodation is provided?
- Three nights at the five-star Lausanne Palace hotel in Lausanne, and seven nights onboard MS Amadeus Provence (capacity 110 guests) on the Rhône.
- What meals are included?
- Breakfast daily, six lunches, nine dinners (including a gala dinner), plus Eurostar light meals. Wine and drinks are included with dinner each night of the cruise.
- When does it depart?
- Great Rail Journeys offers six departures between April and October 2027, in April, May, June, July, August, and October.
- What is not included?
- Cancellation and travel insurance, and tips or gratuities. Any meals taken independently in free time are at your own cost.
