Great Rail Journeys · Escorted River Cruise & Rail Holiday

Switzerland, Lake Geneva & Rhône Cruise

Switzerland, Lake Geneva & Rhône Cruise, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Discover the gems of southwest Switzerland, staying in luxurious Montreux, then continue to Lyon for an idyllic 7-night cruise.

Day by day

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

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)

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