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Railbookers · Self-guided rail holiday

The Swiss Riviera

Self-guided Swiss Flexi Pass trip through Lausanne, Montreux and Geneva

Illustration of The Swiss Riviera

Railbookers runs this eight-day self-guided rail holiday through the Swiss Riviera, starting in Lausanne and finishing in Geneva. A 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass covers the rail travel, and the trip opens with two nights in Lausanne, taking in the Olympic Museum and the lakeside promenade at Ouchy. From there, a lake cruise across Lake Lehman, passing the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyards, leads to four nights in Montreux, the base for a historic cog railway ride up to Rochers-de-Naye at 2,042 meters and a boat trip to the medieval island castle of Chillon. Montreux itself has its own draws, including the Freddie Mercury statue on the lakefront. A direct train around the lake finishes the trip with an overnight stay in Geneva's Old Town. With no escort and long stretches of free time built into most days, this suits travelers happy to set their own pace across a compact, lake-focused corner of Switzerland.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 17 accommodation options across Lausanne, Montreux and Geneva rather than one fixed hotel per city; the tier and option chosen determines which you get.
  • The Lausanne to Montreux lake cruise may run on a historic paddle-steamer in spring, summer and autumn, but the itinerary notes a first-class upgrade for the best views is worth paying for, implying it is not included as standard.
  • No current departure dates are listed in this itinerary; confirm scheduling with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lausanne

    Welcome to Lausanne

    On arrival at Geneva airport board a direct train to Lausanne and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lausanne

    Lausanne

    Take the smallest metro network in the world today or walk down the hill to Ouchy on the lakeshore and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery with a stroll along the promenade. The Olympic museum is well worth a visit with a fascinating collection of artefacts and memorabilia. In the afternoon perhaps take the metro up to Le Flon and wander down to the medieval history centre of Lausanne. The old Town Hall is the site of David Bowie and Iman's wedding in 1992.

  3. Day 3overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    After breakfast head down to Ouchy to board your CGN cruise boat bound for Montreux. During Spring, Summer and Autumn this could be a beautifully restored paddle-steamer ship, and an upgrade to first class is certainly worth it here to enjoy the best views of the ancient Lavaux vineyards and alpine peaks surrounding the pristine blue water of Lake Lehman. On arrival into Montreux, head to your hotel and check in for your four-night stay.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Montreux

    Rochers-De-Naye Day Trip

    Take the historic Cog railway line from Montreux up to Rochers-de-Naye for one of the best views Switzerland has to offer. On the 50min journey you'll climb to 2042m above sea level, and if travelling between May and June you'll pass through spectacular fields of flowering narcissus. Enjoy some lunch in the traditional Plein Roc restaurant, before a short stroll to La Rambertia gardens nearby, prior to enjoying the same cog railway line back down the mountain.

  5. Day 5overnight: Montreux

    Montreux

    Relax today and enjoy Montreux - the Pearl of the Swiss Riviera. The Queen Studio Experience is an enjoyable visit even if you're not a fan of the band themselves, and the Montreux Casino has an interesting history being the influence for Deep Purple's 'Smoke on the Water'. The prominent statue of Freddie Mercury on the lake front is a definite photo opportunity!

  6. Day 6railovernight: Montreux

    Chateau De Chillion Day Trip

    Make use of your Swiss Pass today with the short boat ride to Chillon castle. Entrance is also covered here, and you'll discover some amazing stories of this beautiful building together with some fantastic photos. In the afternoon perhaps head to Grandvaux by train to enjoy some of the local wine, or head to Vevey and pay a visit to the museum dedicated to the one-time Vevey resident Charlie Chaplin.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Geneva

    Geneva

    There's a direct train every 20mins from Montreux to Geneva, so at a time of your choosing enjoy the 1hr ride around the lake, and on arrival check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Head out to explore the Old Town, then enjoy the view of the huge Jetee des Eaux and bid farewell to the clear water of Lake Lehman.

  8. Day 8

    End Of Tour

    Check out of hotel this morning and continue your travels or speak to your Sales Consultant if you'd rather extend your holiday elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A lake cruise from Lausanne to Montreux, in season aboard a restored paddle-steamer, passing the Lavaux vineyards and alpine peaks along Lake Lehman.
  • Day 4The historic cog railway from Montreux up to Rochers-de-Naye, climbing to 2,042 meters for panoramic views.
  • Day 5Visiting the Freddie Mercury statue on Montreux's lakefront and the Queen Studio Experience.
  • Day 6A boat ride to the medieval island castle of Chateau de Chillon, with entrance included.
  • Day 7A direct train ride around the lake from Montreux to Geneva, followed by time in Geneva's Old Town.

Included

  • Rail travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lausanne
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Montreux
  • 1 night's hotel accommodation with breakfast in Geneva
  • 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass
  • Lake Cruise from Lausanne to Montreux
  • Rochers-de-Naye day trip
  • Entrance to Chillon Castle

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail travel follows the itinerary and a 4-day Swiss Flexi Pass is included; the Lausanne to Montreux leg is by lake cruise rather than train.
Is this trip escorted or self-guided?
It's self-guided, using the Swiss Flexi Pass, with no escort accompanying travelers.
Which trains are used?
The Swiss Railways national network, plus the historic Rochers-de-Naye cog railway departing from Montreux.
What hotels are included?
Hotels are chosen from 17 options across Lausanne, Montreux and Geneva, such as the Lausanne Palace and the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.
Is the Lausanne to Montreux leg by train?
No, it's a CGN lake cruise across Lake Lehman, included in the fare.
Is entrance to Chateau de Chillon included?
Yes, entrance to Chillon Castle is included as part of the day trip.

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