Golden Peaks & Crystal Lakes of Switzerland

From soaring alpine peaks and crystal-clear lakes to a world-famous rail journey and a unique mountain stay, this holiday reveals Switzerland at its most breathtaking and unforgettable.

Highlights include the world-famous GoldenPass Express, one of the most scenic rail journeys in the Alps, where panoramic windows reveal an ever-changing tapestry of crystal-clear lakes, traditional villages and mountains as we travel in comfort through some of Switzerland’s most breathtaking regions. Also included is time in the charming lakeside city of Lucerne, with its medieval Old Town, iconic Chapel Bridge and scenic waterfront, as well as the medieval French town of Yvoire and the idyllic lakeside setting of Annecy, often described as one of the most picturesque towns in France.

A truly outstanding highlight of the tour is our stay at the extraordinary Hotel Pilatus-Kulm, perched high above Lake Lucerne at 2,132 metres and reached by a spectacular funicular railway or cable car. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience above the clouds, offering unforgettable sunsets, crisp mountain air and awe-inspiring views across the Swiss Alps.

With a perfect balance of an iconic rail journey, historic towns and world-class scenery, this holiday showcases Switzerland and its surrounding regions at their very finest.

HOTEL PILATUS-KULM

The Hotel Pilatus-Kulm is a unique and elegant four-star mountain hotel situated at 2,132 metres above sea level on Mount Pilatus, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views over the Alps and Lake Lucerne. This historic property, dating back to the 1890s, combines Belle Époque charm with modern comfort and offers stylish bedrooms equipped with contemporary furnishings, Wi-Fi, television, safe, hairdryer, and tea/coffee facilities. The hotel also offers an excellent restaurant with sun terrace, atmospheric lounges and a memorable sunrise and sunset scenery high above the clouds. Lift available to all floors.

MOVENPICK HOTEL LAUSANNE

Mövenpick Lausanne is a stylish and modern four star hotel ideally situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, enjoying magnificent views of the Alps and just a short distance from the centre of Lausanne. Contemporary bedrooms feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, television, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer and many rooms with lake views or balconies. The hotel also offers an elegant restaurant, bar with terrace, fitness centre and sauna. Lift access to all floors.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS TRAVEL PACKAGE

Accommodation with breakfast in Reims
Accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Lausanne
Accommodation with breakfast and dinner in Kriens
Journey on the GoldenPass Express
Cruise on Lake Lucerne
Cruise on Lake Geneva
Return Dover-Calais Ferry Crossing
Excursions as described in the tour itinerary
Return coach travel from your local pick up point

Day One

Our journey begins as we travel to Dover for our ferry crossing to Calais. Once in France, we continue south through picturesque landscapes before arriving in Reims, the heart of the Champagne region. Here, we check into our overnight hotel, with time to relax before enjoying an evening at leisure.

Day Two

This morning we depart Reims and journey along the French motorways into Switzerland, continuing to the Hotel Pilatus-Kulm. Perched high on Mount Pilatus at 2,132 metres above sea level, the hotel is reached via a scenic funicular ride to the summit. There will be time to take in the breathtaking views and stunning surroundings before dinner this evening.

B, D

Day Three

Today we experience the renowned Golden Round Trip, offering unforgettable views of spectacular alpine scenery and excellent photo opportunities along the way. Our journey begins with a descent by cable car to Kriens, followed by a journey onboard our coach to the beautiful lakeside city of Lucerne, brimming with medieval architecture, enchanting narrow streets and decorative fountains. There will be time for lunch and to discover the city's many attractions including the iconic Chapel Bridge spanning the lake, the striking octagonal Water Tower and the charming Old Town before we continue by boat across the lake to Alpnachstad, before completing the journey with a scenic ride on the funicular railway back up to our hotel.

B, D

Day Four

We check out of our hotel and travel to Interlaken for another highlight of the tour as we board the renowned GoldenPass Express, one of Switzerland's most scenic rail journeys. Settle into your seat and enjoy the spectacular views unfolding through the panoramic windows as we glide through some of the country's most beautiful landscapes. Our route takes us past the elegant resorts of Gstaad, Château-d'Oex and Montbovon before arriving in Montreux, our final destination by rail. On arrival in Montreux, we continue by coach to the picturesque hillside town of Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, where we will stay for the next three nights.

B, D

Day Five

We enjoy a scenic cruise from Lausanne across the sparkling waters of Lake Geneva to the charming French medieval town of Yvoire. With its small population and traffic-free streets, the town has beautifully preserved its historic character, complete with ancient walls and gates, a centuries-old castle and narrow cobbled lanes. There will be free time to explore and enjoy lunch whilst soaking up the atmosphere before we return to Lausanne by coach.

B, D

Day Six

This morning we travel to Annecy, where the day is at leisure to explore its charming medieval streets. Maybe enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Annecy and savour local French cuisine at one of the many lakeside restaurants. Stroll through the beautiful Jardins de l'Europe, shop at local boutiques and soak in the enchanting alpine atmosphere.

B, D

Day Seven

We check out of our hotel in Lausanne and journey through Switzerland back into France for our overnight hotel in Reims.

Day Eight

After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and travel to Calais for our Ferry Crossing back to Dover, before continuing on home to North Wales.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included

GOLDEN PASS EXPRESS

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

Name	Address	Distance
Abergele	Abergele, Bowling Green Bus Stop
Bangor, Nelson Pub	Bangor, Bus Stop Opposite Nelson Pub
Bangor, Pontio Centre	Bangor, Pontio Centre Bus Stop
Bethel	Bethel, Primary School Bus Stop
Bontnewydd	Bontnewydd, Bus Stop Near Chip Shop
Bryngwran	Bryngwran, School Entrance
Caergeiliog	Caergeiliog, Outside Sportsmans Pub
Caernarfon, Campbell Road	Caernarfon, Bus Stop Bottom of Campbell Road
Caernarfon, Leisure Cent.	Caernarfon, Bus Stop opposite Leisure Centre
Caernarfon, Morrisons	Caernarfon, Morrisons Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Waterloo Port	Caernarfon, Waterloo Port Bus Stop
Caernarfon, Y Glyn	Caernarfon, Y Glyn Bethel Road
Chester	Chester, Holiday Inn South Hotel Bus Stop
Chirk	Chirk, Moreton Park Garden Centre
Colwyn Bay	Colwyn Bay, Railway Station Bus Stop
Criccieth, Medical Centre	Criccieth, Medical Centre Bus Stop
Ewloe	Ewloe, Outside St David's Park Hotel
Gaerwen	Gaerwen, Stermat Car Park
Gwalchmai	Gwalchmai, Opposite Clock
Holyhead	Holyhead, Bus Stop Outside Ferry Terminal Entrance
Llanberis, Maes Padarn	Llanberis, Bus Stop Opposite Maes Padarn
Llanberis, Spar	Llanberis, Outside Spar Shop
Llandudno	Llandudno, Mostyn Broadway Coach Park Bus Stop
Llandudno Jct. Station	Llandudno Junction, Station Hotel Bus Stop
Llandygai	Llandygai, Penrhyn Castle Entrance
Llanfairfechan	Llanfairfechan, Castle Bridge Bus Stop
Llanfairpwll	Llanfairpwll, Pringles Car Park (Parking not permitted at Pringles car park)
Llanfairpwll Park & Ride	Llanfairpwll, Park & Ride
Llangefni	Llangefni, Church Street Bus Stop
Llanrug	Llanrug, Arvonia Garage
Menai Bridge	Menai Bridge, Library Bus Stop
Northop	Northop, Red Lion Pub Bus Stop
Oswestry	Oswestry, Mile End Services Coach Park
Penrhyn Bay	Penrhyn Bay, Post Office
Penygroes	Penygroes, Bus Stop Opposite Co-op
Porthmadog	Porthmadog, Tesco Bus Stop
Pwllheli	Pwllheli, Bus Station
Rhos on Sea, Cayley Arms	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Cayley Arms
Rhos on Sea, Hickorys	Rhos on Sea, Bus Stop Opposite Hickorys Restaurant
St. Asaph	St. Asaph, Bus Stop Outside Petrol Station
Valley	Valley, Opposite Valley Hotel
Wrexham	Wrexham, Bus Stand Lord Street
Y Felinheli, St. Marys	Y Felinheli, St Mary's Church Bus Stop
Y Felinheli, Victoria	Y Felinheli, Victoria Hotel Bus Stop