A delightful new two-centre holiday that combines the stunning scenery of the lakes and mountains together with a journey on one Switzerland’s famous railway lines. We spend three nights in the resort of Villars, in a wonderful setting above Lake Geneva, followed by a further three nights on a glorious mountain plateau close to Lake Lucerne. To connect these two outstanding locations we include a journey in a panoramic carriage on the famous Golden Pass Express Railway from Montreux to Zweisimmen.

ITINERARY

• Day One: Early departure to Folkestone for a journey through the Eurotunnel and on to our overnight hotel in the Champagne city of Reims.
• Day Two: Continue south into Switzerland and on to the resort of Villars, for three nights at the Eurotel Victoria.
• Day Three: A full day at leisure in Villars, blessed with an outstanding location the Rhône Valley. Fantastic views extend in all directions and the fertile valley contrasts with the dramatic alpine peaks and pine forests. A Villars Access Card is included for each guest which allows free use of the cogwheel mountain train, the gondola lifts and local buses.
• Day Four: We travel to Martigny, then across the border into France for a visit to Chamonix, famed for its spectacular setting in the shadow of Mont Blanc. Perhaps take a cable car ride for some spectacular views or visit the ice caves which can be accessed via an ancient rack-and-pinion railway.
• Day Five: Today we take to the train – enjoy a journey in a panoramic carriage on the famous Golden Pass Express. Leaving Montreux the line rises above Lake Geneva with magnificent views, then into the Gruyere Mountain region and through the famous resorts of Châteaux d’Oex and Gstaad to Zweisimmen. Here we join our coach and continue through the Bernese Oberland to the delightful Hotel Paxmontana, located at Flueli Ranft, overlooking the Sarnen Valley near Lake Lucerne.
• Day Six: We take a drive around the shoreline of Lake Lucerne, dotted with a succession of pretty towns and villages and overlooked by imposing mountains.
• Day Seven: We visit the lovely city of Lucerne where there will be an option to take a cruise on one of the lake paddle steamers. Some free time then to explore the delightful old town with its quaint narrow streets and frescoed buildings, plus attractions that include the famous Chapel Bridge and the Swiss Transport museum.
• Day Eight: Sadly we say farewell and head back into France for another overnight stay in Reims.
• Day Nine: To Calais for a return Eurotunnel journey to Folkestone and home to North Wales.