Swiss rail escapade (GoldenPass Belle Epoque)

DAY 1: LUCERNE

Flight or train to Lucerne on request.
(By train: Paris > Lucerne: 4h30; Lyon > Lucerne: 3h30)

Individual arrival in Lucerne and check-in at your hotel for a great weekend in Switzerland.
Free time to explore the city on Lake Lucerne.

Charming and pleasant, the city of Lucerne is known for its medieval center and in particular for its long covered wooden bridge, the Kapellbrücke, which houses a fascinating collection of 17th-century illustrated panels. We also recommend a visit to the Glacier Garden, a fascinating testimony to the earth's geological eras, and a visit to the statue of the famous Mourning Lion, which celebrates the heroism of Louis XVI's Swiss Guards.
Overnight at hotel

DAY 2: LUCERNE - INTERLAKEN (Luzern - Interlaken Express)

Start of your train journey in Switzerland: in the morning, you board the “Luzern-Interlaken Express” panoramic train. This modern, panoramic train winds its way up the Alpine pastures to the Brünig Pass and on to Lake Brienz, offering splendid views of the entire Alpine panorama.
The Interlaken Express winds its way through the rolling countryside of the Bernese Oberland. Admire the Giessbach waterfall and other cascades, the peaks on the horizon and the lush landscapes of green Switzerland.

After less than 2 hours in the heart of Swiss nature, you reach the town of Interlaken, which means “between two lakes”, as it lies between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Check-in at the hotel, free time.
There are many ways to personalize your weekend in Switzerland: hike or take the funicular up Harder Kulm to the impressive panoramic platform overlooking the two lakes, visit the lovely medieval town of Thun (bus or boat included in your pass), cruise on Lake Thun (included in your pass), visit the St. Beatus caves, etc.
Overnight in hotel. (B)

DAY 3: INTERLAKEN - GSTAAD (GoldenPass Express train)

Possibility of visiting Jungfraujoch - Top Of Europe in the morning.

Departure from Interlaken. You test-drive the second train on the GoldenPass line: the GoldenPass Express. This new train, inaugurated in 2023, crosses the Simmental to the Zweisimmen valley, a small, unspoilt piece of Switzerland.
On board, you'll discover the Bernese Oberland: typical, brightly-colored chalets nestling around white churches bear witness to the opulence of the region. The GPX, as it's called, is brand-new: metallic dark blue, very elegant, and capable of handling the changing track gauges that occur at Zweisimmen: a true technical feat.

You arrive in Gstaad, a little corner of paradise surrounded by mountains.

The day is free. Take the opportunity to visit Saanen, a typical Swiss village 6 minutes away by bus.
Overnight at hotel in Gstaad (B)

DAY 4: GSTAAD - MONTREUX (GoldenPass Belle Epoque train)

The third leg of your Goldenpass line tour takes place on board the Goldenpass Belle Epoque train.

Your train departs around midday. You'll be seduced by its interior and bodywork, inspired by mythical historic trains such as the Orient Express. The Golden Pass Belle Epoque brings a touch of retro elegance to your journey, while offering a fantastic view thanks to its panoramic windows.

Leave the Alpine forests behind, cross the Jaman tunnel, descend to Lake Geneva... And here you are under the palm trees of Montreux, in an almost southern atmosphere. The contrast is striking.

In Montreux, free time for personal discovery, including a visit to the lovely Château de Chillon.
Overnight at hotel in Montreux (B).

DAY 5: MONTREUX

Morning at leisure. End of your stay in Switzerland (B).

Additional night, return flight or train from Montreux on request.
(By train: Montreux > Paris: 4h30; Montreux > Lyon: 3h30)

TRAINS

This tour takes you on 3 trains of the GoldenPass line:

• Luzern-Interlaken Express panorama train
  Lucerne > Interlaken (2h)

• GoldenPass Express train
  Interlaken > Gstaad (1h49)

• GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque panorama train
  Gstaad > Montreux (1h35)

SWISS GOLDENPASS TRAINS

The GoldenPass line brings together 3 different trains for a panoramic itinerary between Montreux and Lucerne. A continuous spectacle, including 3 passes, the famous 4000 Alps and 8 lakes.

• The GoldenPass MOB Belle Epoque train

Travelling on the Montreux-Zweisimmen line, this train offers a romantic atmosphere. Its reconstructed carriages are inspired by the Golden Mountain Pullman Express of the 1930s.

GoldenPass Belle Epoque train © wiki commons

Please note: at your request, this train can be replaced by the GoldenPass train Panoramic, which runs on the same route.

• The GoldenPass Express train

On the Interlaken - Gstaad route

Train GoldenPass Express © GoldenPass

• The Luzern-Interlaken Express train

Between Interlaken and Montreux, the Luzern Interlaken Express is a state-of-the-art train. Considered the “train of contrasts”, it passes through the Jaman tunnel. Its large windows make it one of Switzerland's most panoramic trains.

Train Lucerne Interlaken Express © GoldenPass

PRICE INCLUDES

• Swiss Travel Pass 2nd class for the entire route as per program
• Goldenpass Express train reservation
• Goldenpass Belle Epoque train reservation
• Public transport in all cities along the route
• Accommodation in 3* city-center hotels according to chosen category
• Breakfasts (DDP)
• Assistance from Discovery Trains teams
• Electronic version of travel guide

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• International transport (train or plane)
• Single supplement in hotels
• Lunches and dinners
• Guide for excursions
• Hotel taxes (small supplement payable locally)
• Transfers between train stations and hotels, if necessary (hotels are usually located close to the station).
• Insurance
• 1st class train supplement
• 4* hotel supplement
• Morning visit to Jungfraujoch - Top Of Europe, day 2: from €165 per person
• Visit to Glacier 3000, day 3: from €50 per person
• Printed travel report sent by post (+ €12)