01904 521 936
Open 7 Days a Week
The delights of southwest Switzerland beckon on this rail and cruise holiday, which begins in the Swiss Riviera in Lausanne. During a three-night stay on Lake Geneva, visit Château de Chillon and journey through the Alps to Chamonix.
The journey continues in France with a Rhône cruise, which glimpses into the soul of each port of call. Savor Burgundy's renowned wines in Beaune and delve into the rich history of Lyon, France's gastronomic capital.
From the cliffs of the Ardèche Gorge to the historic streets of Avignon, every moment is unforgettable.
What’s included
Your memorable Swiss and French holiday begins today at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and group. Boarding the Eurostar to Paris, enjoy a light meal served at our comfortable Plus Class seats. The journey continues, as we switch trains in France's capital and travel through the French and Swiss countryside, past distant mountains, to the stunning shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland.
Our destination is a luxurious five-star hotel in the lakeside city of Lausanne, where we stay for three nights. Take some time to settle in and admire the serene beauty of our Swiss Riviera location, before we gather in the hotel's restaurant for our first dinner together.
Today begins with a late morning boat ride to the elegant Château de Chillon. As we cruise across scenic Lake Geneva, take in the beauty of sparkling blue water surrounded by lush mountain peaks. We pass charming lakeside villages before spotting the castle on its outcrop, rising dramatically from the water.
Crossing the wooden drawbridge, we meet our guide for a tour of this 13th-century fortress. Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy for nearly four centuries. On our tour, we view its 14th-century painting, subterranean vaults, parade halls and the bedroom, which has been preserved in its original form from the time of Bernese rule.
We return to our hotel by coach, where the afternoon is free for you to continue discovering our beautiful setting or find dinner independently.
A highlight of our trip lies ahead today as we take a train to Martigny after breakfast. Here, we join the Mont Blanc Express for an unforgettable journey across the Alps, past the French border and up to the world-class resort town of Chamonix.
The line meanders through rows of vineyards, passing through the dramatic Trient Valley. Watch the views unfold as the Mont Blanc Express climbs high into the mountains amidst the snow-capped peaks before reaching the Trient Gorge.
On our approach to the Chamonix Valley, we are welcomed by glaciers and the formidable peak of Mont Blanc. We disembark the train with a free afternoon to find lunch and explore the pretty town and stunning scenery of Chamonix independently - perhaps while riding the highest cable car in France, the L'Aiguille du Midi. We enjoy an encore of the scenery as we follow the route back to Lausanne, arriving in time for dinner at the hotel this evening.
The next phase of our journey begins after breakfast, as we transfer to Lausanne's train station and board the train to Geneva. Here, we switch trains and continue to Lyon, France's third-largest city and a popular destination at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. As our train arrives, a coach transfer takes us to the waterfront, where our luxurious Amadeus ship awaits.
Stepping aboard, you have time to settle in with a welcome cocktail, allowing you to relax and take in the stunning surroundings. You could sip your drink while lounging on the sun deck with a view of Lyon's townhouses, narrow streets and scenic rooftops or in the ship's comfortable lounge.
Later, we have our first dinner onboard as we set sail for our mooring point near Ardèche.
Another holiday highlight lies ahead today as we explore the stunning landscapes of the Gorges du Doux region. Enjoy breakfast onboard before travelling by coach to Tournon-St-Jean railway station, where we board the Train de l'Ardèche. This historic steam train, originally opened in 1891, takes us on a panoramic journey to remember.
We wind up foothills and into the valleys that populate the landscape. Several stone bridges crisscross the brooks and rivers, surrounded by lush forest - we pass over these incredible structures and through tunnels built into the cliffs. Our locomotive takes us to sections of the gorges that no other form of transport can access, offering remarkable, little-seen views.
We retrace our journey back to the station and then transfer to our mooring point. As we rejoin the ship, you can settle in for lunch and an afternoon on the water as we continue sailing to the Provençal city of Avignon.
Medieval walls and age-old architecture welcome us to Avignon today. Boarding the charming Le Petit Train d'Avignon, we set out on a guided tour of this stately city known for being the seat of the Pope in the 14th century.
Avignon's striking white papal palaces and majestic cathedral are just some of the highlights we see as we walk through the historic centre, which earned World Heritage status in 1995. We also enter the Pope's Palace, admiring its spectacular interiors and collection of religious artifacts.
You can use the Le Petit Train d'Avignon to return to the ship for lunch, and then you are free until early evening to discover the city at your own pace. Perhaps walk along the 14th-century walls that encircle the city's historic centre - sections of the walls are open to pedestrians and offer fantastic views of the town and river beyond. After dinner on the ship tonight, we set sail for Arles.
We begin our day with a guided tour of Arles, whose streets inspired many of Vincent Van Gogh's most famous paintings. Van Gogh produced more than 180 pieces during his time in Arles, including Starry Night over the Rhône and Café Terrace at Night, the location of which can be found in the Place du Forum.
After lunch on the ship, you have the choice of two excursions. Your first option is visiting the beautiful Camargue Delta, where the Rhône opens into the Mediterranean. This is a treat for nature lovers, as the wetlands and park area are home to nearly 400 species of birds, including pink flamingos. Also of note are the wild horses, Camarguais, which roam freely.
Your second excursion option takes you to the iconic arches of the Pont du Gard, an ancient Roman aqueduct of astonishing size spanning the Gardon River. Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pont du Gard is considered a feat of engineering.
Today, we visit the stunning Ardèche Gorge, known as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe' for its plunging terrain and dramatic vistas. An area of snaking rivers and deep gorges, this is a fantastic example of the natural beauty of the region. Sheer cliffs rise above waterways of sparkling emerald and deep green forests, providing unforgettable views. Our tour takes us to some of the most impressive points within the gorge, including the Pont d'Arc.
Afterwards, we re-join the coach and finish our French exploration surrounded by the quintessential scent of the south of France: lavender. We enjoy entrance to the Lavender Museum, where we can learn about this iconic plant while basking in its relaxing aroma.
Heading to Le Pouzin, we reboard our ship and begin our return sailing to Lyon while having lunch. Sailing for the remainder of the afternoon, you can make use of the ship's amenities, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or indulging in a massage.
Arriving in Lyon overnight, we disembark after breakfast for a guided tour. One of France's most iconic cities, Lyon enjoys an incredible location at the confluence of two rivers which has made it a major hub for more than 2,000 years.
The beautiful pinks, oranges, reds and whites of the elegant buildings are reflected in the waters of Lyon's riverfront. Our tour explores some of the city's highlights and delves into its deep history. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the small shops and traditional businesses lend a classic French flair.
We enjoy a praline-tasting before returning to our ship in time for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure onboard as we cruise to Tournon-sur-Rhône. This is one of the most scenic and panoramic sections of the river, and it is well worth taking the time to admire the scenery from the sun deck. Rolling hills and verdant vineyards rise and fall, overlooked by châteaux and stately homes.
Waking to lovely views in Chalon-sur-Saône this morning, we enjoy breakfast onboard before setting off on a coach excursion to Beaune. Set deep in the heart of the wine region of Burgundy, Beaune is a classic French medieval town with impressive walls, terracotta roofs and historical buildings.
We delve into its history on a sightseeing tour that showcases some of Beaune's most impressive points of interest. We also enjoy entrance to a local winery, where we can enjoy a tasting of some of the wines that make this town - and the Burgundy region as a whole - so famous. Beaune is one of the most important of France's wine centres and is surrounded by fields bedecked by vineyards growing Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay grapes.
This evening, we sit down to our final dinner together as we sail back towards Lyon through picturesque scenery.
Travelling through mountains, stunning waterways and romantic cities, this rail and cruise journey has painted a picture of the beauty of western Switzerland and France. In addition to soaking up the beautiful landscapes, we toured the historic Château de Chillon and crossed the Alps to Chamonix before joining our ship in Lyon. Our Amadeus vessel followed a scenic route along the Rhône to incredible ports of call, including Avignon, Arles and the stunning Ardèche Gorge. We tasted Burgundy's wine in Beaune and explored Lyon's historic and gastronomic delights.
After breakfast onboard, we disembark for the final time and bid farewell to our wonderful crew as we transfer to Lyon's station and travel by rail to Paris. From here, we board the Eurostar and enjoy a light meal onboard before arriving in London, where your cruise holiday comes to an end.
| 25 April 2027 | From £5,399 |
| 23 May 2027 | From £5,799 |
| 6 June 2027 | From £5,999 |
| 4 July 2027 | From £5,699 |
| 29 August 2027 | From £5,699 |
| 3 October 2027 | From £5,499 |
All prices are per person and assume full occupancy of the room.
Please always refer to the website for up-to-date prices and availability.
Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!
The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.
For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.
Designed to make the most of the beautiful scenery and wonderful mountain vistas, the superb Mont Blanc Express offers one of the best railway journeys on offer in the Alps. Our journey on the tourist line begins in the small Swiss town of Martigny. On departure, the line begins a gentle ascent, passing through the neat rows of vineyards which line the fields running down to the tracks.
We continue into France through the charming landscape of the pretty Rhône Valley, and then our train begins to ascend in earnest - here it makes use of the rack-and-pinion mechanism to climb higher into the mountains. The views in this section are outstanding with snow-capped mountains towering over the sloping valley below. Our electric train then reaches the dramatic Trient Gorge, crossing the wild rocky canyon using a series of bridges. Soon we catch our first glimpse of the mighty Mont Blanc - France's highest mountain - as we approach the Chamonix Valley.
After a final climb along one of the line's steepest sections, the Mont Blanc Express arrives in the resort town on Chamonix, a wonderfully popular holiday destination due to its amazing mountain panoramas and picturesque location.
It's all aboard for a heritage rail journey with a difference. We often say that trains take you to places you couldn't see otherwise, and that is exactly the case with The Train des Gorges which traverses a particularly striking natural wonder, the Gorges du Doux. Inaccessible by every other mode of transport, you'll be able to marvel at dense forested landscapes and impressive limestone cliffs as you travel by nostalgic steam train.
Weaving its way alongside the Rhône river in south-eastern France, the Train des Gorges near the Ardèche mountains reveals the tapestry of marvellous woodland scenery for which this part of the country is known. Journey through the Doux Valley, this railway is made up from various beautiful bridges which are cast over babbling brooks and the titular stone gorges. A charming steam locomotive hauls a line of blue carriages on an enchanting journey alongside mountains and rivers.
This elegant Belle Époque hotel at the heart of vibrant Lausanne has been providing luxury for more than a century. The hotel offers a choice of restaurants, including the Michelin-starred La Table with panoramic views over the city, mountain and Lake Geneva. With a number of bars, a spa and a fitness centre, the Lausanne Palace creates a welcoming, relaxing yet luxurious atmosphere. Each guest room is individually decorated with its own distinct charm and features a comfortable seating area, as well as free Wi-Fi, minibar, safe, complimentary toiletries and tea & coffee-making facilities.
Discover unparalleled levels of luxury, elegance and tranquillity on board the Amadeus Provence. With a wonderful blend of modern fittings, luxurious finishes, and comfortable cabins, the Amadeus Provence offers a wonderful cruising experience. Sailing exclusively along France's beautiful rivers, you can soak up divine views as you enjoy attentive service and facilities including a swimming pool and elegant bar. You'll never find yourself at a loss whilst on board.
The ship has capacity for 140 passengers and will be crewed by approximately 40 members of staff. Featuring 62 cabins and 8 suites across 4 decks, the ship offers a comfortable, stylish base from which to explore France's waterways.
We offer a selection of upgrades and 'add-ons' designed to help you make the most of your holiday - and make it even easier!
Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.
We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.
Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.
We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.
For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.