Itinerary - 4 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Lyon

Travel on Eurostar from London to Paris, where you transfer onto the high speed TGV train to Lyon.

On arrival in Lyon, check in for a 2 night stay at the Grand Hotel Des Terreaux.

Capital of the Rhône-Alpes area, Lyon is perfect for a short break. Visit the Cathédrale St. Jean, dating back to the 12th century and noted for its unusual astronomical clock or relax in the Parc de la Tête de l'Or, a beautiful park featuring a lake and stunning botanical gardens. Alternatively, stop for afternoon tea at the Lyon Opera House.

Day 2

Lyon

Spend a full day discovering Lyon.

Le Vieux Carré, or old city, is the heart of Lyon. Discover more of its Old World attractions such the Place Bellecour and the Amphitheatre of the Trois Gauls. Browse the charming shops and dine at a “bouchon" café, specialising in traditional Lyonnaise cuisine.

With more restaurants per Gothic and Renaissance square metre of the old town than anywhere else on earth, you are assured to find plenty of options for a traditional feast. Don’t leave Lyon without sampling a drop of typical Côtes-du-Rhône or Hermitage wine!

Day 3

Mont Blanc Express to Chamonix

After breakfast take the train from Lyon to St Gervais les Bains, where the Mont Blanc Express route starts. Travel up through the Alps, nearly a third of the way up the side of Mont Blanc, passing the rushing waters in the Trient Gorge, mountain forests and traditional Alpine villages on your way to the French ski resort of Chamonix.

On arrival in Chamonix, check in for an overnight stay at the Les Aiglons Resort And Spa.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this beautiful mountain resort famed for its alpine sports and of course Europe's highest mountain, Mont Blanc.

Day 4

Mont Blanc Express to Lausanne

Re-board the Mont Blanc Express and travel through the Alps, over the border between France and Switzerland to the small town of Martigny. Once in Martigny connect with the train to Lausanne which is particularly scenic as the route takes you around Lake Geneva.

On arrival, check in at the Alpha Palmiers which is situated right next to the train station.

Stretching across five hills, one of which is crowned by the gothic cathedral, Lausanne is a great city destination in its own right.

Day 5

Lausanne to London

On your final day you have time to explore the car free cobbled streets of the old town, take a cruise on Lake Geneva on a paddlewheel steamer or go and visit the stunning Château de Chillon.


After a morning in Lausanne take the train through the Jura mountains to Paris. On arrival in Paris transfer onto the Eurostar to London.