Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Geneva

Take the train to Paris and connect onto the high speed TGV service to Geneva (journey time from Paris around 3 hours). Travel the last part of the journey through some rugged Alpine scenery with the spectacular Cize-Bolozon Viaduct a particular highlight. On arrival in Geneva, check in at the Kipling Geneva for a 2 night stay.

Geneva is a lovely city on the impressive, mountain fringed lake of the same name. Thanks to its role in international diplomacy, the city is one of Switzerland's most cosmopolitan with almost forty percent of the resident population made up of foreigners.

Day 2

Geneva

Spend a full day enjoying the sights of Switzerland's second city. Climb up to the imposing Cathèdrale St Pierre in the lovely Old Town or visit the Palais des Nations, once intended to house the League of Nations and now offering a large art collection and landscaped gardens.

You can head out of the city with a cruise on Lake Geneva or take the Télépherique du Salève into the Alps (just over the border into France) for amazing views of Mont Blanc and some lovely walking trails.

In the evening, try the Plaine de Plainpalais for a drink and some traditional Swiss food.

Day 3

Geneva to Lyon

After another morning in Geneva, take a lunchtime service via Bellegarde to Lyon. The journey takes around an hour and a half and, on arrival in Lyon, check in at the Grand Hotel Des Terreaux where you will stay for 3 nights.

Lyon is a pretty city on the Rhone, known for its wine production and gastronomy. Head to the cobbled streets of the Old Town for a taste of 'la cuisine Lyonnaise' on your first evening.

Days 4 and 5

Lyon

Enjoy two days at leisure in and around Lyon.

The centre of the city is the regal Place Bellecour and from here the streets leading off make up the Presqu'ile district and are bustling with shops. Climb up the white Fourvière Basilica on the hillside for spectacular city views and some Roman remains including two theatres.

See the city from a different perspective with a cruise down the Saône or visit one of Lyon's impressive collection of museums. The Institut Lumière is housed in the former residence of the famous Lumière brothers and offers an interesting history of the cinema. Don't miss a visit to the lovely Park de la Tête d'Or with its impressive botanic gardens.

Day 6

Lyon to Avignon

Head back the station this morning and catch a train for the hour and 10 minute long journey from Lyon to Avignon. On arrival, check in at the De L'Horloge Avignon for a 3 night stay.

Once the seat of Roman popes, Avignon now has a reputation as a centre of culture and the arts, thanks in particular to its annual theatre festival which has become an international event.

Start in the central Place de l'Horloge and explore the narrow streets and shops of the Old Town on foot.

Days 7 and 8

Avignon

Spend another two days in Avignon soaking up the atmosphere of this artistic Provençal city. Don't miss a visit to the grand Palais des Papes, one of the largest medieval buildings in Europe or to the next door Romanesque cathedral, Notre Dame des Doms. Walk along the banks of the River Rhone to the famous half ruined Pont d'Avignon or see the colourful displays of produce at Les Halles food market.

During your stay, why not see where the Rhone runs into the sea with a daytrip to historic Arles and the beautiful Camargue National Park? The vibrant port of Marseilles is also just an hour's train journey away.

Day 9

Avignon to London

Spend another morning in Avignon before heading back to Avignon TGV station for your return train to London via Lille, arriving back in the mid-evening.