Interlaken and the Golden Pass
- 5 Days
- From £1,049
- Switzerland
- Travel by train through France to Interlaken
- Spend a free day discovering the Bernese Oberland
- Choose from beautiful Belle-Epoque or modern panoramic carriages for your Golden Pass journey to Montreux
- Enjoy time at leisure on the shores of Lake Geneva
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 4 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Catch a Eurostar service from London to Paris and connect onto the high-speed TGV Lyria service to Basel on the Swiss border. From here, there is a direct train to Interlaken, where you have a 2-night stay at the Hotel Interlaken (or similar).
Your hotel is in the centre of town, so you might like to head out for an evening meal or a drink in one of Interlaken’s many bars and restaurants.
Sandwiched between two lakes (as the name suggests), Interlaken is a popular base for exploring the stunning Bernese Oberland. You can take in the views of the town, lakes and surrounding mountains from the top of the Harder Kulm, accessible by funicular railway.
Alternatively, use your interrail pass to head out on the train and visit other destinations such as Grindelwald, Wengen or the Lauterbrunnen Valley. If the weather is fine, you might like to take the train to the highest station in Europe, at the top of the Jungfrau mountain (for which you can get a 25% discount).
After breakfast in Interlaken, head back to the station and catch a train direct to Montreux. You may also like to catch a Belle Epoque service (pictured). As this is using historic rolling stock, the service still needs to change at Zweisimmen but this is a very simple and fast connection.
Travel through rolling hills and lush mountain meadows from the German speaking canton of Bern and into French speaking Vaud. Your destination is Montreux on Lake Geneva, where you have 2 nights at the Suisse Hotel Majestic (or similar).
Spend a full day exploring Montreux on the Swiss Riviera. Famous for its annual jazz festival, the resort is also home to the much-photographed Chateau de Chillon, which is a lovely walk from the centre of town along the flower-lined lakefront.
If you want to take to the rails again, why not head to Villars or Gruyeres, famous for its cheese and chocolate? You might also like to visit the nearby towns of Vevey and Lausanne by boat.
After a leisurely start today, head back to the station for a return journey to Paris, via Lausanne. Connect in Paris for your Eurostar service back to the UK.
TMR RECOMMENDS: Break your journey back to London with a night in Paris, or perhaps stay a night in Dijon, the historic capital of the Beaujolais region. Call us for details and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Interlaken
This conveniently located hotel is next to the Japanese Gardens and within easy walking distance of Interlaken Ost station. Bedrooms are equipped with cable TV, wired and wireless internet connection and a safe. You can enjoy Swiss and international dishes in the Taverne Restaurant and there is also a welcoming lounge bar.
Montreux
Occupying an ideal location opposite the station and directly on the lakefront, the Suisse Hotel Majestic offers elegant accommodation in a beautiful setting. Bedrooms are furnished in a classic style, some with balconies overlooking the lake. Enjoy an al fresco breakfast or relaxing dinner on the outdoor terrace in good weather.
Upgrade your accommodation
Interlaken
A 7-minute walk from Interlaken West train station, this luxury 19th-century hotel is elegantly furnished in traditional style. Rooms come complete with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, and facilities include two restaurants, a piano bar, spa, indoor pool and fitness centre.
Montreux
The Belle Epoque Fairmont le Montreux Palace is the most luxurious hotel in Montreux, boasting 236 opulently furnished bedrooms, three restaurants (one directly on the lake shore), a wellness centre including an indoor and outdoor pool, and two bars.
