Lakes of Switzerland

Journeying by train allows comfortable, efficient and excellent value travel as well as presenting a myriad of landscapes through areas perhaps untouched by road. Incorporating the spectacular William Tell Express route, this independent journey offers the opportunity to explore the varying cultures and breathtaking scenery of four of the most spectacular lake resorts of Switzerland.

Tour overview
•   Travel from Zürich to the beautiful city of Interlaken, capital of the Bernese Oberland
•   Two days at leisure to explore Interlaken which enjoys outstanding views of Jungfrau
•   Continue to the enchanting town of Lucerne
•   Spend three nights discovering the cultural and scenic delights of Lucerne
•   Hop on a paddle steamer to Fluelen and enjoy lunch on board
•   Journey to Locarno on the shore of glittering Lake Maggiore
•   Enjoy two days at leisure to explore this Mediterranean-style town, one of Switzerland's sunniest spots
•   Continue to vibrant Montreux - famous for its fantastic jazz festival - for two nights.
•   You may choose to book a ride on the Chocolate Train to the Nestlé chocolate factory where you can sample some of Switzerland's famous confectionery

MEAL PLAN
• The three option includes breakfast throughout. The four star option includes breakfast and dinner throughout. See individual hotel pages for more information.

TOUR INCLUDES
• Second class (three star option) and first class (four star option) rail travel throughout Switzerland. Half price Swiss Card. One Fly-Rail luggage tag is included per adult for both your arrival in and departure from Switzerland.
NB
• All optional activities listed in the itinerary are suggestions only and these can be pre-booked or arranged on arrival (extra cost).

DAY 1 - LONDON TO INTERLAKEN
Fly Swiss International Air Lines to Zürich and travel by rail (approx. 3 hours) to the scenic resort of Interlaken. Stay three nights at either the three and a half star City Oberland in a Standard room or the four star Royal St Georges hotel in a Standard room .

DAY 2 - INTERLAKEN
Enjoy two days to explore this beautiful region. Make the most of your free half price travel card with a highly recommend excursion to Europe's highest railway station, the Jungfraujoch, for 360° panoramic views of the majestic peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Explore the surrounding area by mountain bike or follow one of the many miles of walking paths. The picturesque village of Bönigen lies at the south side of Lake Brienz - just a five minute drive away - and is famous for the ornate wooden carvings that adorn its historic houses.

DAY 4 - INTERLAKEN TO LUCERNE
Travel first class by train (approx. 90 minutes) from Interlaken Ost beside beautiful Lake Brienz, over the Brunig Pass to the magical city of Lucerne. Enjoy a three night stay at either the three and a half star Waldstätterhof in a Comfort room or the four star Des Balances in a Standard room.

DAY 5 - LUCERNE
Two days at leisure to explore the ancient wooden bridges, splendid churches, city walls and watchtowers of this medieval city centre, as well as the pretty villages dotted around the lake. The short train ride to the village of Engelberg at the foot of Mt. Titlis is a must! Take the world's first revolving cable car up the mountain and visit the Titlis Glacier cave. You can prebook this incredible excursion.

DAY 7 - LUCERNE TO LOCARNO
Today, follow the William Tell Express route starting from Lake Lucerne and then board a paddle steamer for a spectacular three hour journey to Fluelen (lunch included). Step off the boat and into the comfort of a first class panoramic train for a ride through the steep ravines and the precipitous cliffs of the Reuss Valley. You will be whisked via the spectacular 15 kilometre long Gotthard tunnel into Ticino, the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland. In the Leventina Valley, the William Tell Express crosses breathtaking cantilevered bridges and passes charming villages on its way to Bellinzona and then you continue to the beautiful lakeside resort of Locarno (approx. 3 hours). Stay two nights at the four star, lakefront Ramada La Palma Au Lac in a Standard room.

DAY 8 - LOCARNO
Enjoy Locarno’s balmy climate and tropical flora, or make the short hop into Italy to visit the colourful town of Stresa further down Lake Maggiore.

DAY 9 - LOCARNO TO MONTREUX
The famous rail journey today takes you through the Centovalli (100 valleys) via Italy, the Simplon tunnel and on through the gorgeous Rhône Valley to lakeside Montreux (approx. four hours). Spend two nights at either the three star Hotel Helvétie in a Standard room or the four star Eden Palace au Lac in a Cityview room.

DAY 10 - MONTREUX
A day to explore the elegant resort of Montreux, playground to the rich and famous. Walk along the promenade, try your luck at the famous casino or perhaps visit the imposing Château de Chillon. Why not prebook a full day trip from Montreux on the Chocolate Train, with a visit to the Cailler-Nestlè chocolate factory included.

DAY 11 - MONTREUX TO LONDON
Travel by rail (approx. 1¼ hours) to Geneva airport for your Swiss International Air Lines flight to Heathrow.