Discovering Lake Geneva – Chocolate, Château and Chaplin

Travel to Switzerland

Take a short sea crossing to Calais and travel to south through France for an overnight stop before arriving at Lake Geneva on day 2.

Lausanne and the Olympic Museum

Lausanne is built on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes and dominated by its 13th century Gothic cathedral.  Wander around the old town and small alleyways with its cafes and boutiques.  Alternatively, head down to the harbour area of Ouchy with its delightful promenade leading to the famous Olympic Museum which houses exhibits relating to sport and the Olympic movement.  It has the largest archive of Olympic Games memorabilia in the world and is one of Lausanne’s prime tourist attractions.  The gardens here are also well worth a visit.

(Note:  if your hotel is in Lausanne, you will be provided with a Lausanne Transport Card which gives free use of all public transport in the city and surroundings, including discounts for many museums, shops etc.)

Lake Cruise, Château de Chillon and Montreux

Take a leisurely cruise from Lausanne to Château de Chillon, a 13th century fortress located on a rocky islet overlooking the lake.  It is an internationally renowned symbol of the Lake Geneva region and one of the most visited castles in Europe and was the inspiration for the castle in the film ‘The Little Mermaid’.  On a guided tour, view the wall paintings, subterranean vaults and much more.  The complex consists of 25 buildings and three courtyards protected by two circular walls.

After the visit, continue by coach to Montreux, overlooked by the UNESCO listed Lavaux vineyards and home to the famous Jazz Festival.  Visit the Old Town which overlooks the lake and mountains beyond or wander along the promenade and view the bronze statue of Freddie Mercury where he once resided and recorded many songs with his band, Queen.  If you are a great fan of the band, why not visit the Queen Studio Experience – a free exhibition housed in the former premises of Mountain Studios, the legendary recording studio that Queen acquired in 1979.

Chocolate Train and Chaplin

Drive to Montreux and board the famous Golden Pass Belle Epoque Chocolate Train* for a 45 minute scenic journey to Montbovon.  From here, continue the short journey by coach to the legendary Maison Cailler in Broc where the secrets of chocolate making are revealed.  Their rich traditions are present in every piece of chocolate they produce and crafted from gourmet ingredients, sustainable cocoa and fresh milk from local dairy farms.  Watch demonstrations, eat samples and make purchases as you cannot purchase this chocolate outside Switzerland!

Return to the lake, by coach, with a stop in Vevey, a ‘Pearl of the Riviera’.  It was once home to Charlie Chaplin and his house is now a museum.  With an experienced guide a tour of the house will highlight his life as a legendary artist and his cinematographic genius.

(*Seasonal schedule of operation)

Return to the UK

Depart for the return journey, stopping overnight in France before travelling to Calais for the short sea ferry crossing to the UK on Day 7.