Lake Geneva & The Golden Pass

Based in the Swiss resort village of Leysin, set high in the Vaud Alps of Switzerland, you will enjoy magnificent views in all directions. This area of Switzerland has it all - snow-capped mountains, rolling green pastures and the gentle sound of cow bells. The 360° panorama of the Alpine peaks is unforgettable - Eiger, Mont-Blanc, Matterhorn & Dents du Midi. Below the town are the blue waters of Lake Geneva with Switzerland on one side and France on the other. One of the many highlights of this tour is a ride on the Golden Pass train to glamourous Gstaad. You will ride in comfort with stunning views of the vineyards surrounding Montreux and the fabulous Alpine scenery viewed from the special panoramic train.

Departure points to suit you...
Crusader Holidays uses an interchange system, taking place at either Beaconsfield Services (M40), South Mimms Services (M25/A1M) or Thurrock Services (M25).

Here you may have to change to your holiday coach and we are renowned for ensuring that this is smooth and efficient.

The holiday coaches typically depart from Beaconsfield Services at 11.15, Thurrock Services at around 09.30 and South Mimms Services at 10.30. Some customers find it more convenient to join direct at the interchange, please let is know when booking if this is the case.

*Due to increased operational costs, from Monday 16th October 2023 Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury & Ashford joining points will be subject to a £25.00 per person supplement on all 2024 UK Tours.

NOTE: Pick up points are a guide so please refer to your holiday confirmation for specific locations as details are subject to change.Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & buffet dinner- Overnight hotels for 2 nights with breakfast- Porterage & welcome drink on arrival in Switzerland- Two included excursions as stated- Golden Pass Panoramic Train Montreux - Gstaad wuth reserved seating- Wine tasting at Lavaux Vinorama- Day at leisure in Leysin

Mountains, Lake & A Panoramic Train Ride
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais. Then continue to your overnight hotel in Central France. Bed & breakfast.

Day 2 - Sit back and relax and enjoy rural France today before crossing into Switzerland. Not long now before the wonderful mountain and lake land scenery comes into view on your way to Leysin for your 4-night stay. Welcome drink and porterage on arrival. Buffet dinner, bed & breakfast. NB tea / coffee after dinner is self service.

Day 3 - 5 - At leisure in Leysin with two included excursions.

During your freetime in Leysin, why not take the rack railway (35-minute journey - return journey approx. CHF 21 pp in 2023) down to the historic town of Aigle with its medieval castle or perhaps, on a clear day, take the Berneuse cable car (approx. CHF 25 pp return in 2023) for wonderful views of Geneva and Mont Blanc. Leysin is located on a terrace at an altitude of 1200m above sea level at the foot of the Tour d'Ai and enjoys a sun-rich mild climate. There are plentiful hiking trails in the region and the village museum and exhibition "La Fromagerie" cheese dairy / restaurant convey some of the traditions of mountain and Alpine farming.

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Golden Pass Panoramic Train to Gstaad
Journey to Montreux where you will board the Golden Pass Panoramic Train for an extraordinary journey with reserved seats through magnificent scenery - lush green meadows, traditional wooden chalets and mighty Alpine peaks. Enjoy wonderful views of glittering Lake Geneva from the carriages' huge panoramic windows as the train winds its way up to the pretty mountain resort of Gstaad (1050m) in the Bernese Oberland. This charming chalet village, with its timber-lined car-free heart and its sleepy cow-grazed pastures, is known for its glitzy, celebrity visitors in the winter season and its luxury 'shopping mile'. There will be time at leisure to explore this little Swiss gem of a resort.

Wine tasting at Lavaux Vineyard's Vinorama and Lake Geneva
A day of more splendid mountain scenery as you head first to elegant Montreux, home of the famous jazz festival, for time at leisure to stroll the lovely waterside promenade. The tranquil lakeside resort has over the years, attracted many artists, writers and musicians who have come in search of beauty and inspiration. Freddie Mercury recorded his last album 'Queen - Made in Heaven' here and he is immortalised in the 1996 bronze statue on the waterfront. Continue along the lakeside to the renowned Lavaux Vineyards. Here you will have an included wine tasting at the excellent Vinorama - the perfect opportunity to sample the 'Chasselas', Switzerland's typical grape variety. From here, drive to the Swiss 'Riviera' town of Lausanne with its floral lakeside quays. Subject to schedules, your driver may offer an optional lake cruise to the picturesque town of Vevey where your coach will be waiting to take you back to your mountain resort.

Day 6 - Today it's farewell to the Vaud Alps as you return northwards through France to Luxembourg for your final overnight stop. Bed & breakfast.

Day 7 - After an early breakfast, continue to Calais for the return to England.Hotel Central Residence, Leysin

The 3* Central Residence Hotel is situated in Leysin, a lovely mountain village at 1200 metres altitude. It is a modern hotel set in the centre of the resort close to all amenities. Guests enjoy free WiFi and access to the spa and fitness centre, complete with indoor pool. There is a traditional restaurant within the hotel, as well as a lobby bar, outdoor terrace and a garden. All bedrooms come with en-suite bathrooms (no walk-in showers) flat-screen TV and great views. Many have balconies. There is a lift to all floors.

Please note that not all Continental Hotels have tea and coffee making facilities in the bedrooms.

NB There are a few SINGLE rooms with a low supplement but once these rooms are sold a higher supplement will come into effect