OU Trips – Switzerland - Magnificent Trains, Lakes and Mountains - 7 days, 6 nights

Do you like mountains, lakes and trains? – If you have answered YES then OU Trips has the perfect getaway for you!!

 Join us on a 7-day tour of Switzerland by train (including the GoldenPass Panorama Express), enjoying stops in Lucerne, Interlaken and Montreux and staying in highly rated hotels.

On this trip you will journey through some of the world’s most breath-taking natural landscapes, where the serene beauty of alpine lakes meets the grandeur of towering mountains. Explore Switzerland’s crystal-clear lakes; Lake Lucerne, Lake Geneva, and the tranquil Lake Thun, framed by majestic mountain ranges.

This trip puts you firmly in the (train!) driving seat and offers plenty of free time to explore and build your holiday (by booking your own activities) depending on your interests and budget.

Please note that this trip requires you to manage your own luggage during the trips (on and off trains) and while Switzerland is very accessible, there may be some stations that do not have step free access. With this in mind, we recommend a moderate level of fitness is required for this trip.  

Dates and Times

10th - 16th September 2026

What's included?

• Coach transfer between The Open University and London St. Pancras (Eurostar) return
• All train travel, including seat reservation fees on Panorama and international trains
• 3* and 4* Accommodation in hotels, centrally located and close to train stations for ease (walking distance)
• Rooms with en-suite private facilities
• Breakfast included (hotels in Lucerne and Interlaken)
• Buffet breakfast is available at the J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux hotel in Montreaux for an additional fee and can be booked at time of stay if required

Add on:

• The Cheese and Chocolate Train excursion (**optional extra - £115 per person — please add when booking using the booking form)

Prices and Room Availability:

6 x Twin Rooms available at a max of £1950 (final price to be confirmed due to transfer costs) per person (based on 2 people sharing).

6 x Single Occupancy Rooms (single bed in Lucerne, double in Interlaken and single in Montreux) available at a max of £2440 (final price to be confirmed due to transfer costs) per person.

2 x Single Occupancy Rooms (double bed in Lucerne, double in Interlaken and single in Montreux) available at a max of £2560 (final price to be confirmed due to transfer costs) per person.

Please note the above does not include The Cheese and Chocolate Train excursion and this will be added if you choose to include it. 

We are sorry for the higher single occupancy prices. This is solely due to the price of the hotels. We have tried to negotiate a lower rate.

Itinerary

Day 1: London – Lucerne

Depart London in the morning and travel to Paris Gare du Nord on Eurostar. Transfer to Gare du Lyon (method of transfer TBC), before departing onward to Lucerne. 

Journey plan (exact time TBC):

London St Pancras - Paris Gare Du Nord (depart London approx. 7am), depart OU approx 3am TBC.

Paris Gare du Lyon- Basel

Basel - Lucerne (arrive approx. 5pm)

Check in to Hotel de la Paix for 2 nights bed and breakfast

Hotel De la Paix, Lucerne (image credit: tripadvisor.co.uk)

The Hotel De la Paix offers a warm and inviting stay in the heart of Lucerne, perfectly located near the Lion Monument, the entrance to the Old Town, and just 200 metres from the stunning Lake Lucerne. The Chapel Bridge is a short 7-minute walk away, and the Lucerne Train Station can be reached in under 10 minutes on foot. The hotel features comfortable, ensuite rooms with free Wi-Fi, a TV, a desk, and a cosy sitting area, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploration. With various cafés, bars, and restaurants just steps away, you’ll have plenty of dining options. 

Day 2: Lucerne at leisure

A day to explore Lucerne, a picturesque city set on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Stroll across the famous Chapel Bridge, a 15th-century wooden bridge with beautiful frescoes depicting historical scenes. Make sure to visit the Water Tower next to the bridge. Explore the medieval Old Town, or take a scenic cable car ride up Mount Pilatus for breathtaking views.

Picturesque Lucerne (image credit: coxandkings.co.uk)

Day 3: Lucerne – Interlaken

Journey plan (exact times TBC):

Lucerne - Interlaken Ost: (depart approx. midday; arrive approx. 2pm)

After a leisurely morning, you'll board the train which takes you from the charming lakeside city of Lucerne to the breathtaking resort town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Some things you can book yourself to do in Lucerne include boat trips on the lakes.

Traveling along the scenic GoldenPass route, you’ll be treated to some of Switzerland’s most captivating landscapes, sparkling lakes, rolling meadows, and towering snow-capped peaks. The train winds gently through quaint alpine villages and lush valleys, offering panoramic views that perfectly capture the heart of the Swiss countryside. 

Boat cruise, Interlaken (image credit: klook.com)

Check-in to Hotel Krebs Interlaken for 2 nights bed and breakfast

Hotel Krebs, Interlaken (image credit: interlaken.ch)

The Hotel Krebs (4* Hotel) has a long tradition of hospitality and has been welcoming guests for more than 140 years. All rooms are modernly furnished and air-conditioned. All rooms have a bathroom with bath/shower, toilet, washbasin, mirror, hairdryer and a selection of toiletries. The rooms are equipped with television, radio, refrigerator, safe, telephone and kettle with items for coffee and tea, and free WIFI. 

The hotel has a Lounge-Bar, a traditional restaurant - the Chässtübli, and a spacious terrace to enjoy. The bus & railway station Interlaken West and the Congress Center are just a few steps away. 

Day 4: Interlaken at leisure

Boasting spectacular views of three famous Swiss peaks – Mönch, Jungfrau and Eiger – Interlaken makes a superb base for exploring the Bernese Alps by train, funicular, cable car and, of course, via an extensive network of hiking trails. 

Ideas for possible activities you can book yourself include: exploring either Lake Thun or Brienz aboard an historic paddle-steamer, a guided kayak tour or taking the train to Grindelwald (approx. 40 minutes). In Grindelwald, you could hike the famous Eiger Trail, which takes you close to the base of the Eiger’s north face. 

The Eiger Express Cable Car (accessible from Grindelwald) (image credit: berneseoberlandpass.com)

For a unique perspective, consider taking the First cable car up to First, where you can enjoy thrilling activities such as the First Cliff Walk. Or you could take the Eiger Express gondola, which swiftly whisks you to the Eiger Glacier in just 15 minutes, offering a breathtaking journey with panoramic views of the majestic alpine landscape.

Day 5: Interlaken - Montreux on GoldenPass Panorama Express

Journey plan (exact times TBC)

Interlaken West - Montreux: (depart approx. 11:30am; arrive approx. 3pm) 

The journey from Interlaken to Montreux on the GoldenPass Panorama Express winds through lush meadows and dense forests, passing through charming towns like Zweisimmen and Gstaad, each offering a glimpse of quintessential Swiss life. As you approach Gstaad, the scenery transforms into a storybook landscape of rolling hills, traditional wooden chalets, and grazing cows. In winter, this region becomes a snow-covered wonderland, while in summer, it’s a vibrant display of wildflowers and greenery.
 

The GoldenPass Panorama Express Train (image credit: vacationbyrail.com)

From Gstaad, the GoldenPass Panorama Express continues through vineyards and terraced fields as it descends toward Montreux. The final stretch into Montreux is a true highlight. With the glittering waters of Lake Geneva on one side and the French Alps in the distance, you’ll arrive at this sophisticated lakeside town, famous for its jazz festival and Mediterranean-like climate. The combination of alpine and lake views, along with the train’s large panoramic windows, makes this journey one of the most beautiful rail experiences in Switzerland.

Check-in to J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux for 2 nights bed - breakfast can be added at an extra cost.

The J5 Hotels Helvetie, Montreux (image credit: booking.com)

Enjoy stunning views from the rooftop terrace at J5 Hotels Helvetie Montreux. Guest rooms feature minibars, flat-screen TVs with satellite programming, and private bathrooms. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, a library, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel offers a restaurant and buffet breakfast (available for a fee).

Montreux has inspired artists, writers and musicians ranging from Freddie Mercury and Prince to Igor Stravinski. It feels almost Mediterranean along the shores of Lake Geneva between Villeneuve and Lutry where Montreux Riviera enjoys a microclimate that sustains the famous terraced vineyard of Lavaux (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

An afternoon arrival in Montreux gives plenty of time to explore and find somewhere nice for dinner!

Lake Geneva, Montreux (image credit: istockphoto.com)

Day 6: Full day in Montreux at leisure OR The Chocolate and Cheese Train (optional extra)

Today you have a choice — you can continue to take in the idyllic montage of mountains, lakes and vineyards and perhaps arrange a wine tour, or venture from the lake shore into the forests, where walking trails lead through alpine meadows to fabulous panoramic viewpoints...

OR 

Head off today on the Chocolate and Cheese train! Departing from Montreux, the journey winds its way up from lake-level into alpine vistas, setting the perfect backdrop for what lies ahead. After the train segment to Montbovon, you continue by comfortable bus into the heart of the Gruyère region. 

 The Cheese and Chocolate Train (image credit: rtttravel.com)

The Medieval town of Gruyères (image credit: fribourg.ch)

Your first destination is the show dairy La Maison du Gruyère, where you’ll witness the art of cheese-making that gives rise to the iconic Gruyère AOP. Then you’re escorted to the charming medieval town of Gruyères for a moment of leisure, perhaps explore the cobbled streets or the venerable castle, before heading to Maison Cailler in Broc. Here, chocolate takes centre stage: a guided tour, tasting included, and all the sweet history that Switzerland has built around this centuries-old craft.

Maison Cailler Choclate Factory, Broc (image credit: tripadvisor.com)

It’s a delightful full-day excursion, about seven and a half hours in total, where the luxury of rail travel meets the authentic flavours of Swiss cheese and chocolate. It’s not just a ride, it’s a memorable journey through Switzerland’s culinary and scenic heritage!

Day 7: Depart Switzerland (Montreux - Geneva - Paris – London)

Today you will head to Montreux train station ready for your journey back to London via Geneva and Paris.

Journey plan (exact time TBC):

Montreux - Geneva: (depart approx 10:50am)

Geneva - Paris Gare du Lyon (transfer to be confirmed)

Paris Gare du Nord- London St Pancras: (arrive approx. 20:30pm)

St Pancras to Walton Hall coach.

Places available

20

Booking deadline

30th November 2025 or when sold out

To request places

By submitting your booking via the booking form (follow link below), you are confirming you have read and will abide by our terms and conditions. 

Please note, you are responsible for the full payment once the place request deadline date is past. OU Trips does not have any reserves to cover cancelled places, so please ensure you have taken out travel insurance to cover yourself.

Booking Form

We know lots of you have already booked the Cruise, if you are interested in this trip but in September 2027 please complete the form and answer 'change dates'.

PLEASE NOTE: Do not submit your request more than once. We would ask you to remember that we are all volunteers. Therefore, please don’t be offended if you don’t receive an immediate response.

Payment Deadlines

For 2 people sharing - £400 pp deposit

For single occupancy - £450 pp deposit 

Deposit Deadline = 10th December 2025

Final Balance due = 29th May 2026

Contacting us

If you need to contact us regarding a event and your question cannot be answered through our booking information page, please email and ensure that you include the name of the event you are contacting us about in the subject line of your message.