Saturday 12th July 2025 • Promotional Content


Worldwide Travel Te Travel Guide


Stress-free train adventures across Europe G


Experience the continent’s most spectacular mountain landscapes and historic cities at a leisurely pace, with a tailor-made train trip


limpses of glittering, turquoise water keep flitting into view, sometimes obscured by build-


ings, but enough to build anticipa- tion as the train gently chugs along towards the first main destination on an eight-day trip through France and Switzerland. As you pull into Montreux, a beau-


tiful Swiss town that sits snugly on the shores of Lake Geneva surrounded by mountains and vineyards, you can congratulate yourself if you’ve opted for first class. Having started from home in the UK the day before with an optional stopover in


Paris, the additional


comfort and complimentary food (on the Eurostar) has already been worth it. Checking into Hotel Mona — which


sits on the lake just a four-minute walk from the train station — is a delight. Te panoramic views from the room and balcony are spectacular, with the water glistening as far as the eye can see under the summer sunshine. If it’s a hot day, you can head for a swim in the lake. It’s easy to find a peaceful spot, and the water is heavenly. Stroll the flower-laden lakeside


promenade to dry off, making a visit to its famous statue of Freddie Mercury. You can work up an appetite by exploring the steep streets of the charming old town and enjoy a deli- cious al fresco dinner of perch, caught fresh from the lake, and local wine. Te following day, eschew public


transport and enjoy a 40-minute walk to Chillon Castle, a Swiss treasure that sits on a rock on the banks of the lake and dates to the 11th century. It’s day three, and farewell to


Montreux. It’s time to board the beau- tiful Golden Pass train to Interlaken — perhaps with an upgrade to Prestige class, which offers elevated seats that rotate by 180 degrees to enhance the experience as the train weaves through the stunning Bernese Alps. Tis memorable journey is followed by an equally impressive one on the Luzern-Interlaken Express, passing five beautiful mountain lakes. Te train station in Lucerne sits


beside the lake in the heart of this picturesque city. Stay beside it in the Hotel Waldstätterhof for the next two nights, housed in a typi- cally Swiss building offering a warm welcome. It’s mid-afternoon and it’s time


to explore, starting


first with the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), a covered wooden 14th- century bridge that crosses the Reuss River. Tis iconic Lucerne landmark


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leads to the car-free Altstadt (Old Town), a beautiful mix of cobblestone streets and magnificent architecture. In the morning, take an hour-long


boat trip from Lucerne, soaking up the spectacular landscape before taking the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the top of Mount Pilatus, where jaw-dropping views of the Swiss mountain peaks are a sight to savour. Enjoy lunch on a panoramic terrace and return on the Dragon Ride aerial cableway, designed to give the sensation of flying. Te day is a special experience that won’t be quickly forgotten. Strasbourg beckons on day six. After


a quick change in Basel, check into Hotel Tandem, a boutique four-star


choice beside the station. Strasbourg is the capital of France’s Alsace region and close to the German border — with food and architecture that has influences from both countries. For lunch, a pretzel — known as a bretzel in the Alsace region — is ideal fuel for climbing the narrow staircase to the top of the gothic cathedral of Notre-Dame. You’re rewarded with views that stretch as far as Germany’s Black Forest. Next, a boat trip that glides between


the gorgeous buildings before heading up to the European Parliament. It’s a great way to get a sense of this beau- tiful city and the audio guides have a fun alternative story for children. Your final full day is a private tour in


the Alsatian countryside. A knowl- edgeable, fun driver picks you up from the hotel, who is always ready to bring out a bottle of wine at one of the many idyllic stops in this celebrated region. After a vineyard tour, there’s still just enough time to soak up the medieval charm of Riquewihr to round off a memorable few hours — and an even more memorable week.


Trip Me Up plans tailor-made European train trips with 24/7 support for independent travellers who want stress-free adventure. Te featured trip can be done at any time of year, by all ages and for all budgets. Call T: 020 3633 1350 or visit tripmeup.world


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