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Travel by train to Lake Annecy & the Mont Blanc Express

A spectacular rail holiday to the lakes and mountains of the French Alps. We combine a fascinating visit to the historical city of Lyon with the panoramic scenery of Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva and the fresh mountain air of Chamonix and Mont Blanc.

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Type of Holiday: Lakes and Mountains, Rail Holidays - Escorted

Price:

£1,175 per person based on two people sharing

Duration: 7 Days. For more information telephone: 01904 734182.

Departures: 16 Jun to 20 Sep 2012

Start point: London St Pancras International Station

End point: London St Pancras International Station

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Greentraveller’s Travel Advice: The Savoie Mont Blanc region has a wide range of green travel options for accommodation, restaurants and activities for eco-friendly holiday experiences in both summer and winter, all of which is easier accessible by train from the UK. To discover the Savoie Mont Blanc region the green way, check out our comprehensive guide to plan your holiday.

>> For full details, see: Our Guide to Sustainable Tourism in Savoie Mont Blanc

This exciting European rail journey starts at London St Pancras International. If you have some time to explore before boarding your train, we have a comprised a wonderful collection of Greentraveller's Facebook fan suggestions of what to do in the area. Some excellent recommendations include King's Place for a relaxing atmosphere and a cup of coffee, the free exhibitions at the British Library and a tasty lunch at Acorn House.

Overview of Lake Annecy and Mont Blanc Express train holiday 2012

Discuss this scenic rail holiday with our dedicated team of travel professionals, telephone: 01904 734182.

Day 1 - To Lyon

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris. As we travel in Leisure Select Class, a complimentary meal and drinks are served at our seats. We then continue by TGV to Lyon, covering over 372 miles (600 km) in less than three hours, to arrive late-afternoon. Our hotel for two nights is the Grand Hotel Mercure Château Perrache, an Art Nouveau monument built in 1906. The hotel is located close to Perrache station, just a short walk from the River Saône and the shops and restaurants of the city centre. We enjoy dinner in one of Europe's oldest and most beautiful brasseries, just a short walk from our hotel. (E,D)

Day 2 - An introduction to Lyon

This morning we enjoy a guided coach tour of Lyon, France's second city and one of surprising contrasts. The city is known for its historical and architectural landmarks. The Renaissance Old Town and the 'presqu'île', formed by the Rhône and Saône rivers are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Other highlights include the stunning Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which overlooks the city from high up on its hill. The rest of the day is spent at leisure for you to discover Lyon at your own pace. (B)

Day 3 - Lyon to Annecy

We depart Lyon for the train ride eastwards (Standard Class) into the Savoy Alps, with the scenery becoming ever lovelier as the train gently climbs. In Annecy we stay for three nights at the Novotel Atria, close to the railway station and just a short walk from the charming Old Town and lake. The rest of the day is yours to explore this lovely, compact city, with its quaint alleyways and pretty lakeside walks, until we dine in a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)

Day 4 - Lake Annecy lunch cruise

Today is the highlight of our visit to Annecy, as we take a lake cruise on the crystal clear waters, which in turn reflect the vistas of alpine peaks. The cruise on board MS Libellule includes lunch and there are comfortable lounges from which to admire the gentle Alpine scenery, a leisurely way to see Annecy from a different perspective. (B,L)

Day 5 - A day at leisure in Annecy

Spend today at your leisure, possibly relaxing at the hotel, strolling alongside the lake or exploring the city, with its lovely historic buildings, gardens and fountains. The narrow canals, which are lined with colourful buildings, criss-cross the town and have given Annecy its title as "the Venice of the Alps". The Palais de l'Isle, also called the 'old prison', and the Château d'Annecy, which now houses the Art and History Conservatory, are both worth a visit. The European Gardens, established in 1863, offer peaceful surroundings among diverse vegetation. (B)

Day 6 - Annecy to Chamonix

Today we make the journey from Annecy to the mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc by coach. We enjoy gorgeous scenery as we edge ever closer to Mont Blanc, and arrive in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe. We stay for two nights in the Grand Hotel des Alpes, situated in the centre of Chamonix, enjoying spectacular views over Le Brevent and Mont Blanc, Europe's highest mountain at 15,780 feet (4,810m). This evening we dine together in a local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 7 - The Montenvers Mountain Railway

We depart late-morning for a journey on the Montenvers, which climbs from the valley floor through Mountain Railway the pine forests above Chamonix to Montenvers at 6,275 feet (1,913m). We have lunch in Montenvers whilst enjoying fabulous views over the Mer de Glace glacier, surrounded by some of Europe's most majestic peaks and rock spires. We descend by cable car to the glacier itself and visit the ice grottos inside the glacier's glimmering crevasses. (B,L)

Day 8 - The Mont Blanc Express

We bid farewell to Chamonix and head towards Lake Geneva by train on the narrow-gauge Mont Blanc Express, which defies the mountainous terrain on its way to Martigny (Standard Class). Here we change to descend through Aigle and Montreux on our way to Lausanne. In Lausanne we stay for one night at the Hotel Continental. The afternoon is free to explore this lakeside city, perhaps taking a stroll along the lakefront, a cruise on one of the Lake Geneva steamers or maybe visiting the excellent Olympic Museum. We dine at the hotel this evening. (B,D)

Day 9 - To Paris and London

We depart Lausanne by TGV to Paris. After crossing the city by coach, our journey then continues by Eurostar for London, arriving into St Pancras International after a complimentary meal and drinks are served on board. (B,E)

Day 1
We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, with a light meal and drinks, where we continue by TGV into the Savoy Alps till we get to Annecy. We spend here three nights at the Novotel Atria, near the train station and a short walk away from the Old Town and lake.

Day 2
Today we'll take a lake cruise on the waters of Lake Annecy on the MS Libellule cruise, which includes three-course lunch with wine served on board. Back in Annecy, the day is free to visit the city independently.

Day 3
Your day is free to spend at leisure, either visiting the lake or exploring the city, where you can find the Palais de l'Isle, the Château d'Annecy and the European Gardens.

Day 4
Today we'll get to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc by coach, which is located high in the French Alps. You will enjoy the great views from as we travel through the mountain pass of Col des Aravis. We'll spend in Chamonix three nights at the Grand Hotel des Alpes, a hotel located in the centre of city with great views over Le Brevent and Mont Blanc.

Day 5
We depart late morning for a journey on the Montenvers Mountain Railway. We arrive to Montenvers station, where we enjoy lunch. During your time at Montenvers you may wish to visit the fascinating Museum of Flora & Fauna. It may also be possible to descend by cable car to the glacier and visit the ice grottos inside the glacier's crevasses, with some ice sculptures.

Day 6
Today we enjoy an excursion on the Mont Blanc Tramway. The journey gives us some of the most amazing views available anywhere in the French Alps - a breathtaking mountain adventure by rail.

Day 7
We leave Chamonix by coach to Annecy, where we join the high-speed TGV to Paris, to continue by Eurostar for London, with a light meal and drinks served on board.

More about the trains

Mont Blanc Tramway: The Mont Blanc Tramway runs from Saint-Gervais, and through the foothills of the Alps up to Nid d'Aigle (Eagle's Nest), overlooking the Bionnassay Glacier. Rising up to 2,372m above sea level, the Mont Blanc Tramway is France's highest rack-and-pinion line. Originally operated by steam locomotives, the line was electrified in 1956, and has used electric-powered coaches since that time.

Montenvers Mountain Railway: From Chamonix, the Montenvers Mountain Railway leads up to Montenvers and the base of the largest glacier in France, the Mer de Glace. The first section of the narrow-gauge railway opened in 1908, and services reached the summit the following year. On the three mile journey to the terminus, the line climbs an impressive 871m (2,858 ft), which it manages with a series of viaducts. Having been electrified in the early 1950s, the railway is worked by both diesel and electric locomotives.

Where you’ll stay

Novotel Centre Atria, Annecy: In Annecy we stay at the 3-star Novotel Atria, a short walk from the Old Town centre and lake, with mountains in the near distance. The hotel has a restaurant with a terrace and bar and the rooms have air conditioning, television, minibar, hairdryer and safe. All bedrooms have a double bed and a double sofa bed.

Grand Hotel des Alpes, Chamonix: The 4-star Grand Hotel des Alpes is situated in the heart of Chamonix. The elegant hotel dates back to 1840 and has a small swimming pool, jacuzzi and sauna. Rooms are finely furnished and include a telephone, television, minibar, hairdryer, safe and DVD player. Winner of the Great Rail Journey’s Gold Award for the best hotel in the France and Benelux region in 2008, 2009 and 2010

What price includes

6 nights' hotel accommodation including breakfast
First Class rail and coach travel throughout
Lake Annecy lunch cruise
Scenic excursion on the Montenvers Mountain Railway and
Services of a Tour Manager throughout
All transfers

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Location

Plan your journey by train

Meeting point:
London St Pancras International Train Station

Nearest train station to meeting point:
London St Pancras

Transfer to meeting point:
Operator collects guests from station

Plan your journey by train to London St Pancras

Plan your journey by train

Finish point:
London St Pancras International Train Station

Nearest train station to finish point:
London St Pancras

Transfer to finish point:
Operator drops guests off at station
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