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With regular, short flights from the UK to Geneva, Switzerland is an ideal location for a weekend or midweek winter break. For a perfect combination of culture, beautiful architecture and access to the ski slopes, the stunning lakeside city of Montreux is a great choice. On a short stop, you don’t want to waste any time on long ski transfers – Geneva to Montreux is only an hour’s drive, making it an ideal place to base yourself for a short Alpine break. To give you a taste of what you could see and do on your whirlwind trip to Montreux, here is my suggestion for a 48-hour itinerary in the city. Breakfast on the Shores of the Lake Set on the shores of the beautiful Lake Geneva, Montreux’s views out over the water to the mountains and beyond are the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, leisurely Swiss breakfast. Wander down the lakeside promenade and stop off at one of the cafés or hotels that line the shore, and you’ll discover that the Swiss take their breakfasts just as seriously as their French neighbours. Although everything is exceptionally delicious, I highly recommend trying the Swiss hot chocolate. Step Back in Time in Chillon Castle After a drinking in the stunning views and fresh air over breakfast, head to the port to take the short boat ride over to Chillon Castle. Situated on its own island, the medieval fortress is just two kilometres south of the city, and is easily accessible via the CGN Lake Geneva boat. With a number of tours, workshops and interactive guides on offer, exploring the castle and discovering its rich history is a great way to spend your first morning. Take the Train to Rochers de Naye After a morning on the shores of the lake, you may well find that the snowy mountains are calling to you. If so, board a Cog railway train at Montreux station, which will take you through some of Switzerland’s most beautiful landscapes to the summit at Rochers de Naye. Stop for lunch at the station restaurant, which offers panoramic views over the mountains. After lunch, you will be ready to explore the area via the range of hiking trails. In winter, you can take them by storm with your snowshoes – you’ll have to be careful, but you’ll certainly enjoy the snowy views to the fullest! Spend the Night in a Mongolian ‘Love Yurt’ The views, the silence and the fresh air all combine to make Rochers de Naye a truly magical place. If you’re not quite ready to return to city life after your hike, why not book a stay at a Mongolian yurt? There are group yurts that sleep up to eight people, but for a unique, romantic experience, don’t miss out on the small ‘love yurt’ that’s built for two. Enjoy a Morning Skiing For skiing fans, being up in the mountains and not skiing would be torture! So for your second morning, definitely schedule in some skiing in the beautiful Rochers de Naye ski area. The runs here aren’t too challenging, but the five cable cars, the tranquillity of the resort and the stunning views will give you plenty to enjoy. Return to Montreux For your final afternoon and evening, return to the city and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Montreux Jazz Café. Run by the organisers of the world famous Montreux Jazz Festival, which is held in the city every summer, this venue is decorated with a plethora of musical memorabilia. Check the website to see on what evenings guest jazz musicians are schedule to perform, which would make for a truly special end to your trip. Getting There Regular flights from the UK to Geneva make Montreux an easy destination to get to. What’s more, there’s a good range of available ski transfers. Geneva Airport is just an hour’s drive from the city, so transfer times are short. For stress-free travelling, take your pick from Shuttle Direct’s range of premium ski transfers. Geneva to Montreux is a popular route, so booking in advance will ensure that you waste none of your precious 48 hours waiting around for transport. Author Plate Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable ski transfers, Geneva Airport serves as a hub for the French and Swiss Alps. Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from your chosen resort and the airport swiftly and safely.
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