(KTL303) - Winter Tour Montreux and Chaplin's World from Lausanne

Head to Lausanne Ouchy tourism office at 10:15am, and then travel through the sunny winemaking region of Lavaux. As its UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces slip into the distance, the sights are replaced with the lake and alpine vistas that typify the Swiss Riviera. Stop at a popular vantage point to capture the scenery on camera, then continue your journey.

Your next stop is at Chaplin’s World, a museum that pays homage to the comic great. Learn about Charlie Chaplin’s life and his work through cinema as you explore the Hollywood-esque studio.

After 1.5 hours at the museum, you’ll make your way to the lakeside town of Montreux in time for lunch. Hear tales about the chic lakeside resort from your guide, and learn about the celebrities and artists who fell in love with its charms. Freddie Mercury, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles are among its fans.

Hear more stories of Freddie Mercury on a visit to the Mountain Studio where his band Queen recorded Made in Heaven. After checking out the legendary recording studio inside the casino, you’ll have some time to enjoy at your leisure. Stroll along pretty streets lined with jazz festival landmarks and boutiques, then return to your transport to travel to Chillon Castle, set on an island on the west side of Lake Geneva.

As you explore, you’ll learn about the castle’s past and its historic importance for trade in the area. Like Montreux, the castle, too, had its share of famous admirers; Lord Byron was said to be inspired by it.

Your day trip ends with a drop-off back at the Lausanne start point around 4:45pm.