Lausanne is one of Switzerland’s most scenic cities, with memorable experiences to enjoy before or after a Rhine River cruise. Just a two-hour scenic drive or rail trip from the river cruise ports of Basel, Lausanne sits on Lake Geneva with views of the Swiss Alps.
With Before and After Stays from Celebrity River Cruises℠, guests can spend more time in Lausanne and use the city as a base for exploring the surrounding region. This guide highlights some of the best day trips from Lausanne, including Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, Montreux Riviera, Chillon Castle, and Gruyères.
Before and After Stays in Lausanne
Lausanne Cathedral towers above the historic old town, framed by colorful autumn trees
Seamlessly extend your vacation with an invitation to experience Lausanne with insight from a Destination Insider℠, who knows this region better than any guidebook. Every moment is as personal and authentic as your Rhine River cruise itself.
Before and After Stays give guests more time to explore before or after select Celebrity River Cruises sailings. In Lausanne, that means beginning or ending your Rhine River cruise with a thoughtfully arranged stay near Lake Geneva, with easy access to Basel’s river cruise ports and the Swiss countryside beyond.
Your Before and After Stay includes the essentials that make the extension feel seamless:
- A choice of Premium or Ultra Premium hotel options in Lausanne.
- Daily breakfast at your hotel.
- Seamless transportation between the airport, hotel, and ship.
- Daily small-group experiences led by hometown hosts.
- Destination Insider support to help you experience the region through a more local lens.
- Optional premium excursions and transfers are available for an additional cost.
Together, these details make Lausanne feel like a natural extension of your Rhine River cruise. Spend your days exploring the Ouchy waterfront, Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, Montreux Riviera, Chillon Castle, or Gruyères, then return to a stay designed around ease, comfort, and local connection.
Lausanne, Switzerland
Tall white pillars and grand stone steps lead to the Olympic Museum entrance
Lausanne is a perfect extension of a Rhine River cruise from Basel. Your days will be filled with beautiful scenery and wandering through quaint city streets and tree-lined waterfront promenades.
Here are a few ways to experience Lausanne before or after your river cruise:
- Lake Geneva: Rent a pedalo to leisurely cruise the lake, cycle along the waterfront Ouchy promenade past Denantou Park and the Olympic Museum, ride a historic paddle steamer to France, or simply sit and enjoy a crisp white at a lakefront cafe.
- Lausanne City: Peruse the designer shops of Place Saint-François and Rue de Bourg or stop for a tasting at one of the dozen chocolatiers or cheesemongers.
- Olympic Museum: Lausanne has been home to the IOC (International Olympic Committee) for over 100 years. Visit interactive exhibits about the origin of the Games, competitions, and athletic spirit, as well as the equipment of the most famous athletes.
- Medieval Old Town: Wander through car-free, steep cobblestone streets, or climb the Escaliers du Marché steps. Inside the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame, a 600-year-old tradition continues as the night watchman calls out the hour from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
- Plateforme 10 Arts District: This 25,000-square-meter cultural hub, set in a former locomotive shed, brings museums, galleries, and public spaces together in a lively arts district.
- Beau-Rivage Palace: This 19th-century Belle Époque landmark sits on the shores of Lake Geneva and is home to the two-Michelin-starred Anne-Sophie Pic restaurant and Guerlain Spa.
Lavaux Vineyards
Terraced Lavaux vineyards slope down to Lake Geneva beneath snow-capped mountains.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Lavaux Vineyard Terraces above Lake Geneva on a day trip just east of the charming city. Steep, sun-drenched vineyards plunge into the lake, offering incredible beauty for enjoying nature and the area’s unique geography. Immerse yourself in the impressive wine heritage of the region, nicely paired with a bevy of gastronomic delights.
Some of the best things to do include:
- Hike the picturesque terraced trails of the vineyard.
- Taste crisp, dry, refreshing white Chasselas wines.
- Board the miniature Lavaux Express or Panoramic through cobbled streets into the vines on a one-hour loop, with a stopover in Aran for a local wine tasting.
- Ride the Vevey–Chardonne–Mont-Pèlerin funicular directly from the Vevey lakefront through the Lavaux vineyards to the summit of Mont-Pèlerin.
- Savor local vintages perfectly paired with artisanal beef tartare and other regional meats at Domaine Gaillard in Epesses.
- Dine with panoramic deck views of local boutique cellars like Domaine Wannaz.
- Explore Saint-Saphorin and other historic lakeside villages.
Montreux Riviera and Chillon Castle
An aerial view of the Rhone River flowing through Geneva into Lake Geneva.
Montreux Riviera offers a gorgeous lakefront promenade along the shores of Lake Geneva, set against a dramatic Alpine backdrop. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Geneva” and home to the world-famous Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux is just a 20-minute train ride or 30-minute drive from Lausanne. Nearby Chillon Castle, Switzerland’s most visited historic site, adds a rich layer of medieval history, with costumed interpreters sharing stories from the castle’s past.
Here are a few ways to experience Montreux Riviera and Chillon Castle during a day trip from Lausanne:
- Enjoy open-air theater or evening concerts at Chillon Castle.
- Taste local goods bearing the VAUD CERTIFIÉ D’ICI label, including sweet and savory biscuits, flutes, honey, drinks, and local produce.
- Visit flower markets and the PictoBello open-air artist painting festival in Vevey.
- Relax with a glass of local wine on the waterfront deck at La Tour-de-Peilz.
Gruyères
Red flowers frame the cobblestone street of medieval Gruyères beneath lush green mountains.
Visit the medieval hilltop village of Gruyères on a scenic day trip from Lausanne. The drive takes about 50 minutes, while the train journey takes roughly twice as long and typically includes a transfer in Montreux. The town’s 13th-century Château de Gruyères gives the village its storybook character, while its cheese-making heritage makes it an especially memorable stop for food lovers.
Here are a few ways to experience Gruyères during a day trip from Lausanne:
- Visit the HR Giger Museum at Château St-Germain for immersive, surreal art.
- Enjoy traditional moitié-moitié fondue, made with Gruyère and Vacherin, at Le Chalet de Gruyères or Auberge de la Halle in the village center.
- Tour the cheese-making facility at Maison du Gruyère, where you can learn more about the region’s signature cheese.
- Explore Maison Cailler through a chocolate workshop, interactive tour, or tasting from the oldest Swiss chocolate brand still in operation.
- Hike to the panoramic peak of Moléson for sweeping valley views.
- Soak in Les Bains de la Gruyère, a thermal spa surrounded by mountain scenery.
Logistics of Visiting the Lausanne Region
The proximity of the river cruise port of Basel makes Lausanne the perfect pre- or post-sailing destination to extend your journey. It is a beautiful two-hour journey to the city by rail or car. Guests traveling between Regensburg and Lausanne can expect a longer transfer through southern Germany and Switzerland.
When taking the train from Basel to Lausanne, facing the front on the right side of the train offers the most scenic views as you head southwest through the countryside. Book a seat on the upper level of double-decker trains for elevated views over the vineyards as you rumble toward Lake Geneva. Expect panoramic vistas of the rolling hills, Lake Neuchâtel, and the Swiss Alps in the distance.
When To Visit Lausanne
Lausanne appeals to different visitors at different times of the year, although June through September delivers mild temperatures still comfortable for enjoying outdoor aspects like Lake Geneva and hiking the nearby hills and mountains.
June through August offer the best swimming weather with a robust list of happenings around town. Cozy fall festivals allow sweater-weather indulgence for food and wine delights. For one of the most romantic holiday experiences, late November through December welcomes the Christmas markets and a wealth of festive events worth the chill.
Special Festivals and Celebrations
Lausanne and the surrounding Lake Geneva region host festivals and seasonal events throughout the year, from wine celebrations in Lavaux to world-renowned music performances in Montreux. These events can add another layer to a day trip or extended stay, especially if your visit aligns with the local calendar.
- Chardonne Wine Market: Held in late May in the UNESCO-listed Lavaux vineyard village of Chardonne, this traditional event invites visitors to stroll picturesque streets, taste new vintages from local producers, and enjoy regional specialties.
- Montreux Jazz Festival: Founded in 1967, this renowned annual festival takes place in mid-July along the shores of Lake Geneva and has grown into one of the world’s most celebrated music events.
- Lausanne Estivale: Held throughout July and August, Lausanne Estivale brings hundreds of free shows, concerts, and performances to the city, creating a lively summer atmosphere.
- Les Vendanges: In late September, grape harvest festivals celebrate the Vaud region’s wine heritage, with some local domains offering interactive picking and pressing experiences.
- The Brisolée Tradition: In October and November, restaurants in and around Lausanne celebrate this autumn culinary tradition with roasted chestnuts, Alpine cheese, dried meats, and local white wine.
- Bô Noël and Lausanne Lumières: From late November through December, Bô Noël brings festive markets, local food, arts, and crafts to the city, while Lausanne Lumières illuminates the medieval buildings of Old Town. Seasonal highlights include regional wine tastings at Igloo du Terroir Vaudois, fondue inside a heated crystal tent, and candlelit concerts in the cathedral.
Discover Lausanne on a Before and After Stay
Lausanne brings together the best of the Lake Geneva region — vineyard terraces, medieval villages, castle views, Alpine scenery, and waterfront culture — all within reach before or after your Rhine River cruise. With Before and After Stays, guests can spend more time in this scenic Swiss city while enjoying the ease of hotel accommodations, local-led experiences, and seamless transportation.
Whether you’re tasting Chasselas in Lavaux, walking the lakefront in Montreux, touring Chillon Castle, or spending a day in Gruyères, Lausanne offers a memorable way to extend your journey beyond the sailing.
Explore Basel river cruises and book your Before and After Stay in Lausanne. If you already have a booking, add a pre- or post-cruise extension today.
