Journey Through Enchanting France and Switzerland

Welcome to the start of your adventure in France. Today, we will travel through the enchanting region of Burgundy, famed for its stunning vineyards and exceptional wines. We'll make our first stop in Beaune, a captivating town at the heart of Burgundy. Known for its floral street displays, historical hospice, and fascinating wine museum, Beaune offers a delightful setting for our visit. You'll have some free time here to enjoy lunch and a leisurely stroll.We then continue to Lyon, a city rich in history and culture, once the capital of Roman Gaul. Nestled beside the picturesque Rhône River, Lyon boasts a UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. We will ascend by cable car to the striking Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where panoramic views of the city await. Afterwards, you'll have the chance to explore the city at your own pace.Please note, on some occasions, part of our group may stay overnight in Chambéry, a charming city near Lyon. In such cases, we will travel to Chambéry in the evening. In the morning, you'll have the opportunity to discover this medieval-styled city's rich history and its impressive castle. Described as the capital of the Savoy region, Chambéry's allure is simply unmissable. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we'll venture into Switzerland, starting with a visit to Geneva. Here, we'll pass by the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and enjoy a stop at the picturesque English Garden, famous for its floral clock. We'll then admire the Jet d'Eau, the highest fountain in Europe. You'll have free time to explore the city and enjoy a leisurely lunch. As we travel along the shores of Lake Geneva, we'll be surrounded by vineyard-covered hills and stunning views of snow-topped mountains, until we reach Lausanne. This charming city is home to the International Olympic Committee, and we'll make a stop at the Olympic Park, a notable lakeside landmark dedicated to sports and Olympic history.Our next destination is the medieval town of Gruyères, world-renowned for its cheese. Close by, we'll find some of Switzerland's premier chocolate producers. We'll visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory, where a tasting session is included. We'll conclude the day by heading to Fribourg, a picturesque bilingual city with a blend of French and German influences, known for its enchanting old town. Occasionally, our accommodation might be arranged in a nearby city.

Today, we embark on a picturesque journey through the enchanting landscapes of Bern canton, travelling along a quaint road lined with hills, forests, and verdant fields. We pause for a moment to capture the beauty at one of our scenic photo stops, which might include Schwarzenburg Castle or a stunning view over Lake Thun or Lake Brienz, depending on our accommodation arrangement. Our next destination is Interlaken, a delightful tourist hub nestled between two lakes, providing ample opportunity for exploration.Continuing our adventure, we head to the magnificent Aare Gorge. Here, we're set to discover the impressive ravines, with entrance tickets included, followed by a lunch which is also provided, offering a savoury moment to relax. Our journey then leads us to one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking paths, the Susten Pass, renowned for its eternal snow and striking glaciers. We pause en route to soak in the majestic glacier vistas before carrying on into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.We then pass through the renowned Gotthard Tunnel, arriving in the charming lakeside village of Gandria, nestled along Lake Lugano. Known for its traditional, narrow, and steep streets, Gandria offers a quaint setting for our next adventure. Boarding a boat – tickets included – we sail to Lugano, the principal city in this part of Switzerland, famed for its mild climate and beautiful lakeside promenade.Our day concludes with a journey to Chiasso, where we expect to arrive in the late afternoon. Please note, from late May to early October, the Susten Pass may be closed due to snow, in which case we'll traverse the equally stunning Brünig Pass. Occasionally, our accommodation may be in the metropolitan area of Como.

We'll begin our day with breakfast in Chiasso before setting off for Bellinzona, the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland. This charming town is famous for its three mediaeval castles, which collectively form a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll have time to wander through the delightful streets of the town centre, taking in the historical atmosphere. Our journey will then take us back into the German-speaking part of Switzerland as we cross the renowned Gotthard Pass. Along the way, we'll pause at a scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking vistas, perfect for capturing memorable photographs.Continuing to Altdorf, we arrive at the capital of the Uri canton, widely recognised as the birthplace of the legendary William Tell. There's leisure time for lunch, allowing you to explore this founding canton of independent Switzerland at your own pace. Our next destination is Lucerne, a city often regarded as the tourism capital of Switzerland. Here, you can explore landmarks such as the Kapellbrücke, the Lion Monument, the stunning cathedral, and the Jesuit Church, all set against the backdrop of its enchanting old town. As the evening draws in, we'll make our way to our final stop for the day: Zurich.

Today, we'll embark from Zurich towards Basel, a significant city situated on the banks of the Rhine, where Germany, France, and Switzerland meet. In Basel, you'll have the opportunity to wander through the old town, featuring the notable Town Hall Square and the striking Cathedral, both offering views over the Rhine River.We then journey onwards to Alsace, a region in France with a rich history of Franco-German influence. Alsace maintains a distinct identity, with its own German dialect, Alsatian, and showcases architecture and customs bearing strong Germanic influences. Our next stop is Colmar, famous for its exceptional architecture, characterised by colourful timber-framed buildings and enchanting canals. This city is also renowned for its white wines and delightful culinary offerings. You'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore Colmar at a leisurely pace.In the afternoon, we'll visit Riquewihr, one of Alsace's most picturesque villages. This medieval town, with its cobblestone streets and vivid houses, is reminiscent of a fairy tale—a fact enlivened by its inspiration for scenes in Beauty and the Beast. Our journey concludes for the day as we arrive in Strasbourg in the evening. Once there, we recommend exploring the Cathedral and Petite France areas, both brimming with charm and offering an array of inviting restaurants.

Today, we will explore Strasbourg, the charming capital of Alsace and the seat of the European Parliament. Its historic centre is a treasure trove of medieval streets, a magnificent Gothic cathedral, and picturesque canals adorned with flowers. Our visit will include a delightful boat trip through the canals of Petite France, offering a unique perspective of the city. In the afternoon, we will journey to the renowned Champagne region for a guided tour of a traditional wine cellar. Here, you will uncover the secrets behind the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine and enjoy a tasting session. Following this, we will briefly stop in Épernay, the heart of Champagne, where you can leisurely explore this charming town, famed for its prestigious wineries. Our day will conclude with our arrival in Paris in the evening.

As your tour draws to a close, enjoy a final breakfast in Paris, savouring the memories made throughout this remarkable journey. Reflect on the diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable experiences as you prepare for your onward travels, knowing that the adventure has gifted you with wonderful lasting memories.