France and Switzerland Journey

Upon arrival in Paris, we’ll transfer you to your hotel where you’ll have some free time to settle in and begin exploring at your own pace. In the afternoon, you can find all the essential information about the start of your tour displayed on the notice boards at the hotel reception, helping you prepare for the days ahead.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour.

We begin the day with a visit to the magnificent Palace of Versailles, a symbol of France’s royal history and famed for its exquisite gardens (admission not included). On our return to Paris, we explore Montmartre – a delightful bohemian neighbourhood known for its vibrant artistic heritage and lively cabarets. To complete the experience, we take a panoramic city tour with a local guide, tracing the grand avenues and iconic landmarks that define Paris. After the tour, we return to the hotel. For those interested, an optional variety show is available in the evening.

We begin the day in central Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. We include tickets to the second floor, giving you the chance to take in the city from this famous landmark. Following this, we enjoy a relaxing one hour and fifteen minute boat cruise along the Seine, offering scenic views of Paris’s landmarks from the river. The afternoon is yours to explore freely at your own pace. Please note that if queues at the Eiffel Tower are unusually long, we may reschedule this visit to a different time or day to ensure your convenience. Transfers back to the hotel in the afternoon are not included.

Today, we journey to the heart of France, travelling through the Burgundy region, famed for its picturesque vineyards and exceptional wines. Our first stop is Beaune, a quaint town known for its flower-lined streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. You’ll have free time here to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely stroll. Afterwards, we continue to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul, situated on the banks of the Rhône River. Lyon’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll take the cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière to admire panoramic views of the city. You’ll then have some free time to explore Lyon at your own pace. Please note, in some cases part of the group will stay overnight in Chambéry, a nearby city known for its medieval character and impressive castle. If so, you will have time the following morning to visit this charming town before continuing your journey.

Today we travel to Switzerland, beginning with Geneva. We'll pass the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and visit the English Garden to see its famous flower clock. You'll also admire the Jet d?Eau, Europe's tallest fountain. After lunch, we continue along scenic routes by Lake Geneva and Lake Neuch?tel through the Three Lakes region, known for its vineyards set against mountainous backdrops. We'll stop in Neuch?tel, where you can stroll by the lake, explore the historic town centre, or visit the 10th-century castle. Our journey concludes in Zurich, where we'll arrive in the late afternoon. Depending on the number of passengers, this segment from Geneva to Zurich may be by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuch?tel.

We begin the day with a guided tour of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its financial and cultural centre. Recognised twice as the city with the best quality of life worldwide, Zurich offers a fascinating blend of history and modernity. Afterwards, we board a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich lasting nearly two hours, with stops at the charming villages dotting the shoreline. We disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque village known for its well-preserved medieval castle. From there, we return to Zurich by train, giving you the chance to experience the efficiency of the Swiss rail system. Depending on the group size, transfers to and from the city centre may be by public transport.

We begin the day travelling through spectacular alpine scenery in the Interlaken region. Our first stop is Grindelwald, where we take a moment to enjoy a coffee before ascending by cable car. At the top, we follow a winding path to a suspended bridge that offers spectacular views of the surrounding glaciers—those wishing to cross the bridge can experience these impressive sights up close. Lunch is included on the mountain. Afterwards, we continue to Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque cities, where you will have free time to explore and soak up the charming atmosphere. We return to Zurich later in the day. For those interested, there is an optional full-day excursion including a rotating cable car ride to the summit of Mount Titlis, standing over 3,000 metres above sea level, with stunning panoramic views of glaciers and the Alps.

We depart from Zurich and travel to the Alsace region of France, arriving in Strasbourg – a delightful city known for its unique blend of French and German heritage. You’ll have some free time to explore and familiarise yourself with Strasbourg’s historic centre at your own pace. Later, we continue on to Paris, arriving in the evening.