France and Swiss Alps – 11 Days – G19441N10D40

The Palace of Versailles was the principal residence of the French kings from the time of Louis XIV to Louis XVI. Embellished by several generations of architects, sculptors, decorators, and landscape architects, it provided Europe with a model of the ideal royal residence for over a century. It sprawls across 2,014 acres, giving it this particular distinction. The palace itself is still a massive 721,206 square feet of space.

Montmartre is famous for its artistic heritage. It has a distinctive village atmosphere characterized by steep, winding, cobbled streets. The white Sacré Coeur church crowns its highest point. The area in front of the church offers extensive views of Paris.

 With a local guide, we will begin the city tour of Paris lasting 2 and a half hours. During the visit, you will be able to see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Madelaine, Place de la Concorde, Opera, Louvre Museum, Tower St. Jacques, town hall, Ile de la Cite with the Notre Dame cathedral, Latin Quarter, Pantheon, Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens, Invalides, Military School, Champ de Mars-Eiffel Tower, banks of the Seine. We will make brief stops near the Invalides and the Champ de Mars.

08.30 hrs. - Departure from the hotel. We go to the EIFFEL TOWER, we include the ticket to go up to the second floor of this impressive metal monument (in some cases there are long waits to gain access due to massive influx). The second floor is considered to be the one with the best view, due to the optimal altitude concerning the buildings below (on the third floor, they are less visible) and the general perspective (obviously more limited on the first floor). When the weather permits, it is estimated that it is possible to see up to 70 km away.
After descending the tower we include a boat trip along the Seine River. Magnificent views of the main monuments and bridges of Paris on the majestic river. Journey of approximately an hour and a quarter.
Free time later.
Note: in some cases the waits to go up the Eiffel Tower are long. Thus the climb may take place at a different time (or on Sunday) if it is considered convenient for organizational reasons.  Overnight in Paris.

Come and discover the Eiffel Tower: the only trip to the top of its kind in Europe, one where emotions carry you away. From the esplanade to the summit, you will experience a whole series of emotions. Soak in the breathtakingly unique views of Paris from every floor, feel the goosebumps as you walk the glass floor on the 1st floor, experience the incredible ascent by stairway or lift, and the indescribable awe at the tonnes of iron above you as you stand on the esplanade. Vertigo grips you as you leave the lift at the top of the tower and see the people down on the Champs-de-Mars and the cars driving along Trocadéro! And the Eiffel Tower always has something to offer, day or night, summer or winter!

Step aboard a glass canopy boat and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Paris. You will see along the way include the Assemblee Nationale, Musee d'Orsay, Institut de France, Pantheon, Cite de la Mode, Hotel de Ville, Notre Dame, Conciergerie, and more.

Check out and proceed to Beaune - Lyon/Chambery
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes in the center of France; Picturesque villages. Cable car climb in Lyon.
08.00 hrs. - París –departure-. We travel to the center of France. We cross the region of Bourgogne, an area known for its wines.
12.15 hrs. - Beaune- Charming small village in the middle of the wine region of Bourgogne; Its streets full of flowers, its hospice, its wine museum. Free time.
14.30 hrs. - Beaune – departure.
16.30 hrs. - Lyon – Arrival. On the banks of the Rhône River, the third city of France that once was the capital of the Roman Gallia. The historic center of this lively City has been declared a World Heritage site. We include a cable car climb to Notre Dame de Fourvière, where we have a great view of the city. Free time.
Note: in some cases, a part of the group will be accommodated in Chambery, a nearby city, we will leave Lyon at 19.00 hrs arriving in Chambery around 20.30 hrs. The next day, early in the morning, we will have time to take a walk through the beautiful historic center of Savoy. Overnight in the Lyon/Chambery.

Lyon became a major economic hub during the Renaissance. The city is recognized for its cuisine and gastronomy, as well as historical and architectural landmarks; as such, the districts of Old Lyon, the Fourvière Hill, the Presqu'île, and the slopes of the Croix-Rousse are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Check out and proceed to Geneva
Scenery: Very beautiful scenery on Lake Leman. Great lakes, with tall snow-covered summits in the distance. In the afternoon, we have a trip through the mountains alongside beautiful villages with wooden houses.
NB: Please have your passport close, as we enter Switzerland, and sometimes border controls are asking for documentation.
08.00 hrs. - Departure to Switzerland.
10.00 hrs. - Geneva –Arrival. - The capital of the French-speaking region of Switzerland. A city on Lake Leman that houses the European United Nations headquarters, the offices of the International Labour Organisation, the Red Cross, and numerous other headquarters of international entities. With our guide, we will go to the Palace of Nations (the United Nations headquarters in Europe) and the pretty English Garden with its flower clock and can admire the “Jet d´Eau”, the tallest fountain in Europe.
12:45 hrs - Geneva- Departure. Our road follows Lake Leman. Amidst magnificent vineyard scenery (area declared UNESCO World Heritage).
14.15 hrs - Chillon Castle, arrival at this fantastic medieval castle built on the waters of the lake. Tickets included.
15.15 hrs - Chillon Castle –Departure-. On our route, we go by the cosmopolitan city of Montreux.
16.00 hrs - Gruyeres. – The area where the famous cheese is produced, Gruyere is a very picturesque walled tourist village. Time for lunch. Near Gruyeres there are some of the main Swiss chocolate manufacturers (NESTLÉ among others), and we visit the Cailler factory, with a tasting included!
17:45 hrs - Gruyeres, departure. Magnificent mountain scenery, we cross areas with scenic villages with wooden architecture.
18.45 hrs - Leysin, arrival in this beautiful holiday village with spectacular views of the Rhône plain and Mont Blanc, known for its winter sports resort or its hiking possibilities. Dinner included.
Note: sometimes accommodation will be in a nearby alternative city (usually Matigny).  Overnight in Leysin/Matigny.

Chillon Castle was formerly the domain of the powerful Counts of Savoy during the 12th-16th centuries. Swiss forces from Canton Bern seized Chillon Castle from the House of Savoy in 1536, and Chillon Castle later became a source of inspiration for writers and poets throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Check out and proceed to Interlaken- Aareslucht- Chiasso
Scenery: Probably the most spectacular part of our route in the Alps; High summits where snow remains all year round; Lakes.
Note: Wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes. It is also recommended some waterproof cloths (especially for the waterfalls´ visit). Please also be advised to use sun protection during sunny days while visiting the high mountains.
Notes: Due to weather conditions (strong wind) or maintenance the cable car may not operate on certain dates.
08.30 hrs. - Leysin -Departure-. High mountain landscapes of great beauty surround us and you will be able to see ice and snow during most of the year.
09.00 hrs. - We will take the cable car up to the Glacier 3000 mountain station, one of the most spectacular points in Switzerland where, from its terraces, you will be able to see different panoramic views of the alpine landscapes. You can walk on the suspension bridge over the gap between two mountain peaks, enter the Ice Cathedral, or "play" in the Fun Park.
11.30 hrs. - Departure to Interlaken through beautiful mountain and lake scenery.
13.15 hrs. - Interlaken, is a small town situated between two lakes and dominated by an impressive mountain scenery. Time for lunch.
15.00 hrs. - Interlaken - departure.
15.45 hrs. - Aareslucht- we include the entrance to the impressive gorges of Aareslucht and we will walk along the path inside the gorge.
16.45 hrs. - Aareslucht -departure-. We take the Susten Pass, one of the most beautiful roads in Switzerland that passes between glaciers and takes us to Italian-speaking Switzerland.
19.45 hrs. - Accommodation in Chiasso, a Swiss city on the Italian border. Overnight in Chiasso/Como
Note: Occasionally, due to weather conditions such as rain or strong winds, the cable car to Glacier 3000 may not operate. The ascent is not authorized for children under 2 years old.
Note: The Sustenpass road is normally closed until the end of May and since mid-October. In this case, the journey will be made by alternative roads.
Note: Due to the lack of hotel offerings in Chiasso, sometimes accommodation will be given in the Como area.

Those who explore the Glacier 3000 glacier area will experience nature close up and will not forget the spectacular scenery for a long time. It takes approx. 15 minutes to reach the summit by cable car from Col du Pillon to the summit. To appreciate nature and the beautiful surrounding area.

The Aare Gorge is a section of the river Aare that carves through a limestone ridge near Meiringen. Over thousands of years, the Aare River eroded a path through the rock formations resulting in a gorge that is 1400 meters long and up to 200 meters deep. This gorge has been accessible for over 100 years through safe paths and tunnels. The walk through the gorge is an extraordinary way to experience nature.

Check out and proceed to Lugano - Burglen - Altdorf - Lucerne
Scenery: Beautiful landscapes on our motorway. Lakes and mountains.
08.00 hrs. - Chiasso –Departure-.
08.30 hrs. - Lugano – arrival to the cosmopolitan capital of Italian Switzerland with its beautiful lake. Time to stroll.
10.00 hrs. - Lugano – We continue on the highway, crossing the mountains to get back to German-speaking Switzerland.
12.00 hrs.- Burglen.- Time to stroll in the tiny village where William Tell was born, we shall see the chapel of the XVI century with paintings illustrating his life. If you want, you can also visit the Museum of William Tell.
12.45 hrs. - Burglen –departure.-
13.00 hrs. - Altdorf – Arrival in this nice city. In its central square, you will also find traces of the history of William Tell. Time for a walk and lunch.
14.30 hrs. - Altdorf –departure.-
15.15 hrs. - Lucerne – free time to explore this beautiful city by the lake that bears its name. We will suggest, optionally, to take the cruise on the Lake of the Four Cantons, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.  Overnight in Lucerne.

Check out and proceed to Einsiedeln- Heididorf - Vaduz - Feldkirch
Scenery: Beautiful Swiss landscapes.
Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes in the meadows of Heidi village.
Note: Tonight we are staying in Feldkirch, a small town located in Austria next to the Swiss border. Don´t forget to bring Euros, you will need them in Feldkirch.
08:30 hrs. - Lucerne, departure. We go around the lake of the four cantons.
09:30 hrs - Einsiedeln .- Its immense baroque abbey is the main point of pilgrimage in Switzerland. You can visit it and walk around the city.
10:30 hrs. - Einsiedeln.- Departure. We continue towards the East of Switzerland. Beautiful landscapes of hills and lakes. We cross with the bus to the picturesque village of Maienfeld, where the novel/story of Heidi, very popular due to its cartoon, was inspired.
12.00 hrs. - Heididorf- stop at the place where the "Heidi´s House" is located (ticket not included. Entry to the facility is free), a picturesque place with beautiful landscapes that we will reach through a pedestrian path.
12:45hrs. - Heididorf- departure. We enter into the small independent country of LIECHTENSTEIN.
13:15 hrs. - Vaduz- With its castle that rises on a steep hill in the middle of the city. Time to walk and have lunch.
15:45 hrs. - Vaduz. Departure.
16:15 hrs. - Feldkirch. In Austria, on the border with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany; Charming walled town with a beautiful medieval old town and castle. Free time and accommodation. Overnight in Feldkirch

Check out and proceed to St. Gallen - Constance - Stein Am Rhein - Rhine Waterfalls - Zurich
Scenery: Picturesque all day; Lakes, charming villages.
Note: The island of Mainau is in Germany, so you may need some euro.-
08:15hrs. - Feldkirch,- Departure. We enter Switzerland again.
09:00 hrs. - St Gallen. Its center is a part of the World Heritage List by UNESCO with a wonderful cathedral and its historic center.
10:00hrs. - St. Gallen- Departure. We follow Lake Constance, between Germany and Switzerland.
11:15hrs. - Constance - Time to stroll through this elegant city.
12:45hrs. - Constance - departure.
13:15 hrs. - Island of Mainau.- Access by pedestrian bridge. We include the entrance to visit its beautiful botanical garden. Time for lunch.
15:30hrs. - Island of Mainau - departure.
16:15hrs. - Stein Am Rhein. A typical village on the Rhein River with precious houses with painted walls.
17:15hrs. - Stein Am Rhein,- Departure.
17:45 hrs. - Rhein Waterfalls (entry included), the waterfalls with the most abundant flow in Europe.
18:45hrs. - Rhein Waterfalls - departure. We continue to Zurich.
19:30 hrs. - Zurich - arrival.
Overnight in Zurich

Mainau Island is located in Lake Constance deep in the south-west of Germany near the borders with Switzerland and Austria. More than one million visitors flock here every year, making it a major tourist attraction in the local area.

The Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) is a breathtaking beauty and the largest plain waterfall in Europe. The falls are located on the High Rhine at Neuhausen am Rheinfall Village and just below Schaffhausen in the north of Switzerland. The Rhine's waters flow at 23 meters over a breadth of 150 meters.

Note: Our stage today is different; we travel across Lake Zurich by boat and return by train. The transfers from the hotel to the center may also be done on public transport (depending on the total number of participants). The indicated timetables of the boat we use may change (the itinerary may be adapted accordingly).
09.00 hrs.- We will leave the hotel on this peaceful day. With our guide, we will take a walk around the most populated city of Switzerland, which is also the country’s financial and cultural capital. The city of Banks has been twice declared the city with the best quality of life in the world.
10.30 hrs.- We start our almost two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. The boat makes brief stops to allow us to admire the villages along the way.
12.30 hrs.- RAPPERSWIL, a small, picturesque village overlooked by its medieval castle. Time for a stroll and lunch.
15.00 hrs.- Rapperswil, We return to Zurich by train, and will see the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railways. We will reach Zurich in a little under 35 minutes. Free time afterward.
Note: Depending on the number of travelers, the transfers to and from the center might be carried out by public transport.
Overnight in Zurich

Popular places to visit around Lake Zurich include the numerous swimming areas, the Alpamare in Pfäffikon – the largest covered water park in Europe – the sunny islands of Ufenau and Lützelau near Rapperswil, the wooden footbridge across the lake between Rapperswil and Hurden, the Baroque church in Lachen, the famous Lindt & Sprüngli chocolate factory in Kilchberg and, of course, the dynamic metropolis of Zurich, with all its many sights, the famous shopping mile of the Bahnhofstrasse and its vast range of cultural amenities.

Rapperswil is located on the northern shore of Lake Zürich at the point at which the lake is cut in two by the Seedamm isthmus, which is an ice age moraine. The upper (or eastern) part of Lake Zürich is called Obersee. Part of the old town, the castle and monastery are situated on a peninsula.

After breakfast, end of our services. As your memorable holiday comes to a close, today marks the day to return home. Bid farewell to the wonderful new friends you've made during this tour. It's time to check out and make your way to the airport, carrying with you the pleasant memories of your European journey—a treasure you'll cherish for a lifetime. Safe travels!
Note: Remember that the hotel's check-out time is usually at 10.00 hrs. In most cases, you can leave your luggage at the hotel reception at check-out time, so you can enjoy the city and pick it up at the time you require that same day. If you need more time to use your room, please consider booking an additional night at the end of your tour.