11-Day France and Swiss Alps Tour from Paris: Beaune, Lyon, Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne, Zurich | Hotel Breakfast Included | Ticket Admission Included

What you'll experience

Highlights

11 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Paris

   Welcome to Paris!
   We'll transfer you to the hotel and you'll have some free time. In the afternoon, you'll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
   Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
   Note: All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel p. d´italie(22 Rue Voltaire Le Kremlin Bicetre)
2. 2

   Day 2 — Paris

   Total distance covered: 80 km.
   07:45 a.m. - Departure from Paris.
   08:30 a.m. - Versailles. Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (tickets not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.
   11:30 a.m. - Departure from Versailles. Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we'll head to Montmartre, a bohemian artists' district where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.
   03:00 p.m. - We'll start a two-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We'll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we'll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.
   At the end of this enriching day, the guide will suggest an optional evening outing to a cabaret or variety show, such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin.
   Note: Due to the high volume of tourism in Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.

   

   Palace of Versailles

   

   Arc de Triomphe

   

   Champs-Elysees

   

   Place de la Concorde

   

   Opera Garnier

   

   Ile de la Cite

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel p. d´italie(22 Rue Voltaire Le Kremlin Bicetre)
3. 3

   Day 3 — Paris

   08:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We'll head to the Eiffel Tower, where tickets to the second floor are included (please note that there may be long waits due to the high number of visitors). The second floor offers the best views, providing an optimal altitude for seeing the city below (which is less visible from the third floor) and offers a better overall perspective compared to the first floor. From this vantage point, you can see up to 70 km on a clear day. After descending the tower, we'll enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, offering stunning views of Paris´ iconic monuments and bridges. This journey lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. Afterward, you'll have some free time.
   Note: If wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we might reschedule the visit to a different time (or on Sunday) for your convenience.   
      

   

   Eiffel Tower

   

   Boat trip along the Seine River

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Novotel p. d´italie(22 Rue Voltaire Le Kremlin Bicetre)
4. 4

   Day 4 — Paris - Beaune - Lyon

   Total distance covered: 470 km.
   Scenery: Enjoy the pleasant landscapes of central France and picturesque villages.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Paris. We'll head to the heart of France, passing through the Burgundy region, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines.
   12:15 p.m. - Beaune. We'll arrive in this charming village in the Burgundy wine region, known for its flower-filled streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. You´ll have free time to explore.
   02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
   04:30 p.m. – Lyon, located on the banks of the Rhône River. We'll arrive in France´s third-largest city that was once the capital of Roman Gaul. The city´s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We´ll take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering spectacular views of the city. You´ll have free time to explore Lyon.
   Note: In some cases, part of the group will stay in Chambéry, a city near Lyon. In these instances, we'll travel from Lyon at 7:00 p.m. to Chambéry, with arrival at 8:30 p.m. for an overnight stay. In the morning, you'll have time to visit this medieval-style city, the capital of Saboya, known for its beautiful historic center and impressive castle.
    

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Campanile Centre Lyon Berges Du Rhone (4-6, rue mortier cp 69003 Lyon)
5. 5

   Day 5 — Lyon - Geneva - Lausanne - Gruyeres - Fribourg

   Total distance covered: 310 km.
   Scenery: Stunning views of Lake Geneva, with vast lakes and towering snow-capped mountains in the distance.
   Note: Please keep your passport handy as there may be border controls when entering Switzerland.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Lyon. We'll head into the mountainous regions as we make our way to Switzerland.
   10:00 a.m. – Geneva, the capital of the French-speaking part of Switzerland. This city on the shores of Lake Geneva is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, the Red Cross, and many other international organizations. Our bus will pass by the Palace of Nations, stroll through the beautiful English Garden with its famous flower clock, and admire the Jet d'Eau, Europe's tallest fountain.
   12:45 p.m. – Departure from Geneva. We'll follow Lake Geneva, passing through stunning vineyard landscapes and snowy mountains in the horizon.
   01:45 p.m. – Lausanne, a city in western Switzerland crossed by four rivers that carry water from the Alps into Lake Geneva. Lausanne is where the International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 and has hosted its headquarters ever since. We'll stop at the Olympic Park, on the shores of the lake, an iconic spot dedicated to sports and Olympic culture.
   02:30 p.m. – Departure from Lausanne.
   03:30 p.m. – Gruyeres. Time to stroll through the center of this picturesque walled town, famous for producing the cheese that bears its name. Nearby are some of Switzerland's major chocolate manufacturers, such as Nestlé. We'll visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory and enjoy a sweet tasting.
   06:00 p.m. – Departure from Gruyeres.
   06:45 p.m. – Arrival in Fribourg, a bilingual French/German city with a charming old town.
   Note: Due to the limited number of hotel options in Fribourg, accommodation may sometimes be arranged in a nearby town.  

   

   Lake Geneva

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: BB LULLY 3 LAKES(Restoroute, Rose de la Broye 3, LULLY 1470 FRIBOURG)
6. 6

   Day 6 — Fribourg - Interlaken - Aareschlucht - Lugano - Chiasso

   Total distance covered: 309 km.
   Scenery: This stage offers spectacular views of year-round snow-capped peaks and beautiful lakes.
   Tip: Bring some warm clothing for the boat ride to enjoy the experience on deck.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Fribourg. We'll take a charming and scenic route through the canton of Bern, passing hills, forests, and green fields. We'll make a photo stop along the way, either at Schwarzenburg Castle or, depending on accommodation, at a viewpoint over Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.
   09:30 a.m. – Interlaken. We'll stop for a stroll in this tourist town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, from which it takes its name.
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Interlaken.
   11:15 a.m. – Aare Gorge. Admission included to walk along the pathways and tunnels of this stunning 200-meter-deep, 1.4 km-long gorge carved into limestone by the Aar River. Lunch will be included.
   01:00 p.m. – Departure from Aare Gorge. We'll head toward one of Switzerland's most spectacular mountain passes: the Susten Pass—known for its eternal snow and glaciers. We'll stop along the way to enjoy this breathtaking high-mountain glacial scenery. Surrounded by these impressive landscapes, we'll continue toward the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, crossing the famous 17 km-long Gotthard Tunnel.
   04:00 p.m. – Lugano. We'll take a 40-minute boat trip on the lake (tickets included), surrounded by alpine landscape and elegant villages in one of the most refine areas of Switzerland. We will then have free time to stroll through this Italian-style town, a popular tourist destination, famous for its lakeside promenade.
   06:30 p.m. – Departure from Lugano.
   07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Chiasso, a Swiss city on the border with Italy.
   Note:
   - From late May to early October, the Susten Pass may be closed due to snow. In that case, we'll travel via the Brünig Pass, which is also very scenic.
   -In winter, the Aareschlucht Falls are closed, so we'll visit the charming towns of Brienz and Meiringen instead.
   -Sometimes, we will take The boat from Gandria and Lugano.
   -Occasionally, accommodation may be in the metropolitan area of Como.

   

   Lake Lugano

   Meals: B: Included, L: Included, D: ExcludedStay: Movenpick Albergo Touring (Piazza Indipendenza 1 6830 Chiasso)
7. 7

   Day 7 — Chiasso - Bellinzona - Altdorf - Lucerne

   Total distance covered: 212 km.
   Scenery: Panoramic views from the highway, featuring lakes and mountains.
   08:30 a.m. – Departure from Chiasso after breakfast.
   09:30 a.m. – Bellinzona. Free time in the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland, renowned for its three medieval castles, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the hills, these castles played a key historical role as Alpine fortifications.
   10:30 a.m. – Departure from Bellinzona, heading towards the German-speaking region of Switzerland. We'll cross the Gotthard Pass, with a photo stop at a breathtaking viewpoint.
   12:45 p.m. – Arrival in Altdorf, the capital of the canton of Uri and the birthplace of William Tell. It is also one of the founding cantons of independent Switzerland. You'll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch.
   02:00 p.m. – Departure from Altdorf.
   02:45 p.m. – Lucerne, the tourism capital of Switzerland. You'll have the chance to visit iconic landmarks such as the Kapellbrücke, the Lion Monument, the cathedral, the Jesuit Church, and the charming old town. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to explore. Optionally, you can take a cruise on Lake of the Four Cantons to experience the city from the water as well.

   

   Lion Monument

   

   Chapel Bridge

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Movenpick albergo touring(Piazza Indipendenza 1), Holiday inn express luzern-kriens(Am Mattenhof 16 Kriens - CP 6010 Luzern)
8. 8

   Day 8 — Lucerne - Einsiedeln - Heididorf - Vaduz - Feldkirch

   Total distance covered: 190 km.
   Scenery: Beautiful Swiss landscapes.
   Notes:
   -Make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes for exploring the meadows of Heidi's village.
   -Remember to bring Euros for your time in Feldkirch, a little town in Austria near the Swiss border where we'll be staying the night.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Lucerne. We'll travel around Lake Lucerne, also known as the Lake of the Four Cantons.
   09:15 a.m. - Einsiedeln. Its immense baroque abbey is the main point of pilgrimage in Switzerland. You'll have time to visit it if you wish and to take a stroll around the city.
   10:15 a.m. – Departure from Einsiedeln. We'll travel eastward towards the border of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Austria, passing through beautiful landscapes of hills and lakes. We'll drive through the picturesque village of Maienfeld, the inspiration for the novel/story of Heidi, famous for its cartoon adaptation.
   11:30 p.m. - Heididorf. We'll stop at the place where "Heidi's House" is located, a picturesque spot with beautiful landscapes that we'll reach via a pedestrian path (tickets not included).
   12:30 p.m. – Departure from Heididorf. We'll enter the small independent country of Liechtenstein.
   01:00 p.m. - Vaduz. You'll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch in the charming capital of Liechtenstein, under the graceful shadow of its castle.
   02:30 p.m. – Departure from Vaduz.
   03:00 p.m. - Feldkirch. Arrival to explore this charming walled city with a beautiful medieval center and a castle in Austria, near the borders of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany. You'll have free time, during which, if you wish, you can opt for an excursion to the delightful village of Appenzell, known for its painted façades and local beer.

   

   Heidi's House

   

   Lake Lucerne

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Holiday inn express luzern-kriens(Am Mattenhof 16 Kriens - CP 6010 Luzern), Best western central leonhard(LEONHARDSPLATZ 2 CP 6800 FELDKIRCH)
9. 9

   Day 9 — Feldkirch - St. Gallen - Constance - Stein am Rhein - Rhine Falls - Zurich

   Total distance covered: 195 km.
   Scenery: Picturesque throughout the day; lakes and charming villages.
   08:00 a.m. – Departure from Feldkirch, re-entering Switzerland.
   09:00 a.m. – St. Gallen. Time to explore this beautiful town with its medieval center. Its magnificent baroque cathedral houses the library (admission included), which holds 170,000 volumes, including manuscripts over a thousand years old and the 2,700-year-old Egyptian mummy of Schepenese. The rococo hall of the library is considered the most beautiful in Switzerland, and the Abbey District is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
   11:00 a.m. – Departure from St. Gallen. We'll continue our route along the shores of Lake Constance, situated between Germany and Switzerland.
   12:00 p.m. – Constance. Free time to stroll and have lunch in this German city with a beautiful medieval old town, notable for its cathedral and Market Square.
   02:15 p.m. – Departure from Constance.
   03:00 p.m. – Stein Am Rhein. A very picturesque town on the banks of the Rhine, famous for its beautifully painted houses.
   04:00 p.m. – Departure from Stein Am Rhein.
   04:30 p.m. – Rhine Falls (admission included). We'll make a stop to visit the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. We recommend an optional boat ride that will make you feel like you can almost touch the cascading waters.
   06:00 p.m. – Departure from the Rhine Falls. We'll travel by highway.
   07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Zurich.

   

   Rhine Falls

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Best western central leonhard(LEONHARDSPLATZ 2 CP 6800 FELDKIRCH), Mercure zurich city(Vulkanstrabe 108b,CP 8048 ZUrich,,)
10. 10

    Day 10 — Zurich - Rapperswil - Zurich

    Total distance covered by train: 42 km.
    Note: Today's itinerary is unique, featuring a boat journey across Lake Zurich and a return trip by train. Depending on the number of travelers, transfers to and from the city center may be conducted using public transport. Please note that the boat schedules may change, and the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.
    09:00 a.m. - We'll depart from the hotel for a tranquil day. Accompanied by our guide, we'll take a leisurely walk-through Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and its financial and cultural hub. Renowned for its banking industry, Zurich has twice been recognized as the city with the best quality of life in the world.
    10:30 a.m. - We'll embark on an approximately two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. The boat will make brief stops, allowing us to admire the charming villages along the way.
    12:30 p.m. - Rapperswil - Arriving in this quaint and picturesque village, famous for its medieval castle, there will be time to explore and enjoy lunch.
    03:00 p.m. - We'll return to Zurich by train, experiencing the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railway system. The journey back to Zurich will take just under 35 minutes. Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore the city on your own.

    

    Lake Zurich

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Mercure zurich city(Vulkanstrabe 108b,CP 8048 ZUrich,,)
11. 11

    Day 11 — Zurich

    After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
    Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

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