Switzerland, The French Alps, Provence and The Riviera
Topic: European ToursSample Itinerary
DAY 1 - DEPARTURE
Check in at your airport for the overnight flight to Switzerland.
DAY 2 - GENEVA
Upon arrival in Geneva, you'll meet the tour manager and transfer to the motorcoach. Before long, you'll be in the city of Geneva. Upon arrival in the center of town, there will be time for independent lunch and then you'll transfer to the hotel to check in for a three-night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
DAY 3 - GENEVA
After breakfast, you'll have a city sightseeing tour, which will give you an opportunity to see the United Nations Peace Palace and the Flower Clock. You'll also visit the Reformation Monument and then continue to the Town Hall to see the cobbled ramp. Next, follow the Rue de l'Hôtel de Ville and Place de la Taconnerie to St. Peter's Cathedral. There will also be an opportunity to visit the archaeological site located in front of the west face of the Corpses' Chapel. The last visit of the morning will be to Maison Tavel. Following the tour, the remainder of the day will be at leisure for independent exploration.
DAY 4 - GENEVA
You'll have the entire day to explore Geneva on your own. During your free time, you might want to consider taking a tour of Lake Geneva by boat. You'll also want to take some time to visit some of the many wonderful museums located in Geneva.
DAY 5 - THONON, EVIAN, MORZINE, CHAMONIX
Today you're going to be traveling along the Great Alpine Road which links Lake Geneva with the Riviera. Upon departing Geneva, you'll enter France for the short trip to Thonon, where you'll have a view over the great sweep of Lake Geneva. From there, travel on to Evian-les-Bains, a well-known resort town. After some free time for a look around, you'll return to the Great Alpine Road. As you continue on, you'll drive via the resort town of Morzine. The final destination of the day is Chamonix, France's mountaineering capital and a sophisticated year-round resort.
DAY 6 - CHAMONIX
The entire day will be spent in Chamonix where you'll have plenty of time to absorb the wonderful atmosphere and take many photos. If you are interested in an optional excursion, consider a cable car trip via Plan d'Aiguille to the cable station. After enjoying the awe-inspiring landscape, one can continue by another cable railway via Pointe Helbronner to Italy, ending at Lapalud at the Italian end of the Mount Blanc Road Tunnel. From here you will be picked up by the motorcoach and then return via the Tunnel to Chamonix.
DAY 7 - MEGÈVE, ALBERTVILLE, CHAMBÉRY, GRENOBLE
Depart Chamonix this morning for the drive to the resort town of Megève. After a short stop, it's on to Albertville for a visit... Next continue on to Chambéry for a lunch stop. This afternoon, you'll travel on to Grenoble for a cable car to the 16th-century Fort de la Bastille. Afterwards, and time permitting, a visit to the Museum of Painting and Sculpture on the Place de Verdun is planned. Afterwards, check in at the hotel.
DAY 8 - ORANGE, AVIGNON, LE PONTET
You'll head in a southerly direction, traveling via Valence to Orange for a visit to the Roman Theatre. Then continue on to Avignon. Following a short familiarization tour, you'll travel the few kilometers to the Avignon suburb of Le Pontet, your home for the next three nights.
DAY 9 - AVIGNON, LE PONTET
Today begins with a tour of Avignon's huge, fortress-like Palace of the Popes. Following this visit, the remainder of the day will be at leisure for independent exploration and shopping. Avignon is a delightful town filled with outdoor cafes and shops with Provençal specialties.
DAY 10 - ARLES, NÎMES, PONT DU GARD, LE PONTET
You'll be driving almost due south to Arles this morning. Among the highlights of your sightseeing here are the Roman Theatre and the Amphitheatre.From Arles, you'll travel to Nîmes to see the superb amphitheatre and the Maison Carrée. Your last stop today will be at the Pont du Gard. In the late afternoon, you'll return to Avignon.
DAY 11 - AIX-EN-PROVENCE, CANNES
This morning you'll travel south and west to Aix-en-Provence. While here, you'll certainly want to visit the St. Saviour's Cathedral. This afternoon you'll continue on to Cannes on the famed French Riviera. Upon arrival, you will settle in at the hotel for what is sure to be a delightful four-night stay.
DAY 12 - ST. PAUL, VENCE, CANNES
This morning an excursion is planned to St. Paul and Vence. The first stop will be in St. Paul de Vence where you will visit the Maeght Foundation. Then you'll continue on to the delightful countryside resort of Vence to visit the Chapelle du Rosaire and old Vence where you'll have some free time for shopping. In the early afternoon you'll return to Cannes where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
DAY 13 - NICE, MONACO, CANNES
Today's excursion takes you to Nice and Monaco. Beginning in Nice, you'll enjoy a walking tour in Old Nice. There will also be an opportunity to stroll along the sea front on Promenade des Anglais for wonderful views of the Baie des Anges. Then you'll continue on to Monaco where a visit is planned to the Rock, the historic core of the principality. Here you'll find the cathedral and the Prince's Palace. After a tour of the palace, it's on to Monte Carlo where you'll also have an opportunity to peek into the Casino. Then return to Cannes for the overnight.
DAY 14 - CANNES
The entire day will be at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Cannes. Perhaps you'll want to visit the beach or the marina, busy with yachts and pleasure craft. Whatever you decide to do, you're certain to have a very memorable day in Cannes.
DAY 15 - NICE, RETURN
All too soon, it's time to head for home! This morning you will board the coach for the drive to Nice, where you will check in at the Nice Cote d'Azur Airport for your return flights to the U.S.
