Details:
Day 1 London / Dover / Calais / Dijon
Meet at Euston Rail Station by 7:30 a.m. An early morning departure by British Coach for Dover where our P/O Ferry will bring us across the English channel to France. We arrive at the capital of the Burgundy country in time for dinner - Dijon.
( Chinese Dinner)
Day 2 Dijon walking tour / Rhinefalls / Zurich / Sisikon
This is the centre for wine making and extremely rich in history stretches back as far as Roman Gaul. Dijon may be more well-known for its spicy mustards, but it was once the capital of the dukes of Burgundy. There is the highlight of your visit to see the Ducal Palace. It sprawls over the better part of a mile houses Europe's most powerful princes, including Charles the Bold. See the Palace, today a magnificent art museum with splendid collection of treasure and arts second to the Lourve. Some travellers may even claim that the town is Paris but with much CALM. Not forgetting the walk in the old town, gaze upwards so as not to miss what makes Dijon so unique, the distinctive Flemish polychrome roofs, checkerboard patterns of gold and colours woven into a terra cotta tapestry. Continue on the A36, passing Belfort, Mulhouse and Lorrach to Schaffhausen on the German border, where we make a short stop to view the spectacular Rhinefalls. Continue to Zurich lake, and ending at Sisikon by the shores or Lake Lucerne.
( Continental Breakfast / Western Dinner)
Day 3 Lauterbrunnen / Staubbach Waterfall / Interlaken / Berne
First stop after a breadth-taking scenic drive through the Wassen; Gadmen Rosentaul route for Lauterbrunnen valley. Probably one of the most beautiful of the glacial valleys in the European Alps with scenic attractions include the 4000 meter snow-capped peaks and imposing waterfalls. Located 796 m above sea level - the lively centre at the entrance to the valley, with its famous landmark, the sparkling Staubbach Waterfall. We make a stop for some time in the village, where amazing mountain railways begin their climb through some of Europe's most stunning scenery, namely the Wengen township. Since 1893, Wengen has been easily accessible from Lauterbrunnen with the historic Wengernalp Railway. One is surprised that the town located some 1274 m above sea level is a public car free, traditional yet trendy holiday resort lying on a sheltered, sun-soaked terrace, 400 metres above the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley. More fantastic surrounding scenery is dominated by the dramatic Eiger and Jungfrau massif.
This amazing area like any other mountain resorts in the country, offers family fun, hiking and superb skiing at Mcnlichen-Kleine Scheidegg and the Eiger Glacier. Located in between the lakes captivating "capital" of Switzerland's beautiful Bernese Oberland. Interlaken is a delightful destination for memorable holidays and conventions. The town is located between the lakes of Thun and Brienz, you will agree that it is indeed a delight to spend some hours simply wandering on its main streets, lined with exclusive shops and stores amidst enchanting natural settings. In the afternoon, we are in the capital of the country ?Berne. It is a UNESCO Worldheritage, walking with your tour manager from the rail station through arcades of shops and stores, we see a compact mediaeval cityscape, with its unique 12 C Golden clock tower, the Renaissance fountains and largely preserved sandstone facades, to which the romantic Swiss capital owes its charm. Cross the River Aare, we come to the Bear pit, for the glimpse of those cute cuddly animals, the bear is Bern heraldic symbol and therefore, do not forget a memorial snap shot, as a proof that you were here.
(Continental Breakfast / Western Dinner)
Day 4 Lake Lucerne and city tour
To the enchanting township of Lucerne. An essential stop for all travellers to Switzerland, due to its unique setting. Enjoy the scenes around the lake with graceful swans; the ever green mountains, occasionally snow-capped and the changing vegetation around. Wander through the cobble stone streets in the old town, spot the ornate fountains in every corners or together with your tour manager, visit the monuments such as the Wounded Lion, memory of the heroic death of the Swiss
mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792; The Kapellbruecke - Chapel Bridge constructed first half of the 14th century as a part of the city's fortifications, the Jesuit Church, built in 1666/67, the first and finest baroque churches in the country and finally the old wall with its medieval watch towers. There are also the Richard Wagner House , Picasso Museum if you care to rush to, rather than shopping for the Swiss cotton materials, watches or folklore souvenirs. You may wish to visit the King of Swiss Alps - the renown Mount Titlis, for the once in a life time ride on world's first revolving jumbo size cable car to the top of the world at 10,000 feet about sea level. Ask your tour manager for details.
( Continental Breakfast / Western Dinner)
Day 5 A day in the Snow mountains ( for Winter departures)
After breakfast, you are ready, hopefully armed to the teeth, for the unique experience you have long anticipated. In the quintessential country that is synonymous with Snow and Ski in winter months, Switzerland embraces the Alps, one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world, that straddles from the East to the West. The country fondly named as the Garden Country of Europe, is indeed a holiday destination for all seasons. Our specially selected mountain starts from the foot, at the township of Andermatt. It prides itself with a 12th century church, being a cross-road junction, since the medieval times, it is now health resort, sports centre and where the world famous St. Gotthard Tunnel runs beneath its village centre. There are numerous sports facilities and possibilities, such as hiking; bike tracking; golfing; rock climbing; fishing; tennis; hand and para-gliding etc. In the height of Summer season, climbers assemble early to catch the first glimpse of sun-rise, and the boisterous groups on outdoor pursuit are ubiquitous.
Come winter season, the number of groups multiply. This morning, we join the crowd. With over 34 car stations and 166 kilometres of ski pistes, it
is indeed one of the most popular resorts. We have chosen the Natschen and Gutsch snow fields, for both intended purposes, the latter being a slopes for ski enthusiasts, where the lower part of it in Natschen is for travellers who comes for the fun of it all, or to dress up as skiers and pose for pictures, most of all, who would prefer less hectic activities. Our specially engaged instructor is at hand for the morning to offer his undivided attention and share his skiing knowledge. Our coach stops firstly at the villages? ski store, where to those who might have forgotten any of the essentials. Here one could hire everything related to ski for a day. There is almost everything conceivable, available here; from ski sun-glasses; ski-boots; ski-jacket; gloves; ski-poles; long or short skis; ski-board; ski-sledge; to ski-helmet and more. Dotting all the stations by the cable cars and chair lifts are the comforting warm cafes; restaurants; shops and souvenirs stores, where you could escape for a moment of two between your fun and sporting pursuits. The day is yours for a fullday of fun on the slopes with one day pass (pay as you arrive);
Return to the hotel for a good warm shower and hearty dinner.
(During the Tours in the Summer months, Day 5, today is left as a FREE and EASY DAY)
(Continental Breakfast / Western Dinner)
Note: Day 5 activity, all equipment and cable car or chair lift day pass to pay locally.
Day 6 Gruyeres / Lausanne Olympic Museum / Geneva area
Off we go southbound this morning, passing by more nature and open valley. In Gruyeres, we make a short stop to view the Castle of Gruyeres and some time to see what Cheeses are there on sale. This is the village famous for its Gruyeres Cheeses and if time permits, we may drop by at a local cheese-farm. Next we see the waters of Lac Leman, or in its common name - Lake Geneva. As the coach skims along the coastline of the crescent shape lake, we make our second stop at the Lausanne city. The World is now looking forward to the spectacular Olympic in 2008, to be held in Beijing. Here, at the Museum of International Olympic, your visit may give you more news on the forth coming world class event.
Finally, we come face to face with the symbol of the lake and the city, the jet d'eau near the English Garden. The cosmopolitian embiance is reflected in the area where U.N. congress and offices are located. After a fulfilling day of excursion, we come to rest in the township of Bellagard. (note: visit to the U.N. on guided tour is an optional activity and only when time permits, entrance fee payable.)
(Continental Breakfast )
Day 7 Fountainbleu / Melun Cesson
Goodbye Switzerland, as we head northwards today. Take your time to enjoy 60 km south of Paris, the landscape of the cereal fields that is replaced by beautiful forest. At the end of the 19th century, the Barbizon village located at the Fontainebleu forest became the refuge of artists: painters, sculptors and writers looking for a better lifestyle to that Paris and closer to nature. The nearby chateau of Fontainbleau was a hunting house for the French Kings. The castle was completely restored by Francis 1st during the Renaissance period, and was later a favourite spot with Napoleon. Our highlight is to wander through the various apartments richly decorated that would rival Versailles's.
(Continental Breakfast / Dinner )
Day 8 Melun Cesson / Paris / Calais / Dover / London
All happy days got to end, as we bid farewell to Europe, leaving behind the bright lights of Paris, we head for the French port of Calais. Soon P and O ferry sails once again across the channel, back to good Ole London town. Your tour ends by 4.30 p.m. by London Euston station.
(Continental Breakfast )
Last updated: 17 Aug 2007
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