Switzerland and France
March 13 - 20, 2011 $2850 - + air
Enjoy springtime in Europe! Fewer crowds, cooler weather and cheaper flights make this travel opportunity unique and enjoyable. Your tour begins in Switzerland in my favorite alpine village of Lauterbrunnen. After two nights in Switzerland, we travel to Strasbourg (one night) and then Paris for four nights.
This is a group tour consisting of up to 10 travelers ranging in age from mid-30's to active seniors.
Saturday, March 12, 2011 -- Overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland
Please arrange you own flight to arrive in Zurich (ZHR) no later than 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 13.
9:00 a.m. - Tour begins today at the Zurich Airport
Sunday, March 13: Switzerland — After airport formalities, head directly to the beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. After checking into the hotel you’ll have the remainder of the afternoon to settle into this charming alpine village. Tonight enjoy a traditional Swiss dinner at the hotel. Sleep 2 nights in Lauterbrunnen.
Monday, March 14: Enjoy the mountains! You may want to hike, ride a lift to a mountain summit or even play in the snow. The hills are filled with alpine villages loaded with shops and restaurants, hiking trails and mountain lifts. Return to your hotel for dinner by 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 15: Strasbourg — Travel by mini- bus through the pristine Swiss countryside and eventually into France. Ultimately arrive in the charming town of Strasbourg, located on the German and French border. Here, enjoy a walking orientation tour of the town’s pedestrian-friendly central shopping section. You will have the remainder of the afternoon to do some exploring on your own . Dinner tonight at the hotel or a local restaurant. Sleep 1 night in Strasbourg.
Wednesday, March 16: Strasbourg to Paris - Today we will travel by mini-bus to Paris. Enroute, we will visit the Champagne region for a taste of the bubbly! After getting settled in at our Paris hotel, enjoy a walking tour lacing together some of Paris' quaint and characteristic neighborhoods. Later, enjoy a fantastic meal and a scenic cruise tour along the Seine River. Paris: 4 nights.
Thursday, March 17: The Latin Quarter and Notre Dame Cathedral top the list for our touring today. The afternoon is all for you ...shopping on the Champs Élysées, another museum visit, or simply sitting at a café and enjoying life. We'll meet for a sunset picnic on the Champ du Mars or dinner at a restaurant followed by a trip up the Eiffel Tower.
Friday, March 18: This morning we will visit the Louvre Museum for a look at what some consider to be the world’s best collection of art. After lunch, enjoy a visit to the Sacré Coeur, Montmartre, and the Pigalle neighborhood. Later, enjoy dinner in the area.
Saturday, March 19: Versailles - Today we'll take a short train ride to the town of Versailles to experience the grand palace of Louis XIV, XV, XVI. Following a tour through the most important rooms, you will be free to explore more of the palace and gardens on your own. Later, we will meet for a sunset picnic on the Champ du Mars (weather permitting) or have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Finally, enjoy a trip up the Tour Eiffel to experience the “city of light” from a new perspective.
Sunday, March 20: Fly Home — Your tour ends today. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the USA.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COST?
- Accommodations each night in clean and safe European-style hotels with private bath.
- All breakfasts and either lunch or dinner daily.
- Amazing dining experiences at some of David's personal favorite restaurants. You can expect fine regional fare, and plenty of it, at all our dining experiences.
- Group transportation from the airport in Zurich (ZHR) to the departure airport in Paris (CDG).
- All tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Full time services of a travel-savvy Exploring Europe guide and local experts dedicated to bringing to life the art, history, and culture of Europe.
- Emergency medical insurance, trip delay insurance, baggage loss or damage insurance, and limited tour cancellation insurance.
-David McGuffin's Exploring Europe Tour Handbook covering the major sights and destinations visited on this tour itinerary.
· All tours and admissions to more than 10 cultural and sightseeing venues: Two full days in the Swiss Alps filled with alpine villages, hiking, grand mountain vistas and more ▪ Strasbourg walking tour ▪ Champagne region tasting experience ▪ Seine River Cruise ▪ Eiffel Tower admission ▪ Louvre Museum entrance ▪ Paris historic center walking tour ▪ Versailles Palace entrance ▪ Montemarte/Pigalle walking tour ▪ and much more (itinerary specifics are subject to change).
- Our Unconditional Tour Price Guarantee that will not change for any reason.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance offered at affordable rates.
