European Grandeur: Parisian Boulevards to Alpine Lakes

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Paris

   Paris is situated in the northern part of France. The city sprawls over both banks of the Seine River and on two islands: the Îles Saint Louis and the larger Île de la Cité. The historical city center is built around the Seine, and it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. For a glimpse into the oldest part of Paris, take a stroll along the Seine and around the 1st and 4th districts to admire iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris or the Louvre Museum, among others. But leave some space and time for the rest of the city's districts, as each of Paris' 20 arrondissements possesses incredible treasures to discover.

   Welcome to Paris! We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The journey time to the city center is about one hour.

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Paris

   

   Heart of Paris Group Tour

   Get ready to discover the magic of Paris in just three hours. This group walking tour takes you on a journey through the historic heart of Paris, past landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and Sainte Chapelle. You'll pass by the Latin Quarter, enjoy a laid-back cruise along the Seine, and find out the city's history in the most memorable way.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Moulin Rouge Evening Show & Dinner

   When in Paris, there's nothing quite as iconic as having dinner and enjoying one of the world's most-renowned shows at the Moulin Rouge. Famous for its unique cabaret performances, extravagant sets and costumes, and lively ambiance, the Moulin Rouge promises an unforgettable experience.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Enjoying Paris Like a Local

   While visiting Paris' iconic attractions is a must, exploring lesser-known districts, often frequented by locals, adds a unique charm to your trip. Cour du Commerce St-André and Canal Saint-Martin offer an authentic glimpse into the lives of Parisians. For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, Belleville stands out, providing an opportunity to mingle with locals over a glass of wine or indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine. To enhance your authentic Parisian experience, consider a picnic at Buttes-Chaumont, where you can savor delightful local treats amidst the scenic beauty of this hidden gem.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Paris

   

   Closing Time at the Louvre Group Tour - Mona Lisa at Her Most Peaceful

   On this tour, you can visit the Louvre without the big crowds that flock to the world-renowned museum as you'll visit the Louvre near its closing time. This allows you to marvel at the Mona Lisa in its most peaceful state. Yet, the magic doesn't stop there. During this three-hour tour, you'll be shown around the best of the museum's collection and even glimpse the building's moat foundations. All this is in the company of an expert local guide who'll ensure your experience is truly unique.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Seine Boat Group Cruise Experience Including Dinner (Privilège Service)

   Step into a refined atmosphere aboard an all-glass boat. Enter the secret world of Paris and enjoy a magical evening of French gastronomy as you sail past gorgeous monuments illuminated to perfection. The discrete and attentive service only adds to an overall unforgettable cruise experience.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour and 15 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

4. Day 4 Traveling to Strasbourg by Train / Arrival in Strasbourg

   

   It's time to say au revoir to Paris today and head to another exciting French city: Strasbourg. We will arrange your transfer to the train station and provide you with second-class train tickets. If you prefer, you can upgrade to first class for an additional fee. There are several train departures to Strasbourg daily, and you can choose your preferred departure time. The train ride lasts about two hours.

   The largest city in eastern France, Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament. It also hosts the European Council, among other EU institutions. Strasbourg is situated in Alsace, a cultural region in eastern France, just a stone's throw from the country's borders with Germany. Since the 17th century, the Germans and the French took turns ruling the region, which resulted in an unparalleled blend of cultures. German traits remain in the more traditional aspects of life, such as cuisine and architecture, whereas modern institutions are dominated by French culture. Alsace is famous for its quaint villages and stunning architecture, but also for the wine, beer, and fruit liquors produced there.

   When you arrive at the train station in Strasbourg, a driver will be waiting for you to take you to your accommodation.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Strasbourg

   

   A Stroll Around Strasbourg

   Today, your private walking tour of Strasbourg covers the most attractive and history-packed areas of the Old Town. Apart from marveling at one of the world's most awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals, the Notre Dame de Strasbourg, you will walk along the charming canals of La Petite France, the former tanners' and millers' district, learning about the crucial role of water in the city's history. Then, you'll stroll through the St. Thomas district, known for its connections to the Protestant Reformation. Your local guide will reveal the quaintest side of Strasbourg, where picturesque alleys and spectacular riverside architecture create a unique and enchanting setting.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Strasbourg's Collections of Art and History

   Strasbourg has a very rich cultural scene that includes a wide variety of top-quality museums dedicated to archaeology, history, modern art, and the culture of the region itself. While in Strasbourg, it's worth spending a few hours at one or more of the city's fine museums, among which the Musée Alsacien, the Musée Historique de Strasbourg, and the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain stand out.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Strasbourg

   

   Colmar, Riquewihr, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle Small Group Day Trip

   This is the essential one-day experience in Alsace you can't miss if you want to make the best of your stay in Strasbourg. Visit the enchanting Colmar and Eguisheim villages to get lost in their charming cobblestone streets. Enjoy some free time for lunch and wine tasting in stunning Riquewihr before you get a glimpse of the Haut Koenigsbourg Castle in the company of your guide.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Traveling to Lucerne by Private Transfer / Arrival in Lucerne

   

   Today, you’ll be leaving Strasbourg for the picturesque city of Lucerne, set on the shores of Lake Lucerne and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Your private driver will pick you up from your accommodation at the agreed-upon time. The journey takes approximately three hours, giving you the chance to relax in comfort and enjoy the scenic drive as you transition from the French countryside into the breathtaking landscapes of Switzerland.

   If you only have time for one spot in central Switzerland, make it Lucerne. This charming lakeside town offers a memorable mountain panorama. The town's standout landmark is the 12th century Chapel Bridge (Europe's oldest covered bridge), which runs past the unique octagonal Water Tower. Visitors also tend to make a beeline for the Lion Monument, carved into a cliff, which commemorates the Swiss Guards who sacrificed their lives for the royal family during the French Revolution. Make sure to stop by the lesser-known covered Spreuer Bridge, with its Danse Macabre plaques. If you're fond of classical music, you're more than in luck, as the city offers frequent performances.

   Your driver will take you to your accommodations in Lucerne.

   

   Lucerne, Love, and Luxury

   Lucerne's breathtaking beauty truly sets it apart as one of the world’s most enchanting cities. After checking into your accommodations, immerse yourself in its charm by taking a leisurely walk through the Old Town and across the picturesque Chapel Bridge. If you're up for a bit more adventure, climb the Musegg Wall for stunning views of the city and its scenic surroundings. To cap off your day, savor an aperitif or enjoy a traditional fondue, a local specialty. For an exceptional dining experience, consider the Schiff or Fondue House Du Pont restaurants.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Lucerne

   

   City and Fondue Private eTuk-Tuk Tour

   Discover Lucerne by electric tuktuk and experience the city as the locals do, with one of them as your chauffeur and guide. Be taken from the charming Old Town to the shopping district, on to Switzerland’s most famous wooden bridge, the Chapel Bridge. Have your chauffeur let you in on Lucerne’s secrets, and discover Lucerne's diversity. This tour is not only about sightseeing, as you will also stop at the Falken Fondue House to try delicious fondue, with bread, potatoes and Swiss wine.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   A Monumental Must-See

   One of the most impressive attractions in Lucerne, the monumental Bourbaki Panorama, is a panoramic painting depicting the French Army's internment at the end of the French-Prussian War. Listed as a cultural property of national significance in Switzerland, the painting is protected by glass, and visitors can marvel at it from a circular wooden platform.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Lucerne

   

   Mt. Pilatus Self-Guided Tour

   This self-guided tour takes you up to Mt. Pilatus, 2,132m (7,000 feet) above sea level, with stunning views of the Swiss plain and the Alps. In summer, you’ll likely start with a boat ride on Lake Lucerne, then ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train, and return by cableway and gondola. In winter, you'll take a bus to Kriens, followed by a gondola and cableway to the summit, returning the same way. Tickets and transport are all arranged, ensuring a seamless journey with breathtaking views year-round.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5-6 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

10. Day 10 Traveling to Como by Train / Arrival in Como

    

    Today, you will travel by train from Lucerne to Lake Como. We will arrange for a driver to pick you up from your accommodations in Lucerne and take you to the train station. The train journey takes about 2 hours. We have included second-class train tickets in your travel package, but an upgrade to a higher class may be possible for an extra fee.

    Surrounded by stunning green hills, Como is the famous lake's main town. Dotted with charming squares, imposing churches, and gorgeous historical buildings, Como's Old Town overlooks the mesmerizingly beautiful Lake Como. For theater lovers, the Teatro Sociale di Como, the town's opera house, has hosted world-renowned musicians, such as Liszt and Paganini. Combining the magic of a typically Italian town with the utter beauty of the scenery that engulfs it, Como serves as the perfect base to explore the extended area of Lake Como and its charms.

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Como

    

    Best of Como Lakeside Private Driving Tour (from Como Town)

    Exploring Lake Como with a local at the wheel ensures you don't miss any must-see sights. Beginning in Bellagio, the journey unveils treasures like the lakefront Villa d'Este, George Clooney's residence in Laglio, and the ancient port of Brenno, among other stunning spots. Your itinerary allows for a leisurely lunch break at a local gem chosen by your driver. While some enticing side trips may involve water taxis or ferries, their costs are separate from the day trip. Additionally, if you opt to step inside the villas and museums, entrance fees are to be paid on-site.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 8 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

12. Day 12 Your Second Full Day in Como

    

    Group Food Tour in Como

    Discover the real flavors of Lake Como on a food tour guided by a local expert. Avoid tourist spots and eat where the locals do, tasting seasonal dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Visit family-run trattorias and hidden gems known for authentic cuisine. Enjoy a full meal in a relaxed setting, sharing the experience with fellow food lovers.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

    

    1-Hour Lake Como Private Boat Tour

    Experience the beauty of Lake Como aboard a private boat on this 1-hour excursion, exploring iconic villas and charming villages along the shore. Visit picturesque spots like Blevio, Torno, and the renowned Villa Balbianello, famous for its appearances in Star Wars and James Bond films. Cruise past historic villas, including George Clooney's Villa Oleandra, and admire the elegant streets and gardens of Bellagio and Tremezzo, concluding with a view of the luxurious Villa d'Este in Cernobbio.

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 1 hour

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

    

    Villa Carlotta - A Historic Museum and Botanical Gem to be Discovered Near Como

    Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, situated on the western shore of Lake Como, is a must-visit destination that combines art, history, and nature. This 17th-century villa is famous for its beautifully landscaped botanical gardens and an exceptional art collection featuring works by Antonio Canova and Francesco Hayez. As you explore the elegant interiors and peaceful gardens, you'll enjoy a unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Villa Carlotta is easily accessible from Como, either by car in about 40 minutes or by ferry in roughly an hour, offering stunning lake views along the way.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Departure Day

    Sadly your Italian adventure is over and it's time to say arrivederci, for you'll sure be back! We will arrange for a driver to take you from your accommodation on Lake Como to Milan's Malpensa airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.