France and Switzerland with Alsace and Black Forest
Duration
9 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Paris
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Paris; Burgundy; Beaune, Burgundy; Lyon, Ródano Alpes; Geneva; Chillon Castle; Gruyeres; Leysin; Interlaken; Aareschlucht; Chiasso; Lugano; Burglen; Lucerne; Zurich; Basel; Colmar; Riquewihr; Ribeauville; Strasbourg; Fribourg; Triberg; Gengenbach; Baden Baden; Speyer; Heidelberg; Frankfurt; Luxembourg; Reims
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!
Optional Activities: During your trip, your guide will likely offer optional activities. If these activities are available in the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them well in advance to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute often means missing out on the opportunity to participate due to lack of tickets, coach seats, etc.
Joining the tour at the designated meeting point and time is crucial. Please verify these details in advance, as there are multiple joining points available. If you have any questions, contact Europamundo before your trip using the emergency telephone number or the chat feature on your "My Trip" website.
Please be on time as we travel together in a group; everyone´s cooperation is essential for a successful trip.
Enjoy your tour!
Optional Activities: During your trip, your guide will likely offer optional activities. If these activities are available in the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them well in advance to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute often means missing out on the opportunity to participate due to lack of tickets, coach seats, etc.
Joining the tour at the designated meeting point and time is crucial. Please verify these details in advance, as there are multiple joining points available. If you have any questions, contact Europamundo before your trip using the emergency telephone number or the chat feature on your "My Trip" website.
Please be on time as we travel together in a group; everyone´s cooperation is essential for a successful trip.
Enjoy your tour!
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.
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.
Total distance covered: 350 km.
Scenery: Very beautiful scenery on Lake Geneva. Great lakes, with tall snow capped mountains in the distance. In the afternoon, we’ll travel through the mountains alongside beautiful villages with wooden houses.
Note: Please have your passport handy since there may be border controls when we enter Switzerland.
08:00 a.m. - Departing 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 region of Switzerland. A city on Lake Geneva and home of the European United Nations headquarters, the offices of the International Labor Organization, the Red Cross, and numerous other international entities. We’ll pass by the Palace of Nations and explore the pretty English Garden with its flower clock and admire the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe.
12:45 p.m. – Departure from Geneva. Our route will follow Lake Geneva amidst magnificent vineyard scenery (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
02:15 p.m. - Chillon Castle. Arrival at this fantastic medieval castle built on the waters of Geneva Lake. Tickets included.
03:15 p.m. – Departure from Chillon Castle. On our route, we’ll pass by the cosmopolitan city of Montreux.
04:00 p.m. - Gruyeres, a very picturesque walled tourist village famous for its cheese production, near which there are some of the main Swiss chocolate factories (NESTLÉ among others). We’ll visit the Cailler factory, with a tasting included!
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Gruyeres. Magnificent mountain views. We’ll cross areas with scenic villages and wooden architecture.
06:45 p.m. – Arrival in Leysin, a beautiful holiday village known for its winter sports resort and hiking opportunities. Dinner will be included.
Note: At times, accommodation may be arranged in another Swiss town nestled in the heart of the Alps, often Martigny.
Scenery: Very beautiful scenery on Lake Geneva. Great lakes, with tall snow capped mountains in the distance. In the afternoon, we’ll travel through the mountains alongside beautiful villages with wooden houses.
Note: Please have your passport handy since there may be border controls when we enter Switzerland.
08:00 a.m. - Departing 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 region of Switzerland. A city on Lake Geneva and home of the European United Nations headquarters, the offices of the International Labor Organization, the Red Cross, and numerous other international entities. We’ll pass by the Palace of Nations and explore the pretty English Garden with its flower clock and admire the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe.
12:45 p.m. – Departure from Geneva. Our route will follow Lake Geneva amidst magnificent vineyard scenery (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
02:15 p.m. - Chillon Castle. Arrival at this fantastic medieval castle built on the waters of Geneva Lake. Tickets included.
03:15 p.m. – Departure from Chillon Castle. On our route, we’ll pass by the cosmopolitan city of Montreux.
04:00 p.m. - Gruyeres, a very picturesque walled tourist village famous for its cheese production, near which there are some of the main Swiss chocolate factories (NESTLÉ among others). We’ll visit the Cailler factory, with a tasting included!
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Gruyeres. Magnificent mountain views. We’ll cross areas with scenic villages and wooden architecture.
06:45 p.m. – Arrival in Leysin, a beautiful holiday village known for its winter sports resort and hiking opportunities. Dinner will be included.
Note: At times, accommodation may be arranged in another Swiss town nestled in the heart of the Alps, often Martigny.
Total distance covered: 340 km.
Scenery: This section of our route through the Alps offers the most breathtaking views, featuring towering peaks that remain snow-covered year-round and beautiful alpine lakes.
Suggestion: Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes; we’ll ascend to the high mountains where you can walk along the suspension bridge! It is also advisable to bring a raincoat. If the day is sunny, remember to use sunscreen.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Leysin. High mountain landscapes of great beauty will surround us, and you’ll be able to see ice and snow throughout most of the year.
09:00 a.m. – We’ll take the cable car up to the Glacier 3000 mountain station, one of the most spectacular points in Switzerland. From its terraces, you’ll be able to admire the alpine landscapes. You’ll be able to walk on the suspension bridge between two mountain peaks, enter the Ice Cathedral, or enjoy the Fun Park.
11:30 a.m. – Departure to Interlaken through beautiful mountain and lake scenery.
01:15 p.m. – Interlaken. A small town situated between two lakes and dominated by impressive mountain scenery. Time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Interlaken.
03:45 p.m. – Aare Gorge. We’ll include admission to this impressive gorge and walk along its path.
04:45 p.m. – Departure from the Aare Gorge. We’ll take the Susten Pass, one of the most beautiful roads in Switzerland between glaciers that will lead us to the Italian-speaking region.
07:45 p.m. – Accommodation in Chiasso, a Swiss city on the Italian border.
Notes:
-Occasionally, due to weather conditions such as rain or strong winds, the cable car to Glacier 3000 may not operate. The ascent is not authorized for children under 2 years old.
-The Susten Pass Road is typically closed from mid-October until the end of May. In such cases, the journey will follow alternative routes.
-In winter, the Aareschlucht Falls are closed, so we’ll visit the charming towns of Brienz and Meiringen instead.
-Due to the lack of hotel availability in Chiasso, accommodation may sometimes be provided in the Como area.
Scenery: This section of our route through the Alps offers the most breathtaking views, featuring towering peaks that remain snow-covered year-round and beautiful alpine lakes.
Suggestion: Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes; we’ll ascend to the high mountains where you can walk along the suspension bridge! It is also advisable to bring a raincoat. If the day is sunny, remember to use sunscreen.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Leysin. High mountain landscapes of great beauty will surround us, and you’ll be able to see ice and snow throughout most of the year.
09:00 a.m. – We’ll take the cable car up to the Glacier 3000 mountain station, one of the most spectacular points in Switzerland. From its terraces, you’ll be able to admire the alpine landscapes. You’ll be able to walk on the suspension bridge between two mountain peaks, enter the Ice Cathedral, or enjoy the Fun Park.
11:30 a.m. – Departure to Interlaken through beautiful mountain and lake scenery.
01:15 p.m. – Interlaken. A small town situated between two lakes and dominated by impressive mountain scenery. Time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Interlaken.
03:45 p.m. – Aare Gorge. We’ll include admission to this impressive gorge and walk along its path.
04:45 p.m. – Departure from the Aare Gorge. We’ll take the Susten Pass, one of the most beautiful roads in Switzerland between glaciers that will lead us to the Italian-speaking region.
07:45 p.m. – Accommodation in Chiasso, a Swiss city on the Italian border.
Notes:
-Occasionally, due to weather conditions such as rain or strong winds, the cable car to Glacier 3000 may not operate. The ascent is not authorized for children under 2 years old.
-The Susten Pass Road is typically closed from mid-October until the end of May. In such cases, the journey will follow alternative routes.
-In winter, the Aareschlucht Falls are closed, so we’ll visit the charming towns of Brienz and Meiringen instead.
-Due to the lack of hotel availability in Chiasso, accommodation may sometimes be provided in the Como area.
Total distance covered: 270 km.
Scenery: Beautiful lakes, valleys, and alpine mountains. We’ll cross the Gotthard Road Tunnel, which is 16,918 meters long.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Chiasso.
08:45 a.m. - Lugano. Arrival in the capital of Italian Switzerland. We’ll have free time to stroll along the elegant avenues and enjoy the views on the shores of Lake Lugano.
10:00 a.m. - Departure from Lugano. We’ll journey to the heart of Switzerland, passing through the Gotthard Road Tunnel.
12:00 p.m. – Bürglen. We’ll visit the tiny village where William Tell was born and see the 16th-century chapel with paintings illustrating his life. If you wish, you can also visit the William Tell Museum.
12:45 p.m. - Departure from Bürglen.
01:00 p.m. - Altdorf. We’ll arrive at the place where the legendary story of William Tell was born. Free time for lunch and a stroll.
02:45 p.m. - Departure from Altdorf towards Lucerne.
03:45 p.m. - Lucerne. Arrival in one of the most beautiful Swiss capitals. We’ll have time to visit the Kapellbrücke, the Town Hall Square with its watchtower, and walk through the shopping area or along the lake shore.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Lucerne.
07:30 p.m. - Zurich.
Scenery: Beautiful lakes, valleys, and alpine mountains. We’ll cross the Gotthard Road Tunnel, which is 16,918 meters long.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Chiasso.
08:45 a.m. - Lugano. Arrival in the capital of Italian Switzerland. We’ll have free time to stroll along the elegant avenues and enjoy the views on the shores of Lake Lugano.
10:00 a.m. - Departure from Lugano. We’ll journey to the heart of Switzerland, passing through the Gotthard Road Tunnel.
12:00 p.m. – Bürglen. We’ll visit the tiny village where William Tell was born and see the 16th-century chapel with paintings illustrating his life. If you wish, you can also visit the William Tell Museum.
12:45 p.m. - Departure from Bürglen.
01:00 p.m. - Altdorf. We’ll arrive at the place where the legendary story of William Tell was born. Free time for lunch and a stroll.
02:45 p.m. - Departure from Altdorf towards Lucerne.
03:45 p.m. - Lucerne. Arrival in one of the most beautiful Swiss capitals. We’ll have time to visit the Kapellbrücke, the Town Hall Square with its watchtower, and walk through the shopping area or along the lake shore.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Lucerne.
07:30 p.m. - Zurich.
Total distance covered: 240 km.
Scenery: The charming little towns of Alsace.
08:30 a.m. - Zurich. Departure to northern Switzerland.
09:45 a.m. - Basel. Arrival in this important city on the banks of the Rhine, at the border of Germany and France. You’ll have time to explore the historic center, where the Town Hall Square is a highlight, and admire the cathedral that overlooks the Rhine River.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Basel. We’ll continue our journey to Alsace, a French region with a rich history of being contested between France and Germany. Alsace retains its own German dialect, Alsatian, and boasts architecture and traditions with deep Germanic roots.
12:30 p.m. - Colmar. Arrival in this beautiful Alsatian city, known for its unique architecture, with colorful wooden houses and picturesque canals. You’ll have time for a stroll and lunch. Be sure to enjoy its renowned white wine and local cuisine.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Colmar. We’ll visit two of the most beautiful villages in the heart of Alsace.
04:00 p.m. - Riquewihr. Time to explore this medieval town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful houses that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale, and which inspired scenes from the movie Beauty and the Beast .
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Riquewihr.
05:30 p.m. - Ribeauville. We’ll stop in this charming town, known for its historic center and the three medieval castles in ruins that overlook the area.
06:45 p.m. – Departure from Ribeauville.
07:45 p.m. - Strasbourg. Arrival in the evening. We suggest exploring the Cathedral and Petite France areas, which are full of charming spots and small restaurants.
Scenery: The charming little towns of Alsace.
08:30 a.m. - Zurich. Departure to northern Switzerland.
09:45 a.m. - Basel. Arrival in this important city on the banks of the Rhine, at the border of Germany and France. You’ll have time to explore the historic center, where the Town Hall Square is a highlight, and admire the cathedral that overlooks the Rhine River.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Basel. We’ll continue our journey to Alsace, a French region with a rich history of being contested between France and Germany. Alsace retains its own German dialect, Alsatian, and boasts architecture and traditions with deep Germanic roots.
12:30 p.m. - Colmar. Arrival in this beautiful Alsatian city, known for its unique architecture, with colorful wooden houses and picturesque canals. You’ll have time for a stroll and lunch. Be sure to enjoy its renowned white wine and local cuisine.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Colmar. We’ll visit two of the most beautiful villages in the heart of Alsace.
04:00 p.m. - Riquewihr. Time to explore this medieval town, with its cobblestone streets and colorful houses that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale, and which inspired scenes from the movie Beauty and the Beast .
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Riquewihr.
05:30 p.m. - Ribeauville. We’ll stop in this charming town, known for its historic center and the three medieval castles in ruins that overlook the area.
06:45 p.m. – Departure from Ribeauville.
07:45 p.m. - Strasbourg. Arrival in the evening. We suggest exploring the Cathedral and Petite France areas, which are full of charming spots and small restaurants.
Total distance covered: 258 km.
Scenery: Mountain towns of the Black Forest.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking around Triberg.
We’ll start our day in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament. We recommend taking a stroll in the city’s beautiful historic center with its charming medieval streets, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and picturesque canals lined with flowers. We’ll include a boat trip through the canals of Petite France.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Strasbourg. We’ll head into Germany, passing through the stunning mountain landscapes and quaint towns of the Black Forest.
12:45 p.m. - Freiburg. Time for lunch and a stroll through this vibrant university city, known for its medieval center and cathedral.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Freiburg. We’ll continue our journey through the beautiful landscapes of the region.
03:45 p.m. - Triberg. Arrival in one of the most picturesque towns in the Black Forest, famous for its cuckoo clocks. We’ll include admission to the Triberg Waterfalls, the highest in Germany. You’ll reach the falls via a scenic walking path.
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Triberg.
06:15 p.m. - Gengenbach. Time to explore this charming town, known for its beautiful central square.
07:15 p.m. – Departure from Gengenbach.
08:15 p.m. - Baden-Baden. Arrival in this elegant Black Forest spa town, once a favorite among European nobility and the upper bourgeoisie. The town’s casinos, architecture, and parks reflect its storied past.
Scenery: Mountain towns of the Black Forest.
Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking around Triberg.
We’ll start our day in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament. We recommend taking a stroll in the city’s beautiful historic center with its charming medieval streets, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and picturesque canals lined with flowers. We’ll include a boat trip through the canals of Petite France.
11:30 a.m. – Departure from Strasbourg. We’ll head into Germany, passing through the stunning mountain landscapes and quaint towns of the Black Forest.
12:45 p.m. - Freiburg. Time for lunch and a stroll through this vibrant university city, known for its medieval center and cathedral.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Freiburg. We’ll continue our journey through the beautiful landscapes of the region.
03:45 p.m. - Triberg. Arrival in one of the most picturesque towns in the Black Forest, famous for its cuckoo clocks. We’ll include admission to the Triberg Waterfalls, the highest in Germany. You’ll reach the falls via a scenic walking path.
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Triberg.
06:15 p.m. - Gengenbach. Time to explore this charming town, known for its beautiful central square.
07:15 p.m. – Departure from Gengenbach.
08:15 p.m. - Baden-Baden. Arrival in this elegant Black Forest spa town, once a favorite among European nobility and the upper bourgeoisie. The town’s casinos, architecture, and parks reflect its storied past.
Total distance covered: 207 km.
Scenery: Vineyards and medieval villages along the Rhine River.
After breakfast, enjoy some time in Baden-Baden to stroll through its parks in the center.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Baden-Baden. We’ll head toward the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
11:15 a.m. - Speyer. Arrival in this beautiful city, founded by the Romans on the banks of the Rhine River. You’ll have time to visit its magnificent Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through the old quarter, where Alte Münze stands out.
12:15 p.m. – Departure from Speyer.
12:45 p.m. - Heidelberg. We’ll take a cable car up to the impressive castle, which offers breathtaking views over the city (tickets included). Your ticket includes access to the castle’s gardens, wineries, and the apothecary museum. Afterward, you’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk through the old town, including the Marktplatz.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Heidelberg.
04:45 p.m. - Frankfurt. Take some time to explore Germany’s financial hub, with its modern skyscrapers, historic old town, views over the Rhine River, and vibrant nightlife. After, we’ll head to the hotel.
Scenery: Vineyards and medieval villages along the Rhine River.
After breakfast, enjoy some time in Baden-Baden to stroll through its parks in the center.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Baden-Baden. We’ll head toward the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
11:15 a.m. - Speyer. Arrival in this beautiful city, founded by the Romans on the banks of the Rhine River. You’ll have time to visit its magnificent Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stroll through the old quarter, where Alte Münze stands out.
12:15 p.m. – Departure from Speyer.
12:45 p.m. - Heidelberg. We’ll take a cable car up to the impressive castle, which offers breathtaking views over the city (tickets included). Your ticket includes access to the castle’s gardens, wineries, and the apothecary museum. Afterward, you’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk through the old town, including the Marktplatz.
03:30 p.m. – Departure from Heidelberg.
04:45 p.m. - Frankfurt. Take some time to explore Germany’s financial hub, with its modern skyscrapers, historic old town, views over the Rhine River, and vibrant nightlife. After, we’ll head to the hotel.
Total distance covered: 207 km.
Scenery: The rural charm of green hills blanketed with vineyards in the Champagne wine region.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Frankfurt. We’ll journey to France, passing through the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a small country where both Luxembourgish and French are spoken.
11:00 a.m. - Luxembourg. We’ll arrive in this cosmopolitan city, where rich history meets the modernity of a financial hub and the headquarters of European institutions. Some of its highlights include the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s fortifications, the Grand Ducal Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Enjoy some time for a walk and lunch.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Luxembourg. We’ll continue our journey into France.
05:00 p.m. - Reims. In the heart of the Champagne-producing region, we’ll pause to give you the chance to visit its Gothic cathedral, the historic site of numerous French royal coronations.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Reims.
08:00 p.m. – Paris.
Scenery: The rural charm of green hills blanketed with vineyards in the Champagne wine region.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Frankfurt. We’ll journey to France, passing through the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a small country where both Luxembourgish and French are spoken.
11:00 a.m. - Luxembourg. We’ll arrive in this cosmopolitan city, where rich history meets the modernity of a financial hub and the headquarters of European institutions. Some of its highlights include the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city’s fortifications, the Grand Ducal Palace, and Notre-Dame Cathedral. Enjoy some time for a walk and lunch.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Luxembourg. We’ll continue our journey into France.
05:00 p.m. - Reims. In the heart of the Champagne-producing region, we’ll pause to give you the chance to visit its Gothic cathedral, the historic site of numerous French royal coronations.
06:00 p.m. - Departure from Reims.
08:00 p.m. – Paris.
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.
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.
From
USD 1,679.00