Duration
19 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Paris
Available
April 2025 / November 2025
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.
IMPORTANT:
-Please note that hotel check-in time is usually at 02:00 p.m. If you require earlier room availability, consider booking an additional night at the beginning of your trip.
-If you requested additional nights, your room will be ready upon arrival at the hotel, but your trip guide will only contact you when the included activities begin. At the reception, you will find an information board with our staff’s telephone number and hours of assistance. Until then, you have free time to enjoy at your leisure. The hotel staff can assist you with any information you need.
-During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. If these activities are available on the Europamundo app or through your "My Trip" link, we strongly recommend booking them as early as possible to ensure availability. Waiting until the last minute may result in missed opportunities due to limited tickets, bus seats, or other factors.
Note: The schedules provided in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance the trip experience.
Scenery: Stunning views of Lake Geneva, with vast lakes and towering snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Note: Please keep your passport handy as there may be border controls when entering Switzerland.
08:00 a.m. – Departure 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 part of Switzerland. This city on the shores of Lake Geneva is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations, the International Labour Organization, the Red Cross, and many other international organizations. Our bus will pass by the Palace of Nations, stroll through the beautiful English Garden with its famous flower clock, and admire the Jet d’Eau, Europe’s tallest fountain.
12:45 p.m. – Departure from Geneva. We’ll follow Lake Geneva, passing through stunning vineyard landscapes and snowy mountains in the horizon.
01:45 p.m. – Lausanne, a city in western Switzerland crossed by four rivers that carry water from the Alps into Lake Geneva. Lausanne is where the International Olympic Committee was founded in 1894 and has hosted its headquarters ever since. We’ll stop at the Olympic Park, on the shores of the lake, an iconic spot dedicated to sports and Olympic culture.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Lausanne.
03:30 p.m. – Gruyeres. Time to stroll through the center of this picturesque walled town, famous for producing the cheese that bears its name. Nearby are some of Switzerland’s major chocolate manufacturers, such as Nestlé. We’ll visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory and enjoy a sweet tasting.
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Gruyeres.
06:45 p.m. – Arrival in Fribourg, a bilingual French/German city with a charming old town.
Note: Due to the limited number of hotel options in Fribourg, accommodation may sometimes be arranged in a nearby town.
Scenery: This stage offers spectacular views of year-round snow-capped peaks and beautiful lakes.
Tip: Bring some warm clothing for the boat ride to enjoy the experience on deck.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Fribourg. We’ll take a charming and scenic route through the canton of Bern, passing hills, forests, and green fields. We’ll make a photo stop along the way, either at Schwarzenburg Castle or, depending on accommodation, at a viewpoint over Lake Thun or Lake Brienz.
09:30 a.m. – Interlaken. We’ll stop for a stroll in this tourist town nestled between lakes Thun and Brienz, from which it takes its name.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Interlaken.
11:15 a.m. – Aare Gorge. Admission will be included to walk along the pathways and tunnels of this stunning 200-meter-deep, 1.4 km-long gorge carved into limestone by the Aar River. Lunch will be included.
01:00 p.m. – Departure from Aare Gorge. We’ll head toward one of Switzerland’s most spectacular mountain passes: the Susten Pass, with its eternal snow and glaciers. We’ll stop along the way to take in the breathtaking high mountain glacial scenery. Surrounded by these impressive landscapes, we’ll continue toward the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, crossing the famous 17 km-long Gotthard Tunnel.
04:00 p.m. – Gandria. Brief stop in this charming village on the shores of Lake Lugano, known for its traditional architecture, narrow, steep streets, and picturesque setting.
04:45 p.m. – Gandria. We’ll board a boat (ticket included) for a cruise on the lake to Lugano, the main city of Italian-speaking Switzerland.
05:30 p.m. – Arrival in Lugano, a major financial hub and popular tourist destination, famous for its mild climate, lakeside promenade, parks, and vibrant cultural life. You’ll have free time to explore the city.
06:30 p.m. – Departure from Lugano.
07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Chiasso, a Swiss city on the border with Italy.
Note:
-Until the end of May and from the beginning of October, the Susten Pass may be closed due to snow. In that case, we’ll travel via the Brünig Pass, which is also very scenic.
-In winter, the Aareschlucht Falls are closed, so we’ll visit the charming towns of Brienz and Meiringen instead.
-Occasionally, accommodation may be in the metropolitan area of Como.
Scenery: Panoramic views from the highway, featuring lakes and mountains.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Chiasso after breakfast.
09:30 a.m. – Bellinzona. Free time in the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland, renowned for its three medieval castles, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched on the hills, these castles played a key historical role as Alpine fortifications.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Bellinzona, heading towards the German-speaking region of Switzerland. We’ll cross the Gotthard Pass, with a photo stop at a breathtaking viewpoint.
12:45 p.m. – Arrival in Altdorf, the capital of the canton of Uri and the birthplace of William Tell, one of the founding cantons of independent Switzerland. You’ll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch.
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Altdorf.
02:45 p.m. – Lucerne, the tourism capital of Switzerland. You’ll have the chance to visit iconic landmarks such as the Kapellbrücke, the Lion Monument, the cathedral, the Jesuit Church, and the charming old town. The rest of the afternoon will be yours to explore.
06:30 p.m. – Departure from Lucerne.
07:30 p.m. – Zurich.
Scenery: The charming little towns of Alsace.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Zurich 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.
11:45 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.
12:45 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.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Colmar. We’ll continue through the heart of Alsace.
04:30 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 .
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Riquewihr.
07:00 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: 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, which we´ll reach via a scenic walking path.
05:15 p.m. – Departure from Triberg.
06:15 p.m. - Gengenbach. Quick stop to photograph this charming town, known for its beautiful central square.
06:45 p.m. – Departure from Gengenbach.
07:45 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: 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. In a typical beer garden located in the historic heart of the city, Römerberg Square, we’ll enjoy a tasting of a classic German specialty: beer paired with Frankfurt sausage and sauerkraut.
Scenery: Picturesque landscapes following the Rhine and Moselle Valleys, with charming villages along the way.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Frankfurt. Today, we’ll explore the stunning Rhine and Moselle Valleys, two rivers rich in history and dotted with picturesque villages.
09:00 a.m. - Rüdesheim am Rhein. This charming medieval village is bustling with tourists and commercial activity. After some free time, we’ll go on a two-hour boat ride on the Rhine. We’ll cruise along the most scenic part of the river, featuring fortresses, medieval villages, ancient churches, and hillside vineyards. We’ll arrive in Sankt Goar and continue our journey along scenic roads toward the Moselle Valley.
12:15 p.m. - Cochem. A picturesque village dominated by its castle which dates back over a thousand, years, Cochem is the perfect spot for lunch and a leisurely walk.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Cochem.
04:45 p.m. - Cologne. We’ll visit its impressive Gothic cathedral, which, at 154 meters tall, was the tallest building in the world until the late 19th century. Enjoy a walk along the Rhine River and through the lively city center.
07:00 p.m. - Departure from Cologne for our hotel.
08:15 p.m. - Dortmund. Accommodation.
Note: During fairs or congresses, accommodation may be in a nearby city.
Today, we’ll embark on a magical journey, reminiscing about our favorite childhood stories and movies as we travel through the towns that inspired the Brothers Grimm, now known as the Fairy Tale Route.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Dortmund.
10:15 a.m. - Arrival in Trendelburg, a picturesque walled village where we’ll visit the large medieval castle and the famous Rapunzel Tower (admission included) – we’ll see the princess´s long blonde braid which still hangs from the window.
11:15 a.m. - Departure from Trendelburg. We’ll continue along scenic roads, crossing forests that will remind us of the tale of Hansel and Gretel.
11:45 p.m. - Höxter. We’ll have time for lunch in this lively small town.
01:00 p.m. – Höxter. We’ll drive a few kilometers to the banks of the Weser River.
01:15 p.m. – Corvey Abbey (admission included). We’ll take time to visit this ancient monastery, a spiritual, cultural, and economic center that served as a driving force for Christianization in Europe. Founded in the ninth century, it is now a World Heritage Site.
02:15 – Departure from Corvey Abbey.
02:45 – Polle. We’ll visit the ruins of Cinderella’s Castle (admission included).
03:30 Departure from Polle.
04:15 – Hamelin - renowned for the tale of "The Pied Piper of Hamelin." We’ll immerse ourselves in the Grimm Brothers´ story, following the mouse´s footprints through the city. There will be time for a walk.
05:45 p.m. - Departure from Hamelin.
06:45 p.m. - Hanover. We’ll take a walk near the old town hall before heading to our hotel.
Notes:
-On some dates, the accommodation might be in Cologne or another nearby city, in which case, the departure from Cologne on Thursday will be at 07:30 a.m.
-Corvey Abbey is closed from November to February.
Scenery: The scenery in the Goslar and Quedlinburg area is very beautiful; Hartz mountains, little villages.
08:00 hrs. - Hannover - Departure -.
09:30 hrs. - Goslar - Arrival -. A town declared UNESCO World Heritage, one of the prettiest towns in Germany with its historic houses and its Market Square. Time for a stroll.
11.15 hrs. -Goslar -departure-. We continue our route through one of the most beautiful areas of Germany.
12.00 hrs- Quedlinburg- arrival. UNESCO declared this city a World Heritage Site due to its fascinating historic center, which has survived almost unscathed for centuries with its more than 2100 half-timbered houses. Also noteworthy are the town hall and the castle. Free time for a stroll and lunch.
14.15 hrs- Quedlinburg departure. We travel to the capital of Germany.
17.00 hrs. -Berlin -Arrival. Free time.
Note: In some cases, the city tour may take place the day before.
07:00 p.m. - We’ll provide a transfer to Town Hall Square, where you can enjoy the evening lights and the vibrant atmosphere of the surrounding streets. Our guide will help you get acquainted with the area.
09:30 p.m. - Return to the hotel.
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.