The Swiss mountains, hills of Provence & Paris

Geneva - Zermatt

Day 1: Welcome to Switzerland!

Upon arriving at the airport, make your way to the rental car agency (Geneva Central) to pick up your car, then hit the road for Zermatt - the trip should take about three hours. Since Zermatt is a car-free town, be sure to park in Täsch, the last village before Zermatt; from there, you can take a 12-minute shuttle train or taxi to your hotel.

Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn, one of the world's most famous mountains. A car-free zone, Zermatt has preserved its original character and offers a plethora of activities and excursions in beautiful surroundings. Over 400km of hiking trails lead through and out of the Matter Valley, including the mule traders' trails which date back to the 13th century.

Zermatt

Day 2: Discover the beauty of Zermatt at your own pace

Enjoy your first full day in Switzerland at your leisure. Relax over breakfast at your hotel this morning, and plan some activities according to your interests. Your guide will provide you with a road book, full of suggestions for the best places and activities to explore in Zermatt.

Zermatt

Day 3: Marvel at the mountain vistas

Today you will have the opportunity to visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise (subject to availability at the time of your reservation). The summit lift will carry you to the highest viewing platform in the Alps, at 3,883m above sea level. From up there, you can take in a 360-degree panorama that includes 38 peaks that tower over 4,000m, and 14 glaciers across the French, Italian, and Swiss Alps. See if you can make out the Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain; further in the distance, the Jungfrau rises in all her radiant beauty.

Zermatt - Lauterbrunnen

Day 4: Encounter Europe's most spectacular waterfalls

This morning after breakfast, hit the road for Lauterbrunnen (about three hours' drive). Then, upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the day at your leisure.

Lauterbrunnen is situated in one of the most impressive trough valleys in the Alps, between gigantic rock faces and mountain peaks. With its thundering waterfalls, secluded valleys, colorful alpine meadows and lonely mountain inns, the Lauterbrunnen Valley is one of the biggest nature conservation areas in Switzerland.

The very name Lauter Brunnen ("many fountains") suggests the magnificence of this landscape. Of the region's 72 waterfalls, the Staubbach Falls are the most famous: plunging almost 300m from an overhanging rock face, these are one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe.

Lauterbrunnen

Day 5: Discover the charming village of Isenfluh

Spend today exploring Lauterbrunnen's magnificent natural setting as well as the surrounding towns and villages. One worth adding to your itinerary is Isenfluh - a typical, picture-perfect Swiss mountain village backed by the spectacular peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Spend some time hiking around Isenfluh's delightful green terrain, and observe authentic rural life in the Swiss Alps.

Lauterbrunnen

Day 6: Take an excursion to Lucerne

During your stay in Lauterbrunnen, you could take the opportunity to visit Lucerne (less than a two-hour drive) to explore this quintessential Swiss lake town. The gateway to central Switzerland, it sits on Lake Lucerne and is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama.

The medieval Chapel Bridge, which forms the centerpiece of Lucerne’s townscape, is considered to be one of the oldest covered bridges in Europe. Lucerne is also a lovely place for shopping, as you will find many upscale shops in a beautiful lakeside setting. For outdoor enthusiasts, magnificent hiking can be enjoyed in the nearby mountains of Rigi, Pilatus, and Stanserhorn.

Lauterbrunnen

Day 7: One more day in Lauterbrunnen

Spend one more day in Lauterbrunnen, soaking up the splendor of this extraordinary destination. Enjoy peaceful moments by the lake, set off on adventurous hikes through the beautiful Swiss Alps, and take in the majesty of the region's breathtaking waterfalls.

Lauterbrunnen - Geneva - Nice

Day 8: Catch your flight to France

Today you will make your journey into Nice, the capital of the Côte d’Azur. First, drop your rental car off at the airport in Geneva and board your plane for France.

Upon arrival, enjoy the change of scenery and soak up the Mediterranean mood with a walk along the Bay of Angels. Stop for a glass of wine or a meal at one of the seaside cafes, and take in the city's ambiance of laid-back glamour. Later, head down to the beach and dip your toes in the salty sea waters.

Nice - Eze - Nice

Day 9: Visit the medieval hilltop village of Eze

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel for a private tour of Nice and a day trip to Eze.

One of the most beautiful villages in France, Eze is an unmissable highlight of any visit to the region. This medieval village is perched high on a hill, above the French Riviera in southeast Provence. Up there, you will enjoy lovely views of the Mediterranean coastline as well as its lush, tropical garden landscapes.

Nice

Day 10: A day at leisure in Nice

Spend today as you wish in Nice! Take this time to relax on the beach: feel the warm stones of the shoreline and swim in the buoyant waters of the Mediterranean.

You'll have the opportunity to take a private guided excursion to nearby towns such as Menton or Monte Carlo. For an extra charge, tours could even include a wine tasting session and a sampling of local food. Alternatively, you can head out on a bicycle tour around the fantastic Bay of Villefranche (extra charge) - this five-hour, small-group tour is even suitable for children aged eight years and above.

Nice - Aix En Provence

Day 11: Catch a train to Aix-en-Provence

You will be picked up at your hotel this morning for a private transfer to the train station. Board a train to the vibrant university city of Aix-en-Provence, where upon arrival, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure. Set out to discover this beautiful city founded 600 years ago. You'll find everything you would expect in a quintessential provincial setting: sunny squares lined with cafes, broad avenues shaded by plane trees, and a substantial historical center filled with boutiques.

Aix En Provence - Les Baux De Provence

Day 12: Venture to Les Baux-de-Provence

Today, self-drive to Les Baux-de-Provence, a journey of less than two hours. On Tuesdays, set off early so you'll have time to stop at the market of Gordes.

Upon arrival in Les Baux, head out on a discovery of this fascinating village perched on a rocky outcrop. The citadel offers incomparable panoramic views over the Alpilles mountain range, the plain of Crau swept by the mistral wind, and the Camargue. The few residents who live within its walls protect a patiently-restored and unparalleled heritage. Complete with the Château of Les Baux and the Carrières de Lumières, this veritable open-air museum is a not-to-be-missed stop in Provence.

Les Baux De Provence

Day 13: Cycle through the beautiful countryside

Consider renting bicycles today and heading out on a guided bicycle tour of the region (extra charge), journeying through the beautiful landscapes of the Alpilles, between rocks, garrigues, and olive groves. Stop for lunch in the village of Maussane-les-Alpilles, then cycle to the village of Eygalières and visit its charming Chapelle Saint-Sixte, before returning to your hotel to relax.

Les Baux De Provence - Luberon Massif - Les Baux De Provence

Day 14: See the stunning Luberon massif

Embark on an excursion to Gordes and the Luberon today. The Luberon is a massif of the French Prealps, straddling the departments of the Vaucluse and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, 70km north of Marseille. This spectacular nature preserve has become an emblematic natural icon of Haute-Provence. It is home to charming hilltop villages, chateaux and historic monuments, and hosts a range of festivals.

Les Baux De Provence - Avignon - Paris

Day 15: Journey to Paris via Avignon

On the agenda today is Avignon. Once the residence of popes, today, Avignon is a prestigious cultural capital that hosts a world-renowned theater festival.

A meeting place bordered by cafés and restaurants, Avignon's central square is always bustling. Another lively location is the Place du Palais, a vast esplanade where you could spend the day just watching all the street performers in the summer. Here you will find the formidable Palais des Papes, an emblem of the city and an awe-inspiring monument to the importance of Avignon in the Christian world of the Middle Ages.

In the evening, drop off your rental car at the train station and catch the train to Paris!

Paris

Day 16: Stroll the streets of Paris

Wake up in the City of Light. Enjoy a leisurely morning, then, after lunch, set out on a guided walking tour that will take you a few centuries back and show you the real Cradle of Paris, the stunning Ile de la Cité.

Your guide will start with an in-depth exploration of the world-famous Notre-Dame Cathedral, a 12th-century masterpiece of architecture and home of the Hunchback. Your dedicated expert guide and history addict will retrace the building of this medieval gem and tell you all about the long-forgotten details lurking in the shadows.

You’ll then cross the Seine River to discover the northern edge of the vibrant Latin Quarter and wander the city's oldest streets. Last but not least, your guide will take you to the neighborhood's most iconic intellectual hotspot: the Shakespeare & Co bookstore!

Paris

Day 17: Eat your way through the French capital

A gourmet food tour is on the agenda for today. Discover one of the city’s most elegant residential areas as a gastronomic treasure hunt leads you to the best-kept foodie secrets of the 7th Arrondissement.

During this three-hour small-group excursion you will follow a local expert as you eat your way from one shop to the next, tasting 10 different specialties, meeting passionate vendors, and learning the tricks of how to shop like a confident Parisian. Cheese, chocolate, pastries, and other regional delights await you!

Paris

Day 18: Discover the city's thriving art scene

The streets of the Marais district are home to one of the most vibrant art scenes in Paris. Away from the fine art of the city’s world-renowned museums, the street art movement, always growing in momentum, is available for all to enjoy and accessible to the whole family.

Enjoy an excursion today, led by a family tour specialist and expert in street art, who will take you and your loved ones on a discovery tour of the historic Marais district. Following the street art trail, you’ll be on the lookout for cats, cartoon characters, and of course, the famous Space Invader, a mystery artist who continues to pop up all over Paris!

Paris

Day 19: Au revoir, Paris!

Your magnificent European adventure in Switzerland and France comes to an end today. Spend your last moments at your leisure before your driver picks you up at your hotel for a private transfer to the airport. Have a pleasant time as you journey back home!