CHARMS OF THE SWISS LAKES & FRENCH ALPS
Visiting: Bardolino, Sirmione, Peschiera, Garda Town, Gardaland Park, Verona, Movieland Studios, Aqua Park, Malcesine, Monte Baldo, Limone, Dolomiti Mountains
Lake Garda or Benaco is the largest lake in Italy. Its wider part to the south is surrounded by morainic hills that were left following the glacier recession, while the narrow northern part is enclosed by the mountains that createits fjord shape configuration and provide a very mild Mediterranean climate
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The luminous environment, temperate climate, and flourishing vegetation - mainly olive and lemon groves, palms, cypresses, oleanders and orange trees - along with the majestic landscapes are the background to the remarkable historical and cultural remains spread all around and make this lake the most charming in Italy.
On this ROCS Simply Family tour you’ll be guided around this marvellous mediterranean gem, exploring all the best spots, relaxing by the picturesuqe lake-side and staying in the always amazing Gardaland Hotel.
You’ll also experience the region’s best theme parks, get to see the breath taking Dolomite mountains and take a magnificent guided tour through the romantic city of Verona, where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was set.
FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO GO GUIDED!
DAY 1: MALTA - ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS
Meet your tour manager at Malta International Airport for your flight to Zurich.
Transfer to your 4* Hilton Évian-les-Bains Hotel, beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Geneve.
The town is resting on a natural terrace and is served by a funicular to the panoramic gardens by the lake.
DAY 2: CHILLON CASTLE - MONTREUX – GRUYÈRE CHEESE FACTORY
Breakfast and proceed to Chillon Castle, (entrance fee included) a medieval fortress that is built right on the lake’s shores.
We will visit the interiors and enjoy the lovely views of the lake and mountains. This is the most visited historic building in Switzerland.
Our next stop will be Montreux, famous for its Jazz Festival and promenade lined with trees and flowers. Time to walk about and enjoy the promenade.
A visit to Gruyère Cheese factory (entrance fee included) to discover the production of the Swiss Gruyère and taste cheese specialities.
Our last stop of the day will be at the medieval hilltop town and fortress of Gruyère, the charming square surrounded by houses and little shops makes it a perfect picture stop. Free time before we return to our hotel.
DAY 3: ANNECY
Breakfast and today we visit Annecy, a picturesque town with the Thiou river dividing it in half down the middle.
The imposing Chateau once home to the Counts of Geneva overlooking the town.
Enjoy a walk discovering the historical old town with streets lined with shops and restaurants decorated with flowers and locally produced products.
The Palais de l’Île, located in the middle of the river in Annecy and once a prison, is one of the most photographed sights in France.
We will also visit the Basilique de la Visitation, awarded with superb views over the lake and mountains. Take a walk along Annecy promenade.
DAY 4: CHAMONIX MONT-BLANC
After breakfast, our tour today takes us to the Valley of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc the highest summit in the Alps.
Our first activity is to take the Train du Montenvers Mer de Glace, a clog train (ticket included) that will take you up the mountain offering spectacular views.
We visit the Ice Cave tunnel in the glacier; an unforgettable experience with superb views of the largest glacier in France.
Time at leisure before you take the train back down to enjoy a short visit to Chamonix village centre, a bustling Alpine town with restaurants and alpine shops.
Free time for personal visits before we head back to our hotel.
DAY 5: GENEVE
Breakfast and drive to Geneve, a base for some of the world’s largest organizations, such as the World Health Organization, the Red Cross and the United Nations.
We will drive by the promenade where you can see the Jet du Eau fountain 140 meters high, one of the city’s landmarks.
After a panoramic tour of the most important sights, we will also have a walking tour to the centre. The Saint Peter’s Cathedral, the Bastion Park with its Reformation Wall, and squares are all worth a visit.
Free time before we return to our hotel.
DAY 6: LAUSANNE
Breakfast and this morning we visit Lausanne, home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters and Museums located by the shore in the lower part of the city.
We visit the outside gardens and entrance to get a general idea. Proceed to the upper part of the city that has an attractive old town and Cathedral, we wander around the old town’s cobblestone streets and colourful buildings where you will find many shops and restaurants, perfect spot for a drink or a bite.
DAY 7: YVOIRE - THONON - LES BAINS
Breakfast and we start the day by visiting the charming medieval fishing village of Yvoire, known as the “gem of the lake”.
A flowery village with charming alleys dotted with little souvenirs shops and little cafes. Free time to explore the beautiful alleys before we take the coach to our next stop in Thonon-les-Bains, a spa town pleasantly situated on the edge of Lake Geneva.
The upper town is a wonderful place for walkers, with its hilltop gardens which boast viewpoints of the lake and its religious heritage with the Saint-François de-Sales Basilica.
Below the Rives district is a picturesque fishing village that is home to a fishing and lake heritage museum.
DAY 8: BERN - MALTA
After breakfast we check out of the hotel and visit Bern, the Swiss capital. With its UNESCO-listed old town, cathedral, clock tower, fountains and numerous arcades, Bern is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities. Time to discover and do some last minute shopping.
Transfer to Zurich airport for your flight back to Malta.
All quoted prices are per person unless otherwise specifically indicated. Please note that all prices and packages quoted are subject to the ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions listed at ROCS Travel Terms and Conditions. All prices are in EUR and are subject to change without any prior notice. ROCS Travel reserves the right to discontinue any offer at any time without prior notice. Additional terms and conditions may apply.
OBLIGATORY EXCURSIONS
Please be advised that excursions and/or extras, listed in our itineraries are obligatory for all participants. These excursions/extras have been carefully selected to enhance the travel experience on our guided holidays and ensure a comprehensive exploration of the destination.
The details and costs for these obligatory extras are clearly displayed in our brochure. Therefore, such costs need to be added to the main package price. We thank you in advance and look forward to welcoming you on a journey filled with discovery, exploration, and unforgettable experiences.