The French Lakes, Chamonix & Mont Blanc
Beautiful lakes and mountain scenery by rail
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Glorious lakes and mountains form the backdrop of this relaxing French retreat. We combine the picturesque scenery of Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy with the Alpine charm of bustling Chamonix, travelling into the mountains by rail and enjoying a leisurely cruise.
Meet your group and Tour Manager at our exclusive Departure Office in St Pancras, before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. As we travel in Standard Premier Class, a light meal and drinks are served at our seats. After crossing the city by coach, we continue by TGV, travelling eastwards into the Savoy Alps, with the scenery increasing in beauty as the train gently climbs.
Our destination is Annecy, a picturesque town located in this peaceful corner of France, with a delightful medieval heart, criss-crossed by a network of pretty canals, cobbled bridges and winding streets. The 'Venice of the Savoy' has at its centre a charming, unusual castle, which sits in the middle of the Canal du Thiou and is surrounded by the timber-framed houses on preserved medieval streets. In Annecy we stay for three nights at the 4-Star Novotel Annecy, close to the railway station and just a short walk from the charming Old Town and lake. We enjoy dinner together in our hotel tonight.
Today is one of the real highlights of our tour, as we take sail on the crystal clear waters of Lake Bourget. The tranquil water reflects the vistas of the surrounding mountain scenery, providing us with incredible panoramas during our relaxing cruise, which includes a three-course lunch. Along the way we make a visit to Hautecombe Abbey which juts out into the lake and dates back to the 12th century.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Vienne today. Known for its Roman remains, we embark on a guided tour that includes sights such as the Temple d'Auguste et Livie, the city's cathedral, the Theatre Romain and Renaissance Courtyard.
Today we travel by coach to Annecy for a walking tour to before some free time to uncover the delightful medieval centre, criss-crossed by a network of pretty canals, cobbled bridges and winding street for ourselves. After lunch you are free to sightsee on your own, a popular option is to take a cruise on fabulous Lake Annecy. We then continue to the bustling mountain town of Chamonix- Mont-Blanc for four nights, travelling via the Col des Aravis, a mountain pass from where you can admire truly stunning views.
We depart late morning for a journey on the Montenvers Mountain Railway, which climbs from the valley floor through the pine forests above Chamonix to Montenvers at 6,275 feet (1,913m). The train arrives at Montenvers station and you have free time to look around. It may be possible to descend by cable car to the glacier itself and visit the ice grottos inside. Day 6 is at leisure.
We leave Chamonix this morning and head to Lake Geneva in Switzerland where we begin our journey on the fabulous Mont Blanc Express- a narrowgauge railway built over 100 years ago - to Martigny and back. We transfer to Annecy on Day 8, catching the high-speed train to Paris where we connect with the Eurostar back to London.
For this tour, we recommend arriving to, and departing from, London Gatwick or London Heathrow airport (LGW or LHR). London Gatwick is approximately 30 miles from your start and end point, and London Heathrow is approximately 19 miles from your start and end point.
It is your responsibility to check and fulfil the passport, visa, health and immigration requirements applicable to your itinerary. We do not accept any responsibility if you cannot travel, or incur any other loss because you have not complied with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities. You agree to reimburse us in relation to any fines or other losses which we incur as a result of your failure to comply with any passport, visa, immigration requirements or health formalities.
You may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after 14:00; your Tour Manager will be available between 16:00 and 18:00. However, if you are arriving later, you can meet your Tour Manager before dinner from 19:00.
An escorted experience and travel during your tour
Comfortable accommodation in your destination
Delicious meals included
Exciting excursions and free time to explore
Not Included
Beautiful lakes and mountain scenery by rail
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