SWITZERLAND – FRANCE – SUMMER 2025 – 7 DAYS

Meeting at the airport and flight with AEGEAN to Geneva. Arrival and departure for our tour of cosmopolitan Geneva, during which we will see buildings of International Organizations, such as the UN and the Red Cross, as well as the huge fountain that gushes out of the lake and is, together with the colorful flower clock, the symbol of the city. Free time to walk in the old town with its cobblestone streets, quaint antique shops, tiny bookstores, numerous restaurants and cafes. Transfer and check-in at the GENEVA by FASSBIND 4* hotel. (https://byfassbind.com). Overnight.

Morning departure for the romantic capital of Switzerland, Bern, "the city of fountains", which is built on a bend of the Aare River. According to legend, the founder of the city, Duke Berthold V, gave it the name of the first animal he killed on a hunt in 1191 - a bear (Bär), which has been its emblem for more than 500 years. The first bear pit was built in 1441 and the fourth is located in the city center, but is empty. Arrival and tour of the city, during which we will see the Parliament, the historic Clock Tower, the imposing Cathedral and walk along the pedestrian streets with medieval buildings. Then we will visit one of the most impressive lakes, Lake Neuchatel. Return to Geneva and our hotel. Overnight.

Today we are waiting for the tiny picturesque castle town of Gruyères, "homeland" of the homonymous cow's cheese, which is built at the foot of the Alps. With its traditional houses of the 15th and 17th centuries and the imposing castle of the 11th century (Château de Gruyères), this place transports visitors to a world of fairy tales! Then we will visit one of the most beautiful and aristocratic cities in Switzerland, Montreux. Then we will see through the lakeside road (Swiss Riviera) the beautiful Lausanne, which is built amphitheatrically above its lake, gazing at the mountain peaks of the Alps. Arrival in Ouchy where we will see the Museum from the outside and by bus we will take a panoramic walk through the streets of Lausanne. Return to Geneva. Overnight.

Morning departure for Annecy, known as the “Venice of the Alps” (or Annecy) of France, which is the largest city in Haute-Savoie and is located at the northern end of Lake Annecy, 35 kilometers south of Geneva. Annecy, one of the best preserved medieval cities in France, is built on the banks of an idyllic lake and is crossed by a network of water canals. It is a popular destination both in summer, due to the lake and the many activities it offers, and in winter, where you can take advantage of the location for winter sports in the Alps. Free time and our final stop is Lyon. Arrival and check-in at the BEST WESTERN DU PONT WILSON 4* hotel. (https://www.hotelwilson-lyon.com/en/hotel.html). Overnight.

Breakfast and departure for a city tour. Lyon is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, in the southeastern part of France, approximately equidistant from Paris and Marseille. Its central geographical location and short distances from Germany, Switzerland and Italy also give it a particularly important geostrategic importance. On the western side of the city, the Fourviere hill dominates, known as the "praying hill" thanks to the presence of the Notre Dame de Fourviere basilica - whose construction began in 1872 and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary who saved the city from the Prussians - and the Croix-Rousse hill, also known as the "working hill", thanks to the traditional silk textile industries. At the foot of the two hills lies the medieval part of the city, known as Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon), characterized by the existence of narrow passages - the traboules - which allow passage from one street to another, through the courtyards of the houses. This part of the city has been classified as a "historical heritage" by UNESCO. To the east of the two hills, between the two rivers just before their confluence, is the city center. It is called presq'île (almost island), because it resembles a peninsula. Here is the famous Bellecour Square with the statue of Louis XIV in its center, in the Place des Terreaux, the amazing fountain by Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty in New York. Free time. Overnight.

Morning departure for Grenoble. Surrounded by the majestic mountain peaks of the French Alps, Grenoble has one of the most beautiful settings of any city in France. The magnificent landscape offers a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. Beautiful gardens are scattered throughout Grenoble, and the city’s natural setting invites visitors to get lost in the flowering meadows and dense pine forests or relax on the ski slopes at a nearby ski resort. Despite being a modern urban metropolis, Grenoble has a picturesque Vielle Ville (Old Town). Grenoble also boasts many wonderful museums, testament to the city’s rich heritage as the capital of the historic Dauphiné region. Free time and return to Lyon. Overnight.

Breakfast and free day at your disposal. In your free time you can visit the multi-thematic Confluences museum in the homonymous district, located at the meeting point of the city's two rivers, the Rhone and the Saone, while at the Institut Lumière you can learn the story of the brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière, who in 1895 made the first public screening of the film "Exit from the Lumière Factory", marking the beginning of cinema. Transfer to Lyon airport for the flight to Athens.