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We invite you to spend a leisurely holiday on the shores of the lake of Geneva based in the delightful spa town of Evian-les-Bains, the pearl of the lake. We stay in the Hotel le Bourgogne whose charming owners look forward to spoiling us with kindness and good food. Situated just a two-minute walk from the water’s edge, this hotel offers traditional French hotellerie with charming and quiet rooms yet is in the town centre.
We visit the alluring old fishing village of Yvoire renowned for the exquisite beauty of its lakeside setting and flower-bedecked winding medieval streets. Samoens, with its traditional stone houses built by skilled stonemasons and its alpine botanical garden, holds a special appeal. The majestic natural amphitheatre of the Cirque de Fer a Cheval offers the opportunity for delightful walks and access to alpine meadows with their wealth of flowers. A highlight of our tour is a visit to Chateau Chillon. Situated on the Swiss lakeside, this chateau was the residence of the Counts of Savoy throughout the Middle Ages. Immortalised by the poet Byron, Shelley and Dumas, Chateau Chillon will appeal to all who have an interest in history and literature. You will take away unforgettable memories! We visit Thonon - the historic capital of the Chablais region from where we enjoy views of the land from our boat trip.
Our programme includes wine and cheese-tasting, a visit to the renowned Chateau de Ripaille, forays into Switzerland to visit the exciting city of Geneva and a relaxing visit to Montreux. There is plenty of time for walking or more leisurely explorations on enchanting days set in the mountains with time spent relaxing as our luxury, air-conditioned coach shows you the breathtaking alpine scenery. This is indeed a dazzling combination of lakeside chic and unspoilt natural beauty. Even the casino has a certain charm, even if you just stand back and watch as fortunes change hands!
This eleven -day holiday includes:
• ten nights half-board in a double, twin or single room (single supplement £140).
• all coach and ferry travel.
• one lunch, all excursions and the services of a courier throughout.
Cost: £1,065
Specialist guide services and admission charges are not included in the holiday price.
You will need Swiss francs as well as euros for Geneva and Montreux excursions
- we will advise you later as to your requirements.
ITINERARY
FRIDAY
Depart Bristol at 7.30am for the drive via London to Dover and the lunchtime ferry to Calais. Afternoon drive to Roye for dinner and overnight at the 3*** Royhotel.
SATURDAY
Our morning drive takes us through the forest of Ermenonville, via Meaux, to Sens where we stop for lunch at leisure with time to view the fine early Gothic cathedral. Afternoon drive through Burgundy and the Côte d'Or to Chalon-sur-Saône for overnight at the 3*** Hotel Saint-Georges.
SUNDAY
A beautiful drive this morning through the Bresse region and the southern Jura mountains to take lunch in a lakeside restaurant in Nantua. Rejoin the coach to continue to Evian, skirting the great city of Geneva, to arrive at our destination late afternoon. Our 3*** Hotel Le Bourgogne is ideally situated just minutes from the lake and adjacent to the main pedestrianised shopping area. The spa resort of Evian has long enjoyed an opulent reputation and its superb setting on the southern shore of Lac Léman makes it an ideal excursion centre.
MONDAY
A leisurely day to take in the immediate beauty and interest of your surroundings. We begin with a gentle guided walk around Evian, learning its history and something of spa culture. Time for lunch at leisure before rejoining the coach for the lakeside drive to Thonon and a boat trip to discover the scenic delights of the lake. Disembark and take tea, with time to stroll through the lakeside gardens before returning to Evian late afternoon.
TUESDAY
A day of spectacular mountain scenery as we drive into the alpine region known as Le Chablais and over the Col de Cou at 1116m to Samoëns for lunch at leisure. A coffee stop is made en route. This year-round holiday resort is renowned for its alpine gardens which you may visit. After lunch, we take the coach deeper into the mountains to make a stop at the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, a majestic amphitheatre of rocky escarpments offering delightful walks through the woods. Return via the ski resort of Les Gets with magnificent views over the lake as we return to Evian imparting a final flourish to the day.
WEDNESDAY
Driver day off so we have a restful day in Evian free to enjoy its sights and sounds and to savour the special ambiance of our lakeside holiday centre. After lunch at leisure, why not relax by the lake, browse around the shops or even take your own private boat trip across to Lausanne?
THURSDAY
A half-day excursion into the Pays Gavot, the foothills which rise above Evian, for a tasting and talk about the local cheeses. Return to Evian for lunch at leisure. Afternoon drive along the lake, passing through the border post at Saint-Gingolph and entering Switzerland. We stop first at Chateau Chillon for a guided visit. Residence of the counts of Savoy throughout the middle ages, it has been immortalised in the works of Byron, Rousseau, Hugo, Shelley and Alexandre Dumas. Continue along the lake to the elegant resort of Montreux for afternoon tea and a stroll through the lovely gardens at the water's edge. Return to Evian.
FRIDAY
A short drive brings us to the Chateau de Ripaille which dates from the 14th century and is set amid vineyards of its own appellation. Visit the chateau with a guide then adjourn to the tasting-room for a leisurely tasting and an opportunity to purchase a bottle or two of holiday memories. We then continue to the enchanting old fishing village of Yvoire, set like a precious jewel in the circlet of the lake. Spend lunchtime at leisure, perhaps eating at the water's edge, then have the afternoon free to explore this picturesque village with its winding streets, craft shops and gardens to discover. Return to Evian late afternoon
SATURDAY
Leave Evian after breakfast for the drive to Geneva and a guided tour by coach through the heart of this fine European city. Time then for personal exploration, for lunch and for shopping. We leave after lunch for the return drive through the spectacular scenery of the Jura to the central Hotel Saint-Georges in Chalon-Sur-Saône which welcomes us back for dinner and overnight
SUNDAY
A morning drive through the rolling hills of Burgundy to make a lunchtime stop in Fontainebleau with coffee break en route. Time at leisure to complete last-minute shopping, to admire the palace exterior and to enjoy the lovely park and gardens. Leave mid-afternoon for the drive, skirting Paris, to the Royhotel in Roye which welcomes us back.
MONDAY
Leave Roye after breakfast for the drive to Calais and the lunchtime ferry to Dover. Return via London to Bristol, arriving there early evening.
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