Gothic & Glacier Grandeur - Dream Hunters Holidays
Menu

Gothic & Glacier Grandeur

11 Days 10 Nights
  • AC Car
  • 3 Stars Hotels
  • Breakfast
  • Available

Package Overview

Unforgettable journey through the heart of Europe, where the romance of France meets the breathtaking majesty of the Swiss Alps. This 11-day adventure weaves together iconic city landmarks, charming medieval villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and stunning alpine scenery, offering the perfect balance of guided exploration and personal discovery.

Highlights

  • Panoramic Paris city tour with a local guide showcasing iconic monuments and avenues
  • Eiffel Tower second-floor access with included tickets
  • Visit to the Palace of Versailles with its stunning gardens
  • Exploration of the bohemian Montmartre neighborhood
  • Journey through Burgundy's picturesque vineyards with a stop in Beaune

Itinerary

Your European adventure begins as you arrive in the City of Light, where a warm transfer awaits to whisk you to your hotel. After settling in, the afternoon is yours to relax or begin exploring at your own pace. In the evening, check the information board at the hotel reception for details about your upcoming journey.

Step back in time as you visit the magnificent Palace of Versailles, where the opulence of French royalty comes alive through its legendary Hall of Mirrors and sprawling gardens (admission not included). Returning to Paris, you'll discover the artistic soul of the city in Montmartre, a charming hillside neighborhood that has inspired painters and performers for generations. A comprehensive panoramic city tour with a knowledgeable local guide then reveals the grandeur of Paris's iconic avenues and monuments, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Champs-Élysées, before you return to your hotel.

Ascend to the second floor of the iconic Eiffel Tower, included with your package, for spectacular views over the city's rooftops and landmarks. Following this quintessential Parisian experience, glide along the Seine on a relaxing hour-and-fifteen-minute boat cruise, watching the city's most beloved sights drift by from a unique perspective. The afternoon unfolds at your leisure—wander through the Louvre courtyard, shop along boulevards, or simply sit at a sidewalk café and soak in the atmosphere (please note the return transfer to your hotel is not included).

Journey into the heart of France's Burgundy region, where endless vineyards paint the landscape in shades of green and gold. Your first stop is Beaune, a flower-filled town that embodies the charm of provincial France with its historic hospice and fascinating wine museum. After free time for lunch and a wander, continue to Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage city where Roman history meets French gastronomy. Ride the cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a breathtaking panorama before enjoying free time to explore Lyon's winding medieval streets.

Cross into Switzerland and arrive in Geneva, where you'll see the Palace of Nations, the elegant English Garden with its famous flower clock, and the spectacular Jet d'Eau fountain. Free time allows you to enjoy lunch before the journey continues along Lake Geneva's scenic shores to Lausanne, home to the International Olympic Committee, where you'll stop at the lakeside Olympic Park. The day culminates with a visit to the walled town of Gruyères, followed by a tasting at the Cailler Chocolate Factory, one of Switzerland's premier chocolatiers, before overnighting near Fribourg.

Travel along a picturesque road through the Bern canton, pausing for photos at Schwarzenburg Castle or a scenic viewpoint over Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. Arrive in Interlaken, a charming resort town cradled between two shimmering lakes, before venturing into the dramatic Aare Gorge with included tickets. Following a delicious lunch, ascend the spectacular Susten Pass, where eternal snow and glaciers create a breathtaking alpine panorama. Descend into the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, passing through the Gotthard Tunnel, before boarding a boat on Lake Lugano to admire the lakeside villages and alpine scenery. Enjoy free time in elegant Lugano before continuing to Chiasso for the night.

Begin your day in Bellinzona, where three medieval castles stand as UNESCO World Heritage monuments against the Alpine sky. Stroll through the city center's picturesque streets before crossing the Gotthard Pass, stopping at a stunning viewpoint for photographs. In Altdorf, birthplace of the legendary William Tell, enjoy free time for lunch before proceeding to Lucerne, Switzerland's undisputed tourist capital. Here, you'll have time to visit the iconic Kapellbrücke, the poignant Lion Monument, and the beautiful old town with its cathedral and Jesuit Church.

Skirt the shores of Lake Lucerne en route to Einsiedeln, home to Switzerland's largest baroque abbey and most important pilgrimage destination. Continue east to Heididorf, where Heidi's House sits amid spectacular mountain landscapes accessible by a scenic pedestrian path (admission not included). Cross into the tiny principality of Liechtenstein, exploring its capital Vaduz beneath the castle's watchful presence. Free time for lunch precedes a visit to Feldkirch, Austria, a beautifully preserved walled city near the borders of three countries, where you can explore its medieval quarter and castle.

Visit St. Gallen's UNESCO-listed Abbey Library (included), home to an extraordinary baroque hall housing 170,000 volumes and an Egyptian mummy. Continue along the shores of Lake Constance to Constance, Germany, where you'll have time to explore its medieval cathedral and Market Square. Crossing back into Switzerland, discover Stein am Rhein, a storybook village famous for its painted houses lining the Rhine. The day culminates at the mighty Rhine Falls, Europe's most powerful waterfalls, with included tickets to view this natural spectacle up close. An optional boat ride offers an unforgettable experience of the cascading waters before evening arrival in Zurich.

Join your guide to explore Zurich, Switzerland's financial and cultural heart, twice recognized as the world's best city for quality of life. After discovering the city's key landmarks, embark on a scenic two-hour cruise across Lake Zurich, with brief stops to enjoy charming lakeside villages. Disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque village dominated by its medieval castle, before returning to Zurich by train, experiencing the legendary efficiency of Swiss railways.

After breakfast, your unforgettable journey through France and Switzerland comes to a close. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey, carrying with you memories of alpine peaks, medieval towns, chocolate tastings, and the timeless beauty of Europe's most beloved destinations.

Inclusions

  • 10Nights Accommodation
  • All Transfers
  • Sightseeing
  • Breakfast
  • All tickets as per the itinerary
Gothic & Glacier Grandeur

Related Packages