Lyon & Alps 7 Days of Magical DiscoveryLyon & Alps 7 Days of Magical Discovery -

Lyon & Alps 7 Days of Magical Discovery

7 Days | History & Culture

Lyon in Two Days - History, Culture, Castles, and Museums

Luxury | From $7,599 pp

Spend a magical seven days getting to know the region of Lyon, and the Alps. Learn the richness of the Alps by venturing on a private tour of Chamonix with a photographer and enjoy a half day hiking tour in the mountains. Before heading to Lyon, visit Annecy, famous for its lake. Once in Lyon, enjoy walks in the parks and even go on a private River Cruise. A perfect week well spent!

Day by day

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Day 1: Geneva Airport - Chamonix

Private transfer from Geneva Airport to Chamonix

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a luxury vehicle from Geneva Airport to your accommodation in Chamonix.

Private Guided Photo Walk in Chamonix

Teresa is an experienced photographer who invites you to a theme of photo walks designed to develop a photographic eye while discovering the character of the valley’s hamlets in their unique settings. According to your personal wishes, you can choose the theme: architecture, gastronomy, nature.

Chamonix | French Side Travel

Day 2: Chamonix

Private half-day hiking tour

At every turn, there is an unusual curiosity or an unexpected point of view awaiting you!

All the routes cross either forests, high-altitude lakes, torrents, or mountain pastures with glaciers and snow-capped peaks as the magnificent background. Enjoy the exceptional panoramas of the Mer de Glace or the renowned Aiguille du Midi.

Your guide will help you to discover the life of the Massif du Mont-Blanc and the Aiguilles Rouges, rich with an incredible diversity. Live these extraordinary moments in the wild side of the mountain. Hike surrounded by nature through parks and nature reserves in the heart of the Pays du Mont-Blanc’s alpine landscapes.

You can enjoy the typical atmosphere of mountain huts and take the time to observe the flora and fauna with your guide. You will not fail to come across the unmissable chamois, ibex and marmots !

Suggestion for dinner – Restaurant Albert 1er

Indulge in fine delicious cuisine at the gourmet 1star Michelin restaurant Albert 1er in Chamonix. A wine-making workshop is also organized every month where they teach and allow you to discover their best wines through a tasting.

Chanterelle mushrooms, tomato tartar, Serac cheese, and Pigeon excellence mieral can all be tasted to live a memorable dining experience.

Chamonix | French Side Travel

Day 3: Chamonix - Annecy - Talloires - Menthon Saint Bernard

Private transfer from your accommodation in Chamonix to Annecy

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a luxury vehicle between your accommodation in Chamonix and Annecy.

Private walking tour in Annecy

Discover the wonders of the old town of Annecy. This city between mountains, cliffs and lake benefits from an exceptional geographical situation. It has kept its medieval character, which will allow us to better understand the old times during this visit.

You will pass through the Town Hall, the Palais de l’Isle, the famous Place Sainte Claire and finally, the castle (possibility to visit the monuments – at your own expenses). You will also visit a chocolate factory: Patrick Agnellet Chocolatier or Chocolatrie Meyer (or similar).

Private transfer from Annecy to Talloires

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a luxury vehicle between Annecy and your accommodation in Talloires.

Talloires | French Side Travel

Day 4: Annecy - Aix les Bains - Chambéry - Menthon Saint Bernard

Private driver at disposal

A private driver in a luxury vehicle will be at your disposal for 8H for your program.

Suggestion: visit Aix-les-Bains

Aix-les-Bains is a very attractive town and well worth a visit if you are exploring in the area. Much of its interest dates to the 19th century, and the most prosperous era in the towns history, when Aix-les-Bains revived its Roman role as a spa town. There are some interesting Roman ruins and artifacts to see in Aix-les-Bains, bearing witness to the towns long role in the region. The remains include the Temple of Diane and the Campanus Arch. The best place to see some of the statues discovered in the region is at the Museum of Archaeology.

Wandering around Aix les Bains you will see lots of wonderful architecture dating from the Belle Epoque. With the interest in taking the waters in the late 19th/early 20th century many grand hotels were built as well as the spa baths, the Casino and the Chateau de la Roche du Roi. Aix-les-Bains is one of the best towns in France for seeing the architecture of the Belle-Epoque with many fine examples from the period.

Highlights are the Thermal Baths, the Casino and the Arc de Campanus

While it is still very popular as a spa town today, tourist activities are playing an increasingly important role, especially those related to activities on the lake – hence the most popular stroll through Aix-les-Bains is the pretty walk along the edge of Lake Bourget – the Promenade du Lac. On the lake itself the town has the largest inland port to be found in France, beaches, and numerous water-based activities from canoeing to water-skiing.

Many towns in France are classified “ville fleurie” (town of flowers) but Aix-les-Bains is one of only a few to have the “4 flower” level of award, and to have national prizes for its flowers.

Aix-les-Bains | French Side Travel

Suggestion: visit Chambery

Chambery has a long history linked with that of nearby Italy and the Dukes of Savoy and Chambery only became a permanent part of France in 1861. In recent years Chambery has had something of a revival and has been tidied up and important institutions such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts have re-opened. It is now bright and colorful and a really pleasant place to spent some time. It also has one of the most inhabited town centers in France – add to that a student population of about 11 000 students and Chambery has a nice lively atmosphere for most of the year.

Start your visit in the wonderful Place Saint-Leger, in the heart of the old town, featuring the Fontaine des Marmousets and a 19th century sun-dial; it is surrounded by tall houses, all painted in different colors, and lots of outdoor restaurants which allow you to sit down and really savor the atmosphere and the food. This square will likely be the highlight of your visit: your only challenge is to drag yourself away to explore the rest of the historic center – there are also several notable historic monuments to discover while you are here! From the Place Saint Leger you can explore the many alleys that radiate in all directions. Throughout the narrow streets of the old town you will see numerous small architectural features of interest such as ornate doorways and wrought iron balconies.

Chambery | French Side Travel

Day 5: Annecy - Lyon

Private transfer from Annecy to Lyon

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a luxury vehicle between Annecy and Lyon.

Private cruise on the Saône River

Cruise on the Saône River. During 2 hours of navigation, discover the city from the river, while sipping a glass of Champagne.

To accompany you, a skipper and a hostess will be on board and will make sure that your cruise takes place under the best conditions.

Suggestion for dinner – Les Terrasses de Lyon

Situated on the hill of Fouviere, a 1 Michelin-star restaurant, Les Terrasses de Lyon is a charming dining place with a panoramic view over the rooftops of Vieux Lyon.

Experience the delectable French cuisine with a taste of authentic regional flavors such as smoked pigeon or lobster in Beaujolais vine shoots. The excellent gastronomic cuisine is paired well with regional wines.

Saône River | French Side Travel

Day 6: Lyon

Full-day private guided wine and chocolate tour

Leaving Lyon and heading south, you will follow the Rhône River to the city of Tain l’Hermitage, at the bottom of the iconic Hermitage Hill. You will start the tour with a visit to the Cave de Tain, one of the best wineries in the region. You will get a chance to discover the history of this vineyard, its features, and the winemaking process involving modernity and traditions.

You will then stop for lunch in the quaint village of Tain l’Hermitage (lunch not included).

Then, you will head to visit a museum of chocolate, where all your senses will be awakened and you’ll learn the manufacturing process and discover its history and secrets, in an interactive and sensory way.

Finally, on your way back to Lyon, you will stop in a family winery of the Côte Rôtie for a final tasting.

Day 7: Lyon

Private transfer from Hotel in Lyon to Lyon Airport

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer in a luxury vehicle from your accommodation in Lyon and drive you to Lyon Airport (LYS).

About This Trip:

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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