Overview
Itinerary
Say bonjour to Chamonix – the perennial ski-hub nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. Take the afternoon to wander the pedestrian-friendly streets of this quaint town steeped in hundreds of years of history.
Tonight, join with new friends and toast to the beginning of your alpine adventure. (D) Stay: La Folie Douce Hotel (3 Nights)
Journey to one of France's most picturesque cities, Annecy – often called the “Venice of the Alps” due to its storybook charm. Join a local guide on a walking tour through an old medieval town featuring canals, crisscrossing bridges, and pastel colored houses. Take advantage of some free time to explore the town's vibrant outdoor market.
This afternoon, we return to Chamonix where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B)
Today, decide how to explore the legendary Mont Blanc – the birthplace of mountaineering – because it's your choice! Ascend the Aiguille du Midi by cable car to an elevation of over 12,600 feet (3,842 meters). This is the closest you can get to the summit of Europe's tallest peak -OR- relax aboard the Tramway du Mont Blanc rack-railway taking in its vintage charm and the impressive views from the Eagle's Nest, located 7,782 feet above sea level (2,372 meters).
This afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the woods in the bottom of the valley. (B)
Bid Chamonix and France adieu and set out for Switzerland. During today's Impact Moment, get to know the pups of Barryland, a local foundation that promotes and protects the heritage of the St. Bernard, the official dog of Switzerland. An afternoon train ride on the GoldenPass whisks you through the pastoral Swiss landscape en route to Gtsaad. Check in to your hotel before relaxing over dinner. (B/D) Stay: Golf Hotel Le Hauts de Gstaad
Travel through the alpine meadows of the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for its cheese production. Visit an artisanal creamery producing raclette cheese and taste the local produce during a brunch on the farm. Continue on to Trümmelbach, a complex of waterfalls located inside a cavern in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
This afternoon, head on to Grindelwald, nestled at the base of legendary Mount Eiger. Settle in for a 2-night stay in this charming alpine village. (B/L) Stay: Sunstar Alpine Hotel (2 Nights)
A short cogwheel train ride brings you to Jungfraujoch (UNESCO), known as the “Top of Europe.” Take your time to explore this eternal winter wonderland with impressive views of the imposing triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Wander the frosty halls of the Ice Palace to see works of icy art carved by local artists or stand next to the Swiss flag to capture your time above it all.
Tonight is yours to do as you please. (B)
Before departing Switzerland, spend some time to learn for yourself why the lakeside city of Lucerne is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Make your way through Liechtenstein, the only country to lie entirely within the Alps on your way to Austria.
This evening is yours to relax and to get to know your home in Seefeld for the next 2 nights. (B/D) Stay: Seelos Hotel NIKO (2 Nights)
This morning explore the idyllic town of Seefeld in a horse-drawn carriage, pausing to take in the unspoiled beauty of the Tyrolean mountains and forests.
This afternoon cross into Germany on an optional tour of Oberammergau, the world-renowned home of the Passion Play. This Bavarian village of traditionally painted houses comes together every 10 years to perform a marathon 10-hour folk theatre rendition of the Passion in thanksgiving for escaping the plague of 1633. After visiting the theatre site and town, indulge in homemade Tyrolean cuisine at a local restaurant before returning to Seefeld. (B)
Take in the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. Walk the charming streets, discover the historic old town, and take in landmarks such as the Golden Roof. Depart Austria for Italy to witness the unique jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Arrive in Cortina, the Queen of the Dolomites (UNESCO), and your home for the next 2 nights. (B) Stay: Hotel Bellevue Suites & Spa (2 Nights)
Explore more of the dolomites today during an excursion to the Badia valley where you will discover natural beauty and local traditions. Visit a traditional mountain hamlet and learn about the centuries old Ladin culture before stopping at a nearby maso – an alpine farm – for a taste of local Ladin fare. After, a cable car ride brings you to Rifugio Lagazuoi for a feast of stunning views of the sky-skimming peaks. Head back to Cortina this afternoon and return to the charm of this legendary mountain resort. Stroll along its main street and take in the views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks. (B)
Journey south this morning and into the rolling hills of Italy's Prosecco region. Visit a local vineyard where you'll taste the region's sparkling specialty combined with assorted local cheeses and cold cuts during a light lunch.
This evening, explore the frescoed halls and grounds of your historic countryside villa before you gather for dinner and toast to new friends, fond memories, and unforgettable scenery. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Villa Condulmer, Mogliano Veneto
Your alpine adventure comes to a close today. (B)
Say bonjour to Chamonix – the perennial ski-hub nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. Take the afternoon to wander the pedestrian-friendly streets of this quaint town steeped in hundreds of years of history.
Tonight, join with new friends and toast to the beginning of your alpine adventure. (D) Stay: La Folie Douce Hotel (3 Nights)
Journey to one of France's most picturesque cities, Annecy – often called the “Venice of the Alps” due to its storybook charm. Join a local guide on a walking tour through an old medieval town featuring canals, crisscrossing bridges, and pastel colored houses. Take advantage of some free time to explore the town's vibrant outdoor market.
This afternoon, we return to Chamonix where the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. (B)
Today, decide how to explore the legendary Mont Blanc – the birthplace of mountaineering – because it's your choice! Ascend the Aiguille du Midi by cable car to an elevation of over 12,600 feet (3,842 meters). This is the closest you can get to the summit of Europe's tallest peak -OR- relax aboard the Tramway du Mont Blanc rack-railway taking in its vintage charm and the impressive views from the Eagle's Nest, located 7,782 feet above sea level (2,372 meters).
This afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the woods in the bottom of the valley. (B)
Bid Chamonix and France adieu and set out for Switzerland. During today's Impact Moment, get to know the pups of Barryland, a local foundation that promotes and protects the heritage of the St. Bernard, the official dog of Switzerland. An afternoon train ride on the GoldenPass whisks you through the pastoral Swiss landscape en route to Gtsaad. Check in to your hotel before relaxing over dinner. (B/D) Stay: Golf Hotel Le Hauts de Gstaad
Travel through the alpine meadows of the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for its cheese production. Visit an artisanal creamery producing raclette cheese and taste the local produce during brunch on the farm.
Continue on to Trümmelbach, a complex of waterfalls located inside a cavern in the Lauterbrunnen Valley.
This afternoon, head on to Grindelwald, nestled at the base of legendary Mount Eiger. Settle in for a 2-night stay in this charming alpine village. (B/L) Stay: Sunstar Alpine Hotel (2 Nights)
A short cogwheel train ride brings you to Jungfraujoch (UNESCO), known as the “Top of Europe.” Take your time to explore this eternal winter wonderland with impressive views of the imposing triple peaks of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Wander the frosty halls of the Ice Palace to see works of icy art carved by local artists or stand next to the Swiss flag to capture your time above it all.
Tonight is yours to do as you please. (B)
Before departing Switzerland, spend some time to learn for yourself why the lakeside city of Lucerne is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Make your way through Liechtenstein, the only country to lie entirely within the Alps on your way to Austria.
This evening is yours to relax and to get to know your home in Seefeld for the next 2 nights. (B/D) Stay: Seelos Hotel NIKO (2 Nights)
This morning explore the idyllic town of Seefeld in a horse-drawn carriage, pausing to take in the unspoiled beauty of the Tyrolean mountains and forests.
This afternoon cross into Germany on an optional tour of Oberammergau, the world-renowned home of the Passion Play. This Bavarian village of traditionally painted houses comes together every 10 years to perform a marathon 10-hour folk theatre rendition of the Passion in thanksgiving for escaping the plague of 1633. After visiting the theatre site and town, indulge in homemade Tyrolean cuisine at a local restaurant before returning to Seefeld. (B)
Take in the scenery of the spectacular Bavarian Alps en route to enchanting Innsbruck. Walk the charming streets, discover the historic old town, and take in landmarks such as the Golden Roof. Depart Austria for Italy to witness the unique jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites. Arrive in Brunico, a historic town dating back to the 1200s, and your home for the next two nights. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Post Bruneck (2 Nights)
Journey into the Dolomites (UNESCO) mountain range and discover natural beauty and local traditions. During a walk in the Val Badia valley, learn about the centuries old Ladin culture. Stop at a nearby maso – an alpine farm – for a taste of local Landin fare. After lunch, a cable car ride brings you to Rifugio Lagazuoi for a feast of stunning views of the Dolomites. The evening is yours to explore Brunico as you wish. (B/L)
Discover the charm of Cortina, a ski town encircled by the scenic backdrop of sky-skimming Dolomite peaks. The rolling hills of Italy's Prosecco region bring you to a local vineyard where you'll taste the region's sparkling specialty.
This evening, explore the frescoed halls and grounds of your historic countryside villa before you gather for dinner and toast to new friends, fond memories, and unforgettable scenery. (B/L/D) Stay: Hotel Villa Condulmer, Mogliano Veneto
Your alpine adventure comes to a close today. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Inhale fresh alpine air with 4 unique mountaintop experiences.
- Discover the local flora and fauna during a nature walk with a local alpinist.
- Meet the pups of Barryland, a foundation that protects the heritage of Switzerland's national dog – the St. Bernard.
- Stand at the “Top of Europe,” the perennial winter wonderland of Jungfraujoch.
- Step into the 3 storybook towns of Lucerne, Innsbruck, and Cortina.
- Stay 3 nights in the French town of Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc.
- Gaze upon the vibrant Swiss countryside on the panoramic GoldenPass train.
- Toast to the end of your scenic journey during a farewell dinner in a Venetian villa.
- Taste the fruits of Italy's Prosecco region, with a vineyard visit and tasting.
- Savor the flavors of Switzerland during a raclette brunch at a dairy farm.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
- Inhale fresh alpine air with 3 unique mountaintop experiences.
- Discover the local flora and fauna during a nature walk with a local alpinist.
- Meet the pups of Barryland, a foundation that protects the heritage of Switzerland's national dog – the St. Bernard.
- Stand at the “Top of Europe,” the perennial winter wonderland of Jungfraujoch.
- Step into the 3 storybook towns of Lucerne, Innsbruck, and Cortina.
- Stay 3 nights in the French town of Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc.
- Gaze upon the vibrant Swiss countryside on the panoramic GoldenPass train.
- Toast to the end of your scenic journey during a farewell dinner in a Venetian villa.
- Taste the fruits of Italy's Prosecco region, with a vineyard visit and tasting.
- Savor the flavors of Switzerland during a raclette brunch at a dairy farm.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- This tour includes moderate physical activity. The itinerary blends some longer days with shorter days and more leisure time. Walking tours, as well as walking slightly longer distances, up stairs or on uneven walking surfaces should be expected.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Gstaad. Cost: $237.
- Take a spectacular aerial journey to Glacier 3000, ascending via cable car to its 9,700 foot summit (2,965 meters). Here the Tsanfleuron glacier dominates the perennial winter wonderland. Take in the views over the Bernese Oberland while dining at a mountaintop restaurant designed by the Swiss architect. Scan the horizon for famous peaks such as the Grand Combin, or even the legendary Matterhorn, before taking the exciting walk across a suspension footbridge spanning two summits. Duration approximately 5 hour(s). Transportation is included. Due to limited availability, this optional tour must be purchased no later than 15 days prior to departure. The Glacier 3000 cable car will close for maintenance October 9 - November 3, 2023. An alternative option to Lake Thun will be offered. Due to limited availability, this optional tour must be purchased no later than 15 days prior to departure. The Glacier 3000 cable car will be closed for maintenance between October 9 and November 3, 2023. If travelling during that period, an alternative optional tour,Thun Castle & Lake Cruise, will be offered. Both optional tours include lunch.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $269.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour, or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
Brochure
Collette Explorations (2023-24)
Brochure
Collette Worldwide (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
