TenTATive iTinerArY FOr AlASKA cruiSe - Senior Tours Canada

TenTATive iTinerArY FOr SWiSS AlPS & iTAliAn lAKeS
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DAYS
5 & 6
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DAY 8
departure. We depart for Geneva, via Paris.
ViLLars, sWitZerLand. Upon arrival in
Geneva we transfer to the mountain resort town
of Villars - our home for the next 5 nights.
Tonight we enjoy our Welcome Dinner.
Montreux & the chateau chiLLon. We
take a tour to Montreaux - naturally beautiful
and one of the most popular resorts on Lake
Geneva. The town stretches along the shores of
a bay which rises in terraces for vineyard
cultivation. Chillon Castle is built on a rocky islet,
and its towers reflecting on the lake are very
picturesque. Views from the turrets stretch to
Montreux, the lake and the Alps. The castle and
its dungeons have been used as a state prison
several times over the years. Lord Byron made
it famous when he wrote The Prisoner of Chillon
here, and carved his name in one of the cells.
gruYere / chateau d'oex / gstaad. The
charming, fortified town of Gruyere is perched
atop a hill, and is a lovely place in which to stroll.
We visit a cheese dairy and learn about the
traditional method for making cheese. We also
visit the little alpine mountain centre of Chateau
D'Oex and its museum, which illustrates the
regions rich historical past. We conclude the
day in Gstaad at the junction of four valleys, and
see the 14th century chapel of St. Nicholas.
ViLLars. At leisure. Your Tour Manager will
offer suggestions. You may wish to try some of
the many walking trails in and around the town,
or opt for a train ride through the Alps.
interLaKen / Bern / Lucerne. This full
day tour begins in Interlaken, the main tourist
centre of the Bernese Oberland. The town lies
between two lakes amid the towering Alps, and
so views from the town are spectacular. We will
see typical Swiss architecture, several churches
dating from the 16th century, chalets and
palatial hotels. We then travel to the UNESCO
World Heritage Site of Bern. We’ll stroll in the
old town and see the Zeitglockentrum clock
tower, Munster Cathedral, the Bear Pits and the
historical fountains for which the town is known.
We continue on to Lucerne for a 2-night stay.
Lucerne. On this morning’s walking tour we
stroll along Lake Lucerne and through the city’s
Old Town, seeing the Hofkirche Church, the Old
Town Hall, Chapel Bridge (the symbol of
Lucerne) and the world famous Lion Monument
- carved in deep relief into a sandstone cliff.
Afternoon at leisure to explore this beautiful city
on your own, or to shop for a Swiss watch or
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chocolate. This evening we enjoy a wonderful
Swiss folklore dinner show.
stresa. We traverse the Simplon pass into
Italy - a wonderful scenic day. We proceed to
Stresa on the shore of Lake Maggiore, for a
7-night stay.
stresa. Today we take a boat trip to Isola
Bella to see the magnificent 16th century palace
and gardens, built as a wedding gift. The
garden features statues, fountains and 10
terraces where peacocks roam among the
scented shrubs.
Locarno. Today’s full day excursion takes us
on one of Europe’s most scenic railways – the
narrow gauge Centovalli Railway – which
threads its way across “a hundred valleys”, past
sleepy villages and over deep ravines. Upon
arrival in Locarno we take an orientation tour of
the town and then enjoy some free time.
Explore the picturesque Old Town, see the
beautiful subtropical gardens filled with palm
trees and exotic flowers, stroll the lakeside
promenades and enjoy the excellent shopping
under the arcades of the Piazza Grande. Later
we cruise back down the lake to Stresa.
stresa. A day to explore this town and
appreciate the beautiful panoramic setting.
Relax and enjoy a cappucino at one of the
lakeside cafes and observe the local lifestyle
and magnificent scenery.
LaKes Lugano & coMo. A very scenic day
as we travel around some of Italy's most
beautiful lakes. The area is known for its
beautiful Renaissance Italian gardens, and
some 19th century English gardens with an
illusion of natural wildness. The gardens are
framed by olive groves, vineyards and fruit
trees. Sumptuous summer palaces, churches
and perfect villages complete the picture.
MiLan. A morning visit to this very modern city,
which also boasts the third largest Gothic
Cathedral in the world. We see the Galleria,
which was the first indoor shopping mall in
Europe - a beautiful, elegant area built in the
19th century. This is the place to have a coffee,
people watch and shop.
stresa. At leisure in Stresa, an ideal town for
strolling. The walking trails around the lake are
lovely, as is the shopping! Tonight is our
Farewell Dinner.
hoMe. We transfer to the Milan airport for our
flight home via Paris.
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