Lake Annecy & Chamonix by train

Day 1: UK/Annecy
Choose to board the Eurostar at either London St Pancras or Ebbsfleet this morning and travel to Lille. On arrival you’ll transfer to a French TGV high-speed train for the southward journey to Lyon. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery as the TGV cruises effortlessly at speeds of up to 186mph. From Lyon, you will travel by local train via Aix-les-Bains towards the Alps and Annecy, your base for the next four nights.

This picturesque medieval town boasts an idyllic setting, close to both Switzerland and Italy, and is located in a deep gorge at the northern end of Lake Annecy. Often referred to as the French Venice the town is built around a maze of small canals and pretty, flower-decked quays. It’s a delightful place to explore – during your free time here why not visit the 12th century Palais de l’Isle, an island fortress which was once a prison. A stroll through its bustling streets will introduce you to a selection of shops and many charming street cafes where you can take a seat and watch the world go by.

Day 2: Chamonix & Mont Blanc
Today’s included full-day excursion takes you by train to Chamonix. This picturesque Alpine resort is nestled under the awe-inspiring gaze of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc. Also included is a memorable trip on the Mont Blanc tramway to see the spectacular Mer de Glace glacier, the largest glacier in France, which stretches for seven kilometers at a depth of 200 metres. At the site there is a man-made ice grotto, housing a collection of ice sculptures. Every year a new grotto is sculpted as the previous work of art is slowly transported down the valley by the movement of the glacier, and in the winter it is replaced by a small ice museum.

Day 3: Lake Geneva
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and explore Annecy at your own pace today. Alternatively, you may choose to join our optional full-day excursion by coach to Lake Geneva and the picturesque walled town of Yvoire, nestled on the banks of the French side of the lake. Dating back some 700 years, its attractive streets are home to medieval buildings with stone walls, steep roofs and wooden balconies.

From Yvoire you will travel by coach to the beautiful Swiss city of Geneva. For a unique perspective, enjoy an included boat trip on the lake.

Day 4: Annecy
Annecy is one of the most charming and attractive towns in the Rhone. Today you are free to take in sights such as its cobbled streets, maze of canals and stone bridges at your leisure, perhaps stopping at one of the restaurants in the traffic-free old town. There are also plenty of opportunities to take a cruise on Lake Annecy for some truly spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.

Day 5: Annecy/UK
After breakfast this morning, you will transfer to the railway station for your return journey to the UK, following the same pattern as your outward trip.

Please note
Due to rail engineering in May, the trains will not be running to Chamonix. This part of the journey is replaced by coach. The tramway is still operating.

To maximise your enjoyment of this holiday a certain amount of walking is essential.

Accommodation is of a comfortable standard, typical of the hotel you will stay in is:

3-star Ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville Hotel
Located in the heart of the old town and just a short walk from Lake Annecy itself. Facilities include a bar which serves drinks and snacks throughout the day, as well as a dining menu during the evening. Guest rooms are comfortably furnished with en suite facilities, TV and telephone.

Hotels will be confirmed in your final documentation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Included excursions and visits

Chamonix & Mont Blanc by train (full day)

Optional excursions

Lake Geneva & Yvoire by coach (full day)

Your holiday includes

Standard class return rail travel by Eurostar/European train provider
Overseas transfers and other transportation
4 nights’ accommodation with breakfast
The services of a Travelsphere Tour Manager
Hotel porterage (one bag per person)

With 50 years’ experience in arranging escorted tours to exciting destinations across the globe, Travelsphere have built an excellent reputation founded on quality and value.

By choosing a Travelsphere escorted holiday you can travel with confidence, knowing that every aspect of your holiday has been carefully planned and arranged from start to finish. Further to this they are ATOL bonded and members of ABTA.

Travelsphere’s thorough planning of travel arrangements, itineraries and accommodation combined with the unique insight of their knowledgeable Tour Managers and Local Guides will enable you to experience the culture, traditions and hidden away places less accessible to other travellers.

Our Opinion
“Travelsphere are one of the biggest names in the Escorted Tour market. Finely tuned over the last 50 years their tours have been tried, tested and refined by thousands of customers.”