Switzerland + North Italy Tour

About the destination: The city of Geneva, with a population of 200,000 residents, is one of the largest cities in Switzerland. It serves as the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. The city is divided by the Rhône River, which flows from the lake. Geneva is a beautiful and enchanting city with numerous bridges. The Gothic St-Pierre Cathedral towers over the vieille ville, or old town, of Geneva, which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and houses adorned with flowers. For a breathtaking view of the old town, climb the north tower. Most of the city's museums are located in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is known for its diverse exhibits, ranging from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais is home to a wonderful collection of modern art housed in a cozy 19th-century palace. The lakefront of Geneva is stunning, with the daring Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Don't miss the well-groomed Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock decorated with flowers, built in tribute to Geneva's clock industry. Geneva continues to be an international city, embodying Swiss neutrality that has welcomed diverse visitors like Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and executives of countless corporations occupy Geneva's offices, though rarely its immaculate streets. Calm and scenic, Geneva is the most delightful city in Switzerland.

About the destination: Annecy, located in the northern part of the French Alps, is often referred to as the "Venice of Savoie" in the tourism industry. The medieval town center, built around a 14th-century chateau, is crisscrossed by small canals and streams that flow from Lac Annecy, which is known for its clean, fresh, and beautifully azure waters. Annecy also serves as the prefecture of the Haute-Savoie department. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Annecy Castle This restored castle overlooks the old French town of Annecy in the Haute-Savoie department. The town purchased the castle, restored it, and converted it into a museum. The French Ministry of Culture has listed the castle as a historic monument. The castle was constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries. Palais de l’Isle This is perhaps the most iconic image of Annecy. The Palais de l’Isle, a whimsically turreted structure from the 12th century, sits on a triangular islet surrounded by the Canal du Thiou. Over the centuries, it has served as a noble residence, courthouse, and prison. Today, it is Annecy's most visible landmark and hosts exhibits on local architecture and history.

About the destination: Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a municipality in the Haute-Savoie department in the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. Located near the massive peaks of the Aiguilles Rouges and most notably the Aiguille du Midi, Chamonix is one of the oldest ski resorts in France and is known as the "gateway to the European Cascades." The north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, and therefore the summit itself, are part of the village of Chamonix. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Mer de Glace. One of the largest glaciers in continental Europe, accessible by the Montenvers cogwheel train. • Aiguille du Midi cable car. One of the highest cable cars in the world. • Brevent cable car. • Crystal Museum. A museum showcasing an impressive collection of crystals, primarily from Chamonix, but also from the rest of the Alps and around the world.

About the destination: Courmayeur is located at the 4,016-foot mark of Mont Blanc, nestled in a lush basin surrounded by firs, spruces, and larches, as well as mountain peaks, glaciers, and other beautiful and traditional towns along the Dora Baltea River, which runs through the entire Valle d'Aosta. The warm welcome from the locals and their attention to detail are evident in the numerous accommodations available—from luxury hotels to typical Alpine chalets, from historic cafes in the town center to mountain huts near the slopes. Courmayeur is also where the story of the ski-lift began: in 1908, the Donzelli, Gilberti, and Lora Totino families commissioned the first cable transport. This pioneering idea led to the creation of the Mont Blanc Society in 1939, which developed the funicular from La Palud to Punta Helbronner, making the mountains accessible to everyone, not just professional mountaineers. Today, with over 62 miles of ski runs, Courmayeur is a top destination for winter sports, not only in Italy but across Europe. Its alpine ski area attracts skiers from all over the world. For Nordic skiers, Val Ferret offers a perfect setting for fun-filled days, with slopes suitable for both experts and beginners. These trails run partly alongside a pedestrian path on the snow, allowing for pleasant nature walks just a few miles from the town center. Additionally, backcountry skiing is an option, with descents over the Toula Glacier and the Vallée Blanche, from where you can reach Chamonix on Mont Blanc's French side via the Mer de Glace Glacier. If you're in Courmayeur, don't miss the chance to cross Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak. With the Mont Blanc Funicular, visitors can ascend to over 6,562 feet in just a few minutes. This journey, starting in La Palud (at 4,347 feet) and reaching Le Pavillon (at 7,129 feet above sea level), offers breathtaking views of the glaciers and majestic peaks of the Alps. You can even visit an Alpine botanical garden and admire the stunning glaciers, Alpine peaks, and icicles of Mont Blanc. Moreover, Courmayeur is one of the historic capitals of Alpine mountaineering, a subject tourists can explore at the Museo Alpino Duca degli Abruzzi, located in the town center's Casa delle Guide. The museum features a collection of documents, heirlooms, and climbing equipment. Easily accessible year-round (from France and the rest of Europe via the Mont Blanc tunnel, and from other Italian regions via the highway connecting Turin to Mont Blanc), Courmayeur is an excellent vacation choice even in summer. Its year-round natural beauty and cosmopolitan atmosphere make it both cozy and intimate yet social at the same time!

About the destination: With an almost Northern European ambiance, yet radiating Italian style, Milan is Italy's most cosmopolitan city. This capital of Lombardy is both industrious and glamorous - a powerhouse in sectors ranging from finance to fashion, and of course, football. However, what sets Milan apart is its standing as the hub of Italian fashion and interior design. International fashion enthusiasts, designers, supermodels, and paparazzi flock to the city biannually for its spring and fall fairs: Milan, which has meticulously maintained its reputation for flair, drama, and creativity, is Italy's natural stage. Undoubtedly, it's one of the best places in Italy for shopping, or even just window shopping. As Italy's primary industrial, commercial, and financial center, Milan unsurprisingly has a business-like demeanor. At first glance, it may not seem impressive, but if you take the time and make an effort to explore Milan’s streets, you’ll discover its aesthetically pleasing treasures – they do exist. Navigate through the modern metropolitan hustle, and you'll find impressive churches and palaces, the charming Navigli area, the trendy Brera district and vibrant university quarter, not to mention a landmark like the Duomo, or the fact that the city proudly houses Leonardo da Vinci's 15th-century masterpiece, The Last Supper. Milan leaves no room for criticism when it comes to having a good time. The Milanese know how to celebrate – and they don’t waste time getting started. Nightlife usually begins at 6pm; enjoying an aperitivo, where locals relax with after-work drinks and snacks before heading home, is more the norm than the exception. So, whether you’re in search of affordable fashion, an alternative city getaway, or an opportunity to paint the town red, Milan undoubtedly has it all.

About the destination: Como is a city and municipality in Lombardy, Italy. It serves as the administrative capital of the Province of Como. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Volta Lighthouse. Offering some of the best views of the lake, this towering structure allows you to gaze down at the lake from a height of about 2000 feet. • Cathedral. • Tempio Voltiano. A pleasant stop on your walk along the waterfront, this temple dedicated to Volta is designed in a neoclassical style. • War Memorial. • City Walls. The remnants of the 12th-century city walls, which surround the narrow, winding streets of the old town. • Isola Comacina. A small island featuring the ruins of several Byzantine churches.

About the destination: With the Alps and Lake Lucerne as its backdrop, the charming and prosperous city of Lucerne is truly spectacular. Its narrow streets and colorful squares are adorned with brightly colored wall paintings, an art form that flourished in the late 16th century. The city is perfect for boat trips and excursions to Mt. Rigi and Mt. Pilatus. A walk along the river offers a great view of the old city, where two ancient bridges cross the river. The Chapel Bridge, decorated with scenes from Swiss history, runs alongside the Water Tower, a symbol of the city. The shorter Spreuerbrücke is adorned with Kaspar Meglinger’s eerie Dance of Death paintings. Stroll by the Altes Rathaus, or City Hall, and through the charming squares of Weinmarkt and Hirschenplatz to experience authentic Swiss wall painting. For a bird’s-eye view of Lucerne’s dozen or so churches and three mountains—Pilatus, Rigi, and Titlis—climb the medieval fortifications with their numerous towers. Don’t miss Das Löwendenkmal, a massive sculpture of a lion carved into the face of a rock, dedicated to the Swiss mercenaries of Versailles. Mark Twain called it “the saddest and most compassionate piece of rock on earth.” In the Am Rhyn Haus, next to the Altes Rathaus, you can see an interesting collection of late Picasso works. The combination of a tranquil lake and breathtaking snow-capped mountains gives Lucerne a special charm, further enhanced by the medieval old town, famous wooden bridges, and beautiful skyline.

About the destination: The city of Geneva, with a population of 200,000 residents, is one of the largest cities in Switzerland. It serves as the capital of the canton and is located on Lac Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. The city is divided by the Rhône River, which flows from the lake. Geneva is a beautiful and enchanting city with numerous bridges. The Gothic St-Pierre Cathedral towers over the vieille ville, or old town, of Geneva, which is characterized by narrow, winding streets and houses adorned with flowers. For a breathtaking view of the old town, climb the north tower. Most of the city's museums are located in the vieille ville. The Musée d’Art et d’Histoire is known for its diverse exhibits, ranging from ancient Greek vases to Dadaism art. The Petit Palais is home to a wonderful collection of modern art housed in a cozy 19th-century palace. The lakefront of Geneva is stunning, with the daring Jet d'Eau, one of the tallest fountains in the world. Don't miss the well-groomed Jardin Anglais with its famous Horloge Fleurie, a large clock decorated with flowers, built in tribute to Geneva's clock industry. Geneva continues to be an international city, embodying Swiss neutrality that has welcomed diverse visitors like Lenin and Borges. Today, diplomats and executives of countless corporations occupy Geneva's offices, though rarely its immaculate streets. Calm and scenic, Geneva is the most delightful city in Switzerland.