Scenic French Alps & Lake Annecy

Day 1

With an early departure we make our way to Dover for the ferry to Calais, continuing through France to our overnight hotel, the Ibis Hotel Laon (tonights dinner is a set menu).

Day 2

Departing our overnight hotel, we continue our journey through France to our hotel for the next 5 nights: the 4* Sowells Hotel Mont Blanc & Spa. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, the renovated Mont Blanc Hotel & Spa offers a comfortable stay for all guests and incredible mountain views facing the Mont Blanc Massif.

Day 3

Enjoy the day at leisure in the Alpine Village of Saint Gervais with spectacular mountain views of Mont Blanc. For total relaxation you can visit the Parc Thermal offering a series of steam baths, sauna and of course warm thermal indoor and outdoor baths in picturesque setting at the foot of Bonnant Gorge, located at the base of the village accessible via cable car. Or make a journey on France's highest cogwheel train, the Tramway du Mont Blanc for even more breathtaking scenery of Western Europe's highest Peak. If you prefer to relax at the hotel you can make the most of the leisure facilities, inclusive drinks and 2-course buffet lunch.

Day 4

Enjoy a highlight today as we travel to Annecy, known as the 'Venice of the Alps', the beautiful lakeside town features charming canals and narrow streets to explore. Our 90-minute walking tour gives us an insight into the history of the popular summer resort. Afterwards we have free time for lunch in one of the many waterside restaurants followed by a 1-hour circular cruise on the Lake itself.

Day 5

Today we journey to the chic mountain resort of Chamonix. We spend the day here enjoying the relaxing town centre and taking in the numerous sights, including the impressive Aiguille du Midi. After free time in the town for lunch, we board the Train du Montenvers for our return journey up to view the impressive glacier known as the Mer de Glace. Departing from Chamonix, this famous rack & pinion railway brings us to the Montenvers site at 1,913 metres for an imposing panorama of the Mer de Glace glacier. At the summit, you can descend via cable car and walk within the glacier itself. (Please note: the requires significant number of steps and is not suitable for those with walking difficulties). In addition, you can visit the museum at the summit known as the Glacorium, which charts the evolution of the glacier over the centuries.

Day 6

We travel to magnificent Lake Geneva today and the lakeside village of Yvoire. This charming medieval village has hardly changed over the centuries, with beautifully decorated houses and gardens, and lots of shops and cafes to explore. We include a circular cruise on Lake Geneva from Yvoire's pretty port. We return to the hotel with a scenic drive through the majestic Alps.

Day 7

We say our farewells to the Alps and head north through France to our overnight hotel: the Ibis Hotel Laon (tonights dinner is a set menu).

Day 8

Departing our overnight hotel, we make our way through France to Calais where we catch the ferry back to Dover, returning home early evening.

D=Dinner, B=Breakfast