A Week on Lake Annecy

Day 1 London to Annecy, France.

Fly by scheduled flight to Geneva. On arrival transfer to Le Pelican Hotel on Lake Annecy. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (D)

Day 2 Annecy.

After breakfast we will explore the picturesque Medieval town of Annecy which sits on the banks of the lake. Known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’ due to its network of canals, we will discover the town on a walking tour taking in its narrow canals, pastel coloured houses and winding cobbled streets. We will conclude our tour with lunch in a local restaurant. The afternoon is at leisure to relax at the hotel, stroll along the lake’s shore or continue exploring Annecy. (B, L)

Day 3 Chamonix.

Today we will head into the mountains to Chamonix and the Aiguille du Midi peak. After driving through the beautiful mountains, we will reach Aiguille du Midi, a 3842 metre peak in the Mont Blanc massif of the French Alps. It is the highest mountain peak served by an aerial lift system. We will take this cable car up to the peak and enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the Alps from the peak station terraces. After descending we will have lunch at a restaurant in Chamonix. We will then enjoy a guided tour of this characterful alpine town and our guide will bring to life the history and how it became the starting point for many mountaineering expeditions. We will return to Annecy in the late afternoon and this evening will be at leisure. (B, L)

Day 4 Lake Leman & Yvoire.

This morning we will drive through the mountains to Lake Leman, also known as Lake Geneva. We will stay on the French side of the lake and explore the beautiful Medieval town of Yvoire. Built in the early 14th century, this fortified town has an impressive castle, gardens and cobbled streets to explore. After lunch in a local restaurant we will return to Lake Annecy where the afternoon and evening are at leisure. (B, L)

Day 5 Aravis Massif.

After breakfast we will drive towards the Aravis Massif, a combination of plateaus, cliffs, alpine pastures and peaks exceeding 2000 metres. Villages are dotted throughout the mountains and it is home to the famous Reblochon cheese. We will stop at a cheese farm to discover the history of artisan cheesemaking and of course taste some of the delicious cheese. After lunch we will drive back towards Lake Annecy to visit the charming village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard where we will have a tour of Chateau de Menthon, which offers spectacular views of the turquoise Lake Annecy below. The chateau has been inhabited by the same family since the 11th century and contains a rich variety of furniture and decoration. Over the centuries the chateau has gone through many renovations and features elements from a range of great architectural periods. We will return to Annecy in the late afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. (B, L)

Day 6 Lake Bourget.

Today we will explore Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake in France, surrounded by viewpoints, stunning peaks and the vast Bauges mountain range. We will start at Hautecombe Abbey which was built in the 12th century and is the last resting place for many members of local royalty. Its Gothic architecture and views from the cliffs overlooking the lake make it one of the most visited sites in the region. Following a cruise on the lake and lunch in a local restaurant, we will travel to Chanaz, a Medieval village home to craftsmen and artisans. Chanaz is in Savoy and surrounded by vineyards, we will stop at one of the vineyards for a cellar tour and Savoy wine tasting. Returning to Annecy in the late afternoon we will meet this evening for our farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Annecy to London.

After breakfast we will check out of our hotel in Annecy and travel to Geneva, where we will enjoy a tour of Switzerland’s second largest city. After lunch in a local restaurant we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B, L)