Europe Private Tour (FRA009) France (Normandy) - Switzerland (Very France - Swiss) (9 Days 8 Nights)

We will pick you up at Paris Airport and take you to see the Eiffel Tower, the well-known symbol of Paris. Visit Place de la Concorde, a grand square in central Paris that was once the execution site of many people, including King Louis 16 and Marie Antoinette. As for the Obelisk, it is said that the Egyptian government gave it as a gift to France in 1893. Visit the Arc de Triomphe, walking up the 284 steps to reach the top for views of Champs-Elysees, Eiffel Tower, and La Defense—well worth the climb. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, located in the heart of the city on the River Seine.

Then depart for Dieppe, taking about 3 hours. Dieppe is a fishing port on the Normandy coast in northwestern France. From the cliff, you will see Dieppe Bay (Cote d'Albatre). Visit Dieppe Castle (Chateau de Dieppe) and Memorial du 19 aout 1942 Museum.

hotel Overnight Dieppe : · example hotel Touvotel Citotel Dieppe ***

We will take you on an approximately 2-hour journey to Caen, the capital of Normandy, famous as the historic D-Day landing site during World War II. This ancient city has a rich history of over 1,000 years. Visit the Church of Saint-Pierre (L'Eglise Saint-Pierre), a Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance church built in the 13-16th century with an 80-meter-high tower. Visit Caen Castle ramparts (Les remparts du cheteau), built by King William in 1060 as one of the thickest fortress walls in Europe, which is still well preserved and is now the Museum of Normandy. Visit L'Abbaye aux Hommes, another important construction by King William, currently used as the city hall, and just across is Eglise St Etienne church, which houses the tomb of King William.

Depart to visit Le Mont Saint Michel, an important historic site and World Heritage landmark. Mont Saint-Michel is the most popular tourist destination outside Paris. Mont Saint Michel covers an area of about 1 kilometer around, a rocky island 80 meters high with 11-16th century buildings below. Founded by Bishop St. Aubert in 708, who wanted Saint-Michel to be a great pilgrimage site in France. Initially, a pre-Romanesque church was built over 1,000 years ago and expanded across many eras until construction ended in the 18th century. It was also used as a prison during the Revolution before becoming a historic monument in 1874 and opening to the public, with a causeway connecting to the bay built in 1879. Then, take you to Saint Malo to stay overnight.

hotel Overnight Saint Malo : · example hotel Hotel Eden ***

Depart for Rouen, covering a distance of 297 kilometers with a travel time of 3 hours. Rouen is the capital of Upper Normandy, an ancient historic city set along the River Seine and the birthplace of the world-famous painter Claude Monet. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral of Rouen (Rouen Cathedral) in the center of Rouen, once the tallest building in Europe. Inside the cathedral lies a notable burial site containing the heart of King Richard the Lionheart of England—holding only his heart, while the rest of his remains are buried in Anjou.

In front of the cathedral lies the city's liveliest pedestrian street lined with numerous shops and wonderfully preserved historic houses. Visit the Gros-Horloge Astronomical Clock, built by Jourdain del Leche in 1389. At the end of the pedestrian street is Place du Vieux-Marché, the historic square where the heroine Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in 1431 at the young age of 19 on charges of heresy. Also stop by the Normandy Courthouse (Palais de Justice).

Afterward, travel from Rouen to Giverny, a distance of 72 kilometers taking about 1 hour, to visit Monet's House. Giverny is a charming small town where Monet's home is situated. Claude Monet discovered the town's captivating scenery in 1883 through a train window, along a railway line that is no longer in use today. He decided to rent the house and garden as his residence in 1890, and it was entirely refurbished in 1966. Today, Monet's home and gardens are cared for by the Académie des Beaux-Arts, which restored them under the Claude Monet Foundation, opening the estate to the public since 1980.

Afterward, head to Disneyland Paris, about a 1.5-hour drive away.

hotel Overnight Paris, France · example hotel At Gare Du Nord ***

Today, we take you to visit the lovely and charming city of Strasbourg, 492 kilometers away (4.5 hours). Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region, situated in the Rhine basin along the border with Germany.

The Alsace region is another French region widely praised for preserving its local culture and traditions remarkably well, maintaining the old way of life along with beautiful local architectural houses that remain unchanged.

Strasbourg was selected as the capital of the European Union. If you wish, we can take photos with the Palais de l'Europe building built in 1972 - 1977, which serves as the meeting hall of the Council of Europe. Known as the "Heart of Europe," take a walk through the old town area called LA PETITE FRANCE, visit inside the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore the surrounding old town.

Shopping at Galeries Lafayette, France's most famous and largest department store. This historic department store has been a part of France since 1893, with branches located in major cities nationwide. It offers a wide variety of brand-name goods to choose from, ranging from high-end fashion, bags, and shoes to cosmetics, jewelry, home decor, perfumes, and renowned French wines.

Next, visit the village of Riquewihr, located on the most famous wine route in the Alsace region and one of France's most beautiful villages. Take a stroll along the main street, Rue Charles de Gaulle.

Then continue to the famous small town of Colmar, one of France's most romantic towns and a place where couples often pledge their love to each other. It is considered another remarkably romantic destination, earning the nickname Little Venice because of the scenic canal flowing through it.

It is one of the top towns worth visiting in France, featuring traditional half-timbered houses known as Colombage in French or Fachwerkhaus in German. These half-timbered houses are built entirely with a wooden frame including the roof, after which plaster is applied between the timber beams and painted in beautiful colors chosen by the homeowners.

hotel Overnight City of Colmar · example hotel Colmar Hotel ***

In the morning, visit the village of Eguisheim, celebrated as “another one of the most beautiful villages in France” and part of the wine-tasting route in the eastern part of the country. Admire the colorful flowers blooming on house balconies.

Next, explore the capital of Switzerland, Bern (161 km, approx. 1 hour 45 minutes travel time). It is a UNESCO World Heritage city dating back over 800 years, surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. Visit the Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Ghost), the astronomical clock tower (Zytgloggeturm), and the Swiss Parliament Building (Bundeshaus). At the far end of the city, visit the Bear Pit, the iconic symbol of Bern.

Then travel to the city of Thun to stroll around the picturesque town by Lake Thun (Thunersee). Afterward, head to Interlaken for an overnight stay.

hotel Overnight Interlaken · example hotel Weisses Kreuz ***

Today, visit Jungfraujoch, which features the highest railway station in Europe (Top of Europe). The train journey departs from Interlaken Ost station, with transfers at Lauterbrunnen and Kleine Scheidegg, before ascending to the terminal station at Jungfraujoch, taking a total of 2 hours 15 minutes. Along the way, enjoy the magnificent scenery. Spend about 3 hours exploring the summit of Jungfraujoch, where highlights include the Ice Palace, the Plateau for glacier views, the Exhibition, the Sphinx Viewpoint, and the Exit to Glacier to experience the glacier snow and dog sledding.

Afterward, return to Interlaken.

hotel Overnight Interlaken · example hotel Weisses Kreuz ***

Depart from Riederalp, covering a distance of 47 kilometers in approximately 1 hour to reach Zermatt, a charming small town in southern Switzerland. As a car-free town, only electric vehicles are permitted. Take a leisurely walk around Zermatt.

Board the Gornergrat Bahn cogwheel train to admire the breathtaking beauty of the famous Matterhorn. The views during the ascent are truly spectacular. Enjoy the fresh alpine air of Zermatt, kept pristine because standard cars are prohibited within the town and only electric vehicles are used.

hotel Overnight Zermatt, Switzerland · example hotel Hotel Continental ***

Today, we take you on a journey to Schaffhausen to explore the charming Old Town, visit the historic Munot Fortress, and marvel at the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. We then stop by the picturesque town of Stein am Rhein to admire its beautifully preserved ancient frescoed buildings.

Next, we head to Zurich to enjoy shopping along Bahnhofstrasse, a true shopper's paradise. Visit St. Peter's Church (Kirche St. Peter) and stroll through the Lindenhof public square offering lovely elevated river views. Admire the stunning stained glass windows at Fraumünster and visit Grossmünster along the Limmat riverbank in downtown Zurich. Take a leisurely walk down Niederdorf and Oberdorf streets. For museum lovers, we can explore the Swiss National Museum (Landesmuseum) or take a relaxing boat cruise right beside it.

hotel Overnight Zurich: Bristol Hotel ***

Today is a free day with no touring. We transfer you to Zurich Airport in good time for your safe flight back to Bangkok.