WEEK LONG TOUR France & Switzerland

France & a touch of Switzerland

FROM

€669

WHEN

Group 1 7 - 14 July Group 2 18 - 25 August

VISITING Mulhouse, Basel, Bern, Lucerne, Riquewhir, Ribeauville, Colmar, Europa Park, Strasbourg & Zurich

Air Malta return direct flights to Zurich airport 7 nights in 4-star Hotel du Park in Mullhouse or similar Rooms with private facilities and TV Daily buffet breakfast Return airport transfers Services of tour leader Airport taxes & service charge Insolvency fund

PRICE INCLUDES

u

u

u

u u u u u

PRICE PER PERSON *SPECIAL PRICE

Adult in Triple €769 €669 Adult in Twin €799 €699 Adult in Single €1029 €929 Child sharing with 2 adults €699 €599 *Special Price applies when all excursions are taken.

EXCURSIONS ADULT CHILD

Mulhouse walking city tour Basel Bern Lucerne Riquewihr/Colmar Europa Theme Park Strasbourg €20 €10 €29 €15 €47 €29 €49 €29 €42 €25 €36 €18 €45 €25

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE City tax of €2.10 per person per night (from 6 years upwards) is to be paid directly at hotel

THURSDAY | We meet at the airport at 11.50am for our Air Malta flight to Zurich airport (opportunity for duty free shopping) departing at 2.20pm. On arrival at 4.45pm, we are transferred to our hotel in Mulhouse. After check-in, we join the tour leader for a familiarisation walk. FRIDAY | We start our holiday with a guided city tour of Mulhouse. The old, yet important city which was awarded the label “City of Art and History” is another way of enjoying the Alsace region. We will meet the local English-speaking guide to take us around and see the best attractions of the city. After lunch (extra), we go on a half-day visit to Basel in Switzerland. The town lies on both sides of the River Rhine. Together with the local English-speaking guide, we will stroll through the picturesque old town admiring the worldrenowned works of art. We later return back to our hotel.

SATURDAY | Today’s optional excursion will take us on a visit to Bern. Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is built around a crook in the Aare River. It traces its origins back to the 12th century, with medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt (Old Town). The Swiss Parliament and diplomats meet in the NeoRenaissance Bundeshaus (Federal Palace). The Französische Kirche (French Church) and the nearby medieval tower known as the Zytglogge, both date to the 13th century. Perhaps the most famous Bern landmark is the bear pit, where bears have been kept on display at the city’s expense since 1480. After visiting the main city sights, we have free time for lunch and personal sightseeing.

SUNDAY | Our coach today will take us to Lucerne in Switzerland for another full-day optional excursion. Lucerne, a compact city in Switzerland known for its preserved medieval architecture, sits amid snowcapped mountains on Lake Lucerne. Its colourful Altstadt (Old Town) is bordered on the north by 870m Museggmauer (Musegg Wall), a 14th century rampart. The covered Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), built in 1333, links the Altstadt to the Reuss River’s right bank. We will also see the Jesuit Church, the Lion Monument and walk around the old town. Later, we shall have some free time for shopping MONDAY | Another interesting full-day optional excursion takes us to Riquewihr, Ribeauville and Colmar, in France. Our first stop will be in Riquewihr, the pearl of the Alsatian vineyards. Riquewihr is a town on the Alsace Wine Route in eastern France. Its cobbled streets are dotted with half-timbered winemakers’ shops and tasting rooms. Winemaking tools and a restored kitchen are on display in the 16th century Maison de Vigneron. The 1291 Dolder Tower houses the Musée du Dolder, featuring centuriesold weapons. The 14th century Tour des Voleurs, a former prison, has torture instruments with its remarkable houses and cobbled streets. A magical ambience in Riquewihr wonderfully combines with the beauty of its architecture, where the half-timbered facades are decked out with the finest decorations. Our next stop shall be in the village of Ribeauville. Situated on the ‘Route des Vins’, between vineyards and mountains, Ribeauville is a charming town which has successfully capitalized on its heritage. In the Middle Ages, the town was the seat of the Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre - the Lords of Ribeaupierre (hence the town’s name of Ribeauvillé).The Ribeaupierres built 3 fortified castles, the ruins of which still majestically dominate the town and surrounding hills to this day. We later proceed to romantic Colmar, known also as “Little Venice of Alsace”. Colmar is a town in the Grand Est region of north-eastern France, near the border with Germany. Its old town has cobblestoned streets lined with half-timbered medieval and early Renaissance buildings. The Gothic 13th century, Saint Martin church stands in the centre of Place de la Cathédrale. Our walking tour will take us through this historic town enjoying all the main sights. TUESDAY | Today, we can have a free day, or it is highly suggested to join the group and spend an optional full-day excursion and indulge ourselves in the Magical atmosphere at the famous Europa Theme Pak (extra). Today’s adventure guarantees a lot of fun for all ages, with various attractions and spectacular shows which will make this day a special one.

WEDNESDAY | We board the coach for a full-day optional excursion on a trip to Strasbourg, in France. Strasbourg is the capital city of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in north-eastern France. It is also the formal seat of the European Parliament, and sits near the German border, with culture and architecture blending German and French influences. We first visit the Petite France area and the old medieval town with its impressive Gothic Cathédrale de Notre-Dame. It features daily shows from its astronomical clock and sweeping views of the Rhine River from partway up its 142m spire. THURSDAY | After breakfast, we check-out and make our way to Zurich where we shall make a short stop before we proceed to Zurich airport for our return Air Malta flight departing at 5.40pm, and arriving in Malta at 7.55pm.