Switzerland & France Lakes & Mountains

VISITING Mulhouse, Colmar, Riquewihr, Bern, Interlaken, Root (Aeschbach Chocolatier), Mt Titlis, Strasbourg, Zurich, Basel, Lucerne, Schaff hausen and Rhine Falls

Free visit to Schaff hausen and Rhine Falls ¢569 FROM

FRIDAY | We meet at the airport at 12.20pm for our Air Malta flight to Zurich (opportunity for duty-free shopping) departing at 2.20pm arriving at 4.45pm. On arrival we are transferred to our tourist class hotel in Mulhouse. After check-in we join the tour leader for a familiarization walk.

SATURDAY | We start our holiday with a half day stay in Mulhouse in France near the Swiss and German Borders, thus enjoys a privileged location. This 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 mainly the neoGothic Temple of St Etienne Church built in the 1800s which has it stained glass from the 12th century. Mulhouse also offers a choice of shops to quench your thirst. Time for sightseeing and shopping. In the afternoon we drive towards two quaint popular French localities, stopping first in Colmar, known also as ‘Little Venice of Alsace’. We admire the half-timbered houses and peaceful canals while walking through the cobbled streets. We later proceed to nearby Riqewihr, located on The Alsace Wines’ Road. Classed among the most beautiful villages in France, Riquerwihr is rightly the pearl of the Alsatian vineyards with its remarkable houses and cobbled streets, which still looks more or less as it did in the 16th century.

SUNDAY | Today we go on a full day optional excursion, starting with Bern, Switzerland’s capital city. We first stop at the Rose Garden for an impressive panoramic view of Bern. Later we proceed to the city centre with a stop to see the Bears’ Pit. Our city walking tour will lead us to see the unique Fountains, the Basilica Minster and the Zeitglockenturm (the clock tower) with its mechanical figures. We will have some free time for sightseeing and shopping. In the afternoon we drive to Interlaken, a tourist destination nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

MONDAY | Today’s optional full day excursion takes us to Root and Mt Titlis in Switzerland. We first make a stop in Root where we will visit Aeschbach Chocolatier (extra). We will immerse ourselves in the ChocoWorld and experience the history of chocolate and the production of the exquisite products. During our self-guided tour we will learn about where cacao is cultivated, observe the chocolatiers live or on video and smell and taste the chocolate specialities. One can also create a personal 200g chocolate bar (extra). Every adult will be given a CHF5.00 voucher to be used after the visit in the ChocoShops or in the ChocoCafe. Buying from the various, distinctive delicacies, will be an excellent idea to give as gifts, to relatives and friends and also to treat yourself with a special genuine product. In the afternoon we head to Mount Titlis and take a cable car (extra), famous for the world’s first revolving cable car, and enjoy a 360o panorama. When reaching the summit, one will feel on top of the world with the spectacular views of mountains and unspoilt Alpine landscapes.

TUESDAY | Another full day optional excursion will take us to Strasbourg, the site of the European Parliament. We will visit the city centre which is entirely on an island surrounded by the River Ill. This large island is nevertheless small enough to be crossed on foot. Here one admires the elegant 18th century houses, and an astonishing concentration of architectural masterpieces, mainly the Gothic Cathedral Notre-Dame, a “giant and delicate marvel” as defined by French poet Victor Hugo. Another site to be visited is Petite France with its main attractions the canals and the Tanners’ House.

WEDNESDAY | Our coach today will drive us on an optional full day excursion taking us to two Swiss cities, Zurich and Basel. Our first stop will be Zurich, which is set at the meeting of the River Limmat and Lake Zurich. The picturesque lanes of the central Old Town on either side of the river reflect its pre-medieval history. The city is recognised as one of the worlds liveable cities and ranked among the top cities in terms of quality of life. We shall walk along Bahnhofstrasse the main downtown street, up to the lake promenades and garden terraces. In the afternoon we proceed to Basel lying on both sides of the River Rhine and bordering with France and Germany. We will meet the local English speaking guide and stroll through the picturesque old town, admiring world-renowned works of art. Time for shopping in the pedestrian area.

THURSDAY | Our optional full day excursion today will take us to Lucerne in central Switzerland. Owing to its location on the shores of Lake Lucerne and its outflow, the River Reuss, one finds a number of bridges. The most popular is the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe the Chapel Bridge built in 1333 which links the Old Town with the right bank of the river. Part way across the bridge runs the 13th century Water Tower making both attractions the city’s famous landmarks. We will also see the baroque Jesuit Church, and walk around the old town and admire the several fine timber structures with painted fronts and also the Lion Monument.

FRIDAY | We check-out of our rooms and drive to Zurich Airport. On our way, we shall stop in Schaffhausen with its fine Renaissance era buildings and later proceed to admire the magnificent natural phenomenon the Rhine Falls. Later we proceed to Zurich airport for our return Air Malta flight departing at 5.40pm and arriving in Malta at 7.55pm.

PRICE PER PERSON PRICE INCLUDES

* SPECIAL PRICE

Adult in Triple Adult in Twin

¢669 ¢569 ¢699 ¢599 Adult in Single ¢859 ¢759 Child sharing with 2 adults ¢599 ¢499

* Special price applies when all excursions are taken Air Malta return flights to Zurich Airport 7 nights in tourist class B&B Hotel Mulhouse Centre in Mulhouse or similar Rooms with private facilities, TV, hairdryer & safe Daily buffet breakfast Free visit to Schaffhausen and the Rhine Falls Return airport transfers Services of tour leader Airport taxes & service charge Insolvency Fund EXCURSIONS

ADULT CHILD

Colmar / Riquerwihr ¢42 ¢25 Bern / Interlaken ¢47 ¢29 Root / Mount Titlis ¢49 ¢29 Strasbourg ¢45 ¢25 Zurich / Basel ¢45 ¢25 Lucerne ¢45 ¢25 NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

City tax of ¢1.10 per person per day (from 15 years upwards) is to be paid directly at hotel Aeschbach Chocolatier CHF15 Mount Titlis Cable Car CHF89

* All above prices are subject to change