Discover, Plan & Go!

Day 1 Welcome Champagne Reception: We will pick you up at the Aix-les Bains Train station in the afternoon. Upon your arrival at your amazingly restored 1903 French hotel, you will have time to comfortably settle in your room and then enjoy a cocktail reception with finger foods and drinks, before savoring your first French gourmet dinner. Day 2 Historical Lyon: This day will be dedicated to the discovery of magical Lyon, a World Heritage city known as the Capital of Gourmet Cuisine. The Fourviere Basilica, with its breathtaking view of the city, will be our first stop. You will also explore the superb Roman Theater built in 43 AD, and then on to the Renaissance quarter, the second biggest renaissance quarter in the world, listed World Heritage by UNESCO. Day 3 Spellbinding Chartreuse and Liqueur Tasting: We will then visit the Chartreuse cellars, the longest liqueur cellar in the world, where you will learn all about the making of this world famous beverage. This is where, from a secret recipe guarded by the monks for centuries, the Chartreuse liqueur has been produced from over 130 plants. You will have the opportunity to taste over 10 different kinds of Chartreuse liqueurs. Day 4 Breathtaking Mont Blanc, the heart of the Alps: The Montenvers train will take us on a journey through deep forests and splendid vistas overlooking the valley. Traveling along impressive peaks, you will arrive at the unique Mer de Glace ("Sea of Ice") glacier. You will have the thrill of exploring the inside of this glacier through a tunnel carved in the ice and of viewing its never-to-be-forgotten exhibit of ice sculptures. Day 5 Beautiful Annecy also called the little Venice of the Alps: Annecy is the French show-piece of lakes-and-mountain beauty. The Canal crossing Annecy brings Venice to mind as you stroll along its banks. We will stroll the medieval narrow streets to admire the renaissance houses along the canal as well as the famous old prison, one of the most photographed monuments in France! We will also have the opportunity to go to the local market in the old Annecy. In the afternoon, we will enjoy Annecy Lake, the cleanest lake in Europe, surrounded by majestic mountains. Why not rent an electrical or paddle boat? If you prefer, there are beautiful trails by the lake. Day 6 Romantic Bourget Lake and Walnut Oil Tasting: We will drive east along the Rhone River, through beautiful vineyards and picturesque villages to the lovely village of Chanaz. We will attend a walnut oil making demonstration in a 19th-century mill. This is a unique opportunity that can't be missed since this mill is the only one left in France listed historical monument. You will of course have a chance to taste the delicious and organic walnut, hazelnut and almond oils as well as the homemade jams. We'll stop for lunch by the emerald Lac le Bourget and the majestic cliffs of the Alps. In the afternoon, we will visit the flamboyant gothic Abbey of Hautecombes. This majestic 13th-century abbey is the burial place of the Dukes of Savoy and the last king of Italy. Day 7 Chocolate Tasting: This day is designed to give you an authentic flavor of the French countryside and village life. Valerie will open her own house to you. Be her guest and feel at home. We will experience the local market day and buy fresh food at La Halle, a 13th-century covered market where the locals meet. In the afternoon, we will visit a chocolate exhibit, the "Paradis du Chocolat". Tasting the delicious cakes made by Pierre Jouvenal, the famous chocolate maker of the Dauphine region will delight your palate. Day 8 Magnificient Aix les Bains: We will take the time to discover this spa town surrounded by mountains and lakes. You will have the choice to walk around the lake, spend time shopping, go on a gentle hike though the picturesque fields and woods surrounding the hotel or even enjoy a massage at the spa. Day 9 Departure: After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to to the Aix-les-Bains TGV station in plenty of time to catch your train.