Switzerland - Alsace - Alpine train (1 May | 6 Days)

Early morning meeting at Macedonia airport for our direct flight to Zurich. Arrival and immediate departure for Strasbourg. Arrival in the capital and main city of the Lower Rhine region, Strasbourg. We will be impressed by its imposing buildings, picturesque streets, cobbled alleys, standard transport network, endless canals, its strong water element and its unique architecture. Adding a unique touch to the scenic beauty of the area is Petite France, an area which seems to be straight out of the traditional fairy tales of Charles Perrault and the 1600s. It is trade and traditional activities that have been instrumental in its development. A glance at the Bombay Dam will convince us of the scale of the defence works that took place around 1700. Protestantism is strong in the region, which is reflected in the close relationship between the town and neighbouring Germany. One of the most important historical events that took place in this city is the printing of the first book in 1450 by Gutenberg. Visiting this city we will see the cathedral, one of the highest buildings in Europe with a height of 150 meters, the impressive Rohan Palace with 3 museums and more. Strasbourg is the only city in the world, along with Geneva, that is not a capital of a state, but is home to the headquarters of important international institutions. The European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the Court of Human Rights pull the strings of the Old Continent from this city in northeastern France. Free time in the city centre, where we suggest you try the delicious macarons and take a dream canal cruise. Then check-in at our hotel.

Breakfast and then we will depart for the beautiful town of Obernai, built at the foot of the Bosgian Mountains, which according to legend is the birthplace of Saint Odile (patron saint of Alsace). The town is famous for its particularly beautiful house facades, we will admire the Gothic church, the town hall from the 16th century and then we will have free time. We continue to the village of Rikvir. Surrounded by ramparts, the village has survived wars and has remained intact. See the tiny streets, fortified walls and 16th century houses, admiring the architectural harmony. You will have free time to explore the town and have lunch. After lunch you will follow the scenic Alsace Wine Route. The Rikvir Located between the Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountains, the 60-year route winds through hilly slopes for over 170km. A popular tourist destination mainly for the architecture of the 16th century buildings, which seem intact, and the surrounding walls. We will then depart for French Colmar, the jewel of Alsace located on the ''wine route'' and famous for them. Tour its historic centre characterised by traditional houses built on the banks of the river Loach. You will admire the town hall, the cathedral dedicated to St. Martin, as well as small beautiful squares with interesting open-air markets. We will have free time in the most beautiful part of the Old Town, Little Venice, characterized by canals, ornate bridges, classy cafes and gourmet restaurants. We will then depart for the picturesque village of Egisheim in north-eastern France, where words never seem enough to describe its beauty. It is set around an 8th century fortress and has changed little over the last five centuries. The village was first fortified in 1257 and in the 16th century narrow stone alleys were constructed in circles, giving Egisheim a unique character. The climate of the area is ideal for viticulture. So most of its inhabitants are wine growers their houses are used as cellars and shops where the numerous tourists can taste or buy their wine. Back to our hotel.

Breakfast and departure for Freiburg, where it is worth mentioning that this is where the great Nikos Kazantzakis breathed his last breath. Freiburg is one of Germany's most famous and renowned university towns, where we will take a walking tour of the historic city centre to see the impressive 13th century Cathedral, a typical example of Romanesque and Gothic style. We will also see the historic 16th century Kauffhaus, a reminder of the fact that the city was once an important commercial centre. The walk will end at the Town Hall Square from which a unique cluster of canals and narrow cobbled streets begins, with traditional restaurants famous for local game delicacies, aristocratic cafes and beer houses. We continue on to Zurich. Arrival and then we will start our tour of the old town. We will see the 13th century Gothic Church of Fraumannister with its famous stained glass windows, St. Peter's Church the largest clock plate in Europe, City Hall, Ritter Park, Sonnenberg Hill, and the tropical gardens of the University, the Opera House and the modern building Le Courmouzier environmental protection center. Banhofstrasse, the avenue of the big banks, is Zurich's most central and luxurious street. Check-in at our hotel.

Breakfast and then we will depart for Lucerne. Arrival and we start our tour of the city with its colorful facades of houses, cobbled streets and small squares with fountains. A great attraction is the wooden covered medieval bridge Kapelbrike which depicts the history of the town in 120 paintings painted on wood. We will see the old town hall and then have free time in the cobbled historic centre which gives a fairytale feel to the town. We continue to the Safhausen Falls which are considered the most impressive and largest waterfalls in Europe. Have your photo taken on the special platform set up in front of the falls for the adventurous visitors. We will then return to Zurich.

Breakfast and optional departure to Chur from where we will board the Alpine train (own ticket) to the world famous ski resort of St. Moritz which is built at an altitude of 1580 meters and is surrounded by a lake which is an ideal landscape. Originally it was a small village with thermal springs, known since medieval times. It began to develop into a winter resort from the 19th century and today it is an ideal place for skiing and in summer for hiking. In the winter the lake is frozen and on this peculiar 'piste' hockey games are held with horses on ice. We recommend you to go up to the homonymous ski resort to enjoy hot coffee or chocolate with a view of the frozen lake. You can also visit one of the hotels offering stunning views of the lake for coffee or lunch. Then return by train to Chur, board our coach and return to Zurich in the afternoon.

Breakfast and then departure for Baden - Baden is rumoured to be called by two names because of its beauty. It is located in Germany and is built in Baroque style. A green city with large parks which is also famous for its thermal baths, which have been preserved from Roman times. You will visit the Casino to admire the magnificent building in which it is housed. Free time and then depart for Stuttgart airport for your return flight.