2025, September, 13 Nights
A tour taking in some of Europe’s prettiest lakes and alpine passes.
A wonderfully relaxing tour visiting lakes in Switzerland, Italy and France. Three nights at Lake Lucerne, three nights savouring the atmosphere of Lake Garda and three nights on the shore of Lake Annecy. Staying at some wonderful hotels, plenty of fine dining and a generous helping of some of the best driving roads through alpine passes and majestic scenery. The tour ends with an overnight stay in a beautiful chateau near Reims.
Day 1 Tuesday
Total distance 355 miles. Approximate driving time 5 hours 15 minutes
Our meeting point is the Eurotunnel flexi lounge. Ample time to help ourselves to the coffee and croissants provided as we make introductions, hand out the road books and radios. Once everyone is ready it’s time to get on the next departing shuttle and head across to France. Our first drive of the trip takes us along the autouroutes past the old Grand Prix circuit at Reims where we can stop, take a few pictures and soak up the atmosphere as we wander around the beautifully preserved old pit complex. Then its on to our first hotel of the trip. Take a stroll around the grounds of this wonderful chateau before sitting down to enjoy a superb dinner.
Day 2 Wednesday
Total distance 265 miles. Approximate driving time 4 hours 15 minutes
Continuing on the autoroutes we head into the heart of Switzerland for our first lakeside stop of the tour. Staying on the shore of Lake Lucerne. Our hotel, with its restaurant overlooking the lake, is the perfect place to relax as we begin our journey through the lakes.
Day 3 & 4 Thursday and Friday
Free days to relax by the lake or take a stroll around the old town. Take the car and head out to explore the surrounding area, with the Grimsell, Susten and Furka passes all within an hours drive there is plenty of spectacular scenery to enjoy.
Day 5 Saturday
Total distance 170 miles. Approximate driving time 4 hours 45 minutes
Leaving Lucerne we head south to drive through some stunning scenery . Depending on weather conditions we will be driving the old Saint Gothard and San Bernadino passes taking us across the top of the modern routes running through the mountains in tunnels below us. Our final pass today is the Splugen pass which takes us down to our hotel in the pretty Italian town of Chiavenna.
Day 6 Sunday
Total distance 168 miles. Approximate driving time 4 hours 30 minutes
Departing Chiavenna we head south past Lake Como. As we near Lake Garda we leave the main roads behind us and take a detour around Lake Valvestino. As we descend towards Lake Garda we have some stunning views of the Lake. A short scenic drive around the shore takes us to our lakeside hotel for the next 3 nights.
Day 7 and 8 Monday & Tuesday
Free days to relax and enjoy the amenities of the hotel and spa. Explore the lake and surrounding area. Take a trip to nearby Verona, visit Cass di Giuletta and see Juliet’s house and the balcony she is said to have stood upon as she gazed out looking for Romeo. Plenty to see and do in this beautiful region of Italy.
Day 9 Wednesday
Total distance 176 miles. Approximate driving time 2 hours 45 minutes
Our route today is on the autostrada taking us to our overnight halt near Aosta. The drive takes us past Monza and for those who wish to make a detour the Monza race track is only a short drive from the autostarada.
Day 10 Thursday
Total distance 140 miles. Approximate driving time 4 hours
Back onto more scenic roads taking us on some of the route used in the 1969 film “The Italian Job” via La Thuile and the Col du Petite St. Bernard. Drop down through the alps to Lake Annecy and our hotel on the shore for the next 3 nights.
Day 11 & 12 Friday and Saturday
Free days to enjoy the hotel and lake or head into Annecy.
Day 13 Sunday
Total distance 395 miles. Approximate driving time 6 hours
Leaving Annecy we return to the autoroutes for the journey to a chateau near Reims for our final night. Relax in the pool before sitting down to a sumptuous dinner. Time to remind ourselves of the wonderful locations, the food and wine, the fantastic roads and new friendships made.
Day 14 Monday
Total distance 150 miles. Approximate driving time 2 hours 30 minutes
After a leisurely breakfast it’s back onto the autoroute to return to Calais and the eurotunnel back to the UK. Time to say goodbye to our new found friends.
Price
£TBA per person based upon two people sharing a double room.
Please ask for details if single occupancy is required
What is Included
Fully flexible return Eurotunnel ticket from Folkestone for a standard car
Bed breakfast and evening meal in each of the carefully selected 3, 4 and 5* hotels and chateaux.
What is not Included
Drinks, incidental, bar costs, spa treatments, lunch, road tolls, fuel and any other miscellaneous costs.
Depost
A non refundable deposit of £TBA is required
Optional Extras
Upgrades to Lake view rooms and or suites where appropriate. Please ask for details
To Reserve a Place
Places are strictly limited to a maximum of 10 cars
Call us on 01235 797200 or