Annecy & The Alps | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Annecy & The Alps

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PRIVATE/GROUP TOUR - 7 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

Private/Group Tour Highlights

  • Explore old town charm and lakeside luxury in Annecy.
  • Luxurious lakeside living with stunning views of Lake Annecy.
  • Guided tour, cheese specialties lunch, and Montenvers cog railway ride.
  • Medieval Yvoire & Lake Geneva: Explore history and cruise the stunning lake.
  • Bell factory tour, Château de Menthon visit, and Lake Annecy boat tour.
  • Thones, La Clusaz, and Vaulx exploration with cheese tasting and exotic gardens.
  • Geneva Highlights: Iconic landmarks, picturesque Old Town, and guided tour.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Begin your picturesque journey from Geneva to Annecy, known as the “little Venice of the Alps,” where you’ll stay in the luxurious Imperial Palace hotel for six nights. Indulge in culinary delights at La Voile, La Brasserie, and Le Riva restaurants. Explore Annecy’s old town, Palais de l’Isle, and the Castle of Annecy, followed by a leisurely afternoon and evening. Discover Chamonix’s city center and Montenvers glacier via Red Cog railway.

Explore Yvoire’s medieval village and embark on a Lake Geneva boat cruise. Delve into Annecy’s local culture with visits to Paccard Bell factory and Château de Menthon, then enjoy a boat tour of Lake Annecy. Dive into the Alps with cheese tasting in Thones, a La Clusaz village tour, and a visit to the Secret Gardens in Vaulx. Conclude your journey with a Geneva city tour before departing from Geneva Airport. 

Inclusions
- Transport services and transfers during your stay, as outlined in the program
- City taxes
- Entrance fees to visited sites, as per the program
- Food/wine tastings as specified in the program
Exclusions

- All meals and beverages, except for breakfasts and included tastings
- Luggage porterage services
- Personal expenses and tips
- Any other services not explicitly mentioned in the included section
- Insurances

Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Geneva – Annecy

Your journey begins with a warm welcome at Geneva Airport, where you'll be greeted by a driver for your transfer to the picturesque town of Annecy. Annecy, often referred to as the "little Venice of the Alps," is nestled in the beautiful Haute-Savoie region, offering stunning views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains.

Your accommodation for the next six nights is the luxurious Imperial Palace, a four-star hotel that promises a truly exceptional experience. Situated in the heart of Annecy, the hotel boasts a breathtaking view of Lake Annecy and is surrounded by the serene Charles Bosson public park, complete with ancient trees and vibrant flowerbeds.

Upon arrival at the Imperial Palace, you'll be greeted by its magnificent Edwardian frontage, setting the tone for an enchanting stay. With 90 high-standard bedrooms and 14 suites, each offering views of either the lake and mountains or the lush parkland, you're guaranteed a luxurious retreat throughout your stay.

Indulge in the culinary delights offered by the hotel's restaurants, which include La Voile, La Brasserie, and Le Riva, all overlooking the stunning Lake Annecy. For those looking for a lively atmosphere, the Hip Bar serves up delicious cocktails crafted by skilled bartenders.

During your stay, take advantage of the hotel's prime location to explore Annecy and its surroundings. Whether you're traveling with family or friends, there's plenty to discover, from charming streets lined with historic buildings to outdoor activities like swimming in the Plage d'Annecy, just a stone's throw away from the hotel.

With its unbeatable combination of luxury, scenic beauty, and convenient location, the Imperial Palace is the perfect base for an unforgettable getaway on the shores of Lake Annecy. Enjoy your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
2

Annecy

Today, you will depart by foot towards Annecy center for the guided tour of the town center.

Meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel in Annecy and depart for a 2-hour walking tour of the old town and its treasures. One of the oldest constructions in Annecy, Palais de l’Isle, was built in 1132. The Castle of Annecy is a restored castle which dominates the old French town of Annecy, the lake and the mountains.

Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, free time in Annecy.
Return to the hotel, and you’ll have the evening free to enjoy Annecy, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Annecy. ...read less

Day
3

Chamonix

Depart by coach to Chamonix for a guided tour of the Chamonix center.

Meet your bus driver and head toward Chamonix. Meet your English-speaking local guide to begin the walking tour of the city center. They will lead you through the city, providing historical background on Chamonix’s main sites, including buildings, churches, streets, museums, and monuments. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the center, where you can savor a typical meal featuring cheese specialties.

In the afternoon, board the charming red cog railway up to Montenvers at 1913 meters in altitude, where you’ll marvel at fabulous views of the Mer de Glace. This magnificent glacier serves as a natural witness to the climate changes of our era. There are several attractions to visit, including the crystal gallery and ice caves carved into the glacier. Return to Chamonix by train and then journey back to Annecy by coach. Enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Overnight stay in Annecy. ...read less

Day
4

Geneva Lake

Depart from Annecy by coach to Yvoire for your guided tour of the medieval village.

Meet your driver and head towards the banks of Lake Geneva. Upon arrival in Yvoire, enjoy a guided tour of the town, classified with the French label 'Most Beautiful Villages of France.' Experience stone mansions with wooden balconies, narrow streets adorned with wisteria and geraniums.

Perched overlooking the lakeshore, the square dungeon stands as a medieval relic of Yvoire’s past, once a port for fishermen and boatmen. Drive to Evian-les-Bains for lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a guided walking tour to delve into the history of the town, from the Middle Ages to the present day, including its rich thermalism period.

Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Geneva: Enjoy a 45-minute cruise aboard an electric solar boat! Explore Lake Geneva from a new perspective, with the wind in your hair and your camera ready to capture the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Weather permitting, admire the stunning mountain ranges silhouetted against the sky.

Return to Annecy and back to your hotel for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
5

Annecy Lake

Today you will enjoy Lake Annecy.

From your hotel, depart by coach towards Sévrier, a local village next to Annecy. In the morning, visit the Paccard Bell factory.

The PACCARD Foundry is today the world reference for church bells and carillons. Between tradition and modernity, seven generations of founders have succeeded each other at the helm of the company. Enjoy a guided tour of the Museum, exploring molding techniques, manufacturing, and tuning. Bells will no longer hold any secrets for you!

Then, witness the bell casting (THURSDAYS ONLY). Every year, around 300 bells are cast in the PACCARD Foundry workshops, distributed all over the world (USA, Japan, Australia, Taiwan, Canada...).

Afterwards, depart for Menthon Saint Bernard.

Enjoy a private guided tour to discover the charm of the Château de Menthon in all its splendor. A guide will lead you through its narrow courtyards and corridors. The tour ends with a local wine tasting.

Return to Annecy and embark on a boat tour of the lake. Set sail on a one-hour cruise around the lake, known for its remarkably pure and crystal-clear waters, distinguished by astonishing shades of blue and green.

Return to the hotel at your leisure for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
6

The Alps

Drive towards the village of Thones by coach.

Come and discover a producers' cheese cooperative and the story of the birth of Reblochon cheese in the Aravis valley with a tour of the Savoy cheese cellars. Finish with a cheese tasting.

Continue towards the heart of the mountains to the village of La Clusaz, nestled in the gorgeous setting of the Alps. Magnificent panoramas and breathtaking landscapes are expected! Enjoy a guided tour of the church and the village to discover a fabulous heritage.

After lunch, drive to the village of Vaulx.

Prepare for a relaxing visit to the Secret Gardens in Vaulx. The change of scenery is guaranteed in the midst of 7000 m² of galleries and flower-filled alleys. Enjoy an unusual and exotic walk in this "Savoyard Alhambra" with Moroccan, Indian, Turkish, or Andalusian inspiration. After a presentation of the gardens and a quick film, visit the gardens at your own pace. You'll learn about its history, the materials used, influences, and the plant species grown. After the tour, enjoy a cocktail (non-alcoholic) and an oriental doughnut (prepared in front of you).

Return to the hotel for your overnight stay. ...read less

Day
7

Geneva – International Flight Home

Check out of your rooms and meet your driver at the hotel. Drive towards Geneva.

Meet your guide for a 2-hour tour that will take you to Geneva's most emblematic landmarks: the district of international organizations and the UN, the Rade and its Jet d'eau (water spray), the Old Town and its cathedral. You'll learn how, through the course of history,

Geneva has become the capital of peace, and you'll stroll through its picturesque alleyways, where squares teeming with cafés and restaurants beckon. Lunch in a local restaurant.

Then, transfer to Geneva Airport. Check-in for your flight back home. ...read less

Geneva, Switzerland

Annecy, France

Yvoire, France

Évian-les-Bains, France

Sévrier, France

Menthon-Saint-Bernard, France

Thônes, France

Places You'll See

  • Geneva

    Geneva is a cosmopolitan city in Switzerland, situated at the southern tip of Lake Geneva. It is known for its stunning lakefront, international organizations such as the United Nations and the Red Cross, and its reputation as a global financial hub. Visitors can explore historic landmarks, enjoy cultural attractions, and indulge in shopping and fine dining. 

  • Annecy

    Annecy is a picturesque town located in the French Alps, known for its charming canals, medieval architecture, and stunning mountain scenery. The Old Town features colorful buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and the iconic Palais de l’Isle, a historic castle-turned-museum. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities such as boating on Lake Annecy and hiking in the surrounding mountains.

  • Yvoire

    Yvoire is a medieval village located on the shores of Lake Geneva in France. It is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, including the Château d’Yvoire and the fortified walls surrounding the Old Town. Visitors can wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire colorful flower displays, and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

  • Evian-les-Bains

    Evian-les-Bains is a resort town on the shores of Lake Geneva in France, famous for its mineral water and thermal spas. It is known for its Belle Époque architecture, lush gardens, and panoramic lake views. Visitors can relax in luxurious spas, stroll along the lakeside promenade, and explore attractions such as the Evian Mineral Water Source and the Palais Lumière cultural center.

  • Sévrier

    Sévrier is a charming village located on the eastern shore of Lake Annecy in France. It offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, as well as opportunities for water sports such as swimming, sailing, and paddleboarding. Visitors can also explore scenic hiking trails, enjoy lakeside dining, and relax on sandy beaches.

  • Menthon Saint Bernard

    Menthon Saint Bernard is a picturesque village nestled on the shores of Lake Annecy in France. It is known for its medieval castle, Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard, which overlooks the lake and offers guided tours of its historic interiors. Visitors can also explore the village’s charming streets, enjoy lakeside activities, and take in the stunning mountain scenery.

  • Thones

    Thones is a traditional alpine town located in the Aravis mountain range of France. It is known for its rustic charm, historic architecture, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the town’s historic center, browse local markets, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the nearby resorts.

  • La Clusaz

    La Clusaz is a popular ski resort village located in the French Alps, known for its scenic beauty and diverse ski terrain. It offers a range of winter sports activities, including downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding amidst lush alpine landscapes.

Hotel Options

Testimonials

Jonathan C.

Traveled October 2021

The best guides, the best experiences, and the best service in every country

My wife and I have used Yampu 4 or 5 times now to plan our travel for us. They have access to the best guides, the best experiences, and the best service in every country we’ve used them to visit – from Portugal to Cambodia and from Peru to Iceland. This most recent trip to Iceland was perfect. Two days in Reykjavik, where we did a walking tour of the city, a food tour, the Fly Over Iceland experience, and some shopping and relaxing. Then 2 nights at the Retreat Spa – which is a very special experience in itself that is hard to describe – and then two nights in the countryside where our private guide took us to all of the main attractions on the Golden Circle and South Coast. Private guides mean no waiting, front row parking and VIP access everywhere, and wonderful knowledgeable guides without a lot of time herding on and off of buses and going places that may not interest you. It is a bit more expensive, although not as much as you might think, often less than a high end group tour — without the group. Yampu has planned each trip just for us, exactly what we want to do, and not anything we don’t – and it has always worked out great – highly recommend.

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Franzetti Art

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Arctic Adventure – Norway & Svalbard

My father and I travelled to Svalbard, Norway, this summer. This was our third arctic circle trip in 8 years set up by Monica at Yampu (Iceland, Finland and now Norway), and were each outside the normal Yampu destinations (showing their flexibility). Our itinerary was originally prepared for Greenland but evolved into the Svalbard expedition. Since our interest was in wildlife, Monica made sure that we would be satisfied in our quest for photographing animals–from a remote lodge in Costa Rica, to a remote outpost on the Finnish-Russian border in a bear blind; to a reindeer farm in Alaska; and this time a walrus colony in the Arctic. Yampu mixes luxury and comfort where possible along with a rugged experience that endears you to each location. Every transfer was met, and even small details (like my birthday) were accounted for in surprising way. In a short number of days (9 days total), time was given to visit Oslo and experience the city and culture on the bookends of the trip. Ultimately, after using other travel firms in the past, we will never look back. Yampu is AMAZING!!

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