FRANCE & SWITZERLAND
Dordogne, Burgundy, Mont Blanc and the Swiss Alps

It is not difficult to fall in love with the Dordogne. We walk beside the Dordogne River with its poplars and willows, past chateaux and well preserved Stone Age caves, witnesses of a rich and colourful history. The Dordogne is an agriculturally rich region.

Corn, walnuts (for the delicious smelling walnut oil), foie gras, black truffles, Cabecou goats cheese, eau de vie de prune and the famous Dordogne wines which date back to the Middle Ages are some of the exquisite delights awaiting you.

Burgundy is the land of clustered storybook hamlets, medieval chateaux, fine wines, hot mustards and such famous delicacies as Coq au Vin and Beef Bourguignon. Join us on this marvellous walk through rolling hills, magnificent forests, vineyards and romantic villages. Sample some world famous wines and feast on the wonderful local produce. Surely one of Europe’s most treasured sights are “the Alps”. There is nothing else in the world quite like them.

It is not only the sheer grandeur of the towering peaks but it is the cosiness of the hillside villages, the unforgettable display of alpine wildflowers, the sound of cowbells ringing through the valleys and the sight of a welcoming inn as you round a bend on a mountain trail. We base ourselves in Chamonix at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain - Mont Blanc.

With 310 km of walking tracks, this wonderful alpine area is a walkers’ paradise. Here, you also have the opportunity to ride on the world’s highest cable car to Aiguille du Midi, 3842m. On a clear day the view is truly unbelievable. You can even catch another cable car across the glacier to Italy for a real Cappuccino!

Our final destination is the famous Bernese Oberland in the Swiss Alps where we have chosen the lovely village of Grindelwald as our base. Marvel at the sheer splendour of Europe’s most spectacular mountain scenery.

Stroll knee deep in alpine wildflowers and journey to the famous Jungfrau Joch on the highest railway in Europe. A walk not to be missed is the classic ridge walk to the Faulhorn, regarded as one of the top 10 in Europe. Our walk concludes in Geneva where there are good rail and flight connections.

Our Hotels & Cuisine

In the Dordogne region we stay near the village of Carsac in the beautiful Villa Romaine. It was entirely restored in Perigordian style. From our hotel we have uninterrupted views over the Dordogne and its cliffs, the forest of the Druids and the water gardens.

Our next 4 nights are spent in a grand, venerable old convent building with manicured French gardens in Autun. In the restaurant of our hotel, our chef’s cuisine is full of savoir-faire.

A warm welcome awaits you in Chamonix. Our cosy hotel is delightfully situated on the banks of the L'Arve River and in the centre of the town. From here you have glorious views towards the peaks of Mount Blanc and the Aiguilles.

Our friendly, family run hotel in Grindelwald is located in a delightful country setting on the outskirts of this truly special alpine village. Enjoy the delicious meals for which the Brawand Family are so famous as you marvel at the sheer splendour of the mighty Swiss Alps.

Tour combination

Departure dates have been arranged to allow both the "Sea to the Summits" and "Taste of Europe" walks to be combined.