This tour, setting off from the region’s capital city
Lyon, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, invites you to discover
unforgettable Rhône-Alpes specialities, craftsmanship and sites.
DAY 1
After
lunch on the day you arrive, you will have the chance to become
acquainted with this ancient capital of Gaul through a guided tour that
takes in a trip to the top of the Fourvière Hill and a guided visit of
Old Lyon on foot.
Then
enjoy some free time in Old Lyon or go on a visit to a workshop to
discover silk-weaving, one of the particular crafts of this UNESCO World
Heritage-listed city.
Dinner in a “Bouchon”, a traditional Lyon-style restaurant, and overnight stay in the city.
DAY 2
Early morning start for Clermont-Ferrand.
Discovery
tour of the city to get a postcard view of the main monuments: the
Gothic cathedral, the Romanesque basilica, the Montferrand medieval
district and lots of other hidden treasures.
Free afternoon to discover the market stalls or the remarkable Michelin Museum
Or
Optional: Why not spend the afternoon visiting the Volvic natural mineral water bottling plant, belonging to the Eaux de Volvic Company.
Dinner and overnight stay in Clermont-Ferrand
DAY 3
Morning departure for the Puy de Dôme
Travel to the top by the rack and pinion railway or, for the more sportive, on foot!
You’ll be amazed by the outstanding panorama
Lunch as-you-please in the restaurant or packed-lunch picnic
Leisurely return to the bottom, then departure for the Puy en Velay.
A gourmet stop-off along the way for a sweet treat in La Chaise Dieu or Brioude
Dinner and overnight stay in the Puy en Velay.
DAY 4
The
morning will be devoted to a go-as-you-please visit of the Puy en Velay
and, in particular, of its cathedral and the Hôtel Dieu, both UNESCO
World Heritage-listed sites. Optional guided tour possible.
Then your journey of discovery continues to Tain L’Hermitage.
A visit to Valrhona’s Cité du Chocolat will definitely delight your taste buds!
Dinner and overnight stay in Tain L’Hermitage
DAY 5
The journey continues to Romans sur Isère where you will discover another Rhône-Alpes’ craft at the International Shoe Museum.
Departure
at the end of the morning for lunch in Pont en Royans, famous for its
ravioles, then enjoy a stroll around this charming village with its
suspended houses.
After this gourmet stop-off, you will set off again and head for Grenoble.
Check-in
at the hotel and, depending on the season, a cable car journey up to
the Bastille overlooking the city. An out-of-this-world panoramic view!
Dinner and overnight stay in Grenoble.
DAY 6
The
morning will be devoted to a guided walking tour of the city: from its
origins through to the present times, you will discover the squares, the
former Palace of Parliament, churches, traditional alleyways and
courtyards as well as Grenoble’s historical figures.
Free time to stroll around Grenoble’s great selection shops or
to discover one of the city’s key attractions: the Dauphinois Museum
or the Museum of Grenoble.
Dinner and overnight stay in the hotel.
DAY 7
After
breakfast, departure for the Grande Chartreuse Monastery. Here, you will discover the monastic life of this religious
order.
Local Picnic-basket lunch in the monastery’s enchanting and peaceful park.
After this re-energizing break, your journey continues towards Voiron where you will visit the Chartreuse cellars and distillery
Then it’s homeward bound via your airport (Lyon – Grenoble – Geneva)