GASTRONOMIC AND CULTURAL TOUR
      Lake Geneva Region and Western Switzerland
May 25th - 31st 2008 and September 7th - 13th 2008

The largest wine growing areas are in Western Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva , Neuchatel, Biel and Murten and along the valley of the Rhone river. The wines produced on the terraces above the lakes have a firm place in the heart of locals and are rarely exported. Cows grazing on green meadows produce the milk for many celebrated cheeses and world renowned chocolates. It’s no surprise to find such an exceptional rich and varied food culture here.

1. Day: You will meet your tour manager and be escorted to the  hotel.
    Afterwards we will go on a walking tour through the old town and enjoy a late lunch in one of the many
    restaurants.
    Remainder of the day free to shop or relax.
    Overnight in Geneva
    L

2. Day:  After breakfast we travel by coach to the city of Nyon. We visit the wine cellar at
    Chateau Nyon. There we can get our first taste of the local white wines before driving along the shores of
    Lake Geneva to Luins for lunch.
    After lunch we drive to Severy and visit an old mill that is one of the few still in existence that produce nut,
    seed and other speciality oils in the traditional way.
    Late afternoon we arrive in Lausanne , check into the hotel .
    Overnight in Lausanne
    B,D

 3. Day:  In the morning we tour the old city with its beautiful 13^th century Gothic cathedral and the pedestrian
     area around city hall. There will be time for some shopping or visiting some of the local café houses or
     restaurants for lunch of your choice.
     In the afternoon we visit the Olympic Museum located in a park-like setting above the lakes with a stunning
     view of the mountains.
     Rest of the day free.
     Overnight in Lausanne
     B  

4. Day.  After a leisurely breakfast we embark on an unforgettable cruise in one of the most beautiful areas of
    Switzerland. Imagine yourself on a “Belle Epoque” boat sailing on the blue waters of Lake Geneva.
    Lunch on board. 
    Then we depart by “Train des Vignes” (Wine Train) and discover the famous and picturesque vineyards of
    Lavaux, a Unesco World Heritage site. In Chexbres-village we taste some of  Switzerlands most famous
   vines
    in a typical wine cellar, Caveau des vignerons.
    To keep fit we’ll go for a short walk through the vineyards to St.Saphorin. or Rivaz.
    Early dinner at an interesting restaurant in Lavaux    (food and wine incl)
    Transfer by coach or train to Montreux.
    Overnight in Montreux
    B,L,D

5. Day   This morning we board the Chocolate Train for a ride to Gruyere.-Broc. The cows graze on the green
    meadows and produce rich milk for two of Switzerlands famous food: chocolate and cheese. All over the
    world gourmets appreciate the unique flavour of Gruyere cheese, which has been made for centuries in the
    countryside around the village of Gruyere. 
    We will visit  a Choloate factory and sample some of the products and also see Gruyere cheese makers.
    The train returns to Montreux late afternoon.
    Overnight in Montreaux
    B,D    

6. Day   Today we visit Chateau de Chillon, Vevey. This impressive castle has been both a fortress and a
    princely
    residence in a spectacular setting on the shore of the lake. It invites us to relive history from the 11^th to the
    16^th century and it is well worth spending  some time exploring this national treasure.
    Afternoon trip to the Salt mines of Bex. It’s impossible to imagine good food without salt. A visit to the salt
    mines, which extend 50 km underground is an unforgettable experience.
    Return to Montreux  for dinner at a local restaurant.   Fondue or Raclette  incl wine.
    Overnight Montreux
    B,D

7. Day   After breakfast we board the coach for a scenic drive through some enchanting country sides towards
    Zurich. We stop in the old towns of Fribourg  and Murten and enjoy a leisurely drive along Lake Biel. 
   Along these shores grow some of Switzerlands best white vines. We can walk through vineyard from Ligerts
    to  Twann and visit some local restaurants and vine cellars.
    Late afternoon the coach brings us to Zurich
    Overnight Hotel Glockenhof ****
     B,D

 8. Day   Return to Toronto  

INCLUSIONS:  7 nights accommodation in 3 and 4 star hotels
                          7 breakfasts, lunch and dinners as per itinerary
                          Wine tasting and culinary snacks as per itinerary
                          Private coach transfers
                          All local taxes  

EXCLUSIONS:  Meals not stated on the itinerary
                          Wine and other beverages unless stated
                           Gratuities to driver and local guides
                           Travel Insurance
                           Air travel

Land only cost: CAD $ 2512.00 per/person based on double occupancy
Single supplement CAD $ 308.00