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Southern France & Monaco
11-13 Days l Pricing TBA

Mont Blanc & Swiss Alps
5-7 Days l Pricing TBA

More Information


 

Had the feeling of a family outing….sightseeing along the way….flexibility and pace of activities.

~Pat E, Camp Hill, PA

 

WAI has mastered the art of “balance,” with popular tourist attractions vs. little known museums and activities, big cities vs. small hamlets, rural vs. urban settings, time with the group vs. time on your own, and a blend of history, culture, and religion that showcases the regions we visited.

~Snow L, Lakewood, CO

 

I enjoy the history, culture, exercise and fellowship. It’s what I want in a vacation.

~Rick L, Lakewood, CO

 

We know our days will be filled with activities and not spent shopping. Full of value for our dollar. You folks pick the best of every area, and have excellent background history. 

~Ruth H, Green Valley, AZ

 

Everything was better than expected. I’m not always comfortable meeting new people, but I’m sure I met lifetime friends. Thank you for that.

~Diane P, Victorville, CA

 

We really had no idea how we would do on the walks or in a group, but we thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Walking Adventures did a fantastic job and we both think that this is the only way to travel.

~Steve & Barbara S, Aurora, OR

 

My concept of a “tour group” has been significantly changed, and all for the better! The relatively small group, the personal attention, and the wonderful blend of information, exercise, and traditional sightseeing...

~Ron B, Salem, OR

 

Was concerned about traveling with a group and not having the freedom to do what we wanted. Found that our guide would work with individuals so everyone could enjoy the trip.

~Charles L, Colorado Springs, CO


Walking Adventures presents outstanding tours. You can feel that you are touring, learning, and enjoying in a manner that other tour groups can only dream of offering their clients.

~Mike & Esther C, Sewell, NJ

 

 

 

Walking Southern France, Monaco, & the Swiss Alps

Click here to view full screen Highlights of France slideshow. 

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From the villas and vistas of the Mediterranean, to the Roman medieval history of Provence; from the wines and cheeses of Burgundy to the museums and romance of Paris – come explore France with us on a walking adventure par excellence! Four diverse regions of France yield a complicated and captivating picture of one of Europe’s largest countries: the French Riviera, Provence, Burgundy, and Paris.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • An all-day walk through the highlights of Paris: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower
  • The incomparable Palace of Versailles, testimony to the excessive lifestyle of 17th and 18th century French monarchy
  • Two nights in the charming medieval walled city of Avignon, with the imposing Palace of the Popes
  • The delightful hilltop fortress village of Les Baux, reputedly founded by descendants of King Balthazar, one of the "three wise men"
  • Charming Beaune, a French wine village, with an opportunity for wine-tasting in a 12th-century wine cellar
Mont Blanc & the Swiss Alps Extension
We'll take in Mont Blanc among the gorgeous French Alps. Then cross the border into Switzerland, with walks among the Swiss Alps and sightseeing through Switzerland’s small towns and villages until we reach Zurich.


Daily Itinerary

DAY 1: EN ROUTE TO PARIS, FRANCE

We depart the USA today for the city of Paris, capital of France and center of the universe for romantics, artists, writers...and travelers.

DAY 2: ACTIVITIES IN PARIS

After a morning arrival, the balance of the day is free to soak in the unparalleled ambiance of Paris from our hotel located near the Eiffel Tower; or join us for a walk that strings together captivating highlights of the city like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Seine River.

DAY 3: ACTIVITIES FROM PARIS

This morning we visit the Palace of Versailles, spectacular 16th-century creation of Bourbon King Louis XIV. After time to stroll the expansive gardens, the afternoon will be free to enjoy Paris: explore the Louvre, stroll the Champs Elysees, or ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower.

DAY 4: PARIS - BEAUNE, FRANCE

After one more morning to sample the delights of Paris, we depart by high-speed TGV train for Dijon, capital of the ancient wine-growing region of Burgundy. Dijon offers an intriguing two-mile stroll with opportunities to purchase wine or the city's famous mustard, or simply admire the stately medieval architecture as you wander the cobblestone lanes.

DAY 5: ACTIVITIES FROM BEAUNE

Today’s memorable walk meanders through the vineyards and rural villages of Burgundy. We’ll return to Beaune for lunch then rendezvous for a tour of Hotel Dieu, a medieval architectural gem established as a hospital for the poor after the Hundred Years War. Following a wine-tasting experience in a 12th-century cellar, you’ll have time to explore more of this lovely medieval town.

DAY 6: BEAUNE - AVIGNON, FRANCE

Our route parallels the Rhone River for much of the day. This afternoon, we arrive in Avignon for a free afternoon to explore the 14th century City of the Popes, and perhaps visit the fortress-like Palace of the Popes.

DAY 7: ACTIVITES FROM AVIGNON

The hilltop fortress village of Les Baux was reputedly founded by descendants of King Balthazar, one of the “three wise men” of Bible fame. After wandering the cobblestone lanes of this enchanting 13th century citadel, we’ll visit nearby Pont du Gard, a stunningly well-preserved, 2000-year old Roman aqueduct.

DAY 8: AVIGNON – AIX EN PROVENCE, FRANCE

A nature walk along the Durance River Valley from the village of La Roque d’Antheron will be followed by lunch with our hosts and a memorable sampling of Provençal hospitality. This afternoon provides an opportunity to explore the old quarter of the ancient Roman capital of Aix en Provence.

DAY 9: AIX EN PROVENCE – NICE, FRANCE

This morning’s drive along the expansive panoramas of the French Riviera takes us to the tiny principality (370 acres) of Monaco, famous for its casino, resort atmosphere, and wonderful weather. We’ll stroll through the charming old quarter, see the Palace of the Prince, and visit the tomb of beloved Princess Grace.

DAY 10: ACTIVITIES FROM NICE

A stimulating nature trail with outstanding views starts from the tiny mountain community of Levens. After a lunch break in the village, you’ll have the afternoon free back in Nice to prepare for tomorrow’s return home.

DAY 11: RETURN HOME FROM NICE

We depart from Nice this morning with new friendships and fond memories of our walks and travels through the romantic cities and countryside of France.

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What's Included

Walking Southern France & Monaco
11-13 Days l Pricing TBA

Mont Blanc & the Swiss Alps Extension
5-7 Days l Pricing TBA

Including

  • All land travel as outlined
  • Airport to hotel group transfers on first and last day
  • Tourist-class (3 star) hotel accommodations
  • Breakfast and dinner daily
  • 5-6 IVV-sanctioned walks
  • Fees for walking credit
  • The service of 2 Walking Adventures guides throughout
  • Cultural and historical expertise of our local guides throughout
  • All tipping for local guides and coach drivers
  • Admissions to the following:
  • Museum pass in Paris (Louvre, Orsay, etc)
  • Palace of Versailles
  • Hotel Dieu – Beaune
  • Les Baux – Provence
  • Pont du Gard - Provence

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance
Walking Adventures has negotiated with an insurance carrier to provide travel insurance in the form of a Preferred Benefits™ policy. We are pleased to make this package available and believe that it will provide travelers with an important element of security at a reasonable price.

Why We Walk

Why We Walk
Walking and travel are a natural combination! For over 20 years, our Walking Adventures International team has been offering walking programs around the world, and we’ve found that walking and motorcoach travel is the best way to tour. Our coach takes you efficiently from point to point with little wasted time, but walking lets you get off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore the "must see" highlights and off-the-beaten-track wonders. For more on Why We Walk, click here.

Volkssport
Some travelers like to keep track of their walks with a system known as volkssport. Click here if you’d like to know more about volkssport.

General Questions
And follow this link for more details on topics like: WAI’s approach to airfare, the number of people accepted on a tour, and finding a roommate!

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