ITALY & SWITZERLAND FAMILY TOUR
No one has to miss out. Bring the kids along for an incredible introduction to the cultural wonders of Europe. Cycling, Hiking, Trains, food & wine are just some of the many features of this amazing 2 weeks.
Arriving in beautiful ZURICH, our trip starts with a majestic 2 hour train ride into the Swiss Alps and our first base of Lauterbrunnen. A Swiss rosti & fondue feast awaits before we take the families on some spectacular cycling & / or hiking trips into the mountains. Amazing cable car journeys take us higher and some wonderful games and fun in the valley. Under the alps via an epic train ride to our second base at Stresa, in Northern Italy on the banks of the Lake Maggiorre. Swimming in the Lake, scenic ferry rides and of course some classic bike rides. Our final base is 6 nights in Tuscany's jewel in the crown, Lucca. This region has it all and more and is the perfect place for all ages, any type of riding and of course loads of fun. A final train journey to the wonders of ancient Rome and a day tour around the must see sights before the departure home or other journeys beyond. 2 departure dates, either June or September school holidays.
| 14 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departures: | 22nd June 2013 | Qld School Holidays |
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| 21st September 2013 | Qld School Holidays | |
| Price: | AUD$3450 | Children under 4 FREE / age 4 - 12 $500 / over12 - $750 |
| Inclusions and Exclusions | ||
Add $150 for 2 week road bike hire. All local hybrid or MTB hire is included |
Day 1 - Zurich to Lauterbrunnen - Arrival day in Switzerland Group meets in Zurich before the spectacular train journey To Lauterbrunnen, at 800m in the Alps. With incredible views of 4000m peaks, the Hotel Oberland will be our home for the first 4 nights. Grab an afternoon nap before our Swiss fondue & rosti banquet kicks off our tour. Day 2 - Lauterbrunnen - Easy ride, walk or hike or relax Start the trip with an easy ride around nearby Lake Thun for the keener cyclist or a gentle walk / hike alongside the river. A relaxing afternoon and family activities. Day 3 - Grosse Schiedegg 2000m An epic ride over the Grosse Schiedegg at 2000m, alongside the famous Eiger mountain. Great chance for the family to take the train / bus over to watch dad or mum in action on some unforgettable scenery. We all meet in Interlaken for lunch and a walk around this vibrant tourist town. Day 4 - MTB / HIKE - Obersteinberg 2000m A great day for the whole family. Start on the Mountain bikes as we all tackle the short climb up from the valley where we leave the bikes for some hiking.
Up to the Hotel Obersteinberg at 2000m alongside Switzerland's biggest peaks and some amazing waterfalls and glacier views. A relaxing drink in the sun before heading back down the valley, stopping at the Trummelbach falls for all to see. Tonight we take the cable car up & down the mountain to Murren for an amazing experience. Day 5 - Travel Day - STRESA (Italy) A classic train journey through the Alps to just south of Swiss Border and the Lake Maggiorre. Stresa is a quaint town & home to some of the regions most glamorous hotels and buildings and is just 1 hour north of Milan.
An afternoon spent by the lake, a gentle flat pedal along the shores if you wish. Dinner tonight and a wine tasting from our good friend Massimo. Day 6 - Stresa - Lake Maggiorre A classic hill climb to the Mottarone for some or a family swim. Before lunch we head out on the ferry for some great views, lunch on the historic isola Bella island and an afternoon sunset at a local restaurant. Day 7 - Travel day - LUCCA (Tuscany) We head south in the morning for our Tuscan home in magnificent Lucca.
This amazing walled city is our home for 6 nights and with so many treats awaiting us. An afternoon ride around the 4k wall to orientate, then an evening dinner in the Piazza for all to savour. Day 8 - Viareggio - Tuscan Coast After a late start and some classic Italian espresso its off to the beach. Some will ride, some on the train. We all meet for Baguettes in the warm sun before a soothing dip. Playground options and another glorious lunch. IN the evening its a picnic on the wall before some music in the piazzas and and a nightcap at our favourite enoteka, Vinarkia. Day 9 - Cinque Terre What a treat today, the breathtaking Cinque Terre, 100k from Lucca. Some will ride on an unforgettable route, others will take the equally stunning train journey. Both will meet at Vernazza for a soothing dip in the crystal clear waters before a classic seafood lunch by the Mediterranean. An adventurous family trip home together. Day 10 - Bagni Di Lucca Some great cycle options today for the entire group, big & small. We take the quiet scenic backroads from Lucca into the Garfagnana region. This quaint town is surrounded by lush, green hills and stunning hilltop villages. A stop at one of the many thermal baths to rejuvenate will be a highlight. Day 11 - Montecarlo Winery Our final day in Lucca presents an epic climax. A Gentle short ride, or a longer circuit via the hills. All meeting at our lunch destination, the incredible Cercatoia Alta winery of Angelo & Sao. A dip in the pool to refresh before a lunch banquet you will never forget, of course complimented by some fine local vino. A gentle cruise home together before our final night in Lucca and some more treats. Day 12 - Lucca to Rome We enjoy our last morning in the piazzas of Lucca before our 3 hour train journey to Rome. Settling into our hotel, we enjoy some local sights and delicacies in one of the many traditional trattorias. Day 13 - Rome A full day to explore the history of this amazing city. Even if you have been before, Rome never disappoints. Take the open bus, subway, walk or combination of all. Lots of options today. A get together tonight for our final group dinner together. Day 14 - Departure day No activities planned. Assistance with departure options back home or further Europe exploration. |
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Trip Options
| Single Travellers: | Sorry single occupency is not available for this trip. | Details |
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| Extra Accommodation: | (Click here to inquire) Single | Details |
| (Click here to inquire) Double |