Alsace – Alpine Train – Lake Como (from Thessaloniki)

Today is entirely dedicated to Heidelberg, a city worth taking the time to explore. We’ll stroll through the Altstadt, the historic old town, where Baroque buildings, narrow streets, and a lively university atmosphere coexist in perfect harmony. Our tour includes the Marktplatz, with the Church of the Holy Spirit and City Hall, as well as the historic university district. We’ll continue on to the Old Bridge, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, to enjoy the view of the Neckar River, the hillsides, and the imposing castle. On Hauptstraße, the main pedestrian shopping street, the shop windows and traditional cafés complete the festive atmosphere of Heidelberg. Next, we recommend taking the cable car up to Heidelberg Castle; ticket costs are at your own expense. From the courtyards and viewing points, we’ll admire the old town from above, while those who visit the respective areas can explore the famous Great Barrel and the German Pharmaceutical Museum. A visit to the interior rooms of the palace requires a separate guided tour. The afternoon is free for dining, strolling, and exploring the Christmas markets in the squares of the old town. Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, and Kornmarkt offer different spots to enjoy the festive atmosphere, hunt for small gifts, and sample local delicacies. Upon returning to the same hotel, we have the convenience of enjoying the city without having to change accommodations. Overnight stay in Heidelberg.

Early morning departure for France and Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. The city blends French elegance with German influences, featuring an old town full of canals, cobblestone streets, and distinctive half-timbered facades. We’ll begin our tour in the historic center, the Grande Île, and head toward the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady. We’ll admire its ornate Gothic façade and stroll through the surrounding narrow streets, passing by the historic Maison Kammerzell. We’ll continue on to Petite France, the city’s most picturesque neighborhood. Old half-timbered houses, small bridges, and canals create a scene perfect for photos. We’ll explore the Ponts Couverts district, with its distinctive towers, and enjoy views of the city from the banks of the Ill River. This is followed by free time in the city center, around Place Kléber and the festive streets, for dining and shopping. This is the perfect opportunity to try a traditional Alsatian tarte flambée or browse for local sweets and souvenirs. The visit to the Christmas markets will follow their final schedule for 2026. In the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Switzerland and Zurich. We’ll arrive in the evening, check in at the hotel, and spend the night there.

Today is dedicated to one of the most impressive experiences of the trip: the ride on the famous Alpine Train to St. Moritz. Those who wish can enjoy some free time in Zurich. For those participating in the optional full-day excursion, we’ll set out in the morning for Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city and the starting point of our Alpine adventure. From there, we’ll board the traditional Alpine train and embark on a journey of unparalleled beauty. The landscape is constantly changing: lush green valleys, Alpine villages, lakes, forests, bridges, and mountains create a scene that will stay with you forever. This is one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys, ideal for those who want to experience Switzerland in its most authentic and spectacular form. Arrival in cosmopolitan St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous resorts. Perched at an altitude of approximately 1,580 meters, with luxurious hotels, quaint chalets, and a sophisticated atmosphere, St. Moritz fully lives up to its reputation as the “top of the world.” We’ll have free time to stroll through town, have a meal, enjoy a coffee, or shop at the elegant boutiques. Those who wish can further savor the Alpine atmosphere by sipping a hot chocolate or taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Zurich by bus. Overnight stay.

We’ll leave the hotel early, with our luggage, for a short panoramic morning tour of Zurich. We’ll explore the historic center along the banks of the Limmat, with its old guild halls, bridges, and the distinctive towers of the Grossmünster. We’ll see the exterior of the Fraumünster and walk through the Bahnhofstraße area before enjoying the view of the lake from the main lakeside promenade. We’ll then head toward southern Switzerland, driving through the Gotthard region via the road tunnel, bound for Lugano. In the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, the atmosphere changes: the arcades, squares, and facades bring the elegance of Italy to a Swiss landscape. In Lugano, we’ll take a stroll along the lakeside promenade and around Piazza della Riforma, with time for a meal or coffee. The view of the lake and the surrounding mountains offers a different perspective on Switzerland. We’ll cross into Italy and continue on to Como, at the southern end of Lake Como. We’ll walk through the historic center, admire the exterior of the Cathedral and the medieval Broletto, and arrive at Piazza Cavour and the lakeside area. A brief but meaningful introduction to the city, which blends Lombard architecture with the lake’s scenery. Check-in at the hotel and overnight stay.