Day 1 Shanghai → Marseille → Saint-Tropez → Eze → Nice → French town
·morning
Reference flights:
FM871, Shanghai Pudong PVG - Marseille MRS, 01:15 - 07:00, flight time approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes, daylight saving time difference 6 hours, China time difference 6 hours
Please meet us the night beforehand for our international flight from Shanghai to Marseille in southern France. Upon arrival, your guide will lead you to the French Riviera.
We'll first head to the Old Port of Marseille. The morning sun shimmers on the shimmering sea, fishing boats and yachts crisscross the moored waters, and the air is filled with the fresh aroma of seawater and seafood. Experience the historical charm and vibrant atmosphere of this thousand-year-old port city.
Marseille's Old Town is a time capsule. Step into its narrow alleys, where mottled walls, doors, and windows whisper of the past. Here, time flows slowly, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and experience the unadulterated authenticity of Marseille.
Afterward, we boarded the Marseille Sightseeing Train and journeyed along the coastline to the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde. From this perch, we gazed down upon the azure blue of Marseille and the Mediterranean. Overlooking the city, the golden statue of Our Lady, adorned with magnificent interior and exterior decorations, stands as a symbol of Marseille's religion and culture.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we headed to Saint-Tropez, a holiday paradise known as the "City of the Sun." Boasting over 300 days of sunshine year-round, the azure Mediterranean, sandy beaches, and yachts create a romantic landscape along the southern French coast.
We'll stroll freely along the promenade, flanked by high-end hotels and boutiques on one side and the shimmering Mediterranean sea on the other, creating a scene straight out of a movie. We'll then visit the Citadel of Saint-Tropez (exterior view) for a breathtaking panoramic view of this charming town and the sea.
Leaving Saint-Tropez, we headed to the tranquil mountain town of Èze, known as the "Hanging Gardens." At a renowned perfumery, we experienced French perfume DIY, where we learned about the philosophy behind scent blending and created our own perfume.
·night
In the evening, we arrive in Nice, a Mediterranean gem renowned for its coastal scenery and French elegance. We'll take a leisurely stroll along the renowned Promenade des Anglais, flanked by the azure bay and elegant architecture, immersing ourselves in the authentic rhythm of southern French life.
The cobblestone beaches of Nice are paved with a unique charm. The bay curves gracefully, like a circular arc, embracing the sea at either end. The gradation of water and the play of whitecaps create a breathtaking spectacle. Castle Hill
offers a panoramic view of the Bay of Angels and the Old Town. The Mediterranean Sea, terracotta roofs, and snow-capped peaks blend beautifully. The trails and elevator entrances are adorned with "I Love
Nice" signs, creating a captivating experience.
Then we enjoyed dinner, ending this fulfilling and wonderful first day.
After dinner, return to your hotel near Nice to rest and recharge your energy for the next exciting journey.
Day 2 French Town → Manosque → Valensole → Biquan Village → Avignon
·morning
After breakfast, we departed from the French town of Manosque, embarking on a day exploring the charm of southern France. Our first stop was Manosque, one of the most iconic landmarks of Provence and the birthplace of the renowned natural skincare brand L'Occitane.
We'll visit the L'Occitane Factory and Museum, where we'll immerse ourselves in the fragrant world of lavender and verbena, and learn about the plant's transformation from field to bottle. Through exhibits and images, the museum offers an immersive sensory journey through the brand's history.
We will then travel to Valensole, the land of lavender. Known as "the closest place on earth to a purple dream," in midsummer, the entire valley is dyed a vibrant purple sea by lavender, its fragrance intoxicating and breathtakingly beautiful.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we continue our journey into the heart of Provence, heading to the fairytale-like hilltop village of Biquan. Named for its mysterious and spectacular natural springs, Biquan is one of the villages with the richest water resources in France.
Stroll along the clear stream and experience the tranquility and spirituality of this village. The emerald spring gushes from the rock face, like a pool of emerald from the center of the earth, attracting countless artists and poets to stop and take photos. The handicraft shops and bookstores lining the alleys also add to the rich cultural atmosphere.
After finishing our visit to the mountain village, we drove to Avignon, known as the "City of Popes".
Special note: The lavender flowering period lasts from mid-to-late June to mid-July each year. The flowering batches are limited to: June 20th, July 4th, and July 18th. During the non-flowering batches, Valensole + Biquan Village will be replaced by Aigues-Mortes Pink Salt Lake (including the small train), and the rest remain unchanged
·night
In the evening, we arrive at our hotel near Avignon and check in. Dinner will be served at a local Chinese restaurant, marking the perfect end to this day's rich sensory journey.
If time permits, you can move freely around the hotel and feel the tranquility and softness of the night in this small town in southern France. Let your body and mind relax in the quietness and welcome tomorrow's journey through time.
Day 3 Avignon → Valence → Lyon → Geneva
·morning
Today, we'll begin our journey with a visit to Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the "City of the Popes," this ancient city-state served as the Pope's retreat for seventy years during the Middle Ages. We'll stroll through the city, admiring the magnificent facades of the Palais des Papes and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and experiencing the profound interweaving of religion and power. We'll then visit the fairytale-like Pont de Bénézet, which inspired the French folk song "On the Bridge of Avignon," marking the beginning of a beautiful day immersed in history and poetry.
We then traveled north along the Rhône Valley to Valence, a small town known as the "forgotten pearl of France" that retains its authentic medieval charm.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the Old Town of Valence. Its quaint streets, flower-adorned balconies, and artistic shops evoke a sense of time travel. Don't miss the Saint-Apollinaire Church, where light streams through its stained glass windows, illuminating the ancient frescoes on the walls. Every step is filled with French romance and tranquility.
We then traveled to Lyon, France's third-largest city. We ascended Fourvière Hill via a cable car, offering panoramic views of the city, nestled between two rivers. The dreamlike Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, with its exquisitely decorated interior, resembles a palace of art. At the foot of the hill, the Gallo-Roman ruins showcase the city's deep classical roots.
Afterwards, we will stroll through the Old Town of Lyon, looking for the figure of the "Little Prince" among the colorful murals and alleys. The Croix-Rousse district and the Saint-Jean Cathedral reveal the city's infinite love for fairy tales and art.
·night
In the evening, we bid farewell to the French cultural city of Lyon and drove to Geneva, the gateway city of Switzerland. Crossing the border, the scenery transitioned from the vineyards of the Rhône Valley to the vast lakes of the Alps.
Day 4 Geneva → Annecy → Montreux → Interlaken → Thun
·morning
After breakfast, we depart Geneva for the fairytale-like town of Annecy, France. Known as the "Venice of the Alps," this lakeside town is renowned for its clear rivers, colorful old houses, and flower-lined streets.
We'll stroll freely through Annecy's Old Town, soaking in the relaxed atmosphere of its cobblestone streets and open-air cafes along the river. Stroll to the heart of the old town, the Ile d'Huyenne, a small stone island resembling a ship, a testament to medieval history and glory. Overlooking the Château d'Annecy and the Bridge of Love, we'll see the lakeside scenery and cultural charm intertwined here, the air filled with the faint fragrance of the lake and a rich French romance.
·afternoon
For lunch, you will enjoy an authentic French three-course meal by the lake, savoring the romantic blend of mountains and water.
In the afternoon, we'll cross the border into Switzerland and arrive in Montreux, the pearl of Lake Geneva. We'll visit Chillon Castle, perched on a rocky outcrop by the lake. This 700-year-old castle is one of Switzerland's most iconic castles. Guided by a guide, we'll explore the castle's secrets and sample authentic Chasselas white wine in the surrounding vineyards, savoring the local customs and culture of the Swiss Lake District.
Next, we'll head to Interlaken, a famous Swiss resort. The scenery along the way is picturesque, with emerald green valleys and lakes passing through the car window, like entering a vivid oil painting.
·night
Upon arrival in Interlaken, you will have free time to stroll along Herwegstraße, visit watch and handicraft shops, or relax by the lake and admire the natural wonders between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.
Enjoy an authentic Swiss cheese fondue for dinner, where the aroma of steaming cheese blends with the warmth of Swiss hospitality. After dinner, check in to your hotel in the Lake Thun region and drift off to sleep, bathed in the reflections of the lake and mountains.
Day 5 Thun → Spiez → Grindelwald → Interlaken → Thun
·morning
After breakfast, we departed from our hotel on Lake Thun and headed to Spiez, a small town nestled among the breathtaking Swiss landscape. Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Thun, the lake is like a mirror, reflecting the snow-capped mountains. Ancient castles and churches nestled against the hillside create a tranquil scene reminiscent of something out of a fairytale.
We then set off to ascend the Jungfraujoch, Switzerland's most iconic mountain. Departing from Grindelwald, we'll board the modern Eiger Express to Eiger Glacier Station. From there, we'll transfer to a century-old cogwheel train through the Eiger Tunnel and ascend to Jungfraujoch Station, at 3,454 meters above sea level – Europe's highest railway station.
Along the way, you can see mountains standing outside the window, with lush green and white snow intertwined. Glaciers, valleys and sea of clouds slowly unfold like a fairyland. Every second of the journey is worth cherishing.
·afternoon
After reaching the summit of Jungfraujoch, we'll ascend to the observation deck for a breathtaking view of the majestic Alps. Beneath the cape lies a breathtaking beauty that stretches to the edge of the world. We'll then enjoy lunch at the Jungfrau Mountain Restaurant, where we'll savor the satisfying warmth of a meal amidst the icy landscape.
On our way down, we arrived at the picturesque alpine town of Grindelwald. Known as the "Dream Hill," it's surrounded by five snow-capped peaks, creating a tranquil retreat that feels like a world away. We paused briefly to experience this fairytale world nestled among the mountains. Snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, meadows, and huts all compose an idyllic Alpine symphony.
Return to Interlaken in the evening for some free time. Stroll along Herwegstraße, browsing for Swiss watches or local specialties. Alternatively, relax on a lakeside bench, gazing at the fading hills and lake in the twilight, and savor a moment of tranquility.
Day 6 Interlaken → Iseldwald + Boat Ride → Brienz → Lungern → Golden Pass → Lucerne → Zurich
·morning
After breakfast, we departed from the Thun Lake District and headed for Iseldwald, a picturesque landscape hidden on the shores of Lake Brienz. This village, made famous by the Korean drama "Crash Landing on You," is known as "the corner left behind when God overturned his palette."
The lake's crystal-clear waters, reflecting the snow-capped mountains and wooden houses, make strolling through it feel like stepping into a fairytale. After some free time to explore, we'll board a Lake Brienz boat and gently sail across the milky-blue waters, embarking on a pure, dreamlike voyage. Like a moving picture frame, the boat will whisk us off to the other end of the lake—Brienz.
We made a brief stop in the small town of Brienz, which is famous for its exquisite wood carvings. The lakeside scenery, the rows of wooden houses, and the clusters of flowers are refreshing.
·afternoon
After bidding farewell to Brienz, we headed to Lungern, one of Switzerland's most fairytale towns. This was the filming location for the finale of "Crash Landing on You." The lake was as emerald-clear, with colorful cottages dotting the lakeside. In the distance, mountains appeared and disappeared in the mist. Everything was incredibly peaceful.
From Lungern, we'll board one of Switzerland's most beautiful trains—the Golden Pass East—to Lucerne. The train journeys through lakes, forests, pastures, and villages, each frame capturing the tenderness and grandeur of the Alps.
Upon arrival in Lucerne, we'll explore Lucerne's Old Town, stroll along the shores of Lake Lucerne, and visit the Chapel Bridge, Europe's oldest covered wooden bridge, and the Lion Monument, a monument steeped in compassion and respect. The interplay of classical architecture and the stunning scenery of the lake and mountains is truly captivating.
We arrive at Swan Square and have some free time. You can shop for your favorite Swiss watches or relax in a lakeside café.
After Lucerne, we'll drive to Zurich for a city tour. We'll visit Lindenhof Park, overlooking the historic city's red-tiled rooftops and the confluence of the Lema River. We'll also admire the Cathedral of Our Lady, immersing ourselves in the city's religious history.
Finally, we'll visit the renowned ETH Zurich, the "cradle of the Nobel Prize," which has nurtured great scientists like Albert Einstein. You can freely wander the campus and experience the Swiss academic atmosphere.
·night
Dinner is at your own expense, and then you can check into a five-star hotel to rest up for your upcoming trip to Paris, the cultural capital of France.
Day 7 Zurich → Paris
·morning
After breakfast, we'll pack and board the TGV high-speed train to Paris, the French capital. Traveling at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, we'll enjoy the idyllic scenery of the Alps and the French countryside. Compared to long-distance buses, the TGV not only saves time but also offers an elegant and efficient journey.
Upon arrival in Paris, we officially began our first tour of the "City of Light." We first arrived at the Arc de Triomphe, a magnificent structure built to welcome the triumphal armies and a symbol of Napoleonic power. Twelve boulevards radiate from it, and the entire city resembles a beating heart of a star, centered around this monument.
Afterward, we'll stroll along the romantic Champs-Élysées and to the elegant Place de la Concorde, immersing ourselves in the city's classic rhythms and modern charm. The Eiffel Tower (Exterior) towers over the Champ de Mars on the south bank of the Seine, a world-renowned landmark of French culture and Paris.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll visit the Louvre, one of the world's four largest museums (with a guided tour). Led by a professional guide, we'll journey through the centuries and encounter timeless masterpieces: the enigmatic Mona Lisa, the armless Venus de Milo, and the graceful Winged Victory of Samothrace—three of the museum's most captivating treasures.
After the exhibition, we'll have some free time at the Louvre's Glass Pyramid Square, a popular spot for countless photographers and a cultural icon that every traveler pauses to gaze upon. Amidst the sunlight, the pyramid's reflection, we'll quietly experience the tranquility and elegance of Paris.
Day 8 Paris Full Day
·morning
After breakfast, we embark on a day of in-depth cultural exploration in Paris. Our first stop will be Notre Dame Cathedral, located on the Île de la Cité in the heart of the Seine River (with a guided tour). Known as the "Stone Epic," this Gothic structure has weathered eight hundred years of wind, rain, snow, fire, and reconstruction. Its majestic silhouette and the alluring light and shadow of its rose windows speak of the tenacity of civilization and the depth of faith.
Standing in the Notre Dame Square, listening to the tour guide telling the stories of bells and love described by Hugo, every stone brick seems to be whispering the soul story of Paris.
Afterward, we'll visit the Palace of Versailles, a magnificent symbol of French royalty (with a guided tour). This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its magnificent architecture, resplendent Hall of Mirrors, and exquisite gardens, showcases French classical art and the glory of imperial power. Explore the palace with a guided tour, and you'll feel like you've traveled back to the glorious era of Louis XIV.
·afternoon
The afternoon is free time on Boulevard Haussmann. Explore the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores, and experience the unique blend of Parisian fashion and art. From the fragrance section beneath the classical dome to the dazzling array of luxury brand windows, this is both a shopping paradise and a microcosm of the Parisian lifestyle.
Enjoying a cup of coffee or browsing a bookstore on a bustling street is an authentic way to experience Paris. Whether shopping for your dream finds or simply strolling through the streets taking photos, Boulevard Haussmann won't disappoint.
·night
In the evening, we will take a dedicated elevator to the world-famous landmark and enjoy an exquisite three-course French meal at the Madame Brasserie restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower.
Under the creative direction of two-Michelin-starred Chef Thierry Marx and his team, each dish tells a culinary story of the capital. Champagne fizzes softly, and the starlit Parisian nightscape shimmers outside the window, creating a truly romantic atmosphere.
After lunch, we boarded a Seine River cruise. As Paris' night lights came on, we once again cruised the city's soul. The boat glided past the Île de la Cité, the Louvre, the Alexander III Bridge, and more, revealing the elegant silhouette of Paris in a play of light and shadow.
After the cruise, return to the hotel to rest and recharge your energy for the free day tomorrow.
Day 9 Free day in Paris
All day
After breakfast, you'll have a full day of free time in Paris to explore and experience the city at your own pace. A shuttle service will be provided to Haussmann Street, making it easy to reach this iconic Parisian street.
Whether you're looking for your favorite fragrance, choosing luxury bags, or gazing at the city skyline from a rooftop garden at famous department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, you can feel the unique charm of Paris, where "art blends into life."
If you are not keen on shopping, you can also browse the second-hand bookstalls on the left bank of the Seine, or sit down in a cafe in the alley and let a cup of strong espresso accompany you through the day in Paris.
Stay at your hotel in the city center tonight, leaving you no need to unpack and immerse yourself in the city's charm from dawn to dusk.
Day 10 Paris → Shanghai
All day
After breakfast, we will take you to Montmartre, the most artistic soul of Paris. This small hill in the north of Paris was once the gathering place of countless painters, poets and dreamers.
Upon reaching the summit, the first thing that catches your eye is the majestic and holy Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur (not included in the summit climb). Perched 129 meters above sea level, the basilica offers one of the highest visual points in Paris. Its pristine white dome gleams in the sun, while the painted interior and its majestic atmosphere inspire awe.
Then, stroll through the Place du Tertre, where street artists paint, the aroma of coffee lingers in the alleyways, and the nostalgic charm of the Moulin Rouge interweaves with the romantic declarations of the Wall of Love. This moment is a profound encounter with the freest soul of Paris.
·afternoon
For lunch, enjoy the signature three-course escargot meal at the Centennial Restaurant. Pan-fried escargot, braised beef in red wine, and a chocolate dessert are presented in classic French style, creating a delicious finale to this trip.
After lunch, head to the heart of Paris, Rue de Rivoli, known as the "Fashion Gallery of Paris." Lined with high-end brand stores, perfume shops, and iconic buildings, you can enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping or explore art landmarks like La Samaritaine and 59 Rue de Rivoli, continuing this French romance.
In the afternoon we will go to the airport to handle tax refund and boarding procedures, preparing to take the international flight back to Shanghai.
Flight Information:
MU570, Paris CDG – Shanghai Pudong PVG, 20:05 - 14:20+1, flight time approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes, daylight saving time difference 6 hours, China time advance 6 hours.
A journey of beautiful lakes and mountains and romantic civilization is about to come to an end, but your memories and inspiration will continue to ferment in your heart.
Day 11 Arrival in Shanghai
All day
The flight arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport today, ending this 11-day romantic journey across the Alps and the Seine River.
Upon arrival, please hand your passport and boarding pass to your tour leader for submission to the consulate for visa cancellation. This process is expected to take 15 working days, so please allow time for your return trip. Depending on the consulate's requirements, some guests may be required to attend an interview for visa cancellation. Please cooperate with these arrangements.
