Morning: Arrive at Lyon‑Saint‑Exupéry Airport and settle into your hotel in the historic Vieux Lyon district. Stroll the cobblestone streets, admire Renaissance façades, and enjoy a coffee at a local café.
Afternoon: Take the funicular up to the Basilica of Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views, then wander down to the Roman amphitheater. Finish with a leisurely walk through the expansive Parc de la Tête d'Or, stopping at the lake and botanical gardens.
Evening: Dine on traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at a bouchon in the Presqu’île, then enjoy a relaxed riverside promenade along the Saône.
Find HotelsMorning: Catch an early TER train to Annecy (≈2 h). Upon arrival, explore the picturesque Old Town with its pastel houses, canals, and the lively market square.
Afternoon: Rent a pedal boat or simply stroll along the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Annecy, stopping at the historic Château d’Annecy for a quick tour of the museum inside.
Evening: Board the renowned Glacier Express in nearby St‑Maurice for an overnight scenic journey through the Swiss Alps, settling into a comfortable sleeper cabin as the mountains glow at dusk.
Find HotelsMorning: Wake up to breathtaking vistas as the Glacier Express traverses the Oberalp Pass, then alight at Zermatt to take the iconic Gornergrat Railway up for stunning views of the Matterhorn.
Afternoon: After descending, hop on a local connection to Interlaken and ride the Aiguille du Midi Cable Car for a close‑up experience of the Mont Blanc massif. Enjoy a light lunch with alpine scenery.
Evening: Return by train to Lyon, where you can reflect on your adventure over a final dinner in the vibrant Presqu’île district before departing the next day.
Find HotelsTo extend your trip, add an extra day in the Swiss Alps to hike around Lauterbrunnen or visit the Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the Gornergrat Railway and spend more time enjoying Annecy’s lakefront, or replace the Glacier Express with a faster regional train to save travel time.