Escorted Tour

Switzerland to France

Swiss Trains & French Canal Cruise

Experience Switzerland's alpine wonders before discovering France's rich history, culture, and natural landscapes on this exclusive rail and canal cruise adventure.

Your journey begins in Switzerland, travelling by scenic rail from Lake Geneva to Lucerne, ascending breathtaking alpine peaks, cruising on pristine lakes and marvelling at picturesque landscapes, historic cities and charming villages.

You’ll get to ride on Europe’s highest rack railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat, as well as the Eiger Express Cable Car ride and cogwheel train journey to the ‘Top of Europe’ – the Jungfraujoch.

In France, explore the Oise Valley by canal cruise, journeying across the heart of the Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France, past vibrant towns and cities steeped in history and culture, all the way to the captivating capital of Paris.

This is a small-group escorted tour, limited to a maximum of 18 passengers.

Your travel itinerary

Sunday 18 July

Auckland – Dubai

Evening departure on Emirates. Change planes in Dubai.

Monday 19 July

Geneva – Lake Geneva

Dinner

Arrive in Geneva and transfer to your hotel in Lake Geneva. The rest of the day is free to explore before a Welcome Dinner tonight.

Tuesday 20 July

Lake Geneva

Breakfast

Enjoy an orientation walk of the city including the Olympic Museum before taking a train to the heart of Lavaux to visit the vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting. Travel on to Vevey, a picturesque town renowned for its stunning lakefront, with free time to explore before a scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva.

Wednesday 21 July

Lake Geneva – Zermatt – Gornergrat

Breakfast Dinner

Today travel by Swiss train for Zermatt, including an excursion to the famous Gornergrat (3,089m). Continue on Europe’s highest rack railway and marvel at the spectacular panorama of 29 peaks including views of the Matterhorn.

Thursday 22 July

Zermatt – Interlaken

Breakfast Dinner

All aboard the Loetschberg Train! Today travel through the stunning Swiss Alps with views of the alpine peaks Eiger, Mönch and the Jungfrau en route to Interlaken. Ride the funicular up to the spectacular Harder Kulm to enjoy dinner with sweeping panoramic views of the Bernese Oberland.

Friday 23 July

Interlaken

Breakfast

Today ascend to the summit of the Jungfrau Massif on board the modern Eiger Express Cable Car. Take in the breathtaking views. Continue your alpine ascent by cogwheel train and disembark at Europe’s highest railway station Jungfraujoch (3,454m). Enjoy free time to explore the Ice Palace and take the chance to ride in the ultrafast lift to the Sphinx Observatory to get a fantastic view of the longest glacier in the Alps.

Saturday 24 July

Interlaken – Brienz – Lucerne

Breakfast Dinner

This morning sit back and relax on a boat ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz taking in the alpine vistas and atmosphere. Indulge in a hearty feast of Swiss specialties such as classic cheese fondue at a typical Old Town restaurant before continuing on to Lucerne on board the Interlaken Lucerne Express Train.

Sunday 25 July

Lucerne

Breakfast Dinner

Enjoy a walking tour of Lucerne including the Lion Monument, Old Town and the Chapel Bridge. Continue with a thrilling ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the soaring Mount Pilatus (2,132m). Dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Monday 26 July

Lucerne – Zurich – Paris

Breakfast

After breakfast transfer to Zurich airport for your flight to Paris. On arrival transfer to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Tuesday 27 July

Paris

Breakfast Dinner

Today enjoy a half day city sights tour of Paris. Visit the iconic Eiffel Tower and take a ride to the top to enjoy spectacular views.

Wednesday 28 July

Paris – Versailles – Pont-l’Évêque

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

This morning stroll through the breathtaking Gardens of Versailles, the grand estate of Louis XIV’s iconic palace. Continue on to Pont-l’Évêque to board the canal boat MS Deborah and settle in for the next six nights. Enjoy a welcome cocktail before dinner and an evening excursion of Noyon and its Cathedral.

Thursday 29 July

Pont-l’Évêque – Compiègne

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

This morning cruise to Compiègne to enjoy an afternoon guided tour of the historic town including the lovely 16th century town hall which holds one of the oldest municipal bells in France. Enjoy a tasting of regional delicacies before continuing on to the Armistice Memorial, dedicated to all soldiers who have fought since 1870. Stay in port tonight.

Friday 30 July

Compiègne – Pont-Sainte-Maxence – Saint-Leu-d’Esserent

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Spend the morning cruising to Pont-Sainte-Maxence where this afternoon you’ll enjoy a tour of the Château de Chantilly. Return on board in Saint-Leu-d’Esserent where a member of the Confrérie des Chevaliers Fouetteurs will teach you how to prepare France’s legendary crème Chantilly. Free time to explore this evening after dinner.

Saturday 31 July

Saint-Leu-d’Esserent – Auvers-sur-Oise – Pontoise

Enjoy a morning cruise to Auvers-sur-Oise – Vincent Van Gogh’s last home and final resting place. Explore the picturesque village streets and stroll along the Artists’ Pathway before visiting the Musée de l’Absinthe for a demonstration and tasting. Return to the ship in Pontoise for dinner.

Sunday 01 August

Pontoise – Bougival

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Today enjoy an excursion to the Pressoir Auversois vineyards before continuing on to visit the historical monument of Maison-Atelier de Daubigny. Sample delicious cheese, cold cuts and wine in La Tomme d’Isa, an artisanal cheese dairy in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise before returning to the ship for the night.

Monday 02 August

Bougival – Paris

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

This morning take a guided tour of the 17th century Château de Malmaison. Return on board for lunch and an afternoon cruise to Paris with a final Farewell Gala Dinner this evening.

Tuesday 03 August

Paris – Dubai

Breakfast

Disembark after breakfast and enjoy a full free day in Paris to explore before your evening flight home on Emirates.

Wednesday 04 August

Dubai – Auckland

Change planes in Dubai.

Thursday 05 August

Auckland

Mid-morning arrival home to Auckland.

Please ask if you would like to extend your stay in Europe

Inclusions

Return Economy Emirates flights Auckland – Dubai – Geneva // Paris – Dubai - Auckland
English speaking guides throughout
A total of two nights in Paris
Travel by air-conditioned luxury coaches
Scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva
Train travel from Zermatt to Interlaken; Lucerne Interlake Express train
Swiss specialty dinner
Wine tasting in Lavaux
Mount Pilatus cogwheel railway
Harder Kulm funicular ride
Eiger Express Cable Car up Jungfrau Massif
Boat ride on Lake Brienz
Six-night all inclusive French Canal Cruise on board MS Deborah
Absinthe demonstration and tasting in Auvers-sur-Oise
Artisan cheese and wine tasting in La Tomme d’Isa
All transfers on tour
Sightseeing tour in Paris
Visit to the Gardens of Versailles
Breakfast daily
Lunches and dinners as specified
Entrance fees included
Airline and airport taxes (approx $280)
Pukekohe Travel Escort subject to 15 passengers travelling

Cost

ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland	Twin Share	Single
One cabin left	$23,940	$26,376

Business Class Upgrade	T.B.C
Premium Economy Class Upgrade	T.B.C
Early Booking Discount ( 01 November 2026 )	$150
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount	$100

*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Exclusions

Items of a personal nature
Travel Insurance is essential (please ask us for a quote)
Items not specified

Booking Conditions

A non-refundable deposit of $3,500 per person will secure a place on the tour
Full payment is due no later than 05 March 2027

Cancellations

From the date of booking to 05 March 2027– loss of deposit
After 05 March 2027 – no refund

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend all clients purchase travel insurance to protect against emergencies, cancellations, lost items, and delays that could lead to unexpected costs. Please ask us for a quote.

General Information

Documentation

A current passport is required, valid six months beyond date of travel
No visa is required for New Zealand Passport holders
All other passport holders – please ask

Currency - Euro

Luggage - It is essential you can manage your own suitcase. A bag with wheels is an advantage when travelling through airports. Only one suitcase weighing no more than 22kg is allowed on the Swiss Trains.

Weather Max ˚c Min ˚c

Paris 25 15
Interlaken 25 11
Lake Geneva 28 16

Health and Fitness

To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group a good standard of health and fitness is required.
Clients should be independently mobile with the ability to walk on uneven surfaces and negotiate stairs without hand rails.
This tour is not suitable for those who require airport wheelchair assistance or any mobility aids.
It is essential that you arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.

French Canal Barge

Year of construction: 2016
Number of decks: 2
Crew members: 6
Length: 38.5m
Width: 5.07m
Number of cabins: 11
Number of passengers:22

Main Deck – 10 Double Cabins with high windows – 2 single beds – 9m2

Cabin Amenities

TV
Bathroom with shower and toilet
Towels
• Hair dryer
Telephone (for internal calls only)
Safe
Independent air-conditioning
Electricity 220V
Wi-Fi
Please note there is no laundry service on board the ship.

Terms and Conditions

For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.

Note: Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change

Prices From

$23,940NZD

per person twin share

Travel Dates

Depart: Sun 18 Jul 2027
Return: Thu 05 Aug 2027
Duration: 18 nights

Early Booking Discount

Save $150 if your deposit is paid by 01 Nov 2026

Previous Client Discount

Our previous International Tour clients can save a further $100 per person