France and Switzerland

Explore Paris with a licensed local guide on a sightseeing tour of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the Arc de Triomphe at the top of the Champs-Élysées, stroll the grand boulevard lined with shops and cafés, and see the ornate 19th-century Opera House. Look up at the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair, and visit Les Invalides, Napoleon’s military refuge, along with other historic sites.

The ultimate palace, Versailles was begun by Louis XIII and transformed by Louis XIV into the seat of royal power until the French Revolution. Inside, admire the 250-foot Hall of Mirrors, flanked by the salons of War and Peace, and the State Apartments where lavish ceremonies unfolded. Step into the magnificent Gardens of Versailles, a masterpiece of fountains, sculptures, and sweeping vistas. Be sure to visit Marie Antoinette’s rustic hamlet, where she escaped court life by tending sheep and playing at village life. Please note: Versailles is closed on Mondays.

See the city from the water on an hour-long cruise along the River Seine. The Seine cuts right through Paris, dividing the city in half. Spot the Eiffel tower rising up on the Left Bank, the walls of the Louvre on the Right Bank. A guide will point out other monuments and architectural marvels as you pass, many of which are illuminated by clear white light at night.

Tall granite walls encircle the old town of St. Malo, once a stronghold for privateers sanctioned by the king. At its centre stands the Saint-Malo Cathedral, blending Romanesque and Gothic styles with stained-glass windows that illustrate the city’s storied past.

Ingenious engineering allowed the Allies to land at Arromanches on D-Day, when 600,000 tons of concrete were sunk to form an artificial harbor. Barges, jetties, and 10 miles of floating roadways brought troops ashore. At the Arromanches Museum, dioramas, models, and interactive displays bring this remarkable feat to life.

Visit key World War II sites along the Normandy coast, where Allied troops landed on June 6, 1944, to liberate France. Walk the D-Day beaches, still marked by German bunkers turned into memorials, and reflect at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, where white crosses and stars honour the fallen. Continue to the Canadian War Cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the final resting place of more than 2,000 soldiers and airmen who fought to secure the beachhead.

Step into the shoes of Canadian servicemen who took part in the D-Day landings in Normandy. Learn about their lives and experiences to gain both personal and historical perspective.

Perched on a tidal island at the mouth of the Couesnon River, Mont St-Michel Monastery rises dramatically above fortified walls. Wander the narrow medieval streets and stone buildings before climbing to the island’s centre to explore the abbey church that has inspired pilgrims for centuries.

Explore the lavish rooms of Château de Chenonceau, a 16th-century castle once home to Catherine de’ Medici. Stretching across the River Cher, its grounds feature a maze and stunning gardens with beautiful views.

Get an up-close view of this opulent castle that was once a residence for French kings during the Renaissance. Also the home for Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb, this palace has a fascinating, rich history to share with all visitors.

Ride the TGV, Europe’s famed high-speed train, as you travel to Geneva.

Discover Geneva on a city walk set against Lake Geneva and views of Mont Blanc. See the soaring Jet d’Eau fountain, stroll through the Jardin Anglais to admire the world-famous Flower Clock, and visit the Cathedral de Saint-Pierre with its Reformation history and climb to the North Tower. Explore the Old Arsenal, the Reformation Wall, and soak in the city’s cosmopolitan charm.

Rising from the shores of Lake Geneva, the Château de Chillon is one of Switzerland’s most famous castles. This medieval fortress of turrets and stone walls once served as the summer home of the Dukes of Savoy before becoming a state prison in the 1800s, immortalized by Lord Byron, who etched his name into a column in the dungeon.

Put on an apron and discover the art of Swiss chocolate-making. With guidance from expert chocolatiers, melt, mold, and decorate your own creations, leaving with delicious treats and a new appreciation for the craft behind every bite.

The Olympic Museum celebrates the Games from their origins in ancient Greece to their modern role as a symbol of global unity. Inspired by Pierre de Coubertin’s early 20th-century vision, the museum overlooks Lake Geneva and features original torches, historic medals, and stories from every era, highlighting the enduring values of peace, unity, and human achievement.