20.06 Sunday

Arrival  dinner at MLM

Please arrive in Estavayer by 18:00

21.06 Monday

AM:  Visit to the old town of Estavayer, its imposing castle, collegial church and museum

 PM:  Visit to the Dominican Convent, functioning without interruption since 1316 in the company of a cloistered sister.   Question and answer session with the sister.

Special showing of the treasured Antiphonaires, unique illuminated manuscript song books from 1480 and 1490.

Guided tour by one of your organizers who has lived in Estavayer for 25 years. 

Such a visit is rare and is exceptionally granted because of our longstanding relationship with the convent.  Nonetheless, it is subject to the daily schedule of the sisters.   

The Antiphonaires belong to the St-Laurence Perish and are shown to a limited public a few times each decade.  We will have a private showing by the person who is responsible for their care.

22.06 Tuesday

Following the traces of Charles the Bold, Duc of Burgundy

AM:  Visit to the Castle of Grandson, site of the first defeat of Charles the Bold at the hands of the Swiss.

PM:  Visit to the walled city of Morat, site of the second defeat of Charles the Bold.

Imposing castle with an impressive display of medieval armory and weapons.

Morat is a delightful walled city.  We will walk on the walls and view the site of the battlefield.  Time for shopping in the old town.

23.06 Wednesday

Day off  - Optional excursion to Chillon on Lake Geneva

For those who wish, an excursion to Château de Chillon, the Swiss Riviera and terraced vineyards is available.

24.06 Thursday

Following the traces of William Tell, Swiss Folk Hero

AM:  Depart for Lucerne,  visit to  Pilatus – Folklore dinner

PM:  Free afternoon in Lucerne

Arrival in Lucerne and trip on the steepest railway in Europe to Mont Pilatus.  Lunch on top.

Evening program with Swiss Folklore and music

Overnight in Lucerne.

25.06 Friday

AM:  Depart by lake boat, William Tell Express for Altdorf.

Lunch in Altdorf, Hometown of William Tell.

PM:  Return to Estavayer-le-Lac

2.5 hour voyage by lake steamer through the most  spectacular scenery in Switzerland.  Guided Visit to the old town of Altdorf and monument to William Tell.

26.06 Saturday

Day off – Shopping in Bern or Yverdon

27.06 Sunday

Morning departure for France - Lunch

PM:  Visit to Solutre – Museum and the Roche de Solutre

Visit to the cellar of Pouille-Fuisse in Fuisse

Visit to a prehistoric site in the beautiful vineyard region of Burgundy. 

Overnight in Beaune,

www.hotel-belleepoque-beaune.com

28.06 Monday

Visit to the Hospice de  Beaune and the old town. Visit to the Chateau de Meursault – Wine tasting.  Return to Estavayer 

29.06 Tuesday

Morning & Afternoon off – Dinner at MLM

30.06 Wednesday

Departure