We are going on the June 2 Alpines My Way tour. We are going early and staying after, but are wanting to hear experiences and recommendations for cities to visit after the tour. We will stay at least one additional night in Chamonix to allow a better chance of clear skies. Perhaps on to Annecy. We actually have not decided from which city to fly home. This is a last minute trip due to some health scheduling concerns. I am seeking thoughts because I need to book asap. Note we will fly from the Midwest USA TO Munich to begin the adventure. We could fly home from Geneva or really any airport. Thanks for taking time to comment.
Posted by
West Coast
291 posts
You will love this tour! I went last June, also at the start of the month. I flew into Munich through AMS and went to Annecy the day the tour ended. (Then to Lyon for 1 and 1/2 days and flew home from there.)
It was about a 3 hour train from Munich to Salzburg that I took the morning of the tour's evening hotel meetup. I had just one full day after my arrival to Munich. It really helps to have some time to get over the long flight, etc.
I managed to see most of Munich's architectural and historic sites combined with Dachau with a private guide. Incredible. But a crazy amount of walking, despite the level terrain. If you have any mobility issues and a real interest in the rise of the Nazi party you might want an extra day.
After the evening meeting in Salzburg I ventured to the gardens and Sound of Music sites. Everything else was across the river- again, depending on mobility, you might want to get an idea of where this year's hotel is. It is a BIG climb up to the old city! I used the RS walking tour on the free day, and went to a small Mozart concert in the evening.
The hotel in Chamonix was at the opposite end of the main street from the train and bus stations, maybe a 15 minute walk. That's wise to stay on an extra day, because it was snowing heavily at the top, for those who wanted to go (and went anyway!) and rain on and off at street level.
The Flix or BlaBla bus stop next to the small train station. My research showed no real time savings and better choices of times by bus? I saw the buses to Geneva pull in, also, so if you prefer to fly back from there it would be very easy.
The BlaBla bus was on time, clean and comfortable- and almost full. It was a bit of a (level) hike to the heart of the pedestrianized old city. I had an additional full day before taking the bus onward to Lyon.
The Lyon airport was far from the city- like 45 minutes and a really expensive taxi for my 6 am flight. I love France and really wanted to see Lyon, but there's other options for day trips from Annecy.
Have a wonderful trip! (Pack layers!)
Posted by
51 posts
Our family will miss your RS tour by 2 days :*( Our RS Alps My Way tour for 2025 begins 4 June. We loved it so much last year that we booked it for a 2nd time! I have written several posts with details of our wonderful experience. Have a look. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. We spent an extra day in Chamonix at the end of the trip last year and have added 3 more onto this year as the weather was so hit or miss and we want to see the Mountains this time. My daughter took an additional RS My Way France adventure later last year and adored Annecy. She also really loved Geneva, especially the Red Cross museum (which is very close to the UN bldg.) !
~Mitzi
Posted by
Charlotte, NC
182 posts
Before tour I went to Eagles Nest and stayed the night in Hallstatt. Rented a car for 24~ hours. Did SoM bicycle tour. All were great.
Post- tour I visited Chillon Castle and stayed in Vevey and wandered around the area for 2-3 night before flying out of Munich.
Posted by
22 posts
We are leaving on the June 9th tour. We will fly into Vienna, and the following day take a tour to Melk, Hallstatt and leave the group in Salzburg spending an extra night there before the tour. After, we will go to Zermatt and Lake Como, with a final night in Milan and fly home from there.
Posted by
tampa, florida, usa
74 posts
You will love this tour! Went last September with two friends. We also stayed an extra day in Chamonix and very glad we did; the weather cleared and we were able to go to the ice caves.
After the tour we took the Blah Blah bus to Lyon and spent three days; great city.
Did further traveling after Lyon and eventually flew home from Prague.
Enjoy your travels and wishing you good health. Regina