Escorted Tours
Christmas in the Savoie Tour
Enjoy a peaceful Christmas surrounded by the wild and wintry rugged landscapes, fragrant evergreen forests and sparkling lakes of the breath-taking Savoie region.
Based in the atmospheric Château des Comtes de Challes, a beautifully converted 15th-century fortified house, explore the culturally rich cities such as Annecy, Chambéry and Aix-les-Bains, the beautiful scenery and enjoy a wonderful festive atmosphere.
This tour is based at the comfortable and atmospheric, family-run three-star Chateau des Comtes de Challes, set in extensive grounds about 6km from Chambéry and offering excellent local cuisine as well as comfortable accommodation.
what’s included
At A Glance
itinerary & excursions
2026 Itinerary
This is the itinerary for Christmas 2026 – please scroll down for the 2027 itinerary.
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.
Day 1: London St Pancras to Lille
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and onwards to Lyon by TGV. On arrival, transfer to the village of Challes-les-Eaux (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes) for check-in.
Day 2: Full Day Tour to Grenoble & Chartreuse
Grenoble is a vivacious place nestled amongst the peaks of the Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors mountains. Being a university city it is cosmopolitan with a buzzing arts scene whilst at its centre you’ll find a tightly packed maze of modern and medieval buildings.
Travelling into the Chartreuse massif you will find a glorious landscape of peaks, valleys, pine forests and pastures; a breath-taking view at every turn. The name is perhaps best known from the Carthusian monastery named from the mountains, as well as the liqueur that was produced by the monks and is still produced in Voiron today.
Early evening we will have a wine tasting with the hotel sommelier.
Day 3: Tour to Lyon with Christmas Eve Dinner at the Hotel
Rich from an industry that spans back to the 16th century, Lyon is a clean and charming city, particularly known for its gastronomy; it is said that the old town has the largest concentration of restaurants in the world!
There are plenty of cultural attractions to visit, including a textile museum, a Gallo-Roman Museum and the impressive Basilica Notre Dame. There is much enjoyment to be had wandering the atmospheric warren of streets in the older quarters of the city, where you’ll find lots of Renaissance buildings and a multitude of restaurants to choose from.
Day 4: Christmas Day
Today is left free for you to relax however you wish. A festive lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 5: Abbaye d’Hautecombe & Aix-les-Bains
The tranquil Abbaye d’Hautecombe, located on the shores of Lake Bourget, is a former Cistercian then Benedictine monastery and burial place of the House of Savoy.
The spa town of Aix-les-Bains, known since Roman times, is renowned for the healing qualities of its waters. The elegant Belle-Époque buildings, that sprung up in the late 1800s, are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace whilst the Faure Museum houses a collection of Impressionist works and Rodin statues.
Day 6: Full day in Chambéry with guided tour and free afternoon
Chambéry has guarded the mountain passes that lead to Italy for centuires. Originally just a château built by the Count of Savoie in 1232, the town grew around it and became an important commerical and cultural centre – there is plenty of majestic Italianate architecture from this golden age to admire. Highlights include its much-loved and extravagant Fontaine des Eléphants, Chateau of the Dukes of Savoy dating back to the 14th century and 17th century country house, Le Charmettes, once home to the philosopher Rousseau.
After a guided tour in the morning, you will have free time to relax in the afternoon before transferring back to the hotel.
Day 7: Annecy & Lake Annecy
One of the most attractive and popular towns in the French Alps, the town of Annecy sits on the banks of the lake of the same name surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. The imposing château on the hill and the Palais de l’Ile provide much historical interest, and you’ll find the canals and narrow passages of the 16th century old town enchanting.
One of the largest lakes in France, Lake Annecy is surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and attractive towns and villages.
Day 8: Transfer to Lyon for Return
TGV to Lille and onwards by Eurostar to St Pancras.
itinerary & excursions
2027 Itinerary
This is the itinerary for Christmas 2027 – please scroll up for the 2026 itinerary.
Day 1: London St Pancras to Lille
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Lille and onwards to Lyon by TGV. On arrival, transfer to the village of Challes-les-Eaux (approx. 1 hour 30 minutes) for check-in. Welcome drink and dinner with wine.
Day 2: Full Day Tour to Grenoble & Chartreuse
Grenoble is a vivacious place nestled amongst the peaks of the Belledonne, Chartreuse and Vercors mountains. Being a university city it is cosmopolitan with a buzzing arts scene whilst at its centre you’ll find a tightly packed maze of modern and medieval buildings.
Travelling into the Chartreuse massif you will find a glorious landscape of peaks, valleys, pine forests and pastures; a breath-taking view at every turn. The name is perhaps best known from the Carthusian monastery named from the mountains, as well as the liqueur that was produced by the monks and is still produced in Voiron today.
Day 3: Tour to Lyon
Rich from industry that spans back to the 16th century, Lyon is a clean and charming city, particularly known for its gastronomy, it is said that the old town has the largest concentration of restaurants in the world!
There are plenty of cultural attractions to visit including a textile museum, a Gallo-Roman Museum and the impressive Basilica Notre Dame. There is much enjoyment to be had wandering the atmospheric warren of streets in the older quarters of the city, where you’ll find lots of Renaissance buildings and a multitude of restaurants to choose from.
Day 4: Full day in Chambéry with guided tour and free afternoon
Chambéry has guarded the mountain passes that lead to Italy for centuires. Originally just a château built by the Count of Savoie in 1232, the town grew around it and became an important commerical and cultural centre – there is plenty of majestic Italianate architecture from this golden age to admire. Highlights include its much-loved and extravagant Fontaine des Eléphants, Chateau of the Dukes of Savoy dating back to the 14th century and 17th century country house, Le Charmettes, once home to the philosopher Rousseau.
After a guided tour in the morning, you will have free time to relax in the afternoon before transferring back to the hotel. Early evening we will have a wine tasting with the hotel sommelier.
Day 5: Abbaye d’Hautecombe & Aix-les-Bains
The tranquil Abbaye d’Hautecombe, located on the shores of Lake Bourget, is a former Cistercian then Benedictine monastery and burial place of the House of Savoy.
The spa town of Aix-les-Bains, known since Roman times, is renowned for the healing qualities of its waters. The elegant Belle-Époque buildings, that sprung up in the late 1800s, are best enjoyed at a relaxed pace whilst the Faure Museum houses a collection of Impressionist works and Rodin statues. This evening we enjoy a special Christmas Eve dinner with wine at the hotel.
Day 6: Christmas Day
Today is left free for you to relax however you wish. A festive lunch and dinner will be served at the hotel.
Day 7: Annecy & Lake Annecy
One of the most attractive and popular towns in the French Alps, the town of Annecy sits on the banks of the lake of the same name surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. The imposing château on the hill and the Palais de l’Ile provide much historical interest, and you’ll find the canals and narrow passages of the 16th century old town enchanting.
One of the largest lakes in France, Lake Annecy is surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and attractive towns and villages.
Day 8: Transfer to Lyon for Return
TGV to Lille and onwards by Eurostar to St Pancras.
Exact order or excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“Wandering through the old streets of Lyon, discovering the hidden passages that run through houses from one street to another, was a real highlight of the trip. It offered a fascinating and atmospheric way to experience the city.”
Mrs T, December 2025
“Staying in such a lovely area was a real pleasure, with a very good hotel that made the experience even more comfortable. Annecy was a particular favourite, although the whole region proved to be fascinating and full of interest.”
Anonymous, December 2025
“Driving through the heavy mist and suddenly emerging into bright sunshine to see Mont Blanc on the final day was a truly memorable moment. It was a spectacular and fitting highlight to end the holiday.”
Mrs F, December 2025
“Staying at the Château des Comtes de Challes was an absolute delight. It is a beautiful place to stay, with welcoming and helpful staff and the owner personally present, which really showed the care taken with guests. It was a wonderful experience, and I would happily return.”
Mrs C, December 2025
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Chateau des Comtes de Challes
This tour is based at the beautiful Chateau des Comtes de Challes, located in the pretty village of Challes-les-Eaux about 6km from Chambery. Dating from the 15th century this atmospheric hotel was converted from a fortified house and offers a very high level of comfort and service. Facilities at this friendly, family-owned hotel include an elegant restaurant (where dinner is included each evening), bar, delightful grounds, outdoor pool and charming, well-appointed rooms with private bath/shower, TV, telephone and minibar. It even has its own private chapel! Upgraded “charming rooms” which have more stylish decor are also available at a reasonable supplement.
Please note that there is no lift in the Chateau itself.
Chateau des Comtes de Challes Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a moderate fitness rating, reflecting a fuller itinerary with a good balance of visits, walking and time spent exploring on foot.
Some visits may involve cobbled streets, uneven paving, slopes, steps, stairs, limited seating, or walking from the coach drop-off point to the entrance of a site or attraction. The exact demands will vary from day to day, and we highlight specific practical details within the itinerary wherever possible.
You should feel comfortable walking at a steady group pace, standing during visits and enjoying a full day of sightseeing.
If you are unsure whether this tour is right for you, please contact us before booking.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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