Switzerland Tour of Zürich, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lucerne
All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron’s enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.
Activities
Day 1 | Welcome to Zürich
Welcome to the sophisticated Swiss city of Zürich - a flawless blend of fascinating heritage and modern spirit. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception in this beautiful lakeside setting.
Meals: Welcome Reception
Hotel: Hyatt Place Airport
Day 2 | Journey to Lake Geneva
We leave the bright lights of Zürich behind and stop in Bern with its Old Town, admiring its medieval streets, ornate fountains and arcaded walkways. Journeying to Lake Geneva, we arrive in the resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards. After lunch, consider joining an Optional Experience to cruise Lake Geneva, including a visit to the Charlie Chaplin museum in his former estate, Manoir de Ban.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Eurotel
Optional Experiences:
Chaplin's World and Lake Geneva Cruise - Enjoy the palm trees on the shores of Lake Geneva from a romantic side- wheel paddle steamer as we cruise along the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. We’ll visit the Charlie Chaplin museum, set on the banks of the lake on his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life here and you’ll discover all the facets of this incredible man's life. We'll see sets and props from his greatest movies and then finish with a peaceful walk in the gardens.
Code:10071
Day 3 | Onwards to Chillon Castle and Zermatt
This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. Our next stop is the Lavaux region, a charming wine village above Lake Geneva, where we’ll Connect With
Locals over lunch at our Be My Guest experience. Continue your journey to the resort town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Matterhorn.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotel: Mirabeau
Day 4 | Zermatt Your Way
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Mirabeau
Optional Experiences:
Klein Matterhorn Excursion - A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain ride. You’ll enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener Steg, before boarding Europe's highest cable car to 3883m (12,740 ft) to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Code:10130
Zermatt Dinner Experience - Discover the beautiful mountainous resort town of Zermatt. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner in a typical chalet-style restaurant with an opportunity to try the world-famous raclette and fondue.
Code:10091
* This optional experience may not operate during the winter months.
Day 5 | Venture to the Italian Lake Maggiore
Departing Switzerland, we travel to the lakeside town of Baveno on Italy's Lake Maggiore. Spend the rest of the day indulging in the laid-back lakeside atmosphere or consider joining an Optional Experience to Isola Bella, one of the lake's Borromean islands, with its palazzo and exquisite gardens.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Simplon
Optional Experiences:
Discover The Borromean Islands - We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, you will meet with your Local Specialist to do a tour of the beautiful palace. You will explore the baroque gardens with its white peacocks and from where you can see the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.
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* This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.
Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori - This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding alleys, to enjoy dinner at one of the Island's restaurants.
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Day 6 | Off to Alpine St. Moritz
We travel through the scenic Italian countryside to the fortified town of Tirano. Here, we board the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Rhaetian Railway to cross the Bernina Pass and wind our way through scenic landscapes en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner, Farewell Dinner
Hotel: Reine Victoria
Optional Experiences:
Rosegg Valley By Horse And Carriage - Arriving in Pontresina, you'll experience a horse-drawn carriage ride through the wild beauty of the Alps and the picturesque Rosegg Valley, with its spectacular mountain views.
Code:10064
Day 7 | Journey to Lakeside Lucerne
Journeying through lush green landscapes, past Lake Zürich, we arrive in lakeside Lucerne. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards, who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI at the Lion Monument, and admire the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge before strolling past the city's colourful façades. Consider joining a cruise on the tranquil lake waters and then ride the world's first double deck 'CabriO' cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Grand Europe
Optional Experiences:
Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise - Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Travelling by funicular and the world's first Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery.
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Swiss Folklore Evening and Dinner - Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.
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Day 8 | Admire Scenic Brienz and Interlaken
We travel to Interlaken at the heart of Switzerland, which lies in the shadow of the Jungfrau Mountain. Stopping in the village of Brienz en route, we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of wood carving for which this village is so famous. Spend some time on your own and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Grand Europe
Day 9 | Homeward Bound
As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell.
Meals: Breakfast