Switzerland

THE BEST OF SWITZERLAND 

8 days from Zurich to Zurich

Day 1 Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland

Time to rest or to discover Zurich’s attractive historic center and lakeside promenade. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (Dinner)

Day 2 Zurich–Vaduz, Liechtenstein–St. Moritz, Switzerland

Enjoy an orientation walk of Zurich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce. Next, stop for a visit of a traditional CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONARY before continuing to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. After a break in Vaduz, ascend the Rhine Valley into the mountainous Grisons, a canton where three of the country’s four languages are spoken. The 7,504-foot Julier Pass, an important Alpine road since Roman times, leads to the Engadine. This valley is considered by many as the most beautiful mountain area in the world, with deep-blue lakes, airy larch forests that turn golden in the fall, mountain peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, and quaint villages with massive white stone houses in the characteristic Grisons style. Afternoon arrival in ritzy St. Moritz. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 3 St. Moritz–Lake Como, Italy–Lugano, Switzerland

A gradual change of scenery as you descend towards the enchanting shores of the Italian Lake Como and continue on to the southern tip of Switzerland. The vegetation south of the Alps is Mediterranean: chestnut groves, vineyards, and olive and fig trees make you forget that earlier today you were within walking distance of glaciers. Afternoon arrival in the popular subtropical resort town of Lugano allows time for shopping under the arcades of Via Nassa, an espresso on flower-festooned Piazza Riforma, or a stroll along the lake. (Breakfast)

Day 4 Lugano–Stresa, Italy–Zermatt, Switzerland

From Lake Lugano to the Italian shore of Lake Maggiore for a break in elegant Stresa. An optional boat ride to the enchanting Isola Bella can be arranged. On over lofty Simplon Pass into the Swiss Valais, an area renowned for its excellent wines and great mountain resorts. To reach the most famous of them, leave the coach behind in Täsch and board a MOUNTAIN TRAIN to climb the last few miles up to car-free Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the Matterhorn. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Zermatt–Lake Geneva

Morning at leisure. A suggestion: ride Europe’s highest rack-railway to 10,272-foot Gornergrat for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps. Next, motor through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley and arrive at beautiful Lake Geneva for your overnight stay. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 6 Lake Geneva–Berne–Interlaken–Lucerne

Travel along an excellent highway through some of the country’s best farmlands to its stately capital, Berne. Your guided tour starts at the BEAR PARK, followed by a panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden. Next, enjoy a walking tour through the beautifully preserved medieval Old Town. Witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower and take your pictures of ornate, flower-adorned fountains. Highlight of the day is a special lunch at a traditional Swiss WORKING FARM. Continue to Interlaken and take pictures of the Jungfrau massif with its group of three famous peaks: the Jungfrau, the Mönch, and the Eiger. Over Brünig Pass to picture-book Lucerne. You may wish to sign up for a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7 Lucerne

On your walking tour this morning, admire Thorwaldsen’s LION MONUMENT and ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then, cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. Afterwards, shop for watches or climb a mountain by cable car. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your Swiss vacation. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 8 Lucerne–Zurich Airport

Morning transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich, not Lucerne. (Breakfast)

Included Features

Zurich                             

Welcome dinner; orientation walk of the Old Town; visit a chocolate confectionary

Vaduz 

Visit the capital of Liechtenstein

Lake Como

Täsch-Zermatt-Täsch

By mountain train

Berne 

Guided walking tour, stop at the Bear Park and the Rose Garden; lunch at a working farm

Interlaken 

Take pictures of the Jungfrau massif

Lucerne 

Walking tour including the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge; farewell dinner at a local restaurant



Note:

• On arrival at Zurich Airport a complimentary transfer by hotel shuttle bus is available.

Accommodations

Meals

Full buffet breakfast daily; 5 three-course dinners, including a welcome dinner in Zurich, a special lunch in Berne, and a farewell dinner with wine in Lucerne

SUPERIOR HOTELS - (D) Deluxe (SF) Superior First-Class (F) First-Class

ZURICH Mövenpick Zürich Airport (SF) at Glattbrugg, ST. MORITZ Crystal (F) or Laudinella (F), LUGANO De La Paix (F), ZERMATT Walliserhof (F) or Pollux (F), LAKE GENEVA Eurotel Riviera (F) at Montreux, LUCERNEMonopol (F)

Dates & Prices

Popular Departure - due to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out quickly. Early booking is encouraged.

Dates and prices do not include international air travel. 

Prices based on double room occupancy.

Single room supplement: 

$367

Triple room reduction: 

$43

Extra nights per person in Zurich:

in single room $170, in twin room $115, in triple room $98