Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for 2 nights.Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Bern. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D) Dinner
Day 2 ZURICH–NEUCHÂTEL–LAKE GENEVA
Swiss History ZURICH Orientation walk of the old town includes sights of the Fraumünsterkirche.
NEUCHÂTEL Free time en route to Lake Geneva. (B) 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti Breakfast
Day 3 LAKE GENEVA
Grandeur in Geneva LAKE GENEVA Guided visit to Chillon Castle. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
HISTORIC SPOT
EXPLORE MORE Located on a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through these serene location and take in breath-taking views of the surrounding area Breakfast
Day 4 LAKE GENEVA–BERN–LUCERNE
Alpine Attraction BERN Guided walking tour includes the Old Town, a stop at Bear Park, and a panoramic view of the city from Rose Garden. Free time for lunch. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 155 mi / 250 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River Breakfast
Day 5 LUCERNE
Bridging History LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. [LF] Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark BreakfastDinner
Day 6 LUCERNE–LUGANO
Sights & Delights of Switzerland LUCERNE Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps on the way to Lugano.
LUGANO Free time. (B) 112mi/180 km
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art Breakfast
Day 7 LUGANO
Swiss Celebration LUGANO Free time this morning and afternoon. Farewell dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D)
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano with an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle. Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous BreakfastDinner
Day 8 LUGANO
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.) (B)
Accommodations
Zurich
Lake Geneva
Lucerne
Lugano
Lugano
Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Max Bill-Platz 19 Zurich Switzerland
Situated in the business district of Oerlikon, this modern hotel is just a short walk from Zurich Oerlikon Station from which downtown Zurich can easily be reached by direct train in just under 10 minutes. Combining innovative design and a fresh, contemporary style, the 152 spacious guestrooms feature plush bedding and black-out curtains to ensure a great night's sleep. All air-conditioned rooms include a lounge chair, in-room safe, mini-refrigerator, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The inviting 'Kitchen & Bar at Courtyard' restaurant offers a seasonal all-day food and beverage service, and there is a 24/7 Grab n' go Market in the lobby for snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and the fitness area is available to hotel guests 24/7.
Mona Montreux First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
81 Grand Rue Montreux Switzerland
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva with views of the Alps and strides away from the Montreux Music & Convention Center.
Rooms have free Wi-Fi and a minibar.
Guests can enjoy Swiss and international cuisine at the lakeside restaurant, or on the terrace, where barbecued dishes are prepared during the summer months.
Other amenities include a fitness center.
Astoria First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Pilatusstrasse 29 Lucerne Switzerland
Ideally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym.
De La Paix First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via Cattori, 18 Lugano-Paradiso Switzerland
Pleasant Hotel situated within 2 minutes' walk of the lake, a 15-minute walk from town center.
Novotel Lugano Paradiso First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Via San Salvatore 11 Lugano Switzerland
This modern mid-scale 97-room hotel is located just a short walk away from Lake Lugano with Free Wi-Fi connection and tasteful, elegant décor throughout. Soundproofed guestrooms perfectly blend comfort with technology and the restaurant is an informal setting serving fresh, tasty, healthy specialties with a bar area for simply enjoying drinks in a friendly atmosphere. The property also offers a fitness centre and an outdoor seasonal swimming pool & bar.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
Dinner
Breakfast
Accommodations
