If you have dreamed of taking in storybook-setting vistas, breathing in fresh Alpine air, and tasting mouth-watering Swiss chocolates, this enchanting tour of Switzerland has you covered from A to Zurich. Bustling cities, chalet-dotted hillsides, and pastoral valleys welcome you to the land of lush green farmland, glorious fondue, and glitzy fun. Join the capricious and carefree in the posh playgrounds of swanky St. Moritz, sparkling Lake Geneva, charming car-free Zermatt, and Italy’s celebrated and celebrity-full Lake Como. As you near lively Lugano and the Italian border, the scenery delightfully changes from mountainous panoramas to a Mediterranean paradise complete with chestnut groves, olive and fig trees, and fruitful vineyards. Dinner at a shady and cool grotto and lunch on a traditional Swiss farm provide local, delectable dining experiences like no other.
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Orientation walk in Zurich’s Old Town• Visit Vaduz, St. Moritz, and Lugano • Scenic drive includes views of Lake Como• Visit Stresa on Lake Maggiore• Scenic mountain train ride from Täsch to Zermatt• Scenic drive through the lower Rhône Valley en route to Lake Geneva• Guided walking tour in Bern• [LF] Lunch at a traditional Swiss working farm • Walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge• [LF] scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus
Notes: High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. St. Moritz elevation is 5,978 ft (1,822 m) and the ascent up Mount Pilatus takes you to an elevation of 6,982 ft (2,128m).
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel Dinner
Day 2 ZURICH–VADUZ, LIECHTENSTEIN–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND
Swiss Chocolates & Sweet Views This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Admire the panorama during a scenic drive along Lake Zurich and Lake Walen into the high Alps to reach the Principality of Liechtenstein. In the capital city of Vaduz, enjoy some free time for browsing and lunching. Later, reach the glamorous resort town of St. Moritz, Enjoy free time this afternoon to discover why it is nicknamed “Top of the World.” (B,D)
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 BreakfastDinner
Day 3 ST. MORITZ–LAKE COMO, ITALY–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND
Legendary Lakes of Italy & Switzerland This morning leave St. Moritz, cross the border into Italy and enjoy a scenic drive along the sparkling waters of Lake Como. Return to Switzerland and reach the elegant lakefront city of Lugano. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to admire the buildings, browse the stores in the pedestrian center, try some local specialties, or stroll along the lakeside promenade. (B)
84 mi / 135 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
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 4 LUGANO–STRESA, ITALY–TÄSCH, SWITZERLAND–ZERMATT
The Heights of Beauty This morning drive to the Italian part of Lake Maggiore and visit the charming town of Stresa. Free time to explore and stroll along the promenade before a scenic drive takes you over the Simplon Pass, one of the most important alpine routes. Reach Täsch for a panoramic mountain train ride to the world-famous resort of Zermatt. (B,D)
149 mi / 240 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEMS Stresa is an example of Italy’s splendid elegance on Lake Maggiore, overlooking the surrounding islands. With natural beauty, ornamental gardens, and grand architecture, Stresa is a study in sophistication. Luxury villas and art nouveau hotels along the shores make for a perfect place to stroll BreakfastDinner
Day 5 ZERMATT
Peak Perfection Oozing tradition, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, Zermatt offers an unforgettable experience. Marvel at the stunning mountainscapes and discover the picturesque village during a full free day at leisure. (B)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Spend the day leisurely strolling around car-free Zermatt or join an excursion to the Matterhorn Glacier, an Alpine paradise of sky slopes, panoramic vistas, ice carvings and unique views. An amazing experience you do not want to miss Breakfast
Day 6 ZERMATT–LAKE GENEVA
Life on the Lake Depart Zermatt for a scenic drive through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to reach Lake Geneva, the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. Free time this afternoon to explore independently. (B,D)
106 mi / 170km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT The glistening waters of Lake Geneva lap against its French and Swiss shores in the serene surroundings of sublime vineyards and countryside. Belle Epoque sailboats traverse the lakeshores amid castles, museums, and resort towns as they have for over a century BreakfastDinner
Day 7 LAKE GENEVA–BERN–LUCERNE
Coming Up Roses in Bern Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Later, a short drive brings you to [LF] a traditional Swiss working farm for a delicious lunch before continuing to Lucerne. (B,L)
165 mi / 265 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains,” Bern - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometers of arcades and animated clock tower, then indulge in lunch at a local farm BreakfastLunch
Day 8 LUCERNE
Lion Hearted in Lucerne This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Later, prepare to have your breath taken away as you take [LF] a scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. Receive a special souvenir cap as a memento. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE Feel your heart soar as you ascend to the summit of magnificent Mount Pilatus, home to the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Look out for the legendary dragon and take in the heavenly vistas. Direct your gaze as far as the eye can see with views as far as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Down below, sparkling lakes catch the sun for a view unlike any other BreakfastDinner
Day 9 LUCERNE–ZURICH AIRPORT
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
A morning complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. (B)
42 mi / 68 km
Accommodations
Zurich
St. Moritz
Lugano
Zermatt
Zermatt
Lake Geneva
Lucerne
Lucerne
Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North First-Class
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