Swiss chocolates and snow cap mountains; old town clock towers and wooden chapel bridges; Switzerland, with all its ancient landmarks and natural beauty marvels with treasures in every corner and lies in the center of Europe. Discover medieval villages, cross its many lakes, & venture to the highest peak in all of Europe.
In Europe's year-round playground, discover its outstanding landscape as you ride through mountains and along lakesides on the luxurious GoldenPass Train from Lausanne to Interlaken. Spirit and passion will ignite on a trip to the Olympic Museum in the headquarters and home of the Olympics, learn where it all began and the continued mission to bring world peace. Venture to the top of Europe to Jungfraujoch, an absolute must when in Switzerland, then take a leisurely stroll down to the city of Luzern for a walking tour to see the famous Chapel Bridge. Hike to the top of Mount Rigi or enjoy an authentic Folklore performance in Goladau. Experience the heart and soul of Switzerland on this week long journey with Tauck.
Highlights
Discover Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe" – you'll be awestruck by the endless panoramic views
Experience the elegant atmosphere aboard the GoldenPass Train as it travels through the Swiss Alps, offering breathtaking views and comfort
View snow-peaked mountain tops on a private boat cruise across Lake Lucerne, before a farewell dinner at your opulent and sophisticated hotel
Walking tour of Lausanne complete with a chocolate tasting and a look at its Old Town
Visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne
Ride aboard the Brienz Rothom Bahn Steam Train
Welcome to Switzerland
Tour Begins: 6:00 PM, Lausanne Palace. A transfer is included from Geneva Airport to your historic hotel in the heart of the city, Lausanne Palace. Join us this evening for a cocktail reception and welcome dinner to meet your fellow travelers.
Chocolate tour & wine tasting in Lausanne
The city of Lausanne is rich with history, majestic landscapes, impressive art and architecture. This morning, embark on a walking tour with a Switzerland chocolate tasting to discover the Old Town and its Gothic-style cathedral, and take in the majestic views of Lake Geneva at its base. After lunch, enjoy an excursion with wine tastings at a nearby vineyard.
Visit the Olympic Museum & Golden Pass Train to Interlaken
Lausanne is located on Lake Geneva and is a French-speaking region of Vaud, Switzerland. It's more than a charming lakeside medieval city; it's home to the International Olympic Committee headquarters. The Olympic Museum celebrates the history of the Olympics and the past and modern games. On a visit here you'll explore the Greek origins of the games, the evolution of sports equipment and rules, and the Olympics' mission to promote world peace. Enjoy lunch before boarding the Golden Pass Train en route to Interlaken, the scenic trip passes through the Swiss Alps, verdant valleys and endless vineyards. Dinner this evening is at your hotel.
Brienz / Steam Train & a lake cruise
This morning after breakfast, hop on the Brienz Rothornbahn Steam Train headed for the Rothorn peak at 7,709 ft. On a clear day you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the central Swiss Alps including Pilatus, Rigi, Titlis and the iconic peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Lunch includes local culinary delights. Return to Brienz for free time, before boarding an idyllic cruise on Lake Brienz back to Interlaken.
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe
It wouldn't be a complete trip to Switzerland without a visit to Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe" - the highest railway station in Europe and the center of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing at 11,332 ft. above sea level with panoramic views of a wonderland of ice, snow and rock. Enjoy the ascent with views of the longest glacier in the Alps towards Italy, France and Germany, and at the top on the Sphinx Terrace, take in views of the Black Forest and the Vosges, as well as the Aletsch Glacier. The highest manned research and weather station in Europe is also located on the Jungfraujoch. Enjoy lunch on your own up here before taking a cable car ride back down. Dinner this evening is back in Interlaken.
Onward to Lucerne
After breakfast this morning, you're off to Lucerne enjoying the magnificent views of breathtaking Alpine panorama, sparkling lakes and tranquil countryside. A guided city walking tour is followed by lunch at the Pfistern Guild Hall and free time to explore.
Mount Rigi & a cruise on Lake Lucerne
A day filled with mountain and lake views awaits in Goldau, a town in the community of Arth. The short drive here welcomes with views of the Rigi and Rossberg mountains, and lakes Zug and Lauerz. Upon arrival at the base of Mount Rigi, embark the first mountain railway in Europe heading for the top. Enjoy lunch at the summit where the local gastronomy accompanies the fine views. An easy cogwheel train ride takes you back down the mountain for a cruise from Vitznau back to Lucerne. Join us this evening for a farewell reception and dinner at your hotel.
Journey home from Lucerne
Tour Ends: 8:00 AM: Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern. Fly home anytime. A transfer from Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern to Zurich Airport is included. Please allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in at the airport.