9 days, 2 countries and 11 cities
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.
Day 1
Welcome to Zürich
Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a social-impact guided walking tour. This evening, attend a dinner to launch your Swiss experience.
Accommodation – Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle
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.
Accommodation – Mona Montreux
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.
Accommodation – Le Mirabeau Zermatt
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.
Accommodation – Le Mirabeau Zermatt
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.
Accommodation – Hotel Simplon Baveno
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.
Accommodation – Hotel Reine Victoria by Laudinella St. Moritz
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.
Accommodation – Grand Hotel Europe Lucerne
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 dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we’ve enjoyed along the way.
Accommodation – Grand Hotel Europe Lucerne
Day 9
Homeward Bound
As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell.
WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
- Enjoy your stay at cherry picked hotels and lodges, all tried and trusted.
- Travel comfortably in air-conditioned coaches.
- Our Travel Directors play a crucial role in curating unforgettable experiences for the guests. These seasoned explorers, and culture enthusiasts share local insights from the start, offering a personalized, insider’s perspective of each destination.
- Airport transfers are provided on the first and last travel day. Conditions apply.
- Many meals and daily breakfasts included.
- Extensive variety of Choice Experiences.
COST: $3,388 Onwards
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