Duration: 9 Days
Chocolate and Cheese. Alps and Alp horns. Precision timepieces and timeless scenery. There is so much to yodel about in sweet and scenic Switzerland. With snow-dusted peaks in view from Zurich to Geneva to Lucerne, this uplifting tour of Switzerland has many elevating experiences in store. A stroll through the13th-century Gruyères Castle, a drive through the picturesque vineyards of the “Swiss Riviera,” and a tasting at the delectable Maison Cailler chocolate factory are just the beginning of your delightful ascent. You’ll also visit the resort towns of Gstaad and Interlaken before heading via mountain train to the “Top of Europe,” the nickname for Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest railway station at more than 11,000 feet. This Alpine wonderland of ice and snow, complete with multiple viewing terraces and an Ice Palace, is not just high in elevation—it’s the highlight of this spectacular Swiss journey.
Traveller Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect holiday—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.
Please note: Itinerary is based on 2024, and is subject to change. Full details will be confirmed in 2024.
Welcome to Zurich!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Swiss Strolls in Geneva
ZURICH An orientation walk in the Old Town includes the Fraumunsterkirche.
BIEL/BIENNE Enjoy free time at the historical district.
NEUCHATEL Free time for lunch en route to 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 Fraumunsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.
Grandeur in Geneva
GENEVA Guided sightseeing includes Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORY & TRADITION Explore Geneva's Old Town where the imposing St. Peter's Cathedral stands in the city of the Reformation. Discover fascinating stories along the small cobblestone streets and small squares, as well as secret passages. See the Parc des Bastions where giant statues of the leading figures of the Reformation are carved into the great wall - engraved with Geneva's motto, 'Post Tenebras Lux' (Light After Darkness).
How Sweet it Is
EVIAN-LES-BAINS Enjoy free time to browse.
GRUYERES [LF] Visit the castle and enjoy lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double creme.
BROC [LF] Visit Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting. (B,L,D) 87 mi / 140 km
LOCAL FAVOURITE
LOCAL TASTES Meringue a la creme and Swiss chocolate are two perfect pleasures we can't resist! Capture the tradition of the medieval hilltop Castle of Gruyeres with the double sweetness of creme and meringue. Later sink your sweet tooth into Maison Cailler's decadent delicacies when you visit their famous chocolate factory.
Spectacular Switzerland
GSTAAD Orientation walk and free time to browse.
INTERLAKEN Free time to explore.
GRINDELWALD Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 87 mi / 140 km
FREE TIME TIPS
EXPLORE MORE Grindelwald has been attracting visitors since the 18th century, a popular hub for those wishing to explore the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for stunning scenery and unspoilt nature. During the winter months the area is a top ski destination, and Grindelwald is Switzerland's largest ski resort.
The Top of Europe
GRINDELWALD Join an excursion to the [LF] Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit, Ice Palace, and receive your Jungfrau Passport. Enjoy free time to explore. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
EPIC RIDE An unforgettable journey to the Jungfraujoch, often called the "Top of Europe." Disembark at Europe's highest railway station and spend time exploring. Visit the Ice Palace where artists have created incredible ice sculptures. Enjoy 360 degree cinematic experience of the Jungfrau Panorama and don't miss the chance to take the ultrafast lift to the Sphinx Observatory to get a fantastic view of the longest glacier in the Alps.
Alpine Attraction
BERNE Guided walking tour includes a stop at Bear Park, panoramic views of the city from the Rose Garden and the Old Town. Free time for lunch.
LUCERNE Enjoy free time late this afternoon and evening. (B) 112 mi / 180 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS BarenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne 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-metre natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
Bridging History
LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. Farewell dinner this evening at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrucke (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.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. A complimentary morning 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
