Duration: 7 Days
Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Grindelwald, and on to Geneva. Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a stunning 14th century fortress city sitting on a lakeshore and surrounded by snowcapped forests. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grison Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St Moritz—a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond in the Spy Who Loved Me. Board the Glacier Express to Andermatt and adventure through the heart of the Swiss Alps in the Albula Pass tunnel, before crossing the skyscraping Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Rhône Valley. In the Swiss capital, enjoy a sumptuous Geneva fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet. Day 1
Zürich and Lovely Lucerne
Welcome to Switzerland - an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cozy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges, crowned by famous peaks. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner with good food and wine.
Day 2
Lucerne and St. Moritz Relaxed Start
Experience Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will reveal the covered wooden bridges, the painted gables and the sorrowful Lion Monument. Then there’s time to enjoy the excellent shops and lakeside walks before heading along the dramatic Walensee, past Chur, to the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Set in the sparkling Engadine Valley, this elegant resort nestles below the awe-inspiring, majestic Grisons Alps.
Day 3
St. Moritz at Leisure Relaxed Start
This whole day is completely at leisure, so maybe enjoy a late breakfast to start? Afterwards you may choose to explore the spa quarter of this chic resort, see the houses with their traditional sgraffito facades or indulge in the stylish boutiques? You may even consider joining the Bernina Express for a scenic rail journey of such epic proportions that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Day 4
Aboard the Glacier Express
Board the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride with lunch included, through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Descend through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverse the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Your train then joins the broad Rhine Gorge and meanders beside rock-strewn rivers before climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages with chalet-style houses glide by. After a series of spirals, you will reach the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass. Modern, panoramic viewing cars ensure that you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt where you rejoin the coach. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley.
Day 5
Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed Start
Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain?
Day 6
Chillon Castle and Geneva
Journey to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. Join Maud, the curator of the Chateau, to visit the beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar.
Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva.
On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Visit the Red Cross Museum for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how this world-renowned organization provides vital assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your newfound friends at a local restaurant, as you are treated to a delicious, traditional fondue Celebration Dinner complete with wine.
Day 7
Depart Geneva
Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport at 08:00 or 10:00.
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
- Lucerne: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
- Geneva: You will be delighted with a delicious fondue dinner at local restaurant, a real Swiss treat.
- Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.
- Geneva: Visit the fascinating Red Cross Museum. Learn how this world-renowned organization provides assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers and, with your visit, support their vital work.
- Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- St Moritz: During your orientation of this alpine resort see the spa quarter and glacial lake.
- St Moritz: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity.
- Grindelwald: Explore this famous glacier village with your Travel Director. Embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine towns.
- Montreux: At the foot of the Alps this town boasts one of the most beautiful walks along Lake Geneva, join your Travel Director for an orientation before there is free time to explore.
- Geneva: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the Jet d'Eau and Floral Clock.
- : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Start Date: 2023-11-19
End Date: 2023-11-25
twin
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Child Price: $4198
twinShare
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single
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End Date: 2023-12-02
twin
Adult Price: $4658
Child Price: $4198
twinShare
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triple
Adult Price: $4531
Child Price: $4071
single
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End Date: 2023-12-27
twin
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twinShare
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triple
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single
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End Date: 2024-01-05
twin
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twinShare
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triple
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single
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End Date: 2024-01-13
twin
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twinShare
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triple
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single
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End Date: 2024-02-03
twin
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Child Price: $4658
twinShare
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triple
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Child Price: $4531
single
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Start Date: 2024-03-19
End Date: 2024-03-25
twin
Adult Price: $4974
Child Price: $4514
twinShare
Adult Price: $4974
triple
Adult Price: $4847
Child Price: $4387
single
Adult Price: $6671