Duration: 10 Days
With its unspoiled scenery, majestic peaks, fascinating old towns, sparkling lakes, rich history, and cities with a cosmopolitan flair, Switzerland is the perfect vacation offering something for everyone. On this Switzerland tour, you’ll experience some of its most beautiful scenery and interesting cities with overnights in Zurich, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt, the Lausanne area, and the Lucerne area.
No tour to Switzerland is complete without seeing the stunning scenery. Enjoy a scenic drive through the high Alps to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. Witness quaint villages, finely carved chalets, green pastures, beautiful forests, magnificent mountain peaks, and rolling, green hills on your way to St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous winter resorts. Switch mode of transportation in Täsch, where you’ll board a mountain train to car-free Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the famous Matterhorn. If you desire to see lakes, you’ll enjoy Lake Maggiore, Italy’s second-largest lake; stunning Lake Geneva; Lugano, the popular subtropical resort on the shores of Lake Lugano; Interlaken, situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz; and Lucerne, situated on Lake Lucerne in the shadows of the snow-capped Alps.
One highlight of this Switzerland tour is the journey aboard the Bernina Express from St Moritz to Tirano, Italy. Traveling on the “red train”, the highest railway across the Alps, you’ll witness glistening glaciers, stunning mountain streams, and alpine scenery, and you’ll travel through tunnels and over bridges that are engineering masterpieces! Enjoy a visit to a local cheese factory in Gruyères, a picturesque medieval town that has been unaffected with the passage of time. You’ll also spend time in Switzerland’s capital, Berne, and storybook Lucerne.
From stunning scenery and vibrant cities to its special experiences, this Switzerland tour is sure to delight. So grab your camera and get ready for an amazing holiday!
Check into your hotel in Zurich and start exploring with the assistance of your CosmosGO app. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers. (D)
A sensational drive today takes you through some of Switzerland's most renowned cantons. Stop in Appenzell to see the Old Town with its 16th-century Town Hall. Continue to the minute Principality of Liechtenstein for a visit of its tiny capital, Vaduz. Pass through scenic "Heidiland" and into the Rhine Valley before ascending mighty Julier Pass. Soon, you'll be in the heart of Switzerland's largest canton, the Grisons, where you'll marvel at some of the world's best alpine views. Spend the next two nights in glamorous St. Moritz, host of two Winter Olympic Games (1928 and 1948) and the premier winter retreat of European royalty, celebrities, and the international jet set for more than a century. (B,D)
Enjoy a whole day to explore this scenic Engadine valley resort. Renowned for its stunning forest, lake, and mountain setting and an average of 322 days of sunshine per year, St. Moritz is comprised of two villages separated by a mile of lake shore-St. Moritz Dorf and St. Moritz Bad. Extending up the slope from the lake, terraced Dorf is a tapestry of grand hotels, upscale boutiques, and traditional Engadine architecture, characterised by arched wooden doors, small deep-set windows, and artistically etched facades. Neighbouring Bad is known for its ice rink, mineral and mud baths, and energetic nightlife. (B)
One of Europe's most spectacular train rides, the BERNINA EXPRESS begins today in St. Moritz, whisking you across lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina. Here, rejoin your coach and journey to the shores of sparkling Lake Lugano. (B)
Discover the highlights of charming, subtropical Lugano before travelling to Lake Maggiore, Italy's second-largest lake. Consider joining the optional boat trip for a visit to the garden island of Isola Bella with its splendid 17th-century palazzo (palace). Return to Switzerland via picturesque Simplon Pass and hop aboard a train in Täsch for the only connection to car-free Zermatt, a resort surrounded by Switzerland's highest mountains-including the celebrated Matterhorn. (B,D)
Time to stroll through town and maybe take a break to sample the local fare, like raclette, fondue, or hand-made chocolate. Perhaps shop for an authentic Swiss watch or Swiss Army Knife. Then, take the train back to Täsch, where you will rejoin the coach and continue your journey through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to crescent-shaped Lake Geneva, one of Europe's largest lakes. (B,D)
Spend either a whole day at leisure exploring Lausanne and its environs, or join an optional excursion to charming Geneva with its cobblestoned Old Town and the Palais des Nations, European headquarters of the United Nations. (B)
The first stop today is in picturesque Gruyères to visit a local CHEESE FACTORY. Then, on to Berne, Switzerland's charming 12th-century capital. The Old Town is a showcase of medieval architecture, arcaded shops, artistic fountains, and the landmark Zytglogge (clock tower), an ornate animated astronomical clock built in 1530. Travel on, skirting the shores of Lake Thun, and stop in the renowned resort of Interlaken for a visit before crossing Brünig Pass to Lucerne. Tonight, why not join an optional folklore evening, complete with yodeling and alphorn blowing? (B)
Discover the wonders of Lucerne, a city straight out of a storybook. Situated on Lake Lucerne beneath the snowcapped Alps, Lucerne highlights include cobblestone streets lined with frescoed homes, the world-famous CHAPEL BRIDGE, and the poignant LION MONUMENT. Perhaps choose from a wonderful selection of optional activities-the most popular is an excursion to mount Stanserhorn. Return to Zurich for an overnight. (B)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
