Best of Switzerland

1N Zurich , 1N Montreux , 2N Zermatt , 1N Baveno , 1N St Moritz and 2N Lucerne
9 days

From

$ 3,838

per person

Operated by Trafalgar

About the trip

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.

Meals
1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 8 Breakfasts
Max. Group Size
40
Guide Languages
English

Highlights

  • Discover Zürich and Lucerne
  • Visit Bern, Chillon Castle, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Interlaken and Brienz
  • View the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne, the Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountains (weather permitting), Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
  • Scenic Train Ride from Tirano to Pontresina
  • Connect With Locals Enjoy Swiss hospitality and the flavours of local wines, cheeses and breads with the owner of a local vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva.
  • Dive Into Culture Learn about Switzerland's wood-carving heritage at the Jobin wood sculpture museum in Brienz.

Meals

1 Be My Guest, 1 Dinner, 1 Farewell Dinner, 1 Welcome Reception, 8 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle

Included in the price

Zurich

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Train from Tirano to Pontresina

Day-wise Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Zürich

Welcome to the sophisticated Swiss city of Zürich - a flawless blend of fascinating heritage and modern spirit. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and orientation in this beautiful lakeside setting.

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.

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 Bourg en Lavaux, 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.

Day 4: Zermatt Your Way

Spend the day soaking up the crisp mountain air and panoramic alpine vistas. You have a full day on your own to explore the town, or simply relax in beautiful surrounds. Consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views or explore the heritage of what was once a remote mountain village.

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.

Day 6: Off To Alpine St. Moritz

We travel through the scenic Italian countryside to the fortified town of Tirano. Here, we will board the famous Bernina Express train 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.

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 cross 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.

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 a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way.

Day 9: Homeward Bound

As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

Starting from

$ 3,838

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