8 days Glorious Switzerland
Discover a land of contrasting scenery, people and languages, offering an eclectic mix of interests and wonders.
| Day | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geneva, City of Gardens | Welcome to Switzerland! Prepare yourself for varied modes of transport, all of which showcase the majesty of the snow-capped mountains, the glaciers, sparkling lakes, flower-filled meadows and the beauty of the rich, green valleys. Transfers from Geneva airport to your hotel depart at 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:00, followed by a short stroll to your Welcome Dinner hosted at Au Petit Chalet. The evening is full of Swiss delight as you enjoy the cosy, chalet-style decor while being served typical Swiss specialities including mouthwatering chocolate fondue for dessert! Return to your immaculate, boutique hotel, rated as the No. 1 hotel of the 'Top 15 Hotels of Switzerland' at the 2017 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards. Hotel d'Angleterre highlights British charm and the finest of Swiss hospitality with each room individually-designed to reflect its elegant style. Hotel: Hotel d'Angleterre,, Geneva Welcome Reception and Dinner |
| 2 | Montreux, Chillon and the Matterhorn Village of Zermatt | Start your day with the highlights of Geneva, the ‘city of gardens', nestled at the end of its lake. See the Jet D'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Then relax and enjoy the enchanting scenery, as we continue on to the scenic town of Montreux, at the foot of the Alps, boasting one of the most beautiful lakeside walks. Enjoy free time to explore this pretty town. Journey to the great arc of Lake Geneva where a Local Expert will show you medieval Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, immortalised by Byron's ‘Prisoner of Chillon'. Continue along the Rhone Valley, with high summer temperatures that support vines and other fruits. The final stage of your journey is by cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. Feast your eyes on the distinctive triangular silhouette of the Matterhorn. At night, enjoy a stroll in the clean mountain air to your chosen restaurant on your Dine-Around evening. Hotel: Alex Hotel/Schlosshotel, Zermatt Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 3 | Free Time in Zermatt | (Relaxed Start) Zermatt in summertime is a Shangri-La of leisure time possibilities: try swimming or hiking or spend a whole day relaxing in the clean mountain air. Perhaps take an optional ride on Europe's highest cable car to the snow-capped roof of the world for a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France? Hotel: Alex Hotel, Zermatt Buffet Breakfast |
| 4 | Elegant Baveno | Descend to Täsch and rejoin the coach. Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon as you ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Perhaps take a delightful boat trip to see the stunning Isola Bella? Hotel: Hotel Simplon, Baveno Breakfast |
| 5 | Grison Alps to Chic St. Moritz | (Relaxed Start) Head north back into the high mountain country of the Grison Alps today. Ascend the Julier Pass to arrive in the sparkling Engadine Valley with a climate characterised by clear skies. On arrival in the cosmopolitan resort of St. Moritz, a brief orientation will show you the spa quarter and the brilliantly sparkling glacial lake. Then jostle with the jet-set in the elegant boutiques. Hotel: Crystal/Steffani Hotel, St. Moritz Breakfast, TDinner with wine, |
| 6 | Scenic Train Ride, Liechtenstein and Lucerne | Start the day with a scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, across the Grison Mountains and through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. At Chur, reboard your coach and drive along the valley of the Upper Rhine to spend a while in Vaduz, the tiny capital of Liechtenstein. Then a beautiful path takes you alongside the dramatic Walensee and Lake Zurich brings you to Lucerne. See the sorrowful sculpture of the wounded lion, commemorating the brave Swiss guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.Your Travel Director will also show you the Jesuit Church and the Chapel Bridge. Hotel: Renaissance Lucerne Hotel. Meals: Breakfast |
| 7 | The Summit of Stanserhorn | Commence the day with a morning stroll along lakeside promenades or shopping for fine watches while enjoying the scenery. Then, from the town of Stans, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn, where you will meet a Swiss Ranger and learn about the local wildlife. Take in the pristine mountain air and on a clear day you may see as far as Alsace and the Black Forest. At the foot of Mount Stanserhorn, embrace a fantastic wining and dining experience at Restaurant Seeblick. Celebrate new friends and a great trip during your Celebration dinner, offering magnificent views over Lake Lucerne. Hotel: Renaissance Lucerne Hotel. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine |
| 8 | Leaving Lucerne for Zürich | Your departure transfer arrives at Zürich Airport at 08:00. Please do not schedule any flights before 10:00am. Breakfast |