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8 days Magical Switzerland ( Winter 2019 )



Experience Christmas like never before, as you admire snow-laden Alpine peaks, traditional markets and sparkling lakes with a highlight experience aboard the famous Glacier Express.

Day Location Description
1 Zürich and Lovely Lucerne Welcome to Switzerland - an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cosy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges, crowned by famous peaks. On arrival at Zürich Airport, transfers leave for your tour hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Later, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Reception with dinner and wine. Hotel: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne Welcome Reception and Dinner
2 Lucerne and St. Moritz (Relaxed Start) Experience Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Tour 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. Hotel: Hotel Laudinella, St. Moritz Buffet Breakfast, Three-course Dinner with wine, plus tea or coffee
3 St. Moritz at Leisure (Relaxed Start) This whole day is completely at leisure, so maybe opt for a late breakfast to start? Then, perhaps explore the spa quarter of this chic resort, see the houses with their traditional ‘sgraffito’ façades 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? Hotel: Hotel Laudinella, St. Moritz Buffet Breakfast
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 and down the Rhône Valley. Around mid-afternoon, you will disembark in Brig. Hotel: Hotel Alex, Brig Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with wine.
5 Zermatt Matterhorn Village In the morning, enjoy dramatic Swiss scenery as you follow the narrow valley which leads to Täsch. Here, you leave the coach to board the cogwheel train that takes you to the traffic-free haven of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Wander along its cobbled streets to browse among the shops, explore the ancient wooden farmhouses and ‘mazot’ barns in the back alleys, or visit the Matterhorn Museum to pass through the homes of yesteryear. If you have a head for heights, then you may like to board the cable car up the Klein Matterhorn. From the summit, marvel at the incredible views of the icebound Swiss Alps (weather permitting). Return to your hotel in Brig where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Hotel: Hotel Alex, Brig Buffet Breakfast
6 Chillon Castle and Geneva Journey along the Lower Rhône Valley to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European ‘Romantic’ movement are very strong. With a Local Expert, visit 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. A beautiful drive beside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, brings you to the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, sightseeing includes the United Nations Building (Palais des Nations), the Old Town, Reformation Monument and if operating, the Jet d’Eau. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your friends at a finalé Celebration Dinner complete with wine. Hotel: Warwick, Geneva Buffet Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
7 Depart Geneva Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Geneva Airport at 08:00 and 10:00. Breakfast