Discover the wonders of this extraordinary country: unspoiled scenery, majestic peaks, sparkling lakes, and cities with cosmopolitan flair. Begin with an overnight in Zürich, then travel through the hilly landscapes to Appenzell with a stop in the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. Enjoy pastoral “Heidiland” on your way to the glamorous St. Moritz resort. Marvel at the breathtaking views on the included Bernina Express alpine train that whisks you to Tirano, Italy. Rejoin your motorcoach to arrive on the shores of splendid Lake Lugano, then to Italy’s Lake Maggiore and crossing Simplon Pass to re-enter Switzerland. Overnight in Täsch and join the included train excursion to car-free Zermatt at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. Journey on to Lausanne on Lake Geneva, then to Gruyère to visit a local cheese factory, to the charming Swiss capital of Berne, and to Lake Lucerne, surrounded by snowcapped Alps. Your adventure concludes with a final overnight in vibrant Zürich.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland. Check into your hotel in Zürich. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day #2 Zürich–Appenzell–Liechtenstein–St. Moritz. A sensational drive today through some of Switzerland’s most famed cantons. By way of the market town of Herisau, stop in Appenzell to see the Old Town center with its Town Hall. Further east to the minute Principality of Liechtenstein for a visit to its tiny capital Vaduz. A scenic drive through “Heidiland” to the Rhine Valley before starting the ascent of mighty Julier Pass. Soon you’ll be in the heart of Switzerland’s largest canton, the Grisons. Here, see some of the world’s best Alpine views before arriving in St. Moritz. (B)
Day #3 St. Moritz–Bernina Express Train to Tirano, Italy–Lugano, Switzerland. Enjoy the highlight of the whole tour and a wonderful way of crossing the Alps. One of Europe’s most spectacular train rides begins in St. Moritz and takes you across the lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina. Here, rejoin your coach for the journey to the shores of Lake Lugano. (B)
Day #4 Lugano–Lake Maggiore–Täsch. Morning break in sub-tropical Lugano. Afterwards, return to Italy to savor the luminous atmosphere of Lake Maggiore. Time for an optional visit to Isola Bella, a magnificently located palace and garden island. Then, back into Switzerland via scenic Simplon Pass. Overnight in the village of Täsch. (B,D)
Day #5 Täsch–Zermatt–Lausanne Area. This morning, an excursion by train to Zermatt, the famous resort beneath the Matterhorn. In the afternoon, motor through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva before arriving in the Lausanne area on its northern shore. (B)
Day #6 Lausanne Area–Gruyère–Berne–Lucerne. Stop awhile in Gruyère to visit a local cheese factory. Then, on to Switzerland’s beautiful capital, Berne, a charming town with arcaded shops, carved fountains, and towers. The visit features the Bear Park and the monumental Federal Palace. Then, by way of the shores of Lake Thun, to Interlaken. After a visit, continue over Brünig Pass to Lucerne. Time for an optional folklore evening in Lucerne. (B)
Day #7 Lucerne–Zürich. Today, visit Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the main highlights. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day. The most popular option is an excursion to the Stanserhorn. In the late afternoon, an easy drive back to Zürich for an overnight. (B)
Day #8 Zürich. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
