COUNTRY ROADS OF SWITZERLAND
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Day 1 | Welcome to Lucerne
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes
that has attracted poets, musicians and travellers for centuries. Arrive into
Zürich airport and transfer to your hotel in Lucerne. Meet your Travel
Director and travel companions for a pleasant dinner at a local restaurant.
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Hotel: Astoria Lucerne
Day 2 | Ascend the summit of Mount Stanserhorn
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an
open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up the summit.
Admire unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day see
as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along
beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native
animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to
learn about local wildlife and ora. Return to the beautiful 14th century city
of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, Baroque church and
sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to
walk along the lake or perhaps shop for a special timepiece or chocolate.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Astoria, Lucerne
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Carriages & Countryside - In a typical rural community, meet local farmers for a delightful horse-drawn ride. Clip-clop your way through bright green pasture,
where the angular spire of a traditional white church shoots skyward and rickety old wooden storehouses still dot the landscape. Call in at a local farm where a
wonderful spread of homemade drinks and snacks is served.
Adult: 77.00 CHF
* Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Lucerne Cruise - Take the chance to enjoy the wonderful mountain scenery from a di erent perspective. Enjoy a leisurely lake cruise, o ering ne views
of the town and its surroundings. The serene beauty of Lake Lucerne is a joy to behold, made even more enjoyable by the surrounding snow-capped
mountains and dense forests.
Adult: 47.00 CHF
Swiss Evening - There's nothing better than convening with friends around a pot of bubbling fondue with a glass of chilled white wine and having a good yodel!
Join us for a tasty Swiss meal in a typical restaurant. While you dine, enjoy a lively folklore show of ag throwing, yodelling, Alpenhorn blowing and other great
Swiss entertainment.
Adult: 111.00 CHF
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Day 3 | Bern, Gruyères and Montreux
In Bern, your Local Expert, a local English teacher, shows you the Cathedral
of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and oral displays. Gather at the clock tower to
watch the mechanical procession of painted gures before viewing the Ogre
Fountain. Your travels continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps
with snowy summits lling the horizon. Continue through vineyards and
alpine meadows to the forti ed town of Gruyères, that gives its name to the
well-known cheese. Enjoy time on your own to explore the pretty main
street and 13th century castle.
From Montreux, travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to visit a winery.
Admire the stunning panorama overlooking the lake and savour a tasting of
tantalising, local wines. Delight in a delicious Farm-to-Table light dinner, made
from locally sourced produce, and learn how the family that owns the farm is
preserving the estate for future generations on this MAKE TRAVEL
MATTER® Experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Hotel: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Secret Switzerland - Incredibly, Switzerland provides all its citizens protection in case of nuclear disaster or war. Go behind the scenes for a unique tour of one
of the world's biggest civilian fallout shelters! Cold War secrets of the Swiss will be revealed by our expert guide.
Adult: 51.00 CHF
Day 4 | Lake Geneva and the Swiss Countryside
On the western bay of Lake Geneva, visit Chillon Castle for a special tour of
the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalised by Lord Byron's
'Prisoner of Chillon.' Keep a look out for where the writer is rumoured to have
left his mark. Return to Montreux where the rest of the day is free for you to
explore on your own or relax as you wish at your quayside hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Charlie Chaplin's World - Tread in the footsteps of the “Little Tramp” at the genius’s former mansion, perched breathtakingly amongst the vineyards over
Lac Leman. All our senses are indulged as we take a journey through replica sets of his greatest lms at the Hollywood-style studio. Then, we'll spend time in
his family home and round it o with a peaceful walk in the glorious gardens.
Adult: 64.00 CHF
Lausanne Fondue Evening -
First we'll enjoy a drive along the Swiss Riviera, pausing at the stunning Olympic Museum Gardens in Ouchy. Next, the ancient city centre of Lausanne, with its
huge gothic cathedral and quaint old town square featuring the "Scales of Justice" fountain. Finally, our hosts Willy and Heike treat us to a wonderful Swiss
feast, including Fondue Bourguignonne in lively company.
Adult: 106.00 CHF
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Day 5 | Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise
Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the
Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock. Next, relax in rst-class comfort on the waters of
Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise. This evening, enjoy time at leisure on
the promenade of your lakeside resort.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
Day 6 | Martigny, Sion and Zermatt
Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman
Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky
peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and
Old Town Hall. Complete your journey via cogwheel train to the tra c-free
mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening, take your pick from a selection a
local restaurants for your Dine-Around evening, with a chance to delight in
traditional fondue.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Hotel: Resort Alex, Zermatt
Day 7 | Zermatt at Leisure
Zermatt in the summertime o ers many leisure possibilities: try swimming,
hiking or relaxing in the fresh alpine surrounds. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein
Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge or sample the
delicious cakes known as Kuchen?
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Resort Alex, Zermatt
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Klein Matterhorn Excursion - A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain ride. You’ll enjoy
stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener Steg, before boarding Europe's highest cable car to 3883m (12,740ft) to view the magni cent snow-
capped top of the world.
Adult: 135.00 CHF
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Day 8 | The Italian Lake District to Lugano
Travel to Täsch for a scenic drive to Brig, where you'll commence your ascent
of the Simplon Pass, taking in magni cent views over the Alps from the
2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping along the shores
of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps join an
experience to the stunning Isola Bella?
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: De La Paix, Lugano
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori - This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake
Maggiore, this sherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding
alleys, to enjoy dinner at one of the Island's restaurants.
Adult: 78.00 EUR
Isola Bella - The premier attraction of Lake Maggiore is the Borromean Islands. We'll take a private boat over to Isola Bella, the most famous island, renowned
for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. Our Local Expert will take us on a guided tour of this privately-owned palace, with free time to admire
the gardens. A must!
Adult: 61.00 EUR
* This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.
Day 9 | The Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz
Journey to the three Forti cations at Bellinzona to meet your Local Expert,
for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. These castles
are enchanting examples of forti ed medieval architecture of the Alps.
Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, travelling via San
Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine
River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St.
Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering
above.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Crystal Hotel / Hotel Ste ani, St. Moritz.
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Day 10 | Leisure Time in St. Moritz
Enjoy a day at leisure to jostle with the jet-setters in this elegant resort or
perhaps take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. To help you
make the most of your day, your Travel Director will provide you with a
mountain railways pass, o ering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and
chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Crystal Hotel / Hotel Ste ani, St. Moritz.
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Bernina - Express Excursion - Enjoy one of the most exciting train rides in Switzerland as you cross the Bernina Pass to the Alp Grum. Spectacular views of
the Alpine peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, green valleys and mountain villages. We then descend to Poschiavo to reboard our touring coach.
Adult: 58.00 CHF
Day 11 | The Glacier Express
Step aboard the Glacier Express to experience one of the world’s great
railway journeys. Cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down
through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through
the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the
Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the
sparkling Lütschine River to Lauterbrunnen, at the head of the Valley of
Waterfalls, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres from the plateau
above.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
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Day 12 | Grindelwald at Leisure
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald, a charming village
nestled in the Bernese Alps. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the
summit of the Jungfrau mountain, where you can marvel at the panoramic
views of the surrounding alpine splendour. The Jungfraujoch, known as the
"Top of Europe," o ers stunning vistas and a chance to explore the Ice Palace
and the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, hike one of the many trails
that wind through the lush valleys and up into the high mountains, where
the diverse ora and fauna are a delight for nature enthusiasts. If you prefer a
more relaxed pace, spend your day shopping in the quaint village shops or
simply soaking in the serene beauty of the area.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:
Jungfrau Excursion by Cogwheel - A once in a lifetime chance to travel to the Top of Europe. Our round trip cog railway trip will take us from Grindelwald,
through the world famous Eiger Mountain, to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 m (11,332 ft)! Enjoy spectacular views and explore the Ice Palace which
is carved inside the biggest glacier in Europe!
Adult: 229.00 CHF
Day 13 | Rural Switzerland to Zürich
Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its
woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre to trace
the history of the trade back to the early days of the 19th century. Continue
over the Brünig Pass and drive alongside the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to
return to Zürich. See the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and
Frauenmünster on an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. Join
your travel companions at a local restaurant. Your dinner is accompanied with
wine - raise your glass to toast to your adventures.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotel: Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle
Day 14 | Depart Zürich
Your Swiss adventures come to an end this morning as you depart from
Zürich airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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