 |
Montreux / Zermatt / Lugano /
St. Moritz / Grindelwald / Lucerne / Matterhorn / Simplon
Pass / Lake Como / Glacier Express Rail Journey / Berne /
Interlaken / Lake Lucerne Cruise |
Experience Switzerland's picturesque mountains, lakes and
four distinct cultures. Visit Lake Como, St. Moritz,
Montreux, Lucerne and Lugano, and take a journey aboard
the fascinating Swiss railroads. |
 1.
Arrive Geneva / Montreux
Tour departs: Geneva International Airport one hour after the
arrival of our selected flight(s). Travel through the
vineyards above Lake Geneva for views of the towering French
Alps; a church spire signals the appearance of villages where
wine has been produced for centuries. Arrive in Montreux on
the shores of Lake Geneva for an afternoon at your leisure.
Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. Meals
LD
2. Gruyères / Chillon
Travel this morning to Château de Chillon, a fascinating
castle on Lake Geneva made famous by Lord Byron in his epic
poem The Prisoner of Chillon. The idyllic region of
Gruyères is comprised of scenic farmland in the foothills of
the Alps surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. Visit the
charming town of Gruyères and the former castle of the counts.
Most of it dates from the late 15th century, recalling both
the feudal period and the refinements of the 18th century.
Experience the region's distinct cultural heritage at a
Swiss-style dinner in the higher valleys, surrounded by
stunning alpine farmland. Meals BLD
 3. Zermatt
Depart Montreux for Visp, traveling through the wine regions
and the Rhone River Valley; climb by cogwheel train toward
Zermatt. Horse-drawn carriages and electric mini-cars driven
by uniformed hotel porters await arriving guests at Zermatt
Station. Enjoy a festive resort atmosphere, where the powerful
Matterhorn looms high above. Meals BLD
4. Gornergrat /
Matterhorn
Journey by cogwheel train up to Gornergrat, weather permitting
(elevation is 10,225 feet). The alpine vistas are
breathtaking, with the Matterhorn dominating the skyline.
Enjoy a coffee or an aperitif before descending to Zermatt for
an afternoon and evening free to explore this lovely town.
Meals B
5. Lake Maggiore /
Lugano
Today's destination is romantic Ticino, the Italian-speaking
part of Switzerland. Descend by rail from Zermatt to board the
coach for a trip over the 6,578-ft. majestic Simplon Pass.
Notice a distinct change in atmosphere and architecture as you
travel into Italy and arrive at Stresa, an attractive resort
on Lake Maggiore. Board a private water taxi for the short
trip to Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands belonging to
the princely Borromeo family. Visit their palace and gardens
before returning to Stresa. Continue to the resort city of
Lugano, attractively nestled on the shores of Lago di Lugano.
Meals BLD
6. Lugano at
Leisure
Lugano is a lakeside jewel framed between the peaks of Monte
Bré and Monte San Salvatore. Its waterfront promenade,
arcades, stylish boutiques and outdoor cafés are highlights.
Enjoy a relaxing day - there is much to see and do. Do not
miss the Via Nassa for shopping, or a walk in the old town
with its cobblestone alleys and lanes. Numerous vessels
traverse the lake and call on little villages along the shore;
Gandria and Morcote are particularly memorable. Meals B
7.
Lake Como / St. Moritz
Switzerland, Italy, Switzerland - a typical day traveling
through Ticino. Today you enter and depart Italy again,
viewing some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to
offer... the deep green mountains of Lake Como, pastel-colored
villages along its shores, noble old villas hidden behind the
foliage of wonderful gardens. Enter Switzerland and drive over
the Maloja Pass; the road to St. Moritz is lined with clear
lakes and majestic mountains. Spend the next two nights in one
of the world's most famous alpine resorts. Meals BLD
8. Engadine Valley
Mighty mountains form this grandiose valley where Romansch,
the fourth of the Swiss cultures, is found; the locals still
speak Romansch. The architecture
of the charming houses is unique - Sgraffito decorations turn
these old dwellings into a photographer's delight.
Mid-afternoon return to lovely St. Moritz, with time to
explore. Meals BLD
9.
Glacier Express / Grindelwald
Swiss trains are known for punctuality, comfort and
cleanliness... and The Glacier Express is the most
famous of them all! Ride this great European train through the
Alps in Tauck's first class panoramic private dome car. Travel
along silver gushing streams, beneath massive peaks with
crystal blue glaciers and through lush valleys speckled with
tiny alpine villages. Depart the train at Andermatt for a
spectacular drive over Susten Pass, weather permitting, to
Grindelwald, known as Glacier Village. It is easy to see why
Grindelwald, which faces the towering peaks of the Jungfrau
region, has become a popular resort since the arrival of the
first tourists early in the 19th century. Step out of your
hotel and you are in the middle of a street full of
interesting shops and cafés, surrounded by nature's beauty.
Meals BD
10.
Jungfraujoch Excursion
This part of the Bernese Oberland is Switzerland's jewel in
the crown. Given reasonable weather, today's excursion to the
top of the world will be a memorable highlight. The mountain
railway train ascends into majestic mountains. Arrive at
Kleine Scheidegg, the famous mountain station at the foot of
the Eiger. Continue to the Jungfraujoch (11,333 feet), where
there is time to take in the fabulous views or visit the Ice
Palace. Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at
your leisure in Grindelwald. Meals B
11. Interlaken / Berne
Catch one last view of incredible peaks named Eiger, Mönch and
Jungfrau. Travel along crystal clear Lutschine creek
toward picturesque Interlaken, then through the Bernese
Oberland to Berne, Switzerland's capital. Enjoy a sightseeing
tour, where medieval and baroque architecture blend together
effortlessly in the fascinating arcades and fountains that
line the old streets. Arrive in the beautiful lakeside city of
Lucerne where you'll visit the Löwendenkmal (Lion Memorial),
dedicated to the Swiss guards who died defending Louix XVI in
1792. Spend the next two nights at one of Europe's most
renowned hotels on Lake Lucerne. It's your choice for dinner
this evening - perhaps a dinner featuring traditional
entertainment. Meals BD
12. Lucerne at Leisure
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Lucerne; the remainder of
the day is free to spend as you wish. There are magnificent
shops, galleries and cafés to explore, as well as interesting
nooks and alleys. This evening take a cruise across the lake
to a water-locked resort for a special farewell dinner. Meals
BD
13. Journey Home
Tour ends: Zurich Airport three hours before the departure of
our selected flight(s). Persons departing at other times
should secure their own transportation. Taxi is approximately
SFR 250 (US $160). Meals B |
