Country Roads of Switzerland - Small Group
Country Roads of Switzerland - Small Group
$8695
Country Roads of Switzerland - Small Group
14 Days Starting and ending in Zurich
Visiting: Zürich, Lucerne, Stanserhorn, Bern, Gruyères, Montreux, Chillon Castle, Geneva, Martigny, Sion, Zermatt, Lake Maggiore, Lugano, Bellinzona, Saint Moritz, Lauterbrunnen, Staubbach Falls, Grindelwald, Brienz
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SE728ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
See Switzerland in all its natural splendor during this 2-week guided tour that whisks you from snow-capped mountain peaks to floral valleys. Outside Lucerne, complete with wooden bridges and baroque churches, zip to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, a pinnacle so tall you can see France and Germany. Take in beautiful Bern and its Catherdrals with a Local Expert followed by a stop in Gruyères. Glide along the Glacier Express, a glass-topped train that will carry you through the Oberalp Valley and to Grindelwald, an idyllic alpine village set to the backdrop of winding rivers and towering waterfalls. In St. Moritz, a mountain railways pass will allow you to traverse the alpine village’s cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts. Then taste the freshest cuisine in Switzerland during an intimate farm-to-table dinner experience, including cheese.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Lucerne
Location: Zürich, Lucerne
Accommodation: Astoria Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travelers 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.
Day 2: Ascend The Summit Of Mount Stanserhorn
Location: Lucerne, Stanserhorn, Lucerne
Accommodation: Astoria, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria, Lucerne
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 unrivaled 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 flora. 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.
Day 3: Bern, Gruyères And Montreux
Location: Lucerne, Bern, Gruyères, Montreux
Accommodation: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
Accommodation Name: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
Meals Included: Breakfast
In Bern, your Local Expert, a local English teacher, shows you the Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the Ogre Fountain. Your travels continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps with snowy summits filling the horizon. Continue through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified 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 savor 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.
Day 4: Lake Geneva And The Swiss Countryside
Location: Montreux, Chillon Castle, Montreux
Accommodation: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
Accommodation Name: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the western bay of Lake Geneva, visit Chillon Castle for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalized 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.
Day 5: Geneva And Scenic Lake Cruise Relaxed Start
Location: Montreux, Geneva, Montreux
Accommodation: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
Accommodation Name: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock. Next, relax in first-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.
Day 6: Martigny, Sion And Zermatt Relaxed Start
Location: Montreux, Martigny, Sion, Zermatt
Accommodation: Resort Alex, Zermatt
Accommodation Name: Resort Alex, Zermatt
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheater. 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 traffic-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.
Day 7: Zermatt At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation: Resort Alex, Zermatt
Accommodation Name: Resort Alex, Zermatt
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zermatt in the summertime offers 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?
Day 8: The Italian Lake District To Lugano
Location: Zermatt, Lake Maggiore, Lugano
Accommodation: De La Paix, Lugano
Accommodation Name: De La Paix, Lugano
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Täsch for a scenic drive to Brig, where you'll commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-meter 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?
Day 9: The Glamour And Glitz Of St. Moritz
Location: Lugano, Bellinzona, Saint Moritz
Accommodation: Crystal, St. Moritz, Steffani, St. Moritz
Accommodation Name: Crystal, St. Moritz, Steffani, St. Moritz
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to the three Fortifications at Bellinzona to meet your Local Expert, for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. These castles are enchanting examples of fortified medieval architecture of the Alps. Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, traveling 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.
Day 10: Leisure Time In St. Moritz Relaxed Start
Location: Saint Moritz
Accommodation: Crystal, St. Moritz, Steffani, St. Moritz
Accommodation Name: Crystal, St. Moritz, Steffani, St. Moritz
Meals Included: Breakfast
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, offering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz.
Day 11: The Glacier Express
Location: Saint Moritz, Lauterbrunnen, Staubbach Falls, Grindelwald
Accommodation: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
Accommodation Name: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 meters from the plateau above.
Day 12: Grindelwald At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Grindelwald
Accommodation: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
Accommodation Name: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
Meals Included: Breakfast
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," offers 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 flora 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.
Day 13: Rural Switzerland To Zürich
Location: Grindelwald, Brienz, Zürich
Accommodation: Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Center 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.
Day 14: Depart Zürich
Location: Zürich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your Swiss adventures come to an end this morning as you depart from Zürich airport.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine, and 2 additional dinners.
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Personal Radio Headsets
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Baggage Handling
Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Flights Outside Scheduled Times
If your flights are outside the scheduled times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may need to purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a trip to the Klein Matterhorn or an experience to Isola Bella are not included and may incur additional costs.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style and comfort aboard Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned 40-seat coach, featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Enjoy the convenience of scheduled airport transfers and the scenic Glacier Express train journey, all while adhering to high sanitation standards and physical distancing measures.
Accommodation
Experience the comfort of staying at renowned hotels such as Astoria Lucerne, Eden Palace Au Lac in Montreux, Resort Alex in Zermatt, and Hyatt Place Zurich Airport The Circle. Enjoy luxurious amenities and prime locations, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay throughout your Swiss adventure.
Dining Summary
- 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Additional Included Highlights
- Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Insight Experiences
- Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.
- Bellinzona: Explore the stunning town of Bellinzona with your Local Expert. Julie will passionately share with you her insights into the three marvelous castles, and her personal stories about how she fell in love with this city and decided to move to the area.
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique experiences such as a journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered open-top cable car, a visit to Chillon Castle with a special tour, and a tasting at a family-run winery overlooking Lake Geneva. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to ride the world-famous Glacier Express and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the three Fortifications at Bellinzona.
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Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several special dining experiences including a Dine-Around evening in Zermatt where you can choose from local restaurants to enjoy traditional fondue, and a Farm-to-Table light dinner at a winery near Lake Geneva. Additionally, there is a dinner with wine in Lucerne and a farewell dinner in Zurich.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour utilizes a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Additionally, there are scenic train journeys including the Glacier Express and cogwheel train rides, as well as a cruise on Lake Geneva.
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What leisure activities are available in Zermatt?
In Zermatt, you can enjoy various leisure activities such as swimming, hiking, or relaxing in the fresh alpine surroundings. You might also consider taking a trip to the Klein Matterhorn or sampling local cakes known as Kuchen.
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What is the significance of the visit to the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Center?
The visit to the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Center in Brienz allows you to trace the history of woodcarving back to the early 19th century, providing insight into this traditional Swiss craft.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions