'Best Trips' Around the World Series: Switzerland
- From $2,475.00 USD per person
9 DAYS 2 COUNTRIES 7 CITIES
Get a slice of Switzerland on this breathtaking trip, guiding you seamlessly through mountainous landscapes, serene lakes and picturesque towns.
DAY 1
ARRIVE ZURICHWelcome to the sophisticated Swiss city of Zurich - a flawless blend of fascinating heritage and modern spirit. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and orientation in this beautiful lakeside setting.
MEALS
- Welcome Reception
DAY 2
ZURICH – BERNE – LAKE GENEVA (MONTREUX)
We leave the bright lights of Zurich behind and stop in Berne with its Old Town, admiring its medieval streets, ornate fountains and arcaded walkways. Journeying to Lake Geneva, we arrive in the resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards. After lunch, consider joining an Optional Experience to cruise Lake Geneva, including a visit to the Charlie Chaplin museum in his former estate, Manoir de Ban.
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Chaplin's World and Lake Geneva Cruise
Enjoy the palm trees on the shores of Lake Geneva from a romantic side-wheel paddle steamer as we cruise from Vevey to Montreux on Lake Geneva. We’ll visit the Charlie Chaplin museum, set on the banks of the lake on his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life here and you’ll discover all the facets of this incredible man's life. We'll see sets and props from his greatest movies and then finish with a peaceful walk in the gardens.
Adult Price: CHF.65.00
(Price is subject to change)
DAY 3
LAKE GENEVA (MONTREUX) – CHILLON – ZERMATT (2 NIGHTS)
This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. Our next stop is the 15th-century vineyards of Cave Champ de Clos in Chexbres, where we'll 'Connect With Locals' over a Be My Guest lunch. Continue your journey to the resort town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Matterhorn.
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast
- Lunch
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Zermatt Dinner Experience
Discover the beautiful mountainous resort town of Zermatt. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner in a typical chalet-style restaurant with an opportunity to try the world-famous fondue.
Adult Price: CHF.86.00
(Price is subject to change)
DAY 4
ZERMATT FREE DAY
Spend the day soaking up the crisp mountain air and panoramic Alpine vistas. You have a full day on your own to explore the town, or simply relax in beautiful surrounds. Consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views or explore the heritage of what was once a remote mountain village.
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast
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 3779m (12400ft) and the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Adult Price: CHF.119.00
(Price is subject to change)
DAY 5
ZERMATT – BAVENO FREE TIME
Departing Switzerland, we travel to the lakeside town of Baveno on Italy's Lake Maggiore. Spend the rest of the day indulging in the laidback lakeside atmosphere or consider joining an Optional Experience to Isola Bella, one of the lake's Borromean islands, with its palazzo and exquisite gardens.
HOTEL
Simplon/Grand Dino
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).
Adult Price: €43.00
(Price is subject to change)
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 fisherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza surrounded by the tight and winding alleys to enjoy a sumptuous dinner where reservations have been booked in one of the Island's splendid restaurants.
Adult Price: €68.00
(Price is subject to change)
DAY 6
BAVENO – ST. MORITZ
We travel through the scenic Italian countryside, crossing the Swiss border into the scenic Upper Engadine Valley. We stop in the fortified town of Tirano, where we will board our train and wind our way through scenic landscapes en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz. This evening, we dine at our hotel.
HOTEL
Reine Victoria
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast
- Dinner
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Rosegg Valley By Horse And Carriage
Arriving in Pontresina, you'll experience a horse-drawn carriage ride through the picturesque Rosegg Valley with its spectacular views.
Adult Price: CHF.56.00
(Price is subject to change)
DAY 7
ST. MORITZ – LUCERNE ORIENTATION AND FREE TIME (2 NIGHTS)
Journeying through lush green landscapes, past Lake Zurich, we arrive in lakeside Lucerne. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards, who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI at the Lion Monument, and cross the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge before strolling past the city's colourful façades. Consider joining a cruise on the tranquil lake waters and then ride the world's first Cabrio cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn. Tonight, we stay at one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories' - the Grand Hotel Europe, promising the elegance of yesteryear and sweeping lake vistas.
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES
Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner
Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included. Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a Lunch for CHF68.00.
Adult Price: CHF.99.00
(Price is subject to change)
Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise
Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Travelling by railway and Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery and enjoy some refreshments. (On certain departures Optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the cruise.)
Adult Price: CHF.112.00
(Price is subject to change)
DAY 8
BRIENZ AND INTERLAKEN EXCURSION
We travel to Interlaken at the heart of Switzerland, which lies in the shadows of the Jungfrau Mountain, stopping in the village of Brienz where we'll 'Dive Into Culture' and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of wood carving for which this village is so famous. Spend some time on your own and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way.
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast
- Farewell Dinner
DAY 9
LUCERNE – DEPART ZURICHAs our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell. Transfers are available to Zurich airport. Conditions apply.
MEALS
- Buffet Breakfast