SWITZERLAND ITINERARY:
1. Arrive Geneva / Montreux
Tour departs: 11:00 AM from Geneva International Airport.
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.
Vineyards give way to forests as you mind your way high above
Lake Geneva and descend to Montreux on the shores of the lake.
Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and
dinner. Meals LD
2. Chillon / Gruyères / Zermatt
Visit lovely Château de Chillon, a castle set on Lake Geneva
made famous by Lord Byron in his epic poem The Prisoner of
Chillon. Travel to the idyllic region of Gruyères, 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 the castle dates from
the late 15th century, recalling both the feudal period and the
refinements of the 18th century. Journey to Visp, where you
climb toward Zermatt by cogwheel train; your accommodations for
the next two nights are situated in the heart of Zermatt. The
five-star Mont Cervin Palace is a member of The Leading Hotels
of the World and has been hosting guests from all over the world
since 1851. Enjoy a festive resort atmosphere, where the
powerful Matterhorn looms high above. Meals BLD
3. Gogwheel Train; View the Matterhorn
Journey by cogwheel train up to Gornergrat, weather
permitting (elevation is 10,225 feet). The Matterhorn dominates
the skyline, creating alpine vistas that are breathtaking. Have
a coffee or an aperitif before descending to Zermatt for time at
leisure. Meals B
4. Lake Maggiore / Lugano
Descend by rail from Zermatt to board a coach for the trip
over the 6,578-ft. Simplon Pass. Arrive in the resort town of
Stresa on Lake Maggiore in Italy where a private water taxi
awaits to take you to Isola Bella ("beautiful island"). In
1632, Carlo III of the influential House of Borromeo started
work on a magnificent palazzo; when completed years later, the
sumptuous villa was the site for lavish parties and theatrical
events. Visit the palace and gardens, built in the shape
of a ship, before continuing on the resort city of Lugano. Meals BLD
5. Lugano at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxing day in Lugano – there is much to see and do
here. Be sure to visit the Via Nassa for shopping, or take 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
6. Lake Como / St. Moritz
View some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe today as
you cross between Italy and Switzerland along Via Regina, the
old Roman road. Drive over the Maloja Pass en route to St.
Moritz; scenic roads are lined with clear lakes and majestic
mountains. Spend the night at one of the world’s most famous
alpine resorts, the five-star Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains;
St. Moritz is chic and elgant, a favorite haunt of international
celebrities. Meals BLD
7. Glacier Express / Grindelwald
Ride The Glacier Express aboard a private panoramic dome car
through the magnificent Alps. Travel along silver 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 the glacier village of Grindelwald. Your
accommodations for two nights are at the historic Grand Regina –
Alpin Well & Fit Hotel, close to many interesting shops and
cafés, surrounded by alpine beauty. Meals BD
8. Jungfraujoch Excursion
This part of the Bernese Oberland is known as Switzerland’s
jewel in the crown. Given reasonable weather, today’s excursion
to the top of the world will be a most memorable highlight as
your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss
Alps. 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 fabulous views or visit
the Ice Palace. Weather permitting, superb views extend as far
as the summits of the Vosges Mountains in France and the Black
Forest in Germany. Spend the remainder of the afternoon and
evening at your leisure in the charming resort town of
Grindelwald. A popular Swiss ski and winter sport resort, the
town is surrounded by folkloric hamlets, swift streams, and
quintessential Swiss landscapes that are summertime treats.
Meals B
9. Interlaken / Berne / Lucerne
Savor one last view of the incredible peaks of the Jungfrau
region before traveling along crystal-clear Lutschine creek
toward Interlaken, then continuing through the Bernese Oberland
to Berne, Switzerland’s capital. The Old City of Berne is a
UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for medieval architecture,
sandstone arcades, fountains, and thick, sturdy towers. Your
destination today is the lakeside city of Lucerne. Visit the
Löwendenkmal (Lion Memorial), dedicated to the Swiss guards who
died defending Louis XVI in 1792, before arriving at your hotel.
Spend the next two nights on Lake Lucerne at one of Europe’s
most renowned hotels. Located in the heart of the Old Town of
Lucerne, the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern was built in 1845 and
reflects the splendor of the 19th century. Dine at your leisure
tonight in one of the hotel’s fine restaurants. Meals BD
10. Lucerne at Leisure
Enjoy a guided walking tour of lakeside Lucerne; a renowned
cultural center, the city evokes images of a storybook alpine
town, with narrow cobblestone streets, slender spires and
turrets, covered bridges, frescoed houses, and fountains. Spend
the day discovering Lucerne as you wish. There are magnificent
shops, galleries and cafés to explore, as well as interesting
nooks and alleys. Take a cruise across the lake this evening to
a waterfront resort for a special farewell dinner. Meals BD
11. Journey Home
Travel from Lucerne to Zurich Airport, approximately 34
miles. Tour ends: 9:00 AM to Zurich Airport. Allow a
minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flights check-in. Persons
departing at other times should secure their own transportation
to the airport. Meals B
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