Grand Tour Of Switzerland

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for exploring this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

A sensational drive today takes you through some of Switzerland’s most renowned cantons. By way of the market town of Herisau, stop in Appenzell to see the Old Town with its 16th-century Town Hall. Continue east to the minute Principality of Liechtenstein for a visit of its tiny capital, Vaduz. Pass through scenic “Heidiland” and into the Rhine Valley before starting the ascent up mighty Julier Pass. Soon you’ll be in the heart of Switzerland’s largest canton, the Grisons, where you’ll marvel at some of the world’s best Alpine views.

Enjoy a whole day to explore this scenic Engadine valley resort. Renowned for its stunning forest, lake, and mountain setting and an average of 322 days of sunshine per year, St. Moritz is comprised of two villages separated by a mile of lake shore—St. Moritz Dorf and St. Moritz Bad. Extending up the slope from the lake, terracedDorf is a tapestry of grand hotels, upscale boutiques, and traditional Engadine architecture, characterized by arched wooden doors, small deep-set windows, and artistically etched facades. Meanwhile, neighboring Bad is known for its ice rink, mineral and mud baths, and energetic nightlife.

One of Europe’s most spectacularTRAIN rides begins today in St. Moritz, whisking you across lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina. Here, rejoin your motorcoach and journey to the shores of sparkling Lake Lugano.

This morning, discover the highlights of charming, subtropical Lugano before traveling to Lake Maggiore, Italy’s secondlargest lake. Consider joining the optional visit to the garden island of Isola Bella with its splendid 17th-century palazzo (palace). Return to Switzerland via picturesque Simplon Pass and hop aboard the TRAIN in Tasch for the only connection to car-free Zermatt, a resort surrounded by Switzerland’s highest mountains— including the celebrated Matterhorn .

Time this morning to stroll through town and maybe take a break to sample the local fare, like raclette, fondue, or hand-made chocolate, or to shop for an authentic Swiss watch or Swiss Army Knife. Later, take the train back to Tasch, where you will rejoin the coach and continue your journey through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhone Valley to crescent- shaped Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s largest lakes.

Spend either a whole day at leisure exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lavaux terraced vineyard; relax at the hotel; or join an optional excursion to charming Geneva, with its cobblestoned Old Town and the Palais des Nations, European headquarters of the United Nations.

Travel northeast today, stopping in picturesque Gruyere to visit a local CHEESE FACTORY. Then, on to Berne, Switzerland’s charming 12th-century capital. The Old Town is a showcase of medieval architecture, arcaded shops, artistic fountains, and the landmark Zytglogge (clock tower), an ornate animated astronomical clock built in 1530. Travel on, skirting the shores of Lake Thun, and arrive in the renowned resort of Interlaken for a visit before crossing Brunig Pass to Lucerne.

Today, discover the wonders of Lucerne, a city straight out of a storybook. Situated on Lake Lucerne in the shadows of the snowcapped Alps, your visit takes in the highlights, including cobblestone streets lined with frescoed homes, the worldfamous CHAPEL BRIDGE, and the poignant LION MONUMENT. Perhaps choose from a wonderful selection of optional activities— the most popular is an excursion to Stanserhorn mountain. In the late afternoon, an easy drive returns you to Zurich for a final overnight.

After breakfast, depart for the airport and your return flight home, with fond and magical memories of your holiday.