Best of Switzerland
Best of Switzerland
$3895
Best of Switzerland
9 Days Starting and ending in Zurich, Switzerland
Visiting: Zürich, Lake Geneva, Zermatt, Baveno, St. Moritz, Lucerne, Interlaken
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SWBOZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Switzerland and Italy with the "Best of Switzerland" tour. Discover the vibrant cities of Zurich, Bern, Zermatt, Interlaken, and Lucerne, and marvel at the iconic Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountains. Experience the charm of Chillon Castle and the Brienz Woodcarving Museum, and enjoy a scenic train ride on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway. Delight in Swiss hospitality with a vineyard owner in Bourg-en-Lavaux, and explore the picturesque landscapes of Lake Geneva and Lake Maggiore. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with local culture, including a socially impactful walking tour in Zurich and a cultural dive into Brienz's wood-carving heritage. With expert guidance, luxury accommodations, and a blend of included meals and free time, this tour promises a rich and immersive experience in the stunning landscapes of Switzerland and beyond.
Must-see Highlights
- Discover Zurich, Bern, Zermatt, Interlaken and Lucerne
- Visit Chillon Castle and Brienz Woodcarving Museum
- View the Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountains (weather permitting), Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne
- Scenic Train Ride from Tirano to Pontresina by UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway
Make Travel Matter®
Zurich: Join Diana and her team of socially engaged local guides, for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience. Uncover the old town of Zurich during a fun and educational walking tour with the wonderful organization who are raising awareness on social issues such as food insecurity and supporting local change makers and the community.This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10 & 12: Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production.
Be My Guest
Bourg-en-Lavaux: Enjoy Swiss hospitality with a vineyard owner and savor the flavors of local wines, cheeses, and breads, all set against the enchanting views of the Lake Geneva.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zürich
Location: Zürich
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Place Airport
Meals Included: Dinner
Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a social-impact guided walking tour. This evening, attend a dinner to launch your Swiss experience.
Day 2: Journey To Lake Geneva
Location: Lake Geneva
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mona Montreux
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave the bright lights of Zürich behind and stop in Bern 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.
Day 3: Onwards To Chillon Castle And Zermatt Connect With Locals
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mirabeau
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalized 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 Lavaux region, a charming wine village above Lake Geneva, where we’ll Connect With Locals over lunch at our Be My Guest experience. Continue your journey to the resort town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Matterhorn.
Day 4: Zermatt Your Way
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Mirabeau
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
Day 5: Venture To The Italian Lake Maggiore
Location: Baveno
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Simplon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Departing Switzerland, we travel to the lakeside town of Baveno on Italy's Lake Maggiore. Spend the rest of the day indulging in the laid-back lakeside atmosphere or consider joining an Optional Experience to Isola Bella, one of the lake's Borromean islands, with its palazzo and exquisite gardens.
Day 6: Off To Alpine St. Moritz
Location: St. Moritz
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Reine Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel through the scenic Italian countryside to the fortified town of Tirano. Here, we board the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Rhaetian Railway to cross the Bernina Pass and wind our way through scenic landscapes en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travelers.
Day 7: Journey To Lakeside Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Europe
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journeying through lush green landscapes, past Lake Zürich, 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 admire the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge before strolling past the city's colorful façades. Consider joining a cruise on the tranquil lake waters and then ride the world's first double deck 'CabriO' cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn.
Day 8: Admire Scenic Brienz And Interlaken Dive Into Culture
Location: Interlaken
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Grand Europe
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel to Interlaken at the heart of Switzerland, which lies in the shadow of the Jungfrau Mountain. Stopping in the village of Brienz en route, 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 dinner with our fellow travelers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way.
Day 9: Homeward Bound
Location: Zürich
Meals Included: Breakfast
As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, is included.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys) is included.
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Train from Tirano to Pontresina
The train journey from Tirano to Pontresina is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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International airfare
International airfare to and from your destination is not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for your trip.
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Optional experiences
Optional experiences and excursions are available for an additional cost.
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls, and souvenirs are not included.
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Meals, other than those mentioned
Meals, other than those mentioned in the inclusions, are not included.
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Airport transfers outside of tour dates
Airport transfers outside of the tour start and end dates are not included.
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Additional hotel charges
Additional hotel charges such as mini-bar, incidentals, and late check-out are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy scenic rail journeys including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway from Tirano to Pontresina.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels such as Hyatt Place Airport in Zurich, Mona Montreux, Mirabeau in Zermatt, Simplon in Baveno, Reine Victoria in St. Moritz, and Grand Europe in Lucerne, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience.
Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)8 Breakfast (B)1 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
Brienz: Learn about Switzerland's wood-carving heritage at the Jobin wood sculpture museum in Brienz.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of experience can I expect in Zurich during the tour?
In Zurich, you will join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience with socially engaged local guides. This involves a fun and educational walking tour of the old town, focusing on raising awareness of social issues such as food insecurity and supporting local change makers and the community.
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What unique cultural experience is included in the tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience in Bourg-en-Lavaux, where you will enjoy Swiss hospitality with a vineyard owner. You will savor local wines, cheeses, and breads while enjoying enchanting views of Lake Geneva.
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Is there a scenic train ride included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a scenic train ride from Tirano to Pontresina on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhaetian Railway, crossing the Bernina Pass and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
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What activities are available in Zermatt during the tour?
In Zermatt, you have a full free day to enjoy the crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. You can relax in the beautiful surroundings or opt for an optional experience to the Klein Matterhorn for spectacular mountain views.
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What can I expect during the visit to Chillon Castle?
During the visit to Chillon Castle, you will explore this historic water fortress, which was the residence of the Counts of Savoy for nearly four centuries. The castle is famously immortalized by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'.
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What is the focus of the cultural experience in Brienz?
In Brienz, you will dive into the local culture by learning about Switzerland's wood-carving heritage at the Jobin wood sculpture museum, gaining insights into this centuries-old tradition.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar 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 trafalgar 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
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