Contrasts of Switzerland
Contrasts of Switzerland
$4895
Contrasts of Switzerland
8 Days Starting and ending in Zurich, Switzerland
Visiting: Zürich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva, Lucerne
Tour operator:
Tour code:
STGVZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Contrasts of Switzerland" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of Switzerland's most iconic destinations. Begin in Zurich, where modernity meets ancient heritage, before traveling by train to the chic resort of St. Moritz. Experience the breathtaking Glacier Express to Zermatt, nestled at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn. Enjoy a leisurely day in Zermatt, then continue to Geneva for a unique "Be My Guest" experience at a local vineyard. Traverse the stunning Golden Pass route to Interlaken and Lucerne, where you'll explore medieval streets and iconic landmarks like the Chapel Bridge. With luxurious accommodations, expert guidance, and unforgettable scenic train rides, this tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and Swiss hospitality.
Must-see Highlights
- Discover Zurich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne
- View the Matterhorn (weather permitting), the Jet d'Eau in Geneva, the Swiss Alps in Interlaken, the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- Scenic Train Ride on the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt and train from Geneva to Lucerne
Make Travel Matter®
Switzerland: Meet the passionate beekeeper of Apidae, a local organization raising awareness and promoting education on bees, wildflowers and pollinators, for a talk on bees and biodiversity in Geneva County. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
Be My Guest
Lake Geneva: In the green pastures overlooking Lake Geneva, enjoy Swiss hospitality and local wines, cheeses and breads with the owner of a local vineyard.
Stays with Stories
Zermatt: Enjoy panoramic views of the unique mountain landscape of the Alps at the Hotel Ambassador in Zermatt. The view of the majestic Matterhorn peak accompanies you into a world of comfort: luxurious beds, state-of-the-art facilities and personalised service.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Zürich
Location: Zürich
Accommodation: Mövenpick Airport
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick Airport
Meals Included: Dinner
Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers to explore the city's ancient heritage and modern verve during your orientation tour this afternoon. This evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers to launch your Swiss experience for dinner.
Day 2: Onwards By Train To St. Moritz
Location: St. Moritz
Accommodation: Reine Victoria
Accommodation Name: Reine Victoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our love affair with the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland begins on a scenic train journey via Chur to the stylish resort of St. Moritz, set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake St. Moritz. Admire the inspiring natural setting and perhaps travel on one of Switzerland's most spectacular rail routes across the Bernina pass this afternoon, enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 3: Catch The Glacier Express To Zermatt
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation: Ambassador
Accommodation Name: Ambassador
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Embrace the glamour and romance of a bygone era. Watch the epic alpine landscapes drift past as you chug along one of the world's most unforgettable rail journeys from the comfort of the Glacier Express. Cross hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2,044 m) above sea level. Enjoy an included lunch on board as you journey past lakes and glaciers bound for the resort town of Zermatt, at the foothills of the imposing Matterhorn. Upon arrival, your Travel Director will take you on an orientation of the town.
Day 4: Zermatt At Leisure
Location: Zermatt
Accommodation: Ambassador
Accommodation Name: Ambassador
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: A Train Journey To Lakeside Geneva Connect With Locals
Location: Geneva
Accommodation: Warwick
Accommodation Name: Royal Manotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel by train to Geneva and continue to La Ferme Enchantée for a memorable Be My Guest experience over lunch. This sustainable farm also hosts beehives, and you'll even meet the beekeeper during a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon, return to Geneva where the orientation will include views of the Old Town, Jet d'Eau and the Flower Clock. Later, explore the city on your own. Stroll through the ancient maze of medieval streets and quiet squares or consider a cruise – enjoying views of the lakeside villages.
Day 6: Journey On The Golden And Brünig Pass To Interlaken And Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Radisson Blu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Picture-perfect landscapes are your constant companion as you journey from Geneva along the Golden Pass route. Stop at Interlaken in the heart of the Swiss Alps, located at the foot of a trio of famous peaks – the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Spend some time at leisure and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Follow the Brünig Pass to the lakeside town of Lucerne in central Switzerland, where you will stay for the next two nights. See the Iconic Chapel bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of the Swiss Guards who bravely defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution on your orientation tour. The evening is free to spend as you wish, but you could choose to show off your vocal talents and learn how to yodel during an optional fun-packed Swiss folklore show with fondue dinner.
Day 7: Explore Medieval Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Radisson Blu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Mountain peaks surround you as you spend a day at leisure in beautiful lakeside Lucerne. Consider an Optional Experience to a nearby Mountain Peak, explore the medieval streets and shop for delicious Swiss Chocolate. Before we enjoy our Farewell dinner together, you might want to enjoy an Optional Experience riding a carriage through one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain villages.
Day 8: Journey Home
Location: Zürich
Meals Included: Breakfast
Say a fond farewell to Switzerland and newfound friends at the end of a remarkable holiday. Your Travel Director will give you tickets for the short train journey from Lucerne to Zürich Airport, which can be used at your convenience for your onward journey on the final day of your tour. Alternatively, join a coach transfer to Zürich Airport.
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
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 Zürich to St. Moritz
Train journey from Zurich to St. Moritz is included.
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Glacier Express Train from St. Moritz to Zermatt
Glacier Express Train journey from St. Moritz to Zermatt is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your tour is not included.
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Airport Transfers
Airport transfers are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and free time are not included.
Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)7 Breakfast (B)2 Lunch (L)
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the Contrasts of Switzerland tour?
The tour uses luxury air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi in most countries, as well as various train journeys including the Glacier Express from St. Moritz to Zermatt, and the Golden Pass route from Geneva to Lucerne.
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What unique experiences are included in the Contrasts of Switzerland tour?
The tour includes a 'Be My Guest' experience at a local vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva, where you can enjoy Swiss hospitality with local wines, cheeses, and breads. Additionally, there is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience with a beekeeper in Geneva County, supporting biodiversity and education on bees.
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What is the accommodation like on the Contrasts of Switzerland tour?
The tour features cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted, including the Hotel Ambassador in Zermatt, which offers panoramic views of the Alps and the Matterhorn.
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Are meals included in the Contrasts of Switzerland tour?
Yes, the tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and some lunches. Specific meals are provided on certain days, such as an included lunch on the Glacier Express.
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What is the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in the Contrasts of Switzerland tour?
The MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience involves meeting a passionate beekeeper from Apidae in Geneva County, who raises awareness and promotes education on bees, wildflowers, and pollinators, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.
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What optional experiences are available during the tour?
Optional experiences include a visit to the Klein Matterhorn for spectacular mountain views, a cruise in Geneva, and a Swiss folklore show with fondue dinner in Lucerne.
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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.
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