Enjoy a vacation in the most spectacular mountains and lakes of Switzerland. After an orientation walk in Zürich, enter the Jura Mountains and via the picturesque town of Biel, and Neuchâtel, beautifully situated on Lake Neuchâtel, arrive in French-speaking Geneva. Guided sightseeing features the headquarters of many international organizations. Enter France and stop in Évian-les-Bains, a popular spa and holiday resort on Lake Geneva. Follow the lake, re-enter Switzerland, drive along the “Swiss Riviera,” and arrive in Gruyères to visit the magnificent castle and to have lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double-crème. Stay overnight in Gstaad, the famous ski resort, then continues to the Interlaken area and prepares for the highlight of your vacation: an excursion to the Jungfrau massif, Europe’s highest railway station. Don’t forget to collect your souvenir Jungfrau Passport! Also visit Berne, and end with a 2-night stay in picture-book Lucerne. Of course, you will taste traditional chocolate pralines from Läderach Chocolatier Suisse, one of Switzerland’s most famous chocolate makers, and a special farewell dinner with wine has been included.
Welcome in Zürich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel. (Dinner)
Enjoy an orientation walk of Zürich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce. Then, leave Zürich and start your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, also known as Bienne by French-speaking Swiss and famous for watch-making. Explore the historical center and take pictures of the gothic church. Next up: a scenic drive along Lake Biel to Neuchâtel, beautifully situated at Lake Neuchâtel, and dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Stroll along its cobblestone streets or enjoy lunch at a café with the locals. Near the French border, arrive in stunning Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, with its fantastic lakeside location and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps. (Breakfast)
During morning sightseeing your Local Guide will show you the elegant buildings that house many international organizations, including headquarters of the International Red Cross and many United Nations agencies. You will also hear about John Calvin, the French theologian who helped reform the church in Geneva in the mid-16th century. Geneva is home to the largest Reformation Park with its International Monument to the Reformation. Balance of the day is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city. Choose from our exciting optional excursions to make the most of your stay. (Breakfast)
Enter France and follow Lake Geneva along the southern shore, stopping in the famous spa town of Évian-les-Bains, renowned for its mineral water and a popular holiday resort. A scenic drive returns you to Switzerland. Cross the Rhône, France’s largest river, which flows into Lake Geneva. See the vineyards, where some of the best Swiss wines are produced, then leave this “Swiss Riviera” and continue to Gruyères. Here, a special treat awaits: visit the magnificent castle, walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture, and enjoy [LF] lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double-crème. Continue to your hotel in Gstaad, one of Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Leave the Gruyère area and enjoy a scenic drive to Gstaad, one of Switzerland’s most popular ski resorts, for an orientation of this pretty place. Then continue through the scenic Zweisimmen Valley to Interlaken. The town’s unique location, settled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the world-famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains guarantees spectacular views. Later, arrive at your charming hotel in Grindelwald and look forward to tomorrow’s included highlight: the Jungfrau excursion! (Breakfast)
[LF] An unforgettable trip to the high Alpine wonderland of ice and snow is the true highlight of a visit to Switzerland. At an amazing 11,332 feet, the JUNGFRAUJOCH is Europe’s highest railway station. Jungfrau’s 13,642-foot summit was first ascended in 1811 and in 1912 the rack railway was opened. There are lots of things to do here: enjoy the ALPINE SENSATION, THE PANORAMA 360° EXPERIENCE, and the ICE PALACE. Also receive your JUNGFRAU PASSPORT as a souvenir to take home with you. The round trip to the “Top of Europe” by MOUNTAIN TRAIN will take most of the day. (Breakfast,Dinner)
Arrive in the stately capital of Berne. See the BEAR PARK, enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden, and the OLD TOWN with the Clock Tower and the ornate, flower-adorned fountains. Leave the Berner Oberland and drive via Langnau to picture-book Lucerne. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner excursion to a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing. (Breakfast)
During your walking tour, admire Thorwaldsen’s impressive LION MONUMENT, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution, and ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. Of course, being in Switzerland, you will taste [LF] the traditional CHOCOLATE PRALINES from Läderach Chocolatier Suisse, one of Switzerland’s most famous chocolate makers. An exciting optional excursion is available to Mount Pilatus, and tonight, a special farewell dinner with wine awaits you at a local restaurant for a proper “Auf Wiedersehen.” (Breakfast,Dinner)
Morning transfer to Zürich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zürich, not Lake Lucerne. (Breakfast)
Dates and Prices do not include international air travel.
Prices per person based on double room occupancy.
Park entrance fees of $405 per person are included.
Single Room Supplement:
January-March & June-December $600;
Triple room reduction per person:
$130
VACATION HIGHLIGHTS
INCLUDED FEATURES
ZÜRICH
Welcome dinner; orientation walk of the Old Town
BIEL
Orientation
NEUCHÂTEL
Visit the town
GENEVA
Guided sightseeing
EVIAN-LES-BAINS
Stop on the French side of Lake Geneva
GRUYÈRES
Visit the castle; [LF] a special lunch with local specialties and “double-crème”
INTERLAKEN AREA
[LF] Excursion to the Jungfrau massif
BERNE
See the Bear Park, enjoy a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, Old Town
LUCERNE
Walking tour including the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge; [LF] taste chocolate pralines; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
Headsets throughout the tour
MEALS
Full buffet breakfast daily; a special lunch with a drink in Gruyères, 4 three-course dinners with wine, including a welcome dinner in Zürich and a special farewell dinner in Lucerne
INSIDE VISITS
Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.