14 daysSwitzerland
See Switzerland in all its natural splendour during this 2-week guided tour that whisks you from snow-capped mountain peaks to floral valleys. Outside Lucerne, complete with wooden bridges and baroque churches, zip to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, a pinnacle so tall you can see France and Germany. Take in beautiful Bern and its Catherdrals with a Local Expert followed by a stop in Gruyères. Glide along the Glacier Express, a glass-topped train that will carry you through the Oberalp Valley and to Grindelwald, an idyllic alpine village set to the backdrop of winding rivers and towering waterfalls. In St. Moritz, a mountain railways pass will allow you to traverse the alpine village’s cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts. Then taste the freshest cuisine in Switzerland during an intimate Farm-to-Table dinner experience, including cheese.
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travellers for centuries. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfer to your hotel in Lucerne. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a pleasant dinner at a local restaurant.
Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up the summit. Admire unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day see as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Return to the beautiful 14th-century city of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, Baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to walk along the lake or perhaps shop for a special timepiece or chocolate.
In Bern, your Local Expert, a local English teacher, shows you the Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the Ogre Fountain. Your travels continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps with snowy summits filling the horizon. Continue through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, that gives its name to the well-known cheese. Enjoy time on your own to explore the pretty main street and 13th century castle. From Montreux, travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to visit a winery. Admire the stunning panorama overlooking the lake and savour a tasting of tantalising, local wines. Delight in a delicious Farm-to-Table light dinner, made from locally sourced produce, and learn how the family that owns the farm is preserving the estate for future generations on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
On the eastern bay of Lake Geneva, visit Chillon Castle for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon.' Keep a look out for where the writer is rumoured to have left his mark. Return to Montreux where the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own or relax as you wish at your quayside hotel.
Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock. Next, relax in first-class comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise. This evening, enjoy time at leisure on the promenade of your lakeside resort.
Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny, where you’ll view the Roman Amphitheatre before visiting Barryland, the only park in the world dedicated to the St. Bernard dog. Set on the historic route to the Great St. Bernard Pass, which gave the breed its name, Barryland reveals the story of these much-loved Swiss mountain dogs and their centuries-long association with Alpine rescue. Continue to Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. Complete your journey by cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Zermatt in the summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking or relaxing in the fresh alpine surrounds. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge or sample the delicious cakes known as Kuchen?
Travel to Täsch for a scenic drive to Brig, where you'll commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,006 m (6581 ft) summit. Stop in the Italian town of Stresa and perhaps join an Optional Experience to the stunning Isola Bella. Continue to Lugano for the evening.
Journey to the three Fortifications at Bellinzona to meet your Local Expert, for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. These castles are enchanting examples of fortified medieval architecture of the Alps. Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, travelling via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.
Enjoy a day at leisure to jostle with the jet-setters in this elegant resort or perhaps take an exciting train journey over the Bernina Pass. To help you make the most of your day, your Travel Director will provide you with a mountain railways pass, offering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz.
Step aboard the Glacier Express to experience one of the world’s great railway journeys. Cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lütschine River to Lauterbrunnen, at the head of the Valley of Waterfalls, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 297 m (974 ft) from the plateau above.
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald, a charming village nestled in the Bernese Alps. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding alpine splendour. The Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," offers stunning vistas and a chance to explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, hike one of the many trails that wind through the lush valleys and up into the high mountains, where the diverse flora and fauna are a delight for nature enthusiasts. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, spend your day shopping in the quaint village shops or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the area.
Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre to trace the history of the trade back to the early days of the 19th century. Continue over the Brünig Pass and drive alongside the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to return to Zürich. See the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster on an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. Join your travel companions at a local restaurant. Your dinner is accompanied with wine — raise your glass to toast to your adventures.
Say a fond farewell to Switzerland and your newfound friends at the end of an unforgettable journey. Your final hotel is located at the airport, just a short walk from the terminal, so there’s no need to arrange a transfer.
Lucerne, Switzerland
2 nights
Spend the evening unwinding in the architectural masterpiece that is the Hotel Astoria. Soak in the breathtaking surroundings or simply relax in your elegantly designed room.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Gym, Laundry, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Montreux, Switzerland
3 nights
Set on the shores of Lake Geneva in central Montreux, this Belle Époque hotel dates to 1896. Elegant period details, a lakeside terrace and a relaxed atmosphere give the stay a strong sense of the Swiss Riviera, while the outdoor pool, fitness room and sauna offer time to recharge.
Hotel Pool, Gym, Bar, Business Centre, 24-hour Front Desk, Room Service
Room Air Conditioning, Non smoking, Safe, TV, Mini Bar, Wi-Fi
Zermatt, Switzerland
2 nights
Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Alex is surrounded by innumerable snow-topped mountains and offers spacious modern rooms.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Concierge, Room Service, Laundry, Gym, Pool, Spa, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Bathrobes and Slippers, Safe, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Lugano, Switzerland
1 night
Nestled in the heart of Lugano, just steps from from the lake and city centre, Hotel De La Paix seamlessly combines traditional elegance with modern comforts for a luxurious and relaxing stay,
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Room Service, 24-hour Front Desk, Laundry, Safe deposit box
Room Air Conditioning, Mini Bar, Tea & coffee facilities, TV, Telephone, Safe, Hairdryer
Saint Moritz, Switzerland
2 nights
In the centre of St. Moritz, this four-star superior hotel brings Alpine character indoors with locally sourced stone-pine furnishings and refined interiors. A spa with sauna, steam bath and gym adds time to recharge, while its central setting places the pedestrian heart of the resort just outside.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Gym, Spa, Room Service, Foreign Currency Exchange
Room Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Saint Moritz, Switzerland
The family-run Steffani has been welcoming guests since 1869 and is conveniently located in centre of St. Moritz. Comfortable rooms make for a cosy stay and feature traditional furnishings made from local materials. Should you have a moment to yourself, perhaps enjoy a drink at the hotel's Le Lapin Bleu, St. Moritz's first restaurant, or unwind with a swim or sauna at The Steffani Pool & Spa.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Business Centre, Room Service, Laundry, Pool, Spa, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Safe, Bathrobes and Slippers, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Grindelwald, Switzerland
2 nights
Perfectly positioned in a peaceful yet central spot, Sunstar Hotel & SPA Grindelwald offers panoramic views of the iconic Eiger and Wetterhorn. With the First cable cars just steps away, it’s an ideal base for your alpine discoveries.
Hotel Restaurant, Gym, Bar, Pool, Spa
Room Wi-Fi
Zürich, Switzerland
1 night
Welcome to Hyatt Place Zürich Airport, located in The Circle district and within walking distance of the terminals. Enjoy modern Zurich design and 24/7 services at your convenience. Find exclusive shops, the unique Convention Centre and relaxation in the spacious park right outside the front door.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Business Centre, Room Service, Gym
Room Wi-Fi
Carriages & Countryside
Paid on tour
Lake Lucerne Cruise
Paid on tour
Swiss Evening
Paid on tour
Secret Switzerland
Paid on tour
Charlie Chaplin's World
Paid on tour
Lausanne Fondue Evening
Paid on tour
Klein Matterhorn Excursion
Paid on tour
Isola Bella
Paid on tour
Cruise and Cook
Paid on tour
Rail Journey Over The Bernina Pass
Paid on tour
Jungfrau Excursion by Cogwheel
Paid on tour
Per person, twin share
