The Best of Switzerland

ZURICH–VADUZ, LIECHTENSTEIN–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND

Zurich, Switzerland

Discover Zurich’s well-preserved Old Town with its medieval guild houses during your orientation walk, and stop at the famous Sprüngli Confectionery to taste the traditional chocolate pralines.

Vaduz, Liechtenstein

A scenic drive following Lake Zurich and Lake Walen into the high Alps leads you to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein, clutched between Switzerland and Austria, with a surface of just 62 square miles. Stop in the capital, Vaduz, and take pictures of the castle overlooking the town and the residence of the rulers.

Saint Moritz, Switzerland

Re-enter Switzerland, and ascend the Rhine Valley into the mountainous Grisons, a canton where three of the country’s four languages are spoken. The 7,504-foot Julier Pass, an important Alpine road since Roman times, leads to the Engadine. This valley is considered by many as the most beautiful mountain area in the world, with deep-blue lakes, airy larch forests that turn golden in the fall, mountain peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, and quaint villages with massive white stone houses in the characteristic Grisons style. This afternoon, arrive in St. Moritz, the elegant resort that hosted the Winter Olympics twice, for your overnight stay.

Breakfast, Dinner

LAUDINELLA HOTEL

ST. MORITZ–LAKE COMO, ITALY–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND

Lake Como, Italy

Take in a gradual change of scenery as you descend towards the enchanting shores of Italy’s Lake Como and continue on to the southern tip of Switzerland. The vegetation south of the Alps is Mediterranean: chestnut groves, vineyards, and olive and fig trees are a stark contrast to earlier today as you were within walking distance of glaciers.

Lugano, Switzerland

Afternoon arrival in the popular subtropical resort town of Lugano allows time for shopping under the arcades of Via Nassa or an espresso on flower-festooned Piazza Riforma. To truly appreciate splendid Lake Lugano, an optional boat ride is available, followed by dinner at a traditional “grotto” restaurant.

Breakfast

HOTEL DE LA PAIX

LUGANO–STRESA, ITALY–TÄSCH, SWITZERLAND–ZERMATT

Stresa, Italy

Continue from Lake Lugano to the Italian shore of Lake Maggiore for a break in Stresa, the “Pearl of the Lake.” An optional boat ride to enchanting Isola Bella can be arranged.

Zermatt, Switzerland

Continue over lofty Simplon Pass into the Swiss Valais, an area renowned for its excellent wines and great mountain resorts. To reach the most famous of them, leave the coach behind in Täsch and board a mountain train to climb the last few miles up to car-free Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the Matterhorn.

Breakfast

HOTEL POLLUX

ZERMATT–LAKE GENEVA

Zermatt, Switzerland

This morning, you can join an exciting optional excursion to Klein Matterhorn for spectacular views of the surrounding Alps.

Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Later, motor through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley, and arrive at beautiful Lake Geneva for your overnight stay.

Breakfast, Dinner

MOEVENPICK HOTEL LAUSANNE

LAKE GENEVA–BERNE–LUCERNE

Bern, Switzerland

In the stately capital of Berne, your guided tour starts at the Bear Park, followed by a panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden. Next, enjoy a walking tour through the beautifully preserved medieval Old Town. Witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower and take pictures of ornate, flower-adorned fountains. See life in rural Switzerland and look forward to a special lunch at a traditional Swiss working form.

Lucerne, Switzerland

Cross the Brünig Pass that connects the Bernese Oberland to central Switzerland and arrive in picturesque Lucerne. An optional dinner excursion is available to a folklore party with yodeling for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking.

Breakfast, Lunch

ROMANTIK HOTEL WILDEN MANN

LUCERNE

Lucerne, Switzerland

Follow your Tour Director for a pleasant walk and admire Thorwaldsen’s impressive Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution. Walk along ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit Church, the first large baroque church built in Switzerland on the north side of the Alps. Afterward, another true Swiss experience: a trip to the top of Mount Pilatus, the “Guard of Lucerne,” where you receive a special souvenir cap to always remember this experience! Tonight, a farewell dinner awaits at your hotel for a proper auf Wiedersehen.

Breakfast, Dinner

ROMANTIK HOTEL WILDEN MANN

LUCERNE–ZURICH AIRPORT

Lucerne, Switzerland

Morning transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich.

Breakfast