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Best of Switzerland

Operated by: Trafalgar

9 Days from $3,150 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Tours with a ride on the Bernina Express, Swiss Alps

Countries Visited

Switzerland, Italy ...more Switzerland, Italy

Locations Visited

Zürich, Bern, Montreux, Zermatt, Baveno, Tirano, Pontresina, Saint Moritz, Lucerne, Brienz, Interlaken ...more Zürich, Bern, Montreux, Zermatt, Baveno, Tirano, Pontresina, Saint Moritz, Lucerne, Brienz, Interlaken
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Zürich

    Welcome to the sophisticated Swiss city of Zürich - a flawless blend of fascinating heritage and modern spirit. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception in this beautiful lakeside setting.

    meals Welcome Reception
    hotel Hyatt Place Airport
  2. Day 2 Journey to Lake Geneva

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Eurotel
  3. Day 3 Onwards to Chillon Castle and Zermatt Connect with Locals

    This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalised 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.

    meals Breakfast, Be My Guest
    hotel Mirabeau
  4. Day 4 Zermatt Your Way

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Mirabeau
  5. Day 5 Venture to the Italian Lake Maggiore

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Simplon
  6. Day 6 Off to Alpine St. Moritz

    We travel through the scenic Italian countryside to the fortified town of Tirano. Here, we will board the famous Bernina Express train and wind our way through scenic landscapes en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner
    hotel Reine Victoria
  7. Day 7 Journey to Lakeside Lucerne

    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 colourful 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Grand Europe
  8. Day 8 Admire Scenic Brienz and Interlaken Dive Into Culture

    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 a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way.

    meals Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
    hotel Grand Europe
  9. Day 9 Homeward Bound

    As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.

    meals Breakfast
Best Switzerland Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Whats Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Train from Tirano to Pontresina
  • Optional Experiences and free time

Dining Summary

  • 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
  • 8 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Be My Guest (BMG)
  • 1 Dinner (D)
  • 1 Farewell Dinner (FD)

Be My Guest

  • Bourg-en-Lavaux: Enjoy Swiss hospitality and the flavours of local wines, cheeses and breads with the owner of a local vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva.

Dive Into Culture

  • Brienz: Learn about Switzerland's wood-carving heritage at the Jobin wood sculpture museum in Brienz.

Iconic Experience

  • Zürich: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you some of the highlights of this beautiful lakeside city.
  • Bern: Explore Switzerland's capital and see the Cathedral of St. Vincent, clock tower and Ogre Fountain.
  • Chillon Castle: The beautiful fortress of Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva, is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Following his walk through the dungeons in 1816, Lord Byron wrote the poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon'. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar.
  • Bernina Express: Board the famous Bernina Express train and travel through stunning landscapes en route to St. Moritz.
  • Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.

Must-see Highlights

  • : Discover Zürich and Lucerne
  • : Visit Bern, Chillon Castle, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Interlaken and Brienz
  • : View the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne, the Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountains (weather permitting), Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
  • : Scenic Train Ride from Tirano to Pontresina

Whats Included

  • : An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • : Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • : All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • : All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • : Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • : Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • : Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • : Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • : Train from Tirano to Pontresina
  • : Optional Experiences and free time

Dates & Prices

Prices shown are per person based on two people sharing a twin room. To request a personalized travel quote, click "Request Quote" and a Travel Specialist will send your custom quote including airfare if requested.

Online Booking Process

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April 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Apr 8 Sat
Apr 16 Sun
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,150
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Apr 22 Sat
Apr 30 Sun
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,195
May 2023
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May 6 Sat
May 14 Sun
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,195
AARP Members Save up to $100
May 13 Sat
May 21 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,195
AARP Members Save up to $100
May 20 Sat
May 28 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,195
July 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 1 Sat
Jul 9 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,150
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 15 Sat
Jul 23 Sun
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Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,325
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 22 Sat
Jul 30 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,150
AARP Members Save up to $100
Jul 29 Sat
Aug 6 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,150
August 2023
AARP Members Save up to $100
Aug 12 Sat
Aug 20 Sun
AARP Members Save up to $100
Guaranteed Departure This departure is guaranteed
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRICE/PERSON
$3,150
Optional Add-Ons

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Lake Geneva

Available on Day 2

Chaplin's World and Lake Geneva Cruise

Enjoy the palm trees on the shores of Lake Geneva from a romantic side-wheel paddle steamer as we cruise along the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. We’ll visit the Charlie Chaplin museum, set on the banks of the lake on his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life here and you’ll discover all the facets of this incredible man's life. We'll see sets and props from his greatest movies and then finish with a peaceful walk in the gardens.
Adult Price: 66 CHF

Zermatt

Available on Day 4

Klein Matterhorn Excursion

A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain ride. You’ll enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener Steg, before boarding Europe's highest cable car to 3883m (12,740 ft) to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Adult Price: 123 CHF

Available on Day 4

Zermatt Dinner Experience

Discover the beautiful mountainous resort town of Zermatt. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner in a typical chalet-style restaurant with an opportunity to try the world-famous raclette and chocolate fondue.
Adult Price: 86 CHF

Italian Lakes

Available on Day 5

Discover The Borromean Islands

We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, you will meet with your Local Specialist to do a tour of the beautiful palace. You will explore the baroque gardens with its white peacocks and from where you can see the Isola Madre and the Isola dei Pescatori.
Adult Price: € 49
Note: This optional is only able to be operated between mid-March and the end of October.

Available on Day 5

Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori

This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding alleys, to enjoy dinner at one of the Island's restaurants.
Adult Price: € 68

Saint Moritz

Available on Day 6

Rosegg Valley By Horse And Carriage

Arriving in Pontresina, you'll experience a horse-drawn carriage ride through the wild beauty of the Alps and the picturesque Rosegg Valley, with its spectacular mountain views.
Adult Price: 58 CHF

Lucerne

Available on Day 7

Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise

Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Travelling by funicular and the world's first Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery.
Adult Price: 113 CHF
Note: On certain departures, this optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the cruise. It may also be operated without the cruise for CHF 78.

Available on Day 7

Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner

Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.
Adult Price: 99 CHF
Note: Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a lunch for CHF 68.00.

Available on Day 7

Swiss Dinner by the Lake

Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious Swiss meal that includes the famous Swiss cheese fondue in a typical local restaurant. Its lakeside location and well-placed terrace will ensure a relaxing evening enjoying the hearty Swiss menu. Two drinks are included.
Adult Price: 95 CHF

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Service
Amazing cities with the convenience of an awesome transport! First class hotels and David Moore our travel coordinator is professional, always jolly and punctual. He’s truly a gem for Trafalgar tours! Our driver Marcel is very efficient and always have a smile and greets the travelers. Memories I have of this tour will forever be cherished - Melanie
Response from Grand European Travel:
It sounds like your Best of Switzerland tour couldn't have gone better. Great memories and new friends--who could ask for more on a vacation? We would love to help you plan that next tour, so please give us a call when you're ready to explore another part of the world!
Monday, October 17, 2022
Vacation
It’s a vacation worth the expense and meeting new friends in an awesome setting makes for a memorable experience! Can’t wait to join another tour! 🥰
Panzy Chhabra
Sunday, September 18, 2022
Service
They were helpful in booking the tour
Vacation
Vacation was overall enjoyable. However we were very disappointed with GET 24 hr services lack of any help, support or guidance when our return flight from Zurich to Amsterdam was cancelled less than 18 hours before departure. & when we called them.The GET person on phone was just not interested in offering any help or suggestions!
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are sorry that our 24 Hour answering service failed to meet your expectations, but we are glad you were able to work with the airline on getting your flights arranged to get home on time and safely. Thank you for bring this issue to our attention.
Tuesday, September 20, 2022
Beatriz Cardenas
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Service
It was handle so well. My first trip and it will not be my last, hope to be traveling with Trafalgar in the near future. Total Best
Response from Grand European Travel:
We are beyond excited that you enjoyed your vacation. We would love to help you plan your next adventure when you're ready to travel again. Thanks for leaving a review. We appreciate your feedback. Have a great day!
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Vacation
Had the best first time and it will not be the last. Plan to be traveling with Trafalgar soon
Marcia Meldahl Piety
Saturday, July 16, 2022
Service
Yes. Have traveled with Uniworld 4 times (the fifth this December), Trafalgar most recently, and Insight before that. Booking was, as usual, simple.
Response from Grand European Travel:
You sound like a very experienced traveler, and we are very thankful you keep coming back to us for your vacations! Your trip to Switzerland sounds wonderful. We hope you were able to make lifelong memories while you were there. We truly appreciate your repeat business and your kind words. Take care!
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Vacation
Excellent tour guide, Good food and traveling companions. Great driver. Excellent scenery!
Lynn Mitchell
Sunday, May 8, 2022
Service
They were very pleasant to work with, very informative, always available when we had questions and understanding about our concerns and wishes.
Response from Grand European Travel:
We pride ourselves on customer service and we couldn't be more pleased to see that our team hit it our of the park for you.
Monday, May 9, 2022
Vacation
The tour guide was very informative, loved the extra history and stories to go along with the sights we were seeing. Hotels were top of the charts, beautiful views from our rooms. We got to see so much on our tour, everything we had dreamed it would be plus more. Weather was perfect for us.
Kandice Beyer
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Service
Grand European Travel is always helpful & easy to deal with
Vacation
The country is beautiful & the variety of places made the trip very enjoyable.
Kit
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Service
It was EASY! This was my first time calling GET & found it to be a very positive experience. I have dealt with many different companies so I’m in a place to be able to judge. Certainly will be contacting them again!
Vacation
Trafalgar Tours with Stephanie Behr absolutely provided the Best of Switzerland. I did & saw everything I expected plus extra things I didn’t know about.
Janell Young
Sunday, August 22, 2021
Service
My husband made the reservations and was very pleased with the attention that the agent gave in scheduling everything for the three of us.
Vacation
Every tour we’ve had through Grand European/Trafalgar has been excellent, led by great tour leaders. This one was no exception, and we enjoyed it so much.
John Young
Sunday, August 22, 2021
Service
Got personalized updates and answer to any and all questions. Also worked hard to find us a guaranteed trip
Vacation
Everything was good until return. Flight number from Zurich showed a United number when in actuality it was a Swiss air flight with a different number and no one to explain. We almost missed the flight due to this
Response from Grand European Travel:
We do apologize for the confusion with your flights back to the USA. The flight itinerary should have listed the operating airline along with the booking airline flight number but we appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We are glad that you did not miss your flight and made it home safely and on time.
Friday, August 27, 2021
Yuan Lee
Monday, October 14, 2019
Service
Booking process was through one of your representatives. It was smooth and pleasant. We decided to change our flight routing, and this request was accommodated cordially by your staff.
Vacation
Good mix of sites visited; lakes, mountains, historically interesting places and a train ride.
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