Contrasts of Switzerland
8 Day Switzerland Tour to Zürich, St. Moritz | Operated by Trafalgar
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8 Days
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1 Country
Switzerland -
6 Cities
Zürich, Saint Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva, Interlaken, Lucerne -
12 Meals
1 Welcome Reception, 7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 2 Lunchs -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
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, attend a Welcome Reception to launch your Swiss experience.
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.
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. Your Tour Director will take you on an Orientation of the town.
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.
This morning we board a train to Geneva and continue through green pastures to La Ferme Enchantée for a memorable Be My Guest lunch experience. This sustainable farm also hosts beehives, and we meet the beekeeper during our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon we return to sophisticated Geneva where the orientation will include views of the Old Town, Jet d'Eau and the Flower Clock, paying tribute to the city's centuries-old watchmaking traditions. Later, explore the sights of this lakeside 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.
Picture-perfect landscapes are our constant companion as we journey from Geneva along the Golden Pass route. Passing through Interlaken, enjoy superb views of the Bernese Oberland and Brünig Pass on the way to Lakeside Lucerne. 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.
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.
We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and newfound friends at the end of a remarkable Swiss 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, on the last day of the tour, for your onward journey.
Price Includes
What's 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 Zürich to St. Moritz
- - Glacier Express Train from St. Moritz to Zermatt
- - High-speed train from Zermatt to Vevey
- - Golden Pass route train journey from Geneva to Lucerne
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 1 Welcome Reception (WR)
- - 7 Breakfasts (B)
- - 2 Dinners (D)
- - 2 Lunchs (L)
- Enjoy the views of St. Moritz by traveling along the most spectacular rail routes of Switzerland.
- Hop aboard the Glacier Express and take in the magical views of the alpine landscapes.
- Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Zermatt.
- Spend the day taking in the spectacular views of Geneva.
- Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys.
- During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Alps at the Hotel Ambassador in Zermatt.
- In the green pastures overlooking Lake Geneva, enjoy Swiss hospitality and local wines, cheeses and breads with the owner of a local vineyard.
- 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.
Optional Experiences
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.
Bernina Pass Discovery (Available on Day 2)Board a train across the spectacular Bernina Pass, one of Switzerland's iconic rail routes. Our panoramic journey takes us to a local hostelry where you can indulge in a typical apéro of tasty snacks and vintages, a truly local experience!
Adult Price: ₣93 Klein Matterhorn Excursion (Available on Day 4)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 (12,740ft) to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Adult Price: ₣130 Zermatt Dinner Experience (Available on Day 4)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 fondue.
Adult Price: ₣96 Lake Geneva Cruise with Meal (Available on Day 5)Enjoy an unforgettable cruise on the ‘Belle Epoque ‘ steamers of the CGN company on Lake Geneva. The lake is one of Western Europe’s largest and its waters meet the shores of both Switzerland and France. You’ll see picturesque villages and towns in both countries as well as the majestic Alps and, on clear days, Mont Blanc. A three-course meal will be served in their wood-panelled dining room while you admire awe-inspiring Alpine scenery dining on the specialties of the Vaud canton.
Adult Price: ₣105 Lake Geneva Cruise (Available on Day 5)Enjoy an unforgettable cruise on the ‘Belle Epoque ‘ steamers of the C.G.N. company on Lake Geneva. Lac Leman, as it is known to the locals, is one of Western Europe’s largest lakes and its waters meet the shores of both Switzerland and France. You’ll see picturesque villages and towns in both countries as well as the majestic Alps and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.
Adult Price: ₣52 Swiss Folklore Evening with Dinner (Available on Day 6)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: ₣111 'Swisstainable' Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise (Available on Day 7)Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Traveling 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: ₣121 Swiss Countryside & Carriages (Available on Day 7)A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local homestead where you’ll savor local drinks and snacks.
Adult Price: ₣77