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Country Roads of Switzerland

Operated by: Insight Vacations

14 Days from $5,126 per person
APR - OCT 2023
Tours of Berne, Switzerland

Countries Visited

Switzerland, Italy ...more Switzerland, Italy

Locations Visited

Zürich, Lucerne, Stanserhorn, Bern, Gruyères, Montreux, Chillon Castle, Geneva, Martigny, Sion, Zermatt, Simplon Pass, Baveno, Bellinzona, Saint Moritz, Lauterbrunnen, Staubbach Falls, Grindelwald, Brienz ...more Zürich, Lucerne, Stanserhorn, Bern, Gruyères, Montreux, Chillon Castle, Geneva, Martigny, Sion, Zermatt, Simplon Pass, Baveno, Bellinzona, Saint Moritz, Lauterbrunnen, Staubbach Falls, Grindelwald, Brienz
  1. Day 1 Welcome to Lucerne

    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, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:00, followed by a pleasant Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

    meals Dinner with Wine
    hotel Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
  2. Day 2 Ascend the summit of Mount Stanserhorn

    Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
  3. Day 3 Bern, Gruyères and Montreux

    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 is preserving the estate for future generations on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.
  4. Day 4 Lake Geneva and the Swiss Countryside

    On the western 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.
  5. Day 5 Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise Relaxed Start

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.
  6. Day 6 Martigny, Sion and Zermatt Relaxed Start

    Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. Complete your journey via cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening, take your pick from a selection a local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Perhaps you will delight in the typical Swiss dining experience of fondue?

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.
  7. Day 7 Zermatt at Leisure Relaxed Start

    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?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.
  8. Day 8 The Italian Lake District to Baveno

    Descend 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 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping along the shores of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps join an experience to the stunning Isola Bella?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
  9. Day 9 The Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz

    Journey along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and head north 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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Crystal Hotel, St Moritz., Hotel Steffani, St Moritz.
  10. Day 10 Leisure Time in St. Moritz Relaxed Start

    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.

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Crystal Hotel, St Moritz., Hotel Steffani, St Moritz.
  11. Day 11 The Glacier Express

    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 300 metres from the plateau above.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
  12. Day 12 Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed Start

    Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain?

    meals Breakfast
    hotel Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
  13. Day 13 Rural Switzerland to Zürich

    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 Celebration Dinner is accompanied with wine - raise your glass to toast to your adventures.

    meals Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
    hotel Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel.
  14. Day 14 Depart Zürich

    Your Swiss adventures come to and end this morning, with a transfer to Zürich airport arriving at 08:00.

    meals Breakfast
Country Roads of Switzerland Guided Tour Map
Price Includes

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)

Additional Included Highlights

  • : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
  • : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
  • : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
  • : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
  • : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
  • : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

Authentic Dining

  • Lucerne: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
  • Zermatt: Choose between fine local restaurants.
  • Zürich: Raise your glass and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant for your Celebration Dinner.

Insight Experiences

  • Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.
  • Bellinzona: Explore the stunning town of Bellinzona with your Local Expert. Julie will passionately share with you her insights into the three marvellous castles, and her personal stories about how she fell in love with this city and decided to move to the area.

Make Travel Matter

  • Stanserhorn: 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.
  • Lake Geneva: Visit a family-run biodynamic winery overlooking Lake Geneva. Enjoy a tasting, and learn how the family is preserving the estate for future generations. Savour delicious farm-to-table fare, made from locally sourced produce. Alongside using sustainable agricultural practices, they source majority of their good locally. They have strict procedures about waste reduction and any waste from the production is being re-used as fertilizer or food for their animals. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.

Top Rated Highlights

  • Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
  • Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
  • Bern: Your exploration with a local historian through Switzerland's capital includes seeing the floral displays, Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace, clock tower and Ogre Fountain.
  • Gruyères: Travel along valley floors covered with rich meadowland, to the pretty town of Gruyeres. Your Travel Director leads an orientation tour where you will see the main street and 13th century castle.
  • Montreux: At the foot of the Alps this town boasts one of the most beautiful walks along Lake Geneva, join your Travel Director for an orientation before there is free time to explore.
  • Geneva: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the Jet d'Eau and Floral Clock.
  • Lake Geneva: Enjoy first-class seats as you cruise on the serene waters of the King of Lakes, inspiration to the early Romantic movement.
  • Martigny: View the Roman Amphitheatre during your orientation.
  • Sion: Your Travel Director will show you the two fortress-churches, the cathedral and Old Town Hall.
  • Zermatt: Ride the shuttle trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway up to the traffic-free Alpine resort. Should weather permit, you may even see the majestic peak of the Matterhorn.
  • Zermatt: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this picturesque village, high in the mountains.
  • Baveno: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the cobbled streets and 16th century square.
  • St Moritz: During your orientation of this alpine resort see the spa quarter and glacial lake.
  • St Moritz: If you think there's no such thing as a free ride, you'd be mistaken! With your inclusive pass, travel on 13 cable cars, funiculars, chairlifts and select public transport options (when available). The crisp Alpine air is included in the deal.
  • St Moritz: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity.
  • Lauterbrunnen: Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley.
  • Staubbach Falls: In the Valley of the Waterfalls, witness these magnificent falls that plunge 300 metres.
  • Grindelwald: Explore this famous glacier village with your Travel Director. Embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine towns.
  • Brienz: Learn the history of woodcarving at the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre.
  • Zürich: During your orientation of the city, your Travel Director will show you the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.

Well-being

  • : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
  • : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

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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June 2023
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$5,750
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Oct 7 Sat
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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.

Lucerne

Available on Day 2

Carriages & Countryside

In a typical rural community, meet local farmers for a delightful horse-drawn ride. Clip-clop your way through bright green pasture, where the angular spire of a traditional white church shoots skyward and rickety old wooden storehouses still dot the landscape. Call in at a local farm where a wonderful spread of homemade drinks and snacks is served.
Adult Price: 72 CHF
Note: Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Available on Day 2

Swiss Evening

There's nothing better than convening with friends around a pot of bubbling fondue with a glass of chilled white wine and having a good yodel! Join us for a tasty Swiss meal in a typical restaurant. While you dine, enjoy a lively folklore show of flag throwing, yodelling, Alpenhorn blowing and other great Swiss entertainment.
Adult Price: 99 CHF
Note: Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a lunch for CHF 68.00.

Available on Day 2

Lake Lucerne Cruise

A chance to take in the wonderful mountain scenery from a different perspective. Enjoy a leisurely lake cruise, for fine views of the town and it's surroundings. The serene beauty of Lake Lucerne on a summer's day is a joy to behold, made even more enjoyable by the encompassing snow-capped mountains, green pastures and dense forests.
Adult Price: 40 CHF

Available on Day 2

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

Available on Day 3

Secret Switzerland

Incredibly, Switzerland provides all its citizens protection in case of nuclear disaster or war. Go behind the scenes for a unique tour of one of the world's biggest civilian fallout shelters! Cold War secrets of the Swiss will be revealed by our expert guide.
Adult Price: 46 CHF

Montreux

Available on Day 4

Charlie Chaplin's World

Tread in the footsteps of the “Little Tramp” at the genius’s former mansion, perched breathtakingly amongst the vineyards over Lac Leman. All our senses are indulged as we take a journey through replica sets of his greatest films at the Hollywood-style studio. Then, we'll spend time in his family home and round it off with a peaceful walk in the glorious gardens.
Adult Price: 59 CHF

Available on Day 4

Lausanne Fondue Evening

First we'll enjoy a drive along the Swiss Riviera, pausing at the stunning Olympic Museum Gardens in Ouchy. Next, the ancient city centre of Lausanne, with its huge gothic cathedral and quaint old town square featuring the "Scales of Justice" fountain. Finally, our hosts Willy and Heike treat us to a wonderful Swiss feast, including Fondue Bourguignonne in lively company.
Adult Price: 101 CHF

Zermatt

Available on Day 7

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

Italian Lakes

Available on Day 8

Lake Maggiore Experience

A short hop on our private motor launch brings us to the world-renowned hanging gardens of Isola Bella, where white peacocks preen. In the Borromean Palace, our local expert reveals the grottoes and masterpieces lovingly nurtured by this wealthy Italian dynasty. Our island hopping continues to the quaint Fisherman’s Island where we are treated to a typically local Italian meal - Buon Appetito!
Adult Price: € 89

Saint Moritz

Available on Day 10

Bernina - Express Excursion

Enjoy one of the most exciting train rides in Switzerland as you cross the Bernina Pass to the Alp Grum. Spectacular views of the Alpine peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, green valleys and mountain villages. We then descend to Poschiavo to reboard our touring coach.
Adult Price: 53 CHF

Grindelwald

Available on Day 12

Jungfrau Excursion by Cogwheel

A once in a lifetime chance to travel to the Top of Europe. Our round trip cog railway trip will take us from Grindelwald, through the world famous Eiger Mountain, to Europe's highest railway station at 3,454 m (11,332 ft)! Enjoy spectacular views and explore the Ice Palace which is carved inside the biggest glacier in Europe!
Adult Price: 215 CHF

Reviews
Service
Vacation
Independent Reviews
Trusted Customer
Review date: Monday, August 8, 2022
Service
I originally booked a trip in 2020, that was postponed twice. Throughout that time, I called to inquire about different things, and was often made to feel as though I was "bothering" them for calling. Some reps were worse than others, but no one wants to be made to feel that way when you've booked a vacation through them, and need to ask questions pertaining to the trip or concerns regarding Covid, etc.
Vacation
Our Tour Director was absolutely wonderful - and went out of his way to do special little things during our trip. We also had a wonderful coach driver, who made sure we used hand sanitizer each time we re-boarded our coach. The cities we visited were lovely. One thing I would say is that it seemed things that could have been included in our tour price had now become "Optional Excursions", requiring considerably more costs to enjoy those excursions. When booking group tours in the future, I will review what is provided, vs. what will be "add-on" costs for that tour, to make sure I'm getting the best value for money.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Monday, July 11, 2022
Service
Quick, accurate, courteous, and knowledgeable.
Vacation
Lusanne would have been a better stop than Geneva. Little to do in Geneva. Lots of culture and choice in Lusanne. Montreux was a boring resort town with few choices for restaurants and poor food. Great train routes and bus routes for scenery. High quality accommodations. Good pace.
Charles Kane
Review date: Sunday, October 17, 2021
Service
It was Great
Vacation
It was great had fun time
Trusted Customer
Review date: Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Service
The girl made it easy and did our flight arrangement right then.
Vacation
Our tour guide was horrible. She was difficult to understand most of the time,we could not hear her on the bus, she had no charisma or sense of organization and did not support us during a crisis.
Kenneth Rau
Review date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Service
Prompt courteous service w fair prices. Responded to any questions I had w clear explanations. In one particular situation their airfare folks contacted me to let me know of a potential problem with one of the airports on my itinerary. I was able to rebook and avoid the possible delays. Travelled w GET on many occasions and there are no surprises.
Response from Grand European Travel:
As a valued past guest of GET, we so appreciate your feedback. We are happy that this trip went smoothly and you enjoyed the beauty of Switzerland.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Vacation
Our trip thru GET with Insight on the Country Roads of Switzerland was outstanding. I would recommend the tour to anyone as the natural beauty is unsurpassed. The hotels were top shelve with adequate food and service. Our guide Helen was efficient, fun loving, and a great asset to our trip.
John Harrison
Review date: Monday, September 30, 2019
Service
Courteous and helpful.
Vacation
Great experience and knowledgeable tour director.
Trusted Customer
Review date: Monday, September 9, 2019
Service
It was easy to book by phone. Well-informed travel consultants were readily available for initial call and follow-up.
Vacation
All events and hotels were well chosen, well run and contributed to an enhanced experience.
David Acosta
Review date: Monday, September 2, 2019
Service
Agent was very nice when booking but when I had questions at a later time agent was abrupt
Vacation
Great travel director optional tours very good and a wonderful part of our tour. Our original flight was cancelled which made our travel to start challenging.
Nancy Ann Fisher
Review date: Saturday, June 15, 2019
Service
We were charged for transportation to the airport which was not necessary as the hotel provided free transportation to the airport. These fees should be credited to our account. The transfer from the airport to the hotel upon our arrival had poor planning with only two transfers with ridiculous timing by Insight travel.
Vacation
Visited wonderful sites encompassing the best of Switzerland.
James Emmett Fisher
Review date: Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Service
Very informative and pleasant to deal with
Vacation
Covered lots of great sights in Switzerland
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