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Country Roads of Switzerland
An intimate journey of discovery amid stunning Alpine panoramas. This itinerary includes riding on the famous Glacier Express and staying in some of Switzerland's most enchanting hotels.
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Your Journey Begins.
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Welcome to Lucerne.
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travellers over the years. On arrival at Zürich Airport, transfers will leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 & 13:30. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine. -
Ascend to the summit of the Stanserhorn.
Head to the town of Stans to embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and cable car to the summit of the stunning Stanserhorn. On a clear day, as well as the beautiful mountains and surrounding hills, there are views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Return to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne to see the covered wooden bridges, together with the Baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. The afternoon is free for lakeside walks or to shop for a special timepiece and chocolate. -
Bern, Lake Geneva and Montreux.
With a Local Historian in Bern, see the Bear Pits, 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. Move on to the great arc of Lake Geneva, where a Local Expert will show you the medieval Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, immortalised by Byron's ‘Prisoner of Chillon'. Continue to Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline, where your quayside hotel awaits. -
Gruyères & the Swiss Countryside.
Snowy summits fill the horizon as you ascend into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps. Continue through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, that gives its name to the well-known cheese. Enjoy some time to explore the pretty main street and 13th century castle before returning to Montreux for the night. -
Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise Experience.
Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet D'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Next, relax in first-class comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise. Then have time at leisure on the promenades of your lakeside resort. -
Martigny, Sion and the Matterhorn Village of Zermatt.
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. The final stage of the journey to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt is by cogwheel train. In the evening, dine as you please from our selection of local restaurants. -
Zermatt at Leisure.
Zermatt in summertime is a Shangri-La of leisure time possibilities. Spend the day relaxing in the clean dry mountain air or shopping for luxury goods along the famous Bahnhofstrasse or little lanes and alleys. Perhaps take a trip to the Kleiner Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge, take a short hike or sample the delicious Kuchen (cakes)? -
The Italian Lake District to Baveno.
Descend to Täsch and rejoin the coach. Drive through Brig to 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 on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is your free time - why not join an excursion to the stunning Isola Bella? -
The Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz.
Journey along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and head north to the three castles at Bellinzona, capital of Italian Switzerland. Meet your Local Expert for a fascinating insight into this World Heritage site. Continue through the Grison region, travelling via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine River through Heidi Country. Head east to the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.
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Free Time in St. Moritz.
The day is free to jostle with the jet-set in the elegant boutiques or take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. To help you make the most of your day, Insight will give you a mountain railways pass providing free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz. -
The Glacier Express and on to Grindelwald.
Board the Glacier Express – 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 past 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. -
Grindelwald at Leisure.
The day is free to explore Grindelwald further. Consider taking a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain. -
Rural Switzerland to Zürich.
A delightful drive along the shores of the lake leads to the woodcarving town of Brienz. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre in Brienz 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. An orientation drive shows you the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster, famous for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. At night, sample typical Swiss cuisine with wine at your farewell Celebration Dinner. -
Zürich.
Your stylish Five-star hotel is perfectly situated for Zürich Airport - just five minutes away via complimentary shuttle bus.
30 Day Refund Guarantee
Add air to your reservation
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
INCLUDED QUALITY DINING
13 Buffet Breakfasts (BB); plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 1 Dine-Around (DA), 2 three-course table d'hôte Dinners (DW) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee.
Signature Experiences
Stanserhorn:
- A spectacular journey by a funicular railway and a cable car to the summit of the Stanserhorn for expansive mountain views.
Chillon:
- Visit Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet in the lake. 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.
Swiss Countryside:
- Travel along valley floors covered with rich meadowland, to the pretty town of Gruyères.
Lake Geneva:
- Enjoy first-class seats as you cruise on the serene waters of the King of Lakes, inspiration to the early ‘Romantic' movement.
Zermatt:
- Ride the shuttle trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway up to the traffic-free Alpine resort.
St. Moritz:
- If you think that there's no such thing as a free ride, you're wrong! With your inclusive pass, travel on 13 cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts and some public transport (when available). The crisp Alpine air is included in the deal.
Glacier Express:
- Travel on-board the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts. Have a glorious adventure in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, only possible by rail.
Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Jun 17 | 17 Jun 17 | $4,395pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 10 Jun 17 | 24 Jun 17 | $4,395pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 17 Jun 17 | 1 Jul 17 | $4,395pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 24 Jun 17 | 8 Jul 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 1 Jul 17 | 15 Jul 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 8 Jul 17 | 22 Jul 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 15 Jul 17 | 29 Jul 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 22 Jul 17 | 5 Aug 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 29 Jul 17 | 12 Aug 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 5 Aug 17 | 19 Aug 17 | $4,395pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 12 Aug 17 | 26 Aug 17 | $4,495pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 19 Aug 17 | 2 Sep 17 | $4,495pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 26 Aug 17 | 9 Sep 17 | $4,495pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 2 Sep 17 | 16 Sep 17 | $4,495pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 9 Sep 17 | 23 Sep 17 | $4,495pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||||
| 16 Sep 17 | 30 Sep 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 23 Sep 17 | 7 Oct 17 | $4,395pp | Request Quote Book Now |
These departures will stay at the Steffani Hotel in St. Moritz.
There is a 25% reduction to the Single Supplement charge for the April 15th departure and a 35% reduction to July 15th, August 5th and September 30th departures, subject to availability
This tour briefly enters Italy for which some passengers may require visas.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $450 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $120 per person.
Early Payment Discount: Pay in full to save the amount listed above. For details, click here.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHF). While the country is not part of the European Union and thus is not obliged to convert to the Euro, many prices are nonetheless indicated in euros to help travelers compare prices. Some Swiss merchants may accept euros but are not obliged to do so. Change given back will most likely be in Swiss francs. While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive in Switzerland, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Switzerland. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Swiss cuisine is a flavorful blend of German, Italian, and French influences and a wide variety of regional offerings. Specialty dishes include fondue and raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages and rösti (fried potato), bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and fondue bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. There are also spirits made from fruit; the most popular are Kirsch, Pflümli and Williamine. And don’t miss out on the world-class selection of Swiss chocolate.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. It is important to bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
A service charge is typically included in the bill at restaurants in Switzerland. While there is no need to leave an additional tip, you can round up to the next franc for service if you choose.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Reviews
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
Carriages & Countryside
Adult Price: CHF 67.00
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.
Lake Lucerne Cruise
Adult Price: CHF 40.00
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.
Secret Switzerland
Adult Price: CHF 46.00
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.
Swiss Evening
Adult Price: CHF 99.00
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.
Montreux
Charlie Chaplin's World
Adult Price: CHF 59.00
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.
French Fondue Style Dinner
Adult Price: CHF 97.00
First enjoy a drive along the Swiss Riviera as we travel past the Olympic city of Lausanne. Then, enjoy a three-course meal of classic Swiss meat fondue, served in an historic restaurant with local wines.
Zermatt
Klein Matterhorn Excursion
Adult Price: CHF 112.00
A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain experience. Enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener steg before boarding Europe's highest cable car to arrive on the snow-capped top of the world at 3883 m (12,740 ft). A magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France will make this an unforgettable experience - one not to be missed.
Italian Lakes
Lake Maggiore Experience
Adult Price: € 84.00
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!
St Moritz
Bernina - Express Excursion
Adult Price: CHF 53.00
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.
Interlaken
Jungfrau Excursion By Cog-Wheel
Adult Price: CHF 185.00
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 3454 m (11332 ft)! Enjoy spectacular views, explore the Ice Palace which is carved inside the biggest glacier in Europe!
