Glorious Switzerland
8 Days from $3,175 per person
Discover a land of contrasting scenery, people and languages, offering an eclectic mix of interests and wonders.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
Discover a land of contrasting scenery, people and languages, offering an eclectic mix of interests and wonders.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Geneva, City of Gardens
Welcome to Switzerland! Prepare yourself for varied modes of transport, all of which showcase the majesty of the snow-capped mountains, the glaciers, sparkling lakes, flower-filled meadows and the beauty of the rich, green valleys. Transfers from Geneva airport to your hotel depart at 11 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 6:00 pm, followed by a short stroll to your Welcome Dinner hosted at Au Petit Chalet. The evening is full of Swiss delight as you enjoy the cozy, chalet-style decor while being served typical Swiss specialties including mouthwatering chocolate fondue for dessert! Return to your immaculate, boutique hotel, rated as the No. 1 hotel of the 'Top 15 Hotels of Switzerland' at the 2017 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. Hotel d'Angleterre highlights British charm and the finest of Swiss hospitality with each room individually-designed to reflect its elegant style.
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Day 2: Montreux, Chillon and the Matterhorn Village of Zermatt
Start your day with the highlights of Geneva, the City of Gardens, nestled at the end of the lake. See the Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Then relax and enjoy the enchanting scenery as we continue to the scenic town of Montreux Situated at the foot of the Alps and boasting beautiful lakeside walks, enjoy free time to explore this pretty town. Journey further around the Lake Geneva arc to the medieval Chillon Castle where a Local Expert will show you through the former home of the Counts of Savoy that was immortalized by Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon.' Continue through the Rhone Valley, where high summer temperatures support vines and other fruits. The final stage of your journey is by cogwheel train to the traffic-free Alpine resort of Zermatt. During your orientation with your Travel Director, feast your eyes on the distinctive triangular silhouette of the Matterhorn. At night, enjoy a stroll in the clean, mountain air to your chosen restaurant for your Dine-Around Evening.
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Day 3: Free Time in Zermatt
Zermatt in summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming or hiking or spend a whole day relaxing in the fresh alpine surrounds. Perhaps take an optional ride on Europe's highest cable car to the snow-capped roof of the world for a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France.
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Day 4: Elegant Baveno
Descend to Täsch and rejoin the coach. Follow in Napoleon's footsteps as you ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 6,562-foot summit. Continue along the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Perhaps take a delightful boat trip to see the stunning Isola Bella.
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Day 5: Grison Alps to Chic St. Moritz
Head north back into the high mountain country of the Grison Alps today. Ascend the Julier Pass to arrive in the sparkling Engadine Valley with an invigorating climate characterized by clear skies and its location high in the Alps. On arrival in the cosmopolitan resort of St. Moritz, a brief orientation with your Travel Director will show you the spa quarter and the brilliantly sparkling glacial lake before there is time to explore further on your own or mingle with the jet set in the elegant boutiques. In the evening, you are treated to a delicious fondue dinner at a local restaurant.
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Day 6: Scenic Train Ride, Liechtenstein and Lucerne
Start the day with a scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, across the Grison Mountains and through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. At Chur, reboard your coach and travel along the valley of the Upper Rhine to spend some time in Vaduz, the tiny capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you explore the area around the castle. Continue to Lucerne alongside the dramatic Walensee and Lake Zurich. On arrival see the sorrowful sculpture of the wounded lion, commemorating the brave Swiss guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Your Travel Director will also show you the Jesuit Church and the Chapel Bridge.
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Day 7: The Summit of Stanserhorn
Commence the day with a morning stroll along lakeside promenades or shopping for fine watches while enjoying the scenery. Then, from the town of Stans, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn, where you will meet a Swiss Ranger and learn about the local wildlife. Take in the pristine mountain air and on a clear day, you may see as far as Alsace and the Black Forest. At the foot of Mount Stanserhorn, embrace a fantastic wining and dining experience at Restaurant Seeblick. Celebrate new friends and a great trip during your Celebration dinner, offering magnificent views over Lake Lucerne.
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Day 8: Leave Lucerne for Zürich
In the morning, your departure transfer will arrive at Zürich airport at 8 am. Please do not schedule any flights before 10 am.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Apr 19 | 5 May 19 |
|
$3,175pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 5 May 19 | 12 May 19 |
|
$3,225pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Call 1-877-622-9109 | ||
| 12 May 19 | 19 May 19 |
|
$3,225pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 19 May 19 | 26 May 19 |
|
$3,225pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 2 Jun 19 | 9 Jun 19 |
|
$3,225pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 9 Jun 19 | 16 Jun 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 16 Jun 19 | 23 Jun 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 30 Jun 19 | 7 Jul 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 14 Jul 19 | 21 Jul 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Aug 19 | 18 Aug 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 18 Aug 19 | 25 Aug 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 25 Aug 19 | 1 Sep 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 8 Sep 19 | 15 Sep 19 |
|
$3,250pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 22 Sep 19 | 29 Sep 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 29 Sep 19 | 6 Oct 19 |
|
$3,195pp | AARP members save an additional $100 | Request Quote Book Now |
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 $440 per person
Triple Room Discount: $60 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $92 per person.
Airport Transfers: On arrival at Geneva airport, transfers operate at 11 am, 1 pm and 4 pm. Return transfers on the last travel day arrive at Zürich airport at 8 am.
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.
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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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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
7 Breakfasts, 4 Dinners with Wine, all with tea or coffee.
Signature Experiences
- Stanserhorn: Meet a Swiss Ranger on your spectacular journey to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn, where you will learn about the local wildlife.
Top Rated Highlights
- Ride the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway to Zermatt • Travel the route of the Glacier Express
- Visit Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva
- See Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument in Geneva • Lake Geneva and the Alps from Montreux • Matterhorn from Zermatt • Lake Maggiore • Baveno's cobbled streets • St. Moritz • Vaduz Castle • Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
- Geneva: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument.
- 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.
- Lake Geneva: Visit beautiful Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet in the lake. With the help of a Local Expert, look out for Lord Byron's name which he carved into a pillar.
- 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.
- Scenic Swiss Rail Journey: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts. This is a glorious adventure in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, only possible by rail.
- Vaduz: See the castle when you visit the capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein.
- Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and covered Chapel Bridge.
- Scenic Drives: Travel beside Lake Geneva, along the Rhone Valley and through the Simplon Pass. Experience the beauty of Lake Maggiore as you travel along its shores through the Italian Lake District. Continue through Julier Pass and Engadine Valley, pass the Grisons Alps, Walensee and beside Lake Zurich.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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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 24 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.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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.
Zermatt
Klein Matterhorn Excursion
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.
Adult Price: CHf119
Italian Lakes
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: €84
St Moritz
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: CHf53
Lucerne
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: CHf40
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: CHf46
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: CHf99
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: CHf67
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
