Glorious Switzerland
9 Days from $3,125 per person
Discover a land of contrasting scenery, people and languages, offering an eclectic mix of interests and wonders.
Overview
Discover a land of contrasting scenery, people and languages, offering an eclectic mix of interests and wonders.
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Day 1: Your Journey Begins.
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: 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 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:00 for a drink, followed by a Welcome Dinner at 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 mouth-watering Chocolate Fondue for desert!
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Day 3: 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 its lake. See the Jet D'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Then relax and enjoy the enchanting scenery, as we continue on to the scenic town of Montreux, at the foot of the Alps, boasting one of the most beautiful lakeside walks. Enjoy free time to explore this pretty town. Journey to the great arc of Lake Geneva where a Local Expert will show you medieval Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, immortalized by Byron's ‘Prisoner of Chillon'. Continue along the Rhone Valley, with high summer temperatures that support vines and other fruits. The final stage of your journey is by cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. 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 on your Dine-Around evening.
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Day 4: 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 5: Elegant Baveno.
Descend to Täsch and rejoin the coach. Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon as you ascend 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. Perhaps take a delightful boat trip to see the stunning Isola Bella? -
Day 6: 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 7: 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. Continue to Lucerne alongside the 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 8: 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. Take your seats at Dreherestaurant Rondorama, perfectly situated atop the mountain. During your Celebration Dinner you will enjoy the spectacular 360 degree views as the restaurant slowly rotates and savor delicious local flavors like smoked trout or Alpermagronen, a Swiss Alpine Macaroni. Embrace this fantastic wining and dining experience as you celebrate new friends and a great trip.
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Day 9: Leave Lucerne for Zürich.
Your departure transfer arrives at Zürich Airport at 08:00. Please do not schedule any flights before 10:00am.
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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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jun 18 | 8 Jul 18 |
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$3,125pp | Call 1-877-622-9109 | |||
| 18 Aug 18 | 26 Aug 18 |
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$3,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 25 Aug 18 | 2 Sep 18 |
|
$3,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 22 Sep 18 | 30 Sep 18 |
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$3,125pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 29 Sep 18 | 7 Oct 18 |
|
$3,125pp | Request Quote Book Now |
This tour briefly enters Italy and Liechtenstein 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 $380 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: $30 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $92 per person.
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 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 4 Dinners with Wine (DW) 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.
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.
Scenic Swiss Rail Journey:
- Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express - through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, a glorious adventure in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, only possible by rail.
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
Adult Price: CHf119.00
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: CHf53.00
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.
Lucerne
Lake Lucerne Cruise
Adult Price: CHf40.00
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.
Lucerne
Secret Switzerland
Adult Price: CHf46.00
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.
Lucerne
Swiss Evening
Adult Price: CHf99.00
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.
Lucerne
Carriages & Countryside
Adult Price: CHf67.00
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.
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.
