What better way to start your Swiss journey than with a typical meal including cheese fondue.
If you prefer to travel with a smaller group of curious fellow travelers passionate about diving into incredible experiences, Insight Vacations Small Group tours are the perfect choice. With all the premium features of Insight Vacations including 4 and 5-star hotels, one-of-a-kind inclusions, immersive local cultural experiences and superior dining, small group departures have a maximum of just 24 guests allowing for a more intimate, premium touring experience. Every tour includes at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. These immersive impact experiences are not only a positive force for change in the destinations you visit, by advancing one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but also offer you the chance to take a deep dive into culture and community.
View all Insight Small Groups ToursInsight Vacations Small Group departures are limited to only 24 guests. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, more personalized attention from your Travel Director, and the opportunity to form closer connections with fellow travelers. Perfect for couples, families, and solo travelers who want to explore must-see destinations with like-minded people.
View Small Group ToursTake a once in a lifetime trip across Switzerland, dipping fresh fruit in Swiss chocolate fondue in Geneva, breathing in the Alpine air of Zermatt and relaxing in luxury—at lakeside Lucerne. In the shadow of the mighty Mount Matterhorn, the car free ski resort of Zermatt is a wonder to behold, bettered only by the chic fashionista surrounds of St. Moritz in the Grison Alps. In Lucerne, explore nearby Stanserhorn with the Insight Choice between meeting a Swiss Ranger to learn about the local flora and fauna, or take a stroll through the magnificent surrounds of Marmott Park. A Celebration Dinner in Lucerne at the foot of Mount Stanserhorn offers glorious views over Lake Lucerne from restaurant Seeblick and draws the sojourn across Switzerland to a close.
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Learn more about the landmarks, history and culture that makes your destination special.
4 Dinners, 7 Breakfasts
Stay at highly rated hotels in desirable locations offering superb service, superior rooms with comfy beds to rest in.
Sign up on tour for additional experiences that have been curated by your Travel Director from their own in-depth local knowledge.
Passport, visa, and entry requirements for Switzerland for US citizens.
Switzerland experiences a diverse range of weather and climate due to its varied topography. In general, it has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Summers are mild to warm, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), while winters are cold, especially at higher altitudes, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The mountainous regions receive significant snowfall, making them popular destinations for winter sports. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons characterized by mild temperatures and occasional rainfall.
On-Tour Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits
Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb
Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”
So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
Packing Tips for Your Tour
Packing for a guided tour will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:
Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure you have your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.
Clothing:
Sun Protection:
Medications and First Aid:
Toiletries:
Electronics:
Miscellaneous:
Optional:
Remember to pack light and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Laundry facilities are often available, or you can have your clothes laundered at hotels during your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small bag or backpack to bring on the coach for day trips and excursions, leaving your larger luggage at the hotel.
Electricity
American appliances run on 110-120 volts at 60 Hz, while European appliances run on 220-230 volts at 50 Hz.
As a result, American appliances designed for use in the United States (typically 120 volts at 60 Hz) may not be directly compatible with the higher voltage used in European countries. Plugging a 120-volt appliance into a 220-240-volt outlet without the appropriate voltage converter or transformer can cause damage to the appliance or pose safety risks.
If you plan to bring American appliances to Europe, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to change the voltage to 220-240 volts from 110 volts. Additionally, you will likely need a plug adapter to fit the American-style plug into the European power outlets. All of Europe operates on the same two round-pronged outlets (Type C).
It's important to note that not all appliances are compatible with voltage converters, so it's essential to check the labels or user manuals of your devices before using them with a voltage converter. Some electronic devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and camera chargers, are dual voltage and can support 120V and 220-240V, so they may not require a voltage converter, but a plug adapter will still be necessary.
To avoid any issues with electrical compatibility during your travels, consider purchasing appliances specifically designed for the voltage used in the region you'll be visiting or use appropriate voltage converters and plug adapters to ensure the safe operation of your American appliances in Europe.
We recommend purchasing an adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. And to pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them with you.
Hair Dryers in Your Hotel
Hair dryers are common accessories in hotels. Should you want to bring your own, though, you will need to bring an adapter and voltage converter or make sure it is dual voltage by checking the label for INPUT AC 120V - 240V or a switch that can be set to 125V or 250V. Many devices have this feature, so it's worth checking before you travel. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but can't find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is commonly available in European hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.
However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings. Most hotels in Europe can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.
Traveling by coach
Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your convenience and comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last days of your tour are complimentary only if you are traveling on a tour operated by Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, or Luxury Gold, and your flight times coincide with the shuttle-coach transfer timings. Learn more about Airport Transfers here.
To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.
The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.
Usually, most Optional Experiences will be priced in the local currency, but please read through the details of individual optional experiences for specific information. Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.
It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.
In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications.
Prior to traveling, please notify GET of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.
It's essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to any destination. Routine vaccinations may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and influenza.
When traveling with GET, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.
Local Specialists
It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity equivalent to $1.00-$2.00 USD per person per half day.
Your Coach Driver and Travel Director
The trip cost does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest, and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.
For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.
Hotel services
It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. Where ice machines are not available, and you receive ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated.
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Email Sign-up Travel Credit: Receive a $150 per person ($300 per couple) discount toward your first tour (operated by Trafalgar or Insight Vacations) when you sign up for GET emails; valid for each full-paying adult who signs up with a unique email address. Valid for new bookings only made from 01 January to December 31 2024 for travel from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2025. Full payment is due within three days of booking. Discount is not combinable with any other discount or offer, including GETAWAY Deals, Limited Time Offers, AARP member discount, Past Traveler Global Tour Rewards discount, Groups or Multiple Trip discounts. Offer cannot be booked online. GET reserves the right to validate bookings and will remove any additional offers added online that are not combinable. Other conditions may apply.