Best of Switzerland
Tour Type: Country Explorer
Brochure Type: TT & BV Europe Summer 2024 v1
All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron's enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.
Choice Highlights
Brochure Type: TT & BV Europe Summer 2024 v1
All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron's enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.
Choice Highlights
- Discover Zurich and Lucerne
- Visit Bern, Chillon Castle, Montreux, Zermatt, St. Moritz, Interlaken and Brienz
- View the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne, the Jungfrau and Matterhorn mountains (weather permitting), Lake Maggiore and Lake Como
- Scenic Train Ride from Tirano to Pontresina
- Zurich: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you some of the highlights of this beautiful lakeside city.
- Bern: Explore Switzerland's capital and see the Cathedral of St. Vincent, clock tower and Ogre Fountain.
- Chillon Castle: The beautiful fortress of Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva, is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. 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.
- Bernina Express: Board the famous Bernina Express train and travel through stunning landscapes en route to St. Moritz.
- Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
- Bourg-en-Lavaux: Enjoy Swiss hospitality and the flavours of local wines, cheeses and breads with the owner of a local vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva.
- Brienz: Learn about Switzerland's wood-carving heritage at the Jobin wood sculpture museum in Brienz.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Train from Tirano to Pontresina
- Optional Experiences and free time
Call (616) 866-3500 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17458357
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 9/30/2023
- Duration
- 9 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Zurich | Welcome to Zurich: Welcome to the sophisticated Swiss city of Zurich - a flawless blend of fascinating heritage and modern spirit. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for an orientation in the afternoon. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception in this beautiful lakeside setting. Hyatt Place Airport |
| Day 2 | Lake Geneva | Journey to Lake Geneva Make Travel Matter: We leave the bright lights of Zurich behind and stop in Bern with its Old Town, admiring its medieval streets, ornate fountains and arcaded walkways. Stop for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experience at an inclusive cafe. Journeying to Lake Geneva, we arrive in the resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards. After lunch, consider joining an Optional Experience to cruise Lake Geneva, including a visit to the Charlie Chaplin museum in his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Eurotel |
| Day 3 | Chillon Castle and Zermatt | Onwards to Chillon Castle and Zermatt Connect with Locals: This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. Our next stop is the Lavaux region, a charming wine village above Lake Geneva, where we'll Connect With Locals over lunch at our Be My Guest experience. Continue your journey to the resort town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Matterhorn. Mirabeau |
| Day 4 | Zermatt | Zermatt Your Way: Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views. Mirabeau |
| Day 5 | Lake Maggiore | Venture to the Italian Lake Maggiore: Departing Switzerland, we travel to the lakeside town of Baveno on Italy's Lake Maggiore. Spend the rest of the day indulging in the laid-back lakeside atmosphere or consider joining an Optional Experience to Isola Bella, one of the lake's Borromean islands, with its palazzo and exquisite gardens. Simplon |
| Day 6 | St. Moritz | Off to Alpine St. Moritz: We travel through the scenic Italian countryside to the fortified town of Tirano. Here, we will board the famous Bernina Express train and wind our way through scenic landscapes en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers. Reine Victoria |
| Day 7 | Lucerne | Journey to Lakeside Lucerne: Journeying through lush green landscapes, past Lake Zurich, we arrive in lakeside Lucerne. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards, who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI at the Lion Monument, and cross the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge before strolling past the city's colourful facades. Consider joining a cruise on the tranquil lake waters and then ride the world's first double deck 'CabriO' cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn. Grand Europe |
| Day 8 | Scenic Brienz and Interlaken | Admire Scenic Brienz and Interlaken Dive Into Culture: We travel to Interlaken at the heart of Switzerland, which lies in the shadow of the Jungfrau Mountain. Stopping in the village of Brienz en route, we'll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of wood carving for which this village is so famous. Spend some time on your own and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way. Grand Europe |
| Day 9 | Homeward Bound | Homeward Bound: As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
