Country Roads of Switzerland (Classic, 14 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey through the heart of Switzerland, where breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage await. This multi-day tour invites you to explore charming cities, picturesque villages, and majestic mountains, all while indulging in the finest Swiss hospitality. From the vibrant streets of Zürich to the serene shores of Lake Geneva, each day offers a new adventure. Traverse the iconic Glacier Express, savor local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of the Swiss Alps. With comfortable accommodations and expertly curated experiences, this tour promises an enriching and memorable escape into the enchanting world of Switzerland.
Included
3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
13 Breakfast (B)
2 Dinner (D)
Lucerne: Join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for your dinner served with wine.
Zermatt: Choose between fine local restaurants for your Dine-Around evening, with the chance to indulge in traditional fondue.
Zürich: Raise your glass and enjoy a delicious dinner featuring Swiss classics at a local restaurant.
jain, vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, meat
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
Gruyères: Travel along valley floors covered with rich meadowland, to the pretty town of Gruyeres. Your Travel Director leads an orientation tour where you will see the main street and 13th century castle.
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.
Geneva: With your Travel Director you'll discover the Jet d'Eau and the Floral Clock.
Sion: Your Travel Director will show you the two fortress-churches, the cathedral and Old Town Hall.
Zermatt: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this picturesque village, high in the mountains.
Lugano: With your Travel Director discover the lakeside city.
Grindelwald: Explore this famous glacier village with your Travel Director. Embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine towns.
Zürich: During your orientation of the city, your Travel Director will show you the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.
Montreux: Located in the heart of Montreux, the Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic of boasts luxurious facilities and spectacular views of Lake Geneva.
Zermatt: The unique Resort Hotel Alex is one of Switzerland's most original hotels, cleverly combining modern and traditional elements into a hospitality experience that’s full of fun and surprises.
St. Moritz: The elegant Crystal Hotel is located close to shops in the town centre, where all the prestigious names, including Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton are lined up together.
Grindelwald: The stately Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof place you minutes away from the village center and offers a range of boutique facilities.
Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.
Bellinzona: Explore the stunning town of Bellinzona with your Local Expert. Julie will passionately share with you her insights into the three marvellous castles, and her personal stories about how she fell in love with this city and decided to move to the area.
Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
Lake Geneva: Visit a family-run winery overlooking Lake Geneva. Enjoy a tasting, and learn how the family is preserving the estate for future generations. Savour delicious farm-to-table fare, made from locally sourced produce. Alongside using sustainable agricultural practices, they source majority of their good locally. They have strict procedures about waste reduction and any waste from the production is being re-used as fertilizer or food for their animals. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
Bern: Your exploration with a local historian through Switzerland's capital includes seeing the floral displays, Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace, clock tower and Ogre Fountain.
Lake Geneva: Enjoy first-class seats as you cruise on the serene waters of the King of Lakes, inspiration to the early Romantic movement.
Martigny: View the Roman Amphitheatre during your orientation.
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.
St Moritz: See the spa quarter and glacial lake of this charming alpine resort.
St Moritz: If you think there's no such thing as a free ride, you'd be mistaken! With your inclusive pass, travel on 13 cable cars, funiculars, chairlifts and select public transport options (when available). The crisp Alpine air is included in the deal.
St Moritz: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity.
Lauterbrunnen: Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley.
Staubbach Falls: In the Valley of the Waterfalls, witness these magnificent falls that plunge 300 metres.
Brienz: Learn the history of woodcarving at the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre.
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Zürich and Transfer to Lucerne
- Zurich
- Lucerne - Arrival day
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Welcome to the enchanting landscapes of Switzerland, where snow-capped peaks and serene lakes have inspired travelers for generations. Upon arriving at Zürich Airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel in the picturesque city of Lucerne. In the evening, join your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, setting the stage for the exciting journey ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Lucerne and Mount Stanserhorn Adventure
- Lucerne
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- Lion Monument Lucerne
- Stanserhorn
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Embark on an exhilarating journey to Mount Stanserhorn, where an eco-friendly open-top cable car will transport you to breathtaking heights. Revel in panoramic views of the majestic Alps, and if the skies are clear, catch a glimpse of Alsace and the Black Forest. Back in Lucerne, explore its charming wooden bridges, the Baroque church, and the poignant Lion Monument. Spend your afternoon leisurely strolling by the lake or indulging in some Swiss chocolate shopping.
Day 3 – Day 3: Bern to Gruyères and Montreux
- Bern
- Val-de-Charmey
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- Cathedral of Saint Ursus
- Oberhofen Castle
- Zentrum Paul Klee
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Discover the historic city of Bern with a local expert, visiting the Cathedral of St. Vincent, the Federal Palace, and the whimsical Ogre Fountain. Journey through the scenic Vaud Alps to the fortified town of Gruyères, renowned for its cheese. Explore its charming streets and 13th-century castle at your own pace. Continue to Montreux, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting with stunning views of Lake Geneva, followed by a farm-to-table dinner featuring local produce.
Day 4 – Day 4: Montreux and Chillon Castle
Day 4: Montreux and Chillon Castle
- Chillon Castle
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Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Chillon Castle, once home to the Dukes of Savoy and immortalized by Lord Byron. Explore its storied halls and keep an eye out for the poet's rumored mark. Return to Montreux, where the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Stroll along the lakeside promenade, relax at your hotel, or delve into the town's vibrant cultural scene.
Day 5 – Day 5: Geneva and Lake Geneva Cruise
- Geneva
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- The Flower Clock
- Jardin Anglais
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Travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Witness the impressive Jet d'Eau and the intricate Floral Clock. Relax in style on a scenic cruise across Lake Geneva, taking in the stunning vistas. In the evening, enjoy free time to explore the lakeside promenade or unwind at your resort.
Day 6 – Day 6: Martigny to Zermatt
- Martigny
- Sion
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- UCI World Cycling Centre
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Venture into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny, where you'll explore the ancient Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to Sion, a town dominated by two rocky peaks crowned with fortresses. Discover the cathedral and Old Town Hall before taking a cogwheel train to the car-free mountain resort of Zermatt. In the evening, enjoy a Dine-Around experience at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Swiss fondue.
Day 7 – Day 7: Leisure in Zermatt
Day 7: Leisure in Zermatt
Spend a leisurely day in Zermatt, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps. Choose from a variety of activities, such as swimming, hiking, or simply relaxing in the fresh mountain air. Consider a trip to the Klein Matterhorn for stunning views, or explore the charming village and sample the local delicacies.
Day 8 – Day 8: Täsch to Lake Maggiore
Day 8: Täsch to Lake Maggiore
Depart from Täsch for a scenic drive to Brig, where you'll ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in the awe-inspiring views from its 2,000-meter summit. Cross into northern Italy and arrive at the shores of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace, with the option to visit the stunning Isola Bella.
Day 9 – Day 9: Bellinzona to St. Moritz
- Bellinzona
- Tiefencastel
- Sankt Moritz
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- Cathedral of Saint Lawrence
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Explore the enchanting Three Fortifications of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a local expert. Continue your journey through the Grisons Region, passing through San Bernardino and Tiefencastel, following the young Rhine River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and arrive at the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, nestled in the Engadine Valley.
Day 10 – Day 10: Leisure in St. Moritz
- Sankt Moritz
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Enjoy a day at leisure in the elegant resort of St. Moritz. Mingle with the jet-setters or embark on an exciting train journey over the Bernina Pass. Your Travel Director will provide you with a mountain railways pass, granting you free access to all cable cars, funiculars, and chairlifts in Engadine St. Moritz.
Day 11 – Day 11: Glacier Express to Lauterbrunnen
- Lauterbrunnen
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- Landwasser Viaduct
- Teufelsstein
- Staubbach Falls
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Board the iconic Glacier Express for a breathtaking railway journey, crossing the Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Oberalp Valley. Rejoin your coach at Andermatt and drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley to Lauterbrunnen, where you'll witness the majestic Staubbach Falls.
Day 12 – Day 12: Leisure in Grindelwald
- Grindelwald
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- Jungfraujoch
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Spend a full day exploring the charming village of Grindelwald, nestled in the Bernese Alps. Take a cogwheel train to the summit of Jungfrau mountain for breathtaking views, or explore the Ice Palace and Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, hike the scenic trails or enjoy shopping in the quaint village shops.
Day 13 – Day 13: Brienz to Zürich
- Zurich
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- Titlis Glacier
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Journey to Brienz, renowned for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre to learn about the craft's rich history. Continue over the Brünig Pass, passing the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen, before returning to Zürich. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city, including the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, and River Limmat. Celebrate your adventures with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 14 – Day 14: Departure from Zürich
- Zurich - Departure day
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Your unforgettable Swiss adventure concludes today as you depart from Zürich Airport. Reflect on the memories made and the stunning landscapes experienced during your journey through Switzerland.
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