Switzerland

Seven hundred and thirty years ago, the confederation of cantons now known as Switzerland was founded. Since those early years, the country has established itself as a nation of free and open thinkers. It has become the home of the second largest offices of the United Nations, some of the world’s most trustworthy banks, and certainly one of the top tourist destinations in the world. 

Add to this history, the iridescent azure blue of glacial lakes, the snow-capped alps, extraordinary alpine cuisine, and the comfort of some of the finest accommodations in the country, and you have the very best included in our unique exploration of the country.

Our very special five-star exploration of the country encompasses all of those proudly heralded strengths. You will enjoy the stunning beauty of Switzerland: the streets of Zurich, the manuscript library at St. Gallen, the breathtaking pinnacle of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, and the folk tales of the Berner Oberland (The Monk, The Ogre and the Young Girl). Five-star accommodations, first-class train travel, and the comfort of the very best Pullman coach travel included.

Your bilingual guide and tour leader will accompany this tour throughout. In several cities, additional local guides will  provide the most accurate information about the places you visit.

Join us on this space-limited tour offering one-of-a-kind experiences in the heart of Europe. Switzerland stands as a true center of today’s Europe; a staunch and stolid, incredibly beautiful land.

Itinerary

• Day One: Departing flights en route to Zurich.
• Day Two: Arrive in Zurich’s Kloten Airport. Meet and greet then transfer to the Five-Star Zurich Marriott Hotel on the shores of Lake Zurich. Remainder of the day at leisure.
• Day Three: Special tour of the city of Zurich with local expert guide. Open afternoon for exploration and shopping. Group welcome dinner.
• Day Four: Transfer to the historic city of Lucerne. Check in at a gorgeous city-center hotel then a brief private introduction to the city, including its famous Kapellbrücke (the Chapel Bridge). Remainder of the day and evening are free.
• Day Five: Transfer to the Rigi Bahn, one of the country’s most famous and beloved rack and pinion narrow-gage incline railways. Lunch at the summit. Return to the hotel; evening free. 
• Day Six: Transfer to the small village of Grindelwald in the heart of the Berner Oberland region. Stop along the shores of Lake Brienz to visit the Ballenberg Open Air Museum of Swiss history with a local expert guide. Following this visit, continue to the village of Grindelwald. 
• Day Seven: Open exploration day. We recommend the Jungfraubahn train, which brings passengers more than 11,000 feet high for incredible views, the beautiful village of Murren, and the Schilthorn, the longest free cable gondola in Europe. Tour leader provides assistance with selecting excursions.
• Day Eight: Transfer to the village of St. Moritz with a stop for lunch. Check in at a lovely city center hotel, then the remainder of the day at leisure.
• Day Nine: Free day to explore and enjoy the beauty of St. Moritz. Tour leader provides assistance with any requests for activities while visiting this gorgeous and famous alpine village.
• Day Ten: Board the Glacier Express and traverse the alps to the alpine village of Zermatt in the Valais Canton of the country. Lunch reservations available in the train’s restaurant car. Upon arrival, check in at a beautiful, centrally-located alpine hotel.
• Day Eleven: Free day to explore the valley of Zermatt. Optional special excursion to the stunning overlook at Gornergrat.
• Day Twelve: Free morning in Zermatt. Transfer from Zermatt after lunch to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. Check in at one of the most beautiful hotels in Switzerland. Following check in and free time for lunch, introduction to the history and beauty of this city with expert guide.
• Day Thirteen: Transfer to the city of Thun to board a passenger boat on the Thunersee. Upon arrival at Interlaken West, free time for lunch, explorations, and shopping. Mid-afternoon return via ferry to Thun then depart for Bern. Special farewell dinner this evening.
• Day Fourteen: Easy, open morning, then transfer to the Zurich Marriott Hotel for the final evening on the tour. Open evening for dinner in the city.
• Day Fifteen: Depart the Zurich Marriott by private transfer this morning to the Zurich Airport for return flights.