Lakes & Mountains of Switzerland
Enjoy breathtaking views, invigorating mountain air and exhilarating train rides as we take you on a panoramic Alpine tour.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: UK - Zurich.
Fly to Zurich where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. (D)
DAY 2: Zurich - Appenzell - Vaduz - St Moritz.
Drive amongst the spectacular scenery of some of Switzerland's most famous cantons, stopping first at the old town of Appenzell with its quaint wooden houses and legendary 'Landsgemeindeplatz', a centuries-old meeting place. Next, head through the tiny principality of Liechtenstein to its ancient capital Vaduz, before travelling through the Rhine Valley and the impressive Julier Pass, an important transport route since Roman times. Tonight, stay one night in the stylish Swiss ski resort of St Moritz, famous for its stunning mountain scenery and superb shopping. (B)
DAY 3: St Moritz - Bernina Express to Tirano - Lake Como - Lugano.
Today, experience a memorable railway trip aboard the Bernina Express. Crossing the Alps to Tirano in Italy, this spectacular rail journey takes you to heights of more than 6,560 feet. Later, rejoin your coach for a journey along the shores of beautiful Lake Como, crossing the Swiss border to the lovely lakeside city of Lugano for one night. (B)
DAY 4: Lugano - Lake Maggiore - Täsch.
In the morning there's time to explore Lugano, described as having the 'gaiety and romance of Italy, encased in a Swiss precision watch', before heading into Italy and on to view the glorious, crystal-clear waters of Lake Maggiore, surrounded by towering mountains and lush countryside. There's a chance to take an optional boat trip to lovely Isola Bella, one of the Borromean Islands and famed for its picturesque gardens, before heading back into Switzerland, via the scenic Simplon Pass, and on to Täsch for one night. (B, D)
DAY 5: Täsch - Zermatt - Lake Geneva - Lausanne.
This morning enjoy an included excursion by train to Zermatt at the foot of the mighty Matterhorn, famous for having some of the best views in Switzerland. In the afternoon, drive through the vineyards of the lower Rhône Valley to the northern shore of Lake Geneva and the historic city of Lausanne for one night. (B)
DAY 6: Lausanne - Gruyère - Berne - Lake Thun - Interlaken - Lucerne.
First stop is the famous cheese-making town of Gruyère and a visit to a local cheese factory. Then it's on to Switzerland's beautiful capital, Berne, standing on a rocky peninsula overlooking the Aare River and offering lots of opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. The visit features the Bear Park (the name Berne derives from 'bear') and the monumental Federal Palace. Continuing along the shores of Lake Thun, enjoy a stop in Interlaken, magnificently set in the foothills of the Jungfrau Mountains at an altitude of 1,870 feet, before heading across the Brünig Pass to the Lucerne for one night. (B)
DAY 7: Lucerne - Zurich.
See the best of Lucerne, one of Switzerland's most charming medieval cities, on an included visit. Later there's a chance to take an exciting excursion to Mount Stanserhorn or a boat cruise on the lake before leaving for Zurich in the late afternoon. (B)
DAY 8: Zurich - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Maximum elevation on this tour is 9,688 ft.
Accommodation on Tour
Zurich: Novotel City West (4*); St Moritz: Baeren (4*); Lugano: Ibis Styles (3*); Zermatt area: Matterhorn Resort at Täesch (3*); Lausanne: Novotel Bussigny (4*); Lucerne: Luzernerhof (4*); Zurich: Novotel City West (4*).
Optional Excursions
To help you plan and make the most of your holiday, below is a list of optional excursions available to you.
LAKE CRUISE & DINNER
Join a boat trip on the Gulf of Lugano, passing Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave. Then proceed to a typical Ticinese "grotto" restaurant on the lake side .
€60 (Euro)
BOAT TRIP TO ISOLA BELLA
A short boat ride takes you to this enchanting island with its magnificent palace and gardens. View the staterooms and their masterpieces, and marvel at the wealth amassed to make this one of Italy's most famous stately homes.
€28 (Euro)
GORNERGRAT
Europe's highest mountain railway takes you to the Gornergrat (10,132 feet) in 40 minutes. The incomparable panoramic views embrace some of Switzerland's loftiest peaks, including the world-famous Matterhorn.
€65 (Euro)
DINNER & SWISS FOLKLORE
Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will see are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances while you enjoy a full 3 course dinner.
€65 (Euro)
SCENIC LAKE CRUISE
An hour's guided cruise on the most beautiful lake in Switzerland gives you an introduction to this lovely city from a completely different aspect. With its many bays, it offers superb panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The area is rich in historical associations, particularly the William Tell legend.
€25 (Euro)
MOUNT STANSERHORN
A trip up the Stanserhorn mountain for breathtaking views is an experience not to be missed. The Mt. Stanserhorn Railway is a combination of an old-time funicular, which has romantic 100-year-old carriages with fringed curtains. Part of the ascent is by the new "global first" cable car ( a doubledecker cable car with an open top).
€57 (Euro)
Please note that optional excursions and prices are subject to change.
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Typical Swiss landscape
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Castle of Vaduz, Liechtenstein
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Vaduz Castle interior, Liechtenstein
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Bernina Express
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Bernina Express provides awesome views
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Panorama car on the Bernina Express
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Bernina Express
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The Bernina Express offers a fantastic voyage
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Lake Lugano
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Lake Lugano
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Lake Maggiore
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Zermatt
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Zermatt & the Matterhorn
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Lausanne
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Gruyère
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Lake Thun, Interlaken
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Interlaken
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Hohematte Park and Meadow, Interlaken
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Lake Lucerne
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Chapel Bridge, Lake Lucerne
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Lake Lucerne
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Cable car at Lake Lucerne
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Zurich
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Typical Swiss architecture
Lakes & Mountains of Switzerland 7 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and departure month, update the calendar then select your holiday.
Lakes & Mountains of Switzerland
Price from £1025
Just the tour £850
Prices are per person
What's Included
- Flights UK - Zurich - UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 7 breakfasts (B) and 2 dinners (D)
- Services of a tour director on tour and local representative in resort
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Individual Audio System You will be given headphones and a receiver so you can clearly hear the tour director/local guide during your visits.
- Transfers between overseas airport and hotels
- All local and airport taxes/service charges
- Single share option (on tour only) no supplement to pay
All this included
- Swiss Alps Scenic drive
- Vaduz Visit
- Bernina Express Alpine train ride
- Lugano Visit
- Zermatt Alpine train ride
- Lake Geneva Scenic drive
- Gruyère Visit (including cheese factory)
- Berne Visit
Departures from
- Aberdeen
- Cardiff
- Bristol
- Leeds/Bradford
- London City
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Newcastle
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures on:
- Saturdays - 2013
Departures between
01 Jun 2013 to 12 Oct 2013
