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7 Day Magical Switzerland
Premium Coach Tour starting in Zurich and finishing in Geneva
Countries Visited: Switzerland 
Tour Type: Winter Touring
Tour Duration: 7 Days (6 Nights)
From: Zurich to Geneva
Tour Code: W850
Operator: Insight Vacations
from AU $2,229 pp
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Tour Description

Gain an insight into the daily ecclesiastic life as you visit Einsiedeln's famous baroque abbey church and its library. Travel on the world-famous Glacier Express for a glorious journey through the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps. Visit Chillon Castle, beautifully set on Lake Geneva, home to the Counts of Savoy and immortalised by Byron. Enjoy a lively tour finalé Celebration Dinner, complete with wine at a restaurant in beautiful Geneva.

Included Premium Highlights:

  • Zurich: See the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.
  • Lucerne: Free time to view the Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and cross the Chapel Bridge.
  • Einsiedeln: Visit the baroque abbey church and its library.
  • St. Moritz: Travel on the Glacier Express for a spectacular scenic ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
  • Zermatt: Visit the traffic free Alpine resort. See the majestic peak of the Matterhorn (weather permitting).
  • Montreux: Enjoy wonderful panoramic views of Montreux and the lake from Old Montreux.
  • Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle.
  • Geneva: See Jet d’Eau, United Nations Building and Reformation Monument.
  • Scenic drives: Walensee, Grisons, Rhone Valley, Lake Geneva

Included Premium Hotels

  • These First Class and Superior Hotels are perfectly located in each destination for your maximum enjoyment:
  • Set on the banks of the Limmat in central Zurich, the elegant first-class, business hotel Marriott offers unlimited comfort, innovation and high end technology.
  • In St. Moritz, the Hotel Laudinella has a magnificent view of the lake and the surrounding mountains with the cable railway (Signal) and a spa within a few minutes walk.
  • Take in the imposing panorama of the Valais Alps as you settle into the traditional Lindner Hotels and thermal baths of the Alpentherme.
  • The Hotel Warwick offers luxury lodging and amenities in Geneva city centre. Fully renovated in 2010, the hotel boasts softly sophisticated colour schemes, a cosy atmosphere and sumptuous hotel rooms

Included First Class Services

  • Escorted by a professional Tour Director
  • Headsets for all guided visits and walking tours
  • Tickets aboard the Glacier Express, St. Moritz to Brig
  • Enjoy the unique comfort of Insight’s Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room and on-board restroom
  • Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
  • Insight Traveller Welcome pack
  • Airport arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 and Day 7. (Should your flights not coincide with these transfers, please make your own way to/from the airport)

Included Quality Dining

  • A Welcome Reception with drinks and a light meal (WR)
  • 6 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 1 Celebration Dinner with wine (CD), 1 lunch aboard the Glacier Express and 2 three-course table d’hôte dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
  • Departures on tour for Christmas, enjoy a festive celebration dinner

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Day
1
Exploring Vibrant Zurich
Welcome to Switzerland - an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cozy villages, snow-laden forest and imposing mountain ranges crowned by famous peaks. On arrival at Zurich Airport, your airport transfer leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 11:00 and 12:30. Later, an orientation tour shows you the Bahnhofstrasse, the imposing Grossmunster, River Limmat and elegant Fraumünster, famous for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception with drinks and a light informal meal. Stay: Marriott (D)
Day
2
to
3
Lucerne, Einsiedeln & St. Moritz
Your first stop today is Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Admire the covered wooden bridges and painted gables, view the Lion Monument or enjoy the excellent shops and lake side walks. Head east to the famous 18C monastery at Einsiedeln. Gain an insight into this colourful baroque world and daily life of the monks. Visit the church and its library, a breathtakingly beautiful room filled with the knowledge of the Middle Ages. Continue along the dramatic Walensee past Chur to the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz, set in the sparkling Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.

Maybe opt for a late breakfast the following morning because the whole day is completely at leisure in this chic resort. Perhaps explore the spa quarter, see the museum house with its traditional ‘sgraffito’ façade or shop in the elegant boutiques. Another option is to board the Bernina Express for a scenic rail journey of such epic proportions that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stay: Laudinella (BB/D/BB)
Day
4
to
5
The Glacier Express, Leukerbad & the Matterhorn Village Of Zermatt
Alight the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Abula Pass, then traverse the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Your train then joins the broad Rhine Gorge and snakes along the rock-strewn river before climbing through snowy pastures and woodland. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages with chalet-style houses slip past. After a series of spirals you reach the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass (2,033m). The modern panorama viewing cars means you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley. Around mid afternoon, disembark in Brig and continue to the high-altitude spa of Leukerbad for two relaxing nights.

In the morning enjoy dramatic Swiss scenery as you follow the narrow valley which leads to Täsch. Here you must abandon the coach to board the cogwheel train which takes you to the traffic-free haven of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn! Wander along its cobbled streets to browse among the shops, explore the ancient wooden farmhouses and 'mazot' barns in the back alleys, or visit the Matterhorn Museum to pass through the houses and rooms of yesteryear. If you have a head for heights, then you might like to board the cable car up the Klein Matterhorn. From the summit, enjoy the incredible views of the icebound Swiss Alps (weather permitting). Return to your hotel in Leukerbad where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Stay: Lindner Hotels and Alpentherme (BB/L/D/BB)
Day
6
Chateau De Chillon, Lake Geneva And The Romantics
Journey along the Lower Rhone Valley to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European ‘Romantic’ movement are very strong. Visit beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816 the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux where it is pleasant to visit Old Montreux for a wonderful view of the lake and the lower quarters of the town.

A beautiful drive along the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne brings you to the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival sightseeing includes the United Nations Building (Palais des Nations), the Old Town, Reformation Monument, and, if operating, the Jet d’Eau. In December, there is the chance to visit the International Christmas Market at Place de la Fusterie. Tonight in Geneva, rejoice with your friends at a finale Celebration Dinner complete with wine. Stay: Warwick (BB/D)
Day
7
Depart Geneva
Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Departure transfers arrive at Geneva airport at 08:00 and 10:00. (BB)
Insight Vacations Brochure Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online.

Tour Prices

Tour prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

2012/13 Season Sale! Save up to $150 per couple. Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month only to qualify! Subject to availability at the time of booking.

START DATE END DATE BROCHURE
(Twin Share)
BROCHURE
(Single)
OUR
SAVINGS
OUR
PRICE
25 Nov 2012 01 Dec 2012 AU $2,299 AU $2,614 Save $70 AU $2,229
02 Dec 2012 08 Dec 2012 AU $2,299 AU $2,614 Save $70 AU $2,229
09 Dec 2012 15 Dec 2012 AU $2,299 AU $2,614 Save $70 AU $2,229
16 Dec 2012 22 Dec 2012 AU $2,299 AU $2,614 Save $70 AU $2,229
23 Dec 2012 29 Dec 2012 AU $2,465 AU $2,780 Save $75 AU $2,390
13 Jan 2013 19 Jan 2013 AU $2,465 AU $2,780 Save $75 AU $2,390
27 Jan 2013 02 Feb 2013 AU $2,465 AU $2,780 Save $75 AU $2,390
24 Feb 2013 02 Mar 2013 AU $2,365 AU $2,680 Save $70 AU $2,295
10 Mar 2013 16 Mar 2013 AU $2,365 AU $2,680 Save $70 AU $2,295
17 Mar 2013 23 Mar 2013 AU $2,365 AU $2,680 Save $70 AU $2,295
24 Mar 2013 30 Mar 2013 AU $2,365 AU $2,680 Save $70 AU $2,295

Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.

Tour Discounts & Options:

Tour options, extras, upgrades and discounts!
  Click on the descriptions below for more detail. We will apply all valid discounts automatically to your quote to provide you with the best possible price. Terms & Conditions apply to the discounts below.

SAVEExtra Tour Discount On 2nd Tour
SAVEFrequent Traveller Discount
SAVEFriends & Family Discount
SAVESingle Traveller Saving
SAVETriple Room Discount
SAVEUp to 10% Early Payment Discount
SAVEYoung Traveller Saving

Flights:

Book your tour and flights together to SAVE!
  The prices on our site are land only prices. If you would like to include flights with your quote, then we have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of! Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Global Journeys. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.



General Information

The information below relates to this itinerary only.

Tour Operator: Insight Vacations

Insight Vacations, Europe's premier escorted tour operator, provides premium escorted motorcoach vacations throughout Britain, Ireland, Europe, Scandinavia the Eastern Mediterranean and North America. 'The Art of Touring in Style' lies at the very heart of Insight philosophy. Our carefully chosen unique features and impeccable service standards enable us to deliver exceptional quality, unequalled value, unforgettable memories and personal freedom at levels currently unrivalled elsewhere in the industry.



Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose a premium Insight Vacation?

Insight is completely unique. Simply, we are the only tour operator to give you more legroom on every tour at no extra cost: you'll consistently stay in quality hotels in desirable locations; you'll enjoy more included sightseeing; and because you'll travel in smaller groups (max 40 people), you'll receive better personal service from your experienced Tour Director and Tour Driver.

When will I receive my documents?

Documents will normally be mailed 21 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

Who else will be travelling with me?

Insight Vacations plays host to over 100,000 guests every year and has offices in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore and the UK . The company has also appointed specialist agents in Argentina, Brazil, Mauritius, India, Ireland, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan and China. It is therefore quite typical to find many different nationalities on any one tour.

How many people will be on tour with me?

With only 40 guests on our premium tours instead of the standard 53, Insight clients enjoy a more personalised service. In a smaller group, you'll be closer to your local guide for a more in-depth experience, you'll spend less time waiting to get into sights and it will be faster checking into hotels with your luggage arriving quicker to your room. Insight groups are smaller, more intimate and more friendly.

Will the coach be modern and comfortable?

Yet another exclusive feature of an Insight premium tour is the incredible space and comfort you'll enjoy when travelling. Our luxury coaches have been specially reconfigured with fewer seats, you'll relax in style whilst enjoying up to twice as much legroom than on a standard touring coach.

Where will my hotel be located and what will it be like?

Insight hotels are consistently first class standard and higher or in a style appropriate to the destination. They have been selected because they are good private or small collection hotels or from well-known chains such as Marriott, Renaissance and Hilton. Insight also chooses hotels based on their location. We know you'll prefer to stay centrally, convenient to the main historic, shopping or entertainment districts; or scenically in areas of natural beauty.

What are Insight Tour Directors like?

Time & time again, our guests tell us that it was their Tour Director who really made their trip. Our Tour Directors are amongst the finest in the business and will help steer you through the labyrinth of Europe 's cultures, languages and diversities and bring its magic to life before your eyes.

I want to see all the main sights, but will I have time to explore on my own?

At Insight, planning the perfect tour is our speciality. Not only to we include the 'must see' sights, we carefully balance our itineraries to give you plenty of free time to relax and immerse yourself in the location.

What does the tour cost include?

The prices listed cover all hotel accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motorcoach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Insight Tour Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on tour by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

Are tips included?

On an Insight Vacation, some gratuities are included in the price of your trip: baggage handling, meal service for all meals listed in the tour itinerary, and hotel service charge. Room service, however, is not included in the tour price. Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Directors EUR4 per day, Drivers EUR2.50 per day and Local Guides EUR1 per day. The option to prepay these tips prior to departure is possible. Please ask your consultant to include this in your quote.

What is an 'Optional Activity'?

These are activities that we do not automatically include but are offered at the start of your tour designed to enhance your travel experience. Your Tour Director will have a list of available options and the appropriate costs. They are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. It could be a seafood lunch in Venice, a concert in Vienna or a Grand Canyon Helicopter ride. A detailed list and costs can be found in your tour documentation.

Do you have a share program for singles?

If you wish to share with another tour member you can advise Global Journeys at the time of booking. Insight believes that traveling solo doesn't have to cost you more. We will try to match you with someone of the same sex in order to avoid having to pay the single supplement. If we are not able to provide a suitable roommate, we will provide a single room at no extra cost. Several tours do not provide this option (generally tours containing a cruise component) and so the Single Supplement applies.

Do you have a non-smoking policy?

There is a no smoking policy motorcoach touring policy. However, we do make plenty of convenience stops giving you the opportunity to smoke, use local restroom facilities, take a scenic snapshot or just relax and enjoy of cup of coffee.

Where can I find out more information on Insight?

We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on Insight including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their tours. Read more> (NB: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).


Airport Transfer Information

Airport Transfers in Europe

All Insight passengers receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle bus on the arrival and departure day of their tour at specified times. Any passengers whose flight times do not coincide with the shuttle bus transfer timings may choose to book and purchase a transfer. Additionally, passengers arriving before or leaving after the scheduled holiday may also book and buy a transfer through Insight providing they also purchase the additional pre and post holiday hotel night(s) from Insight & Global Journeys.

European Private Transfers

If your flight times or arrival/departure days do not coincide with our shuttle transfers, you may choose to purchase a private shared transfer. Providing you also purchase the additional pre and post-tour hotel night(s) from Insight we can do this for you. Flight timings must be provided to Global Journeys no less than 21 days before the flight departure. Please enquire for pricing.


Terms & Conditions:

Yep, all the boring small print! We still recommend you read it all though, as no one likes surprises. Click here to read them now - they will open in a new window, or print them off to read over later with a cup of coffee!

 

Yvonne Brooks

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Yvonne Brooks
Tour Consultant
Email: yvonne@globaljourneys.com
Expertise: International Coach Touring & River Cruising
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