Overview
Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Bern. Enjoy read more a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church.
Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.
8 Days
Zurich
Lugano
Winter Escape
4 - 4.5 Star
Premium
5-99 Years
45
Fully Guided
KHA
Itinerary
Welcome to Zurich!
At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Swiss History
This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich's Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Neuchâtel. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Later, arrive at your hotel on Lake Geneva and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B) 174 mi / 280 km.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - CITY SIGHTS: Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.
Grandeur in Geneva
Today, enjoy an included excursion to Chillon Castle. Be captivated by anecdotal accounts and historical background during a guided tour of the castle. Take advantage of some free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of Lake Geneva. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - HISTORIC SPOT: Located in a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through this serene location and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Alpine Attraction
Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern's most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Continue to Lucerne and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this alpine gem. (B) 155 mi / 250 km.
LOCAL FAVORITE - CITY SIGHTS: BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
Bridging History
This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B/D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT - BRIDGING HISTORY: See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne's most photographed landmark.
Sights & Delights of Switzerland
This morning, leave Lucerne for a scenic drive through the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps, interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. Arrive at the elegant lakefront city of Lugano and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B) 112mi/180 km.
ENHANCED FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE: in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake's northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano's Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Swiss Celebration
Take advantage of free time this morning and afternoon to explore more of Lugano; admire the buildings, browse the stores in the pedestrian center, try some local specialties, or stroll along the lakeside promenade. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to discover further afield. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. (B/D)
ENHANCE FREE TIME - EXPLORE MORE in Lugano with an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle. Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
Safe travels until we meet again!
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.) (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Orientation walk in Zurich's Old Town
- Visit to Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva, and Lugano
- Guided visit to Chillon Castle
- Guided walking tour in Bern
- Walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge
- Scenic drive through the Swiss alps
- 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
- Zurich: Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North (First-Class):
Situated in the business district of Oerlikon, this modern hotel is just a short walk from Zurich Oerlikon Station from which downtown Zurich can easily be reached by direct train in just under 10 minutes. Combining innovative design and a fresh, contemporary style, the 152 spacious guestrooms feature plush bedding and black-out curtains to ensure a great night's sleep. All air-conditioned rooms include a lounge chair, in-room safe, mini-refrigerator, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The inviting 'Kitchen & Bar at Courtyard' restaurant offers a seasonal all-day food and beverage service, and there is a 24/7 Grab n' go Market in the lobby for snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and the fitness area is available to hotel guests 24/7. - Lake Geneva: Mona Montreux (First-Class):
Located on the shores of Lake Geneva with views of the Alps and strides away from the Montreux Music & Convention Center. Rooms have free Wi-Fi and a minibar. Guests can enjoy Swiss and international cuisine at the lakeside restaurant, or on the terrace, where barbecued dishes are prepared during the summer months. Other amenities include a fitness center. - Lucerne: Astoria (First-Class):
Ideally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym. - Lugano: Novotel Lugano Paradiso (First-Class):
This modern mid-scale 97-room hotel is located just a short walk away from Lake Lugano with Free Wi-Fi connection and tasteful, elegant décor throughout. Soundproofed guestrooms perfectly blend comfort with technology and the restaurant is an informal setting serving fresh, tasty, healthy specialties with a bar area for simply enjoying drinks in a friendly atmosphere. The property also offers a fitness centre and an outdoor seasonal swimming pool & bar.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Operator
At Globus, we understand that your holiday is your treat – a gift from you to you. Let us connect you with a new world of people, places and experiences that will ignite your imagination.
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Trip Reviews (2)
Unfortunately, our time in Lucerne, did not go to plan, the yearly carnival (which is celebrated in all of Switzerland) started the morning after we arrived, so our castle tour and many attractions were closed. I feel this is something that Globus should have been aware of and alternative plans should have been put in place. The carnival itself was very festive and the street parade great to watch, but disappointing that items on our schedule were unable to be visited.
On the last day of the tour, the optional tour consisted of a visit to the Castles of Bellinzona with lunch - we were given 'free time' to wander through the historic Bellinzona district. Local points of interest were closed due to the carnival, the Castle is free to enter, lunch was provided, but was fairly basic, we then visited Como in Italy and again was given 'free time' to explore Como on our own. This should have formed part of the the tour and not a optional paid tour, as previous tour days we visited cities and were given free time to explore. The cost of this 'optional tour' was quite expensive for what was provided and this was discussed by the other tour participants, who were also disappointed with this optional tour. Overall, I enjoyed the tour.
I will do more winter tours, not only to save money, but also to avoid the crowds and the traffic and read more dare I say the heat. (If you are using Aussie dollars, the prices will kill you. Multiply everything by 4 in Switzerland ). Have a HUGE breakfast daily.
I enjoyed this tour so much that I’m considering doing it again within the next few years. The cost of this tour is literally the same price as 3 nights in centrally locates Swiss hotels. SERIOUSLY!!!!
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Dates & Pricing
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Globus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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