Overview
Itinerary
Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a social-impact guided walking tour. This evening, attend a dinner to launch your Swiss experience.
We leave the bright lights of Zürich behind and stop in Bern with its Old Town, admiring its medieval streets, ornate fountains and arcaded walkways. Journeying to Lake Geneva, we arrive in the resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards. After lunch, consider joining an Optional Experience to cruise Lake Geneva, including a visit to the Charlie Chaplin museum in his former estate, Manoir de Ban.
This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. Our next stop is the Lavaux region, a charming wine village above Lake Geneva, where we'll Connect With Locals over lunch at our Be My Guest experience. Continue your journey to the resort town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Matterhorn.
Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.
Leave the alpine charm of Zermatt and journey to the shores of Lake Maggiore. Take a lunch break by the water, soaking up the Italian elegance of this spot. You might choose to join an Optional Experience by private launch to Isola Bella, where a Local Specialist will guide you through the grand Baroque palace and its tiered gardens, once a playground for aristocrats. Continue on to Locarno in Switzerland's Italian-speaking region, known for its lakefront promenade.
Leave Locarno behind and travel deep into the Swiss Alps, arriving in St. Moritz with time to explore. You might stroll along the lakefront, browse the shops in the town centre or simply take in the mountain views from a local cafe. For something different, there's the Optional Experience to Roseg Valley by horse and carriage.
Later, board the Rhaetian Railways and travel the UNESCO-listed route past the glaciers of Piz Bernina towards Poschiavo. Return to St. Moritz where a relaxed group dinner rounds off the day.
Journeying through lush green landscapes, past Lake Zürich, we arrive in lakeside Lucerne. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards, who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI at the Lion Monument, and admire the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge before strolling past the city's colourful facades. Consider joining a cruise on the tranquil lake waters and then ride the world's first double deck 'CabriO' cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn.
We travel to Interlaken at the heart of Switzerland, which lies in the shadow of the Jungfrau Mountain. Stopping in the village of Brienz en route, we'll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of wood carving for which this village is so famous. Spend some time on your own and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. This evening, we enjoy dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way.
As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell.
Trip Inclusions
- Discover Zürich, Bern, Zermatt, Stresa, Interlaken and Lucerne
- Visit Chillon Castle and Brienz Woodcarving Museum
- View the Matterhorn and Jungfrau mountains (weather permitting), Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument in Lucerne
- Scenic Train Ride from St. Moritz to Poschiavo by UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway
Be My Guest
- Bourg-en-Lavaux: Enjoy Swiss hospitality with a vineyard owner and savour the flavours of local wines, cheeses and breads, all set against the enchanting views of the Lake Geneva.
Dive Into Culture
- Brienz: Explore the Swiss Woodcarving Museum in Brienz and discover the artistry that defines this Alpine village. View intricate sculptures, traditional tools and works by local craftsmen. Exhibits trace the evolution of woodcarving in the region, offering insight into a centuries-old craft that remains a proud part of Switzerland's cultural identity.
Iconic Experience
- Zürich: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you some of the highlights of this beautiful lakeside city.
- Bern: Explore Switzerland's capital and see the Cathedral of St. Vincent, clock tower and Ogre Fountain.
- Chillon Castle: The beautiful fortress of Chillon Castle, set on a rocky islet on Lake Geneva, is widely regarded as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Following his walk through the dungeons in 1816, Lord Byron wrote the poem 'The Prisoner of Chillon'. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar.
- Bernina Express: Ride the UNESCO-listed Rhaetian Railway from St. Moritz to Poschiavo. This engineering marvel climbs through the Swiss Alps, crossing viaducts and skirting the glaciers of Piz Bernina for one of Europe's most scenic train journeys.
- Lucerne: During an orientation with your Travel Director, see the Lion Monument, Old Town Hall and Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe.
Make Travel Matter®
- Zürich: Join Diana and her team of socially engaged local guides, for a Make Travel Matter - experience. Uncover the old town of Zürich during a fun and educational walking tour with the wonderful organisation who are raising awareness on social issues such as food insecurity and supporting local change makers and the community. This experience supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 10: Reduced Inequalities.
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Must-see sightseeing
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Train from St. Moritz to Poschiavo
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
- 3 Dinners (D)
- 8 Breakfasts (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
You’ll enjoy the icons and hidden gems with a Local Specialist by your side. Read more
With one on every itinerary, Be My Guest ensures your journey is truly one-of-a-kind, wherever it takes you. Read more
Find yourself overnighting in accommodations with stories as rich as the destinations you’re exploring. Read more
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Trafalgar Worldwide Tours (2027-28)
Dates & Pricing
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 Enquire. 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 Trafalgar. 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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