Overview
Itinerary
Launch your love affair with Switzerland in the sophisticated lakeside city of Geneva, an international city with all the charm of its Swiss traditions.
On arrival at Geneva Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you'll have the rest of the day to recover or go out exploring on your own.
This evening, make your way to a Welcome dinner at a local restaurant to meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers to get a taste of the adventures to come. (D) Stay: Warwick
Start your day with a morning orientation of the city, after it's just a short hop along the lake and you're in vibey Lausanne where you'll have some free time. You might choose to visit the Olympic museum dedicated to the spirit of olympism or take a stroll through the old town to admire the majestic 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Next, we venture to Montreux, nestled between steep hills. Enjoy an orientation tour and the evening is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps enjoy a cozy fondue dinner in a local restaurant? (B) Stay: Eurotel
The fromage heartland of Switzerland beckons this morning. You'll head to the picture-perfect town of Gruyères where you can enjoy some free time. The 13th-century castle dominates the medieval town as you stroll down its cobblestone streets. Don't forget to sample the famous local cheese before we leave. Lunch is in the heart of Lavaux with views of the vineyards, Lake Geneva and the beautiful Alps. If you can tear your eyes away from the stunning setting, you'll Connect With Locals sampling the local wines, cheese and delicious desserts joining Maude Vogel to learn all about the family owned and run vineyard on this exclusive Be My Guest experience. That delicious Swiss cuisine still lingering on your taste buds, we return to Montreux. You could choose to relax this afternoon, but we know you won't be able to resist an Optional Experience to the enchanting Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva. (B/L)
The glamour of yesteryear and epic Alpine views are the stars of the show this morning as you take the Golden Pass Line Train from Montreux to Gstaad. Enjoy time on your own exploring the snow-studded landscape of this upscale ski resort town, keeping your eyes peeled for celebrities. Continue to Interlaken in the heart of the Swiss Alps, located at the foot of a trio of famous peaks – the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel. (B/D) Stay: The Hey Hotel
This morning, spend some time at leisure or you can choose to join an Optional Experience to Grindelwald and Jungfrau Mountain.
Later, join your Travel Director for a drive along the shores of Lake Brienz and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. (B)
Say a fond farewell to Interlaken as you journey through enchanting Alpine forests and peaks tracing the epic beauty of Brünig Pass. Make a stop in the lakeside village of Brienz and Dive Into Culture as you gain insights into its centuries-old wood carving tradition for which this village is so famous.
Next we travel to Lucerne, soak up the relaxed lakeside atmosphere during your orientation. Cross the wooden Chapel Bridge, visit the solemn Lion Monument, commemorating the Massacre of the Swiss Guards in 1792, and maybe spend some time shopping in the Old Town. Consider joining our Optional Experience to Giswil, a charming village which sits at the crossroads of the Brünig and Glaubenbielen Passes. You'll get to admire its beautifully preserved wooden houses and views of the lake on a traditional horse and carriage ride. Return to Lucerne later, in time for dinner at your hotel this evening. (B/D) Stay: Astoria
With a full day to explore Lucerne your way, you'll be thrilled with whatever you choose to do. Your Travel Director is on hand to share their local tips on how best to spend your day, whether that's finding a few sweet treats to take home or choosing that Swiss watch you've always wanted as a memento of your magical time in Switzerland. There's plenty of time to live out your winter wonderland fantasy on our Optional Experience visit to Mount Titlis. (B)
We'll continue to Zürich to discover its historic center including the Munster Bridge, Paradeplatz, Lindenhof Square and other enchanting locations in Zürich's Old Town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for a social impact guided walking tour of old town Zurich and sustainable chocolate tasting. This experience addresses SDG goals 10 & 12 - Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production. This evening, toast to your epic journey during your Farewell Dinner. (B/D) Stay: Hyatt Place Airport
For now, it's farewell to Switzerland and newfound friends at the end of an enchanting Swiss holiday you won't forget. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Explore Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich and Montreux
- Scenic drive along Lake Brienz and through the Alps
- Discover Geneva, Lausanne, Montreux, Gruyères, Bern, Lucerne and Zurich
- See Panorama Bridge in Sigriswil
- Scenic Train Ride from Montreux to Gstaad
- View the Swiss Alps in Interlaken and the Lion Monument, Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
Be My Guest
- Bourg-en-Lavaux: Enjoy Swiss hospitality and the flavours of local wines, cheeses and breads with the owner of a local vineyard overlooking Lake Geneva.
Dive Into Culture
- Brienz: Learn about Switzerland's wood-carving heritage at the Jobin wood sculpture museum in Brienz.
Iconic Experience
- Montreux: At the foot of the Alps this town boasts one of the most beautiful walks along Lake Geneva, join your Travel Director for an orientation before time at leisure this evening.
- Geneva: Spend the day taking in the spectacular views of Geneva.
- Bern: Explore Switzerland's capital and see the Cathedral of St. Vincent, clock tower and Ogre Fountain.
- Brienz: Join your Travel Director for a leisurely drive along Lake Brienz. Marvel at the natural beauty of this region as you view the peaks of Bernese Oberland.
- Switzerland: Marvel at the Alpine landscape as you drive past breathtakingly beautiful mountains and valleys.
- 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.
- Zürich: During an orientation, your Travel Director will show you some of the highlights of this beautiful lakeside city.
Make Travel Matter®
- Zürich: Join Diana and her team of socially-engaged local guides, for a Make Travel Matter - Experience to uncover the old town of Zürich during a fun and educational walking tour. Learn about medieval history and current topics of social solidarity while tasting ethical chocolate. This tour directly supports local and women-led businesses in Zürich as well as reduces inequalities within the country by supporting a local non-profit organization - Essen für Alle (Food for All). Essen Für Alle organizes food distributions in Zürich for people in need, including locals who live below the poverty line as well as immigrants and refugees. This experience addresses SDG goals 10 & 12 - Reduced Inequalities & Responsible Consumption and Production.
- 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 and surprise extras
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- Optional Experiences (Additional Cost) and free time
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (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
Brochure
Trafalgar Europe (2024-25)
Availability
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. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. 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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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 Trafalgar. These 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.
