2012 |

 

THE BEST OF SWITZERLAND

Tour Code - ZG

8 days Zurich to Zurich Zurich, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt, Lake Geneva, Lucerne

All inclusive prices starting at: $2979

For mountain-lovers, this holiday is a dream come true. A full circle brings you  from German speaking Zurich where you will enjoy a welcome dinner, an orientation of the old town, and a visit to a traditional chocolate confectionary, to the Principality of Liechtenstein at the Rhine River, and over Julier Pass at ritzy  St. Moritz in the Alps. Travel via Italy and Lake Como to subtropical  Lugano and Stresa, then by way of  the Simplon Pass to Tasch. Board the Mountain train to reach picturesque  Zermatt, at the foot of the magnificent Matterhorn. A beautiful drive through the Rhone Valley brings you  to Lake Geneva a. Stop in the capital of Berne for a guided walking tour including the Bear Park. End via Interlaken in picturesque  Lucerne, the heart of Switzerland and William Tell country, for a relaxing two night stay.

NOTE: On arrival at Zurich Airport a complimentary transfer by hotel shuttle bus is available.

Meals

  • Breakfast - 7
  • Lunch - 0
  • Dinner - 5

Standard Features

ZURICH: Welcome dinner; orientation walk of the Old Town; visit a chocolate confectionary.
VADUZ: Visit the capital of Liechtenstein.
LAKE COMO:
TASCH-ZERMATT-TASCH: By mountain train.
BERNE: Guided walking tour, stop at the Bear Park and the Rose Garden; lunch at a working farm.
INTERLAKEN: Take pictures of the Jungfrau massif.
LUCERNE: Walking tour including the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge; farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
MEALS: Full buffet breakfast daily (B); 5 three-course dinners (D), including a welcome dinner in Zurich, a special lunch in Berne, and a farewell dinner with wine in Lucerne.
HEADSETS: Throughout the tour.
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.

THE BEST OF SWITZERLAND

Day by Day

DayDescription
1

ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND.

Time to rest or to discover Zurich's attractive historic centre and lakeside promenade. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

2

ZURICH-VADUZ, LIECHTENSTEIN-ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND.

Enjoy an orientation walk of Zurich's OLD TOWN, Switzerland's centre of banking and commerce. Next, stop for a visit of a traditional CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONARY before continuing to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. After a break in Vaduz, ascend the Rhine Valley into the mountainous Grisons, a canton where three of the country's four languages are spoken. The 2,287-metres (7,504-foot) Julier Pass, an important Alpine road since Roman times, leads to the Engadine. This valley is considered by many as the most beautiful mountain area in the world, with deep-blue lakes, airy larch forests that turn golden in the autumn, mountain peaks exceeding 3,658 metres (12,000 feet), and quaint villages with massive white stone houses in the characteristic Grisons style. Afternoon arrival in ritzy St. Moritz. (B,D)

3

ST. MORITZ-LAKE COMO, ITALY-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND.

A gradual change of scenery as you descend towards the enchanting shores of the Italian Lake Como and continue on to the southern tip of Switzerland. The vegetation south of the Alps is Mediterranean: chestnut groves, vineyards, and olive and fig trees make you forget that earlier today you were within walking distance of glaciers. Afternoon arrival in the popular subtropical resort town of Lugano allows time for shopping under the arcades of Via Nassa, an espresso on flower-festooned Piazza Riforma, or a stroll along the lake. (B)

4

LUGANO-STRESA, ITALY-ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND.

From Lake Lugano to the Italian shore of Lake Maggiore for a break in elegant Stresa. An optional boat ride to the enchanting Isola Bella can be arranged. On over lofty Simplon Pass into the Swiss Valais, an area renowned for its excellent wines and great mountain resorts. To reach the most famous of them, leave the coach behind in Tasch and board a MOUNTAIN TRAIN to climb the last few kilometres up to car-free Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the Matterhorn. (B,D)

5

ZERMATT-LAKE GENEVA.

Morning at leisure. A suggestion: ride Europe's highest rack-railway to 3,131-metres (10,272-foot) Gornergrat for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Alps. Next, motor through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhone Valley and arrive at beautiful Lake Geneva for your overnight stay. (B,D)

6

LAKE GENEVE-BERNE-INTERLAKEN-LUCERNE

Travel along an excellent highway through some of the country's best farmlands to its stately capital, Berne. Your guided tour starts at the BEAR PARK, followed by a panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden. Next, enjoy a walking tour through the beautifully preserved medieval Old Town. Witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower and take your pictures of ornate, flower adorned fountains. Highlight of the day is a special lunch at a traditional Swiss WORKING FARM. Continue to Interlaken and take pictures of the Jungfrau massif with its group of three famous peaks: the Jungfrau, the Monch, and the Eiger. Over Brunig Pass to picture-book Lucerne. You may wish to sign up for a folklore party with yodelling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking.(B)

7

LUCERNE.

On your walking tour this morning, admire Thorwaldsen's LION MONUMENT and ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then, cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. Afterwards, shop for watches or climb a mountain by cable car. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your Swiss vacation. (B,D)

8

LUCERNE-ZURICH AIRPORT.

Morning transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich, not Lucerne. (B)

THE BEST OF SWITZERLAND

Dates/Prices

NB: All prices listed are per person

May 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
03 May 201210 May 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
10 May 201217 May 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
13 May 201220 May 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
17 May 201224 May 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
20 May 201227 May 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
27 May 201203 Jun 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List

Jun 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
03 Jun 201210 Jun 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
10 Jun 201217 Jun 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
14 Jun 201221 Jun 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
24 Jun 201201 Jul 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List

Jul 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
05 Jul 201212 Jul 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
08 Jul 201215 Jul 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
19 Jul 201226 Jul 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
22 Jul 201229 Jul 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
29 Jul 201205 Aug 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List

Aug 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
05 Aug 201212 Aug 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
12 Aug 201219 Aug 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
19 Aug 201226 Aug 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
23 Aug 201230 Aug 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
30 Aug 201206 Sep 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List

Sep 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
02 Sep 201209 Sep 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
06 Sep 201213 Sep 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
09 Sep 201216 Sep 2012On Request $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
13 Sep 201220 Sep 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
16 Sep 201223 Sep 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
20 Sep 201227 Sep 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
23 Sep 201230 Sep 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List
30 Sep 201207 Oct 2012Open $2989 NZD $3437 NZD Hotel List

Oct 2012

Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityTwin ShareSingle
07 Oct 201214 Oct 2012Open $2979 NZD $3427 NZD Hotel List

Accommodation Prices

Pre & Post TourCityStart DateEnd DateSingle PriceTwin PriceTriple Price
POSTZurich01 Jan 201231 Dec 2012 $207 NZD $140 NZD $120 NZD
PREZurich01 Jan 201231 Dec 2012 $207 NZD $140 NZD $120 NZD

Charges

TypeNamePrice
OPTIONALGratuity97 NZD

THE BEST OF SWITZERLAND

Tour Code - ZG

8 days Zurich to Zurich Zurich, St. Moritz, Lugano, Zermatt, Lake Geneva, Lucerne

See more information about the ships on this cruise:

THE BEST OF SWITZERLAND

Tour Map

THE BEST OF SWITZERLAND

Optional Excursions

To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour. Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.

PriceDetails
39  EUR

Name: EXCURSION TO ISOLA BELLA
Location: STRESA
Description: One of the last privately owned islands open to visitors. Enjoy a boat ride and a tour of the BORROMEO PALACE, then time for the beautiful gardens and terraces.
59  EUR

Name: GORNERGRAT
Location: ZERMATT
Description: Experience incomparable panoramic views. In just 40 minutes by mountain railway, climb 3,088 metre (10,132 feet) for a magnificent view of Switzerland's loftiest peaks.
72  EUR

Name: KLEIN MATTERHORN
Location: ZERMATT
Description: Take a cable car ride to the top of 3,882 metre (12,739-foot) high Klein Matterhorn, the highest sightseeing point in Europe. Enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscape of glaciers and permanent snow.
68  EUR

Name: LUGANO LAKE CRUISE AND DINNER
Location: LUGANO
Description: Embark your private boat for a relaxing cruise on breathtaking Lake Lugano. See the quaint former fishing village of Gandria, and learn about the local traditions and dishes in a typical Swiss grotto surrounded by the nature. Also cruise past Campione d'Italia, an Italian enclave on Swiss territory, and the charming church of Madonna dei Ghirli.
58  EUR

Name: MOUNT PILATUS
Location: LUCERNE
Description: A spectacular panoramic view over Central Switzerland from 2133.6 metres (7,000 feet) up, via the world's steepest cogwheel railway (inclination 48 degrees) as well as the silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondolas.
31  EUR

Name: ONE HOUR CRUISE ON LAKE LUCERNE
Location: LUCERNE
Description: Board your private motorboat for an enchanting and relaxing one-hour cruise on glassy Lake Lucerne also known as the Vierwaldstattersee or "Lake of the Four Forest Cantons". Marvel at the spectacular mountain scenery and admire fjords, bays and rolling meadows.
44  EUR

Name: PONTRESINA AND THE ROSEG GLACIER
Location: ST. MORITZ
Description: After a short drive to Pontresina, enter the Roseg Valley, famous for its luxuriant Alpine vegetation and wildlife. Your horse-drawn carriage takes about one hour to ascend to the restaurant at 2000 metres (6,562 feet), with a spectacular view of the glacier.
72  EUR

Name: SWISS FOLKLORE PARTY AND DINNER
Location: LUCERNE
Description: Contrary to belief, not all Swiss can yodel or blow the alp horn, but those you will meet at your after-dinner folklore party are real experts. They entertain you with merry melodies on the accordion and traditional dances, while you sample cheese fondue and a drink of your choice.
 
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