Tour Overview
Switzerland is a small multi-cultural, multi-lingual country located in the very heart of Europe. It shares common frontiers with five countries - Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. Switzerland is therefore at the crossroads of the continent. It is a focal point of international air, road and rail traffic and easily accessible within hours from major European cities and centres.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 01: Zurich, Switzerland – LucerneArrive Zurich International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Lucerne, where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann Day 02: Lucerne
Half-day walking tour of Lucerne. The Old Town has many interesting sites, which you can easily see on foot. Reflect on the history of Lucerne as you walk across the 14th century Chapel Bridge with its paintings of heroic town events. Then cross Mill Bridge to see the "Dance of Death" paintings. Musegg Town Wall, the old city ramparts and the stately Town Hall, displaying suits of armours, remind you of the Middle Ages. Continue on to the Lion Monument memorializing the Swiss Guards who defended the Royal Palace in Versailles during the French Revolution. The afternoon is free for additional sightseeing on your own or shopping in Lucerne. Breakfast
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann Day 03: Lucerne – Mount Pilatus – Lucerne
Please note that today’s suggested excursion to Mount Pilatus is self-guided. A detailed program and map will be provided for you, along with tickets for this excursion. A private guide may be arranged at an additional charge. This morning, board a first class boat for a leisurely cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad. From there, ascend by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to Mount Pilatus, 7000ft high. On top you have time to walk up to the vista point and to admire the magnificent view over the Swiss Alps and Lucerne. Then descend by aerial cable car to Fraekmuentegg, where you change to smaller cable cars that carry you over pine forests and mountain meadows to the village of Kriens. Return to Lucerne by a convenient public bus. Breakfast
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann Day 04: Lucerne – Grindelwald
Transfer by pre-arranged taxi to the Lucerne train station. First Class train from Lucerne to Grindelwald. The hotel bus will meet you in Grindelwald for the transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Breakfast
Hotel Kirchbuehl Day 05: Grindelwald – Jungfraujoch – Grindelwald
Please note that today’s suggested excursion to Jungfraujoch is self-guided. A detailed program and map will be provided for you, along with tickets for this excursion. A private guide may be arranged at an additional charge. Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Jungfraujoch. Some of Switzerland's most magnificent views are found around the snow-capped peaks of the Jungfrau (13,643 ft/ 4158m), Mönch (13,449 ft/ 4099m) and Eiger (13,026 ft/ 3970m), their rugged flanks made even more awe-inspiring by the greens and golds of nearby hills and valleys. The highest railway in Europe cuts through both the Eiger and the Mönch before terminating at the tip of the majestic Jungfraujoch. Jungfraujoch station is the highest railway station in Europe. On clear days you can see as far as the Vosges Mountains in France and the Black Forest in Germany from the Sphinx observation terrace. The Great Aletsch Glacier begins near the station. One of the many tourist amenities is the Ice Palace, which has several ice sculptures carved in the glacier. There are also a ski and snowboard park, sled rides and restaurants. Breakfast
Hotel Kirchbuehl Day 06: Grindelwald – Montreux
Transfer by hotel bus to the Grindelwald train station. First Class train from Grindelwald to Montreux via Zweisimmen. You will be met at the Montreux train station by your local guide for a tour of the wine lands area. You will depart by private car on a scenic drive through the beautiful vineyards and charming villages of the major wine producing area of Switzerland. Then stop at a typical old wine cellar (about 400 years old!) for a wine tasting- a delightful custom enjoyed by the Swiss for centuries! Montreux. In the 19th century, writers, artists and musicians flocked from all over Europe to this pleasing lakeside resort. The “Riviera on Lake Geneva” offers miles of lakeside to stroll along, snow-capped mountains, and a lake with steamships plying up and down. The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic is a Belle Époque style hotel, built in 1870. The hotel overlooks the Alps and Lake Geneva and is situated in the heart of Montreaux and is centrally located opposite the train station, near Congress Center, casinos and shops. Breakfast
Hotel Suisse Majestic Day 07: Montreux – Gruyeres – Broc – Montreux
Today, enjoy a fascinating excursion aboard the famous “Chocolate Train.” First Class train Montreux – Gruyères – Broc – Montreux Please note: the Chocolate Train runs on Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from June to October, as well as on Monday thru Friday in July and August, excepting national holidays. If the Chocolate Train is not available, train tickets from Montreux to Gruyères and return will be provided. The “Chocolate Train” is a joint venture of Golden Pass Services and Cailler-Nestlé. Ride in first-class comfort in a nostalgic “Belle-Époque" Pullman car, vintage 1915, and/or the modern panorama car offering stunning views of the vineyards surrounding Montreux and medieval Gruyères. Coffee and a croissant will be served on board. Stopping in Gruyeres, visit the cheese factory where Gruyère cheese is made. You will then have some time to visit Gruyères Castle and take a stroll around town. There is also time for lunch (not included). Re-board the train and continue to Broc, home of the Nestlé Chocolate Factory. View a film presentation about chocolate making and take a brief tour of the factory – then enjoy a chocolate tasting! Return by train to Montreux this afternoon. Breakfast
Hotel Suisse Majestic Day 08: Montreux – Geneva – Depart
Today, depart from your hotel to the Montreux train station (Next door). First Class train from Montreux direct to Geneva Airport to connect with your departing flight.
Breakfast
( 
