Tour Overview
Switzerland, a unique miracle of nature, is yours to discover. From the lowlands right up to the mountain tops, clothed in perpetual snow and ice, there is so much to discover and experience. Come explore this fascinating country. Visit Lausanne on beautiful Lake Geneva with the majestic Alps as a backdrop. Travel on the famous Glacier Express- the slowest express train in the world- on a remarkable journey to Zermatt. You haven't been to Switzerland if you haven't visited Zermatt and its famous mountain, the Matterhorn. Stop in Montreux to visit the Chillon Castle with a private castle guide! Enjoy a fascinating excursion aboard the famous “Chocolate Train", stopping in Gruyeres, visit the cheese factory where Gruyère cheese is made. Explore the Wine lands area and sample a wine tasting- a Swiss tradition for centuries.Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Zurich- Lucerne, SwitzerlandToday you arrive Zurich International Airport. After clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by an iExplore Representative who will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation. Transfer by private car to your hotel in Lucerne, where the balance of the day is at leisure. Lucerne is one of Switzerland's most charming medieval cities. Lucerne is situated in the historic and scenic heart of what many believe to be the “true” Switzerland picture mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss. The town straddles the Reuss River on the western edge of Lake Lucerne and makes an excellent base for excursions. With it’s own lakefront promenade, stylish halls and exquisite guest rooms, the Palace Hotel is central Switzerland’s leading resort. Old-world elegance, complimented by the most up to date amenities embraces each guest with Swiss hospitality. Palace Hotel - Standard Room Day 2: Lucerne
Private guided 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. Stop for lunch at the Restaurant Old Swiss House. Continue on to the Lion Monument memorializing the Swiss Guards who defended the Royal Palace in Versailles during the French Revolution. Later, enjoy a relaxing cruise on Lake Lucerne to Vitznau and back. Breakfast, Lunch
Palace Hotel - Standard Room Day 3: Lucerne- Mount Pilatus- Lucerne
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, your private, English-speaking guide will meet you for an excursion to Mount Pilatus. Walk to the pier to 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 private car. Breakfast
Palace Hotel- Standard Room Day 4: Lucerne-Altdorf-Andermatt-Zermatt
After breakfast at the hotel, your guide and private car will meet you to begin your sightseeing for the day. Drive from Lucerne to Andermatt, stopping in Altdorf to see the William Tell Statue. It was in Altdorf that William Tell defied the hated bailiff Gessler, and as a result was forced to shoot an apple off his son Walter’s head. Then, board the Glacier Express for Zermatt. Upon arrival transfer by horse carriage from the rail station to your hotel. From the moment you step off the Red Train and catch sight of the cobbled streets and horses with sleighs patiently waiting for their rides, you will know you are in a special place. There are no cars here! This immediately creates a welcoming atmosphere. The air is fresh and alpine. You will feel part of this charming village right away. It draws you in. Discover the Old World Charm and modern style of the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof. This legendary Swiss hotel boasts an idyllic Alpine feel. Located in a lush, private park with views of the Matterhorn, this historic hotel is located in the heart of the city. Breakfast
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof- Standard Room Day 5: Zermatt
Today you have a full day at leisure to enjoy the hotels amenities or for some personal explorations on your own. Breakfast
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof- Standard Room Day 6: Zermatt- Montreux-Lausanne
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by horse carriage to the Zermatt Train station. Please note: your luggage will be transferred separately. At Tasch, meet your guide (with luggage) for the rest of the transfer to Lausanne. First, stop at Montreux to visit Chillon Castle with a private castle guide. An architectural gem, located in the most beautiful setting imaginable, between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Alps, this monument with over 1,000 years of history, has inspired artists and writers from Rousseau to Victor Hugo and Lord Byron. You too are sure to fall under its charm. Continue on to Lausanne where you will check into the Hotel Beau Rivage Palace. Breakfast
Hotel Beau Rivage- Standard Room Day 7: Lausanne-Montreux- Gruyeres-Lausanne
Today, enjoy a fascinating excursion aboard the famous “Chocolate Train.” First Class train Lausanne- Montreux – Gruyères – 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 this afternoon. Breakfast
Hotel Beau Rivage- Standard Room Day 8: Lausanne-Montreux-Lausanne
This afternoon your guide will pick you up at the hotel for a tour of the wine lands area. Depart by private car on a scenic drive through the beautiful vineyards and charming villages of the major wine producing area of Switzerland. Stop at a typical old wine cellar for a wine tasting- a delightful custom enjoyed by the Swiss for centuries. Breakfast
Hotel Beau Rivage- Standard Room Day 9: Lausanne-Geneva-Depart
After breakfast at the hotel, your driver will pick you up and drive you to Geneva Airport for your flight home. Breakfast
