Switzerland

Day 1 - Welcome to the best in Switzerland travel
Tour begins: 6:00 PM at Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux. A transfer is included from Geneva International Airport to Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux; the drive takes you through the vineyard country high above Lake Geneva to your hotel in Montreux on the shores of the famous lake. Your Switzerland travel adventure begins when you meet your fellow alpine travelers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight at the hotel.

Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux, Switzerland

Day 2 - Meadows to mountains, it's a Switzerland travel day
Lord Byron made Château de Chillon famous in his epic poem, The Prisoner of Chillon. Visit it today en route to Gruyères, known for its cheese, where you'll explore the town's 15th-century castle. A cogwheel train from Visp takes you high into the mountains to the car-free resort town of Zermatt for a two-night stay at a five-star resort.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt, Switzerland

Day 3 - High above the clouds in the Alps
Weather permitting, travel higher into the mountains by cogwheel train to Gornergrat (elevation is 10,225 ft.) for spectacular views of the legendary Matterhorn. Coffee or an aperitif is sublime before returning to Zermatt and your fabulous resort to spend the rest of the day as you please.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt, Switzerland

Day 4 - Lovely Lakes and la dolce vita
Descend by rail from Zermatt, then head through majestic Simplon Pass en route to Italy's Lake Maggiore. A private water taxi to Isola Bella, owned by the noble Borromeo family, provides the opportunity to visit their impressive 17th-century palace and gardens, created in the shape of a ship. Back in Switzerland travel to the resort of Lake Lugano for a two-night stay.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland Map

Day 5 - A leisurely day in lakeside Lugano
Explore this gem of a lakeside resort town as you please today. There is much to see, do and savor here; your Tour Director will have many pleasurable activities to suggest, from checking out the Via Nassa or strolling the cobblestone lanes of Old Town to calling on little coastal villages like Gandria or Marcote by boat.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Grand Hotel Eden, Lugano, Switzerland

Day 6 - Alpine magic from Switzerland to Italy to Switzerland again
Journey through an ever-changing, wonderfully scenic landscape as you cross between Italy and Switzerland along the old Roman Via Regina, relishing views of Lake Como before climbing into the mountains and crossing the Maloja Pass. A highlight of any Switzerland travel adventure is the scenic road to glamorous St. Moritz, with its lovely vistas of sparkling lakes and mighty mountains. It's a picture-postcard, perfect day!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, St. Moritz, Switzerland

Day 7 - All aboard a magical train ride into the Alps
Ride Switzerland's world-famous Glacier Express high into the Alps today and view majestic mountains from the comfort of a panoramic domed observation car, traveling past silver streams, massive peaks, lush valleys and glacial lakes. A spectacular drive over Susten Pass leads to a two-night stay at a historic hotel surrounded by alpine beauty in charming Grindelwald that's rejeuvenating... and a real pleasure!

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Grand Regina - Alpin Well & Fit Hotel, Grindelwald, Switzerland

Day 8 - Journey to the top of the world, the "jewel in the crown"
In a section of the Bernese Oberland known as Switzerland's "jewel in the crown," climb through the Alps by cogwheel train, via the renowned mountain station at Kleine Scheidegg, to the Jungfraujoch. Here, at over 11,000 feet - which truly feels like the "top of the world" - visit the famous Ice Palace and take time to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch - a most memorable Switzerland travel experience. Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening as you please in the picture-postcard alpine ski resort village of Grindelwald.

Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Grand Regina - Alpin Well & Fit Hotel, Grindelwald, Switzerland

Day 9 - Sophisticated cities and a World Heritage Site
Descend from the majestic Alps along Lutschine Creek toward Interlaken, then through the Bernese Oberland, bound for Berne. Switzerland's capital is noted for its charming architectural styles; explore the Old City of Berne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue your Switzerland travel adventure to Lucerne, a charming, cosmopolitan city set on the shores of lovely Lake Lucerne; your home for the next two nights, a historic landmark built in 1845, is set in the heart of Old Town.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 10 - Exploring Lucerne, a Switzerland travel icon
While a thoroughly modern, culturally rich city, lakeside Lucerne retains much of its old-world charm and a strong sense of its history. Surrounded by an alpine panorama, stroll over its medieval covered wooden bridges and discover the many Renaissance and Baroque fountains that dot the city - along with many wonderful galleries, shops and cafés. This evening, cruise across Lake Lucerne for our very special farewell dinner at a waterfront resort.

Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 11 - Journey home as this Switzerland travel concludes
Tour ends: Lucerne. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern to Zurich Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 Â½ hours for flight check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

ACCOMMODATIONS

Night 1: Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux
Montreux, Switzerland

Located in a superb setting on the shores of Lake Geneva in the center of trendy Montreux, the Hotel Royal Plaza offers stunning views of the lake from its lovely public rooms. Comfortable guest rooms are decorated with an eye to contemporary elegance. The Atlantis Spa, with its indoor swimming pool, is an oasis of relaxing rejuvenation. Enjoy your favorite libation at the Sunset Bar, with its panoramic views of Lake Geneva and the mountains beyond before dining on the Italian specialties offered by the Café du Loc or enjoying the gourmet fare and stunning vistas at La Croisette.

Night 2 & 3: Mont Cervin Palace
Zermatt, Switzerland

A member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World, the impressive Mont Cervin Palace is located in the heart of Zermatt. This world-class hotel offers an indoor and an outdoor swimming pool, as well as an expansive wellness and spa area. Pampering services are available at the Daniela Steiner Beauty Spa. The hotel dining room offers table d’hôte and à la carte menus while the Grill Le Cervin tempts with meat and fish from the charcoal grill. Service at this “hotel with a heart” is warm, attentive and efficient.

Night 4 & 5: Grand Hotel Eden
Lugano, Switzerland

The Grand Hotel Eden enjoys an enviable location on the waterfront of Lugano Paradiso, one of the sunniest spots of the Canton Ticino, just a few minutes from the city center. Each well-equipped, comfortable guest room has a balcony. Indulge yourself in the new Eden Spa, take a dip in the luscious indoor pool or just relax on lakeside sun deck and enjoy the spectacular views. The Oasis Restaurant offers wonderful views both from the dining room and from the lakeside terrace in summer.

Night 6: Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St. Moritz
St. Moritz, Switzerland

Located next to the old “Mauritius” spring, the origin of glamorous St. Moritz, the elegant, Belle Epoch Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St. Moritz has been the preferred address for royalty, politicians and noted artists since the 19th century. All 184 luxurious guest rooms are equipped with cable television and video-on-demand, free Internet access, mini bar and spacious bathrooms. The indoor swimming pool, with its lovely views of the surrounding mountains, is the perfect place to relax after a busy day. If you’re feeling more energetic, the fitness area offers up-to-date cardiovascular equipment and even the workout area has views of the majestic mountains. Or, wile away a few hours stalking Lady Luck at the St. Moritz Casino, located in the west wing of the hotel. Enjoy “alpine tapas” at The Enoteca or enjoy a coffee or your favorite libation at the Kempinski Bar & Lobby.

Night 7 & 8: Grand Regina – Alpin Well & Fit Hotel
Grindelwald, Switzerland

The five-star Grand Regina Alpin Well&Fit in the wonderful and impressive alpine coulisse is a true retreat away from it all, surrounded by the drama of the Eiger North Face and the world-famous mountain-backdrop of the Jungfrau Region. This distinctive hotel is furnished with local antiques and decorated in Alpine style, combining a cozy atmosphere and legendary Swiss hospitality. The hotel offers over the 1600 sq m Alpin Well&Fit Spa featuring saunas, steam baths, saltwater bath, and a wide range of cosmetic, beauty and massage treatments, as well as an indoor pool and an outdoor pool with garden. Enjoy entertainment and music in a relaxed ambiance and choose from various cocktails or drinks prior to a leisurely dinner. From classic gourmet gastronomy in the elegant Pendule d’Or restaurant to Swiss specialties in the informal Jägerstube or small snacks in the lovely Regina Bar, the cuisine is light and tasty, healthy and enjoyable. It offers a wide selection in accordance with seasons and several biological products from its own garden. You can be certain of experiencing genuine Swiss hospitality of the sort which makes Grand Regina what it is – a hearty welcome!

Night 9 & 10: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern
Lucerne, Switzerland

Five generations of ownership by the same family ensure a warm welcome and heartfelt hospitality at the lovely Hotel Schweizerhof. Originally built in 1845, a thoughtful renovation in 1999 kept the hotel’s original 19th-century splendor in mind. Set in the midst of Old Town Lucerne, it is the perfect base for exploration of this city on the shores of lovely Lake Lucerne. The Pavilion restaurant offers fine seasonal à la carte menus and Swiss specialties and the Galerie restaurant focuses on culinary delights from the sea and the lake. Order from either menu and enjoy dining al fresco on the Sun Terrace.

INCLUSIVE PRICES

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, the train ride aboard the private, domed observation car on The Glacier Express, motor coach transportation, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, luggage handling and the services the Tauck Director, local guides and drivers are included. A representative of the tour Operator will meet you at Geneva International Airport and provide transportation to the Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux, regardless of the time and day of your arrival, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. The Tour Operator will also provide transportation from Hotel Schweizerhof Luzurn to Zurich Airport on the day of your departure. We suggest that you allow 2 ½ hours for check-in.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. The Tauck standard is to provide the best available hotels without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from place to place, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are two-bedded rooms with a rollaway cot or a sofa bed, when available, and are not recommended for comfort. Adjacent, adjoining and connecting rooms are available by request only and cannot be guaranteed.

The hotels on this itinerary do not provide king-size beds as they are known to travelers in the U.S. The queen-size beds consist of two single beds pushed together and made up separately under one headboard. The beds are outfitted with down and feather pillows and duvets (comforters). Wool blankets and foam pillows must be requested, preferably in advance.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tour Director –Switzerland is conducted by a Tour Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tour Director is a professional, fully trained employee of The Tour Operator.

Gratuities Included – All gratuities for restaurant and hotel staff and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tour Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, The Tour Operaotr will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through Tauck. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this website and discuss it with the reservations agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to the Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses - Phone calls, room service, alcoholic and bar beverages, mineral waters and soft drinks, laundry, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, individual airport transfers, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director and Driver Gratuities - The customary gratuities to the Tour Director and driver are not included. Gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.