Switzerland

Day 1 Welcome to the ultimate Switzerland tour
Meals D
This Switzerland 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. Meet your fellow alpine travelers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight at the hotel.
Lodging: Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux

Day 2 Meadows & mountains, from Chillon to Zermatt
Meals B, L, D
Lord Byron made Ch�teau de Chillon famous in his epic poem, The Prisoner of Chillon. Visit it today en route to Gruy�res, known for its cheese, where you'll explore the town's 15th-century castle. A cogwheel train from Taesch takes you high into the mountains to the car-free resort town of Zermatt for a two-night stay at the historic Monte Rosa.
Lodging Monte Rosa

Day 3 High above the clouds in the Alps
Meals B
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 hotel to spend the rest of the day as you please.
Lodging Monte Rosa

Day 4 Lovely lakes and la dolce vita
Meals B, L, D
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, head to Lake Lugano and a two-night stay.
Lodging Grand Hotel Eden Map

Day 5 A leisurely day in lakeside Lugano
Meals B
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.
Lodging Grand Hotel Eden

Day 6 Across the Alps to St. Moritz
Meals B, L, D
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 tour is the scenic road to glamorous St. Moritz, with its lovely vistas of sparkling lakes and mighty mountains. Enjoy accommodations tonight at one of Switzerland's truly grand hotels.
Lodging Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St. Moritz

Day 7 All aboard a magical train ride into the Alps
Meals B, D
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 Interlaken that's rejeuvenating... and a real pleasure!
Lodging Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Day 8 To the top of the world & the Jungfraujoch
Meals B
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 M�nch � a most memorable highlight of your Switzerland tour. Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening as you please back in the alpine resort of Interlaken.
Lodging Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Day 9 Sophisticated Berne & Lucerne
Meals B, D
Depart Interlaken and drive 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 tour 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.
Lodging Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Day 10 Exploring Lucerne, a Switzerland tour highlight
Meals B, D
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 caf�s. This evening, cruise across Lake Lucerne for our very special farewell dinner at a waterfront resort.
Lodging Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

Day 11 Journey home
Meals B
This comprehensive Switzerland tour ends: Lucerne. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern to Zurich Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.

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 Montreux offers stunning views of the lake from its lovely public rooms. Comfortable guest rooms are decorated with an eye to contemporary elegance. The Dr. Burgener 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 enjoying the gourmet fare and stunning vistas at Caf� Bellagio.

Nights 2 - 3 : Monte Rosa - Zermatt, Switzerland
Located in the pedestrians-only zone of charming Zermatt and ranked as one of the Top 10 Resorts in Europe by Travel + Leisure, the walls of the historic Monte Rosa date back to 1839. Its tradition of warm alpine hospitality dates back almost that far to the time when it was a great favorite among pioneering mountain climbers, including Edward Whymper, who made the first ascent of the Matterhorn. Cozy, individually decorated guest rooms at this boutique hotel welcome with a minibar, TV, Internet access, and an in-room safe. Charming Edward�s bar, reminiscent of a Scottish pub, begins each day with coffee and croissants and ends it with a wide variety of favorite cocktails. Guests at the Monte Rosa are cordially invited to take advantage of the spa facilities at the Mont Cervin Palace a few steps down the road.

Nights 4 - 5 : Grand Hotel Eden - Lugano, Switzerland
Located in a traffic-free zone on the Bahnhofstrasse in the heart of Zermatt, the Hotel Schweizerhof welcomes you for a two-night stay in this premier alpine resort town. Comfortable guest rooms feature appreciated amenities including TV and a minibar. After a busy day, the �Sempervivum� promotes relaxation and rejuvenation with a swimming pool, saunas and Jacuzzis, as well as an array of massages. Around the fireplace at the Schweizerhof Bar is a great place to be at the beginning or end of the evening. Enjoy traditional Swiss culinary delights accompanied by live traditional music provided by Swiss folklore bands every evening at the Schwyzer St�bli; indulge in Thai cuisine at Restaurant Lanna Thai; or choose from delicious 5-course menus and the daily specialty buffet in the Dining Room.

*Tours departing June 5 and September 18 will stay at the Hotel Schweizerhof rather than the Mont Cervin Palace on nights 2 and 3.

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 in 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.

Nights 7 - 8 : Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa - Interlaken, Switzerland
Built in 1864, this imposing and distinctive property, a marvelous example of beaux-arts architecture, fulfills everyone�s mental image of what a deluxe Swiss hotel should be. Centrally located in the heart of lovely Interlaken and offering the best views of the Jungfrau of any hotel in the area, this five-star hotel offers a wide range of world-class amenities and facilities to ensure a memorable stay. Luxurious guest rooms, with their fine fabric wall coverings, create an atmosphere of comfort and coziness complemented by top-notch amenities. Tennis players will love the Tennis Center, swimmers will be delighted by the elegant, pillared swimming pool and those in search of a workout will find everything they need in the spacious, well-equipped Fitness Room. Dining options include the formal ambiance and innovative French cuisine of La Terrasse, La Pastatecha beckoning pasta lovers, and the Jungfrau Brasserie with its exclusive focus on Swiss specialties. You�ll find a superb selection of sandwiches as well as your favorite libations at the Victoria Bar or indulge in a fine cigar accompanied by a selection of rare blended whiskies and single malts at the Intermezzo Bar.

Nights 9 - 10 : Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern - Lucerne, Switzerland
A family-owned hotel is a great place for families to stay, and five generations of ownership by the same family (since 1861) ensure a warm welcome and heartfelt hospitality at the lovely Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern. 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. Guest rooms have individually controlled air conditioning, minibar, radio, cable TV with all major national and international channels, high-speed Internet access, hairdryer and an in-room safe. You�ll find fitness facilities in the Schweizerhof Wellness & Beauty that are equipped with Technogym machines. The Pavilion restaurant offers fine seasonal � la carte menus and Swiss specialties and the Galerie restaurant focuses on culinary delights from the sea and the lake. And the Terrace is a great place to get a cold drink and a bite to eat while enjoying the sunshine and the view.

INCLUDED
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, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, admissions, porterage and the services the Tour Director, local guides and drivers are included. Transportation from Geneva International Airport to the Hotel Royal Plaza Montreux is included, regardless of the time you check in to the hotel, provided you have furnished us with accurate flight arrival information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. If you are arriving into a local train station please retain a receipt from your taxi and submit it to your Tour Director for reimbursement. Transportation from Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern to Zurich Airport or a local train station is also included when you check out of the hotel. Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.

Hotel Accommodations � The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.

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.

Gratuities Included � All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant 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
Transportation 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, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. Airport and train station transfers are included for these bookings as described above in Inclusive Prices. If you wish to spend additional nights, please discuss it with your reservations sales consultant or travel 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 Tour Operators Travel Protection Product that will be offered at time of booking for more information.

Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:

Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary

Your Tour Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.

Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tour Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Tour Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.

A - Z Travel Mall - Home \| A - Z Tours - Home \| Egypt Tours - Home \| A - Z Tours International - Company Profile
Copyright © A-Z Tours International - Company Phone: 1-888-682-6449 1-303-670-5640 Fax: (425) 984-7676 Email address : tours@a-ztravel.com