Best of Switzerland 2009
Day 1 - Depart USA Overnight flight to Zurich.
Day 2 - Arrive Zurich Welcome to Zurich, the financial centre of Switzerland. After check-in, we enjoy a late afternoon orientation tour of this lakeside city revealing its charm and beauty. Early this evening we enjoy a Welcome Drink and tour briefing with our Tour Director and meet our fellow traveling companions.
Day 3 - Zurich — Liechtenstein — St. Moritz After breakfast, snow-capped mountains and sparkling lakes surround us as we drive to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein where we visit its capital, Vaduz. From here we continue our journey via the spectacular ski-resort of Davos and make our way up to the Fluela Pass (when open), and past picturesque Susch to our overnight hotel in St. Moritz, the renowned winter sports resort. This evening, dinner is at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4 - St. Moritz — Bellinzona — Lugano We ascend the Julier Pass and drive along the San Bernadino route to Bellinzona in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Soon we arrive in the balmy lakeside resort of Lugano with its luxuriant gardens, elegant casino and traffic-free squares of open air cafés. Perhaps ride a pedalo on the lake or take an excursion to some of the nearby Italian Lakes with their elegant villas and gardens. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Lugano — Zermatt Via Lake Maggiore and through a small section of Italy to Domodossola we drive towards the majestic Simplon Pass, 6,600 feet high. Later, we arrive at Tasch where we board the electric mini-buses and taxis which take us up to the picturesque village of Zermatt, where our Tour Director will reveal a Hidden Treasure! Then time at leisure in the serenity and crisp air of this Alpine haven, so why not take a mountain ride for fantastic views of the Matterhorn" This evening we will enjoy a Highlight Dinner in our hotel of traditional cheese fondue. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 6 - Zermatt — Geneva — Lake Genevea (Evian) Our day begins with a drive through the Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva where we view Byron's Castle of Chillon which lies right beside the waters of the lake. From here we will drive to the international city of Geneva which is located on the far western side of the vast Lake Geneva. Here our sightseeing tour will show us the Reformation Monument, the old cathedral, the Jet d - Eau fountain and the United Nations building. Then we drive along the southern shores of Lake Geneva to Evian, renowned for its pure mineral water, to our hotel tonight. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 7 - Lake Geneva (Evian) — Berne — Interlaken — Brienz — Lucerne (2 nights) This morning we head north towards Berne to see the Bear Pits and then to Interlaken — lying between the lakes of Thun and Brienz and overlooked by the Jungfrau Mountain. Time for a spot of lunch before continuing over the Brünig Pass on our approach to lakeside Lucerne in its beautiful setting
for two relaxing nights. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Lucerne orientation and at leisure After breakfast we enjoy an orientation tour around this medieval city highlighting the Lion Monument, built in memory of Louis XVI's Swiss Guard, and Chapel Bridge. Later with time on your own, you may wish to take an optional excursion to a nearby mountain peak, famed for its splendid views. Or perhaps join in the fun of a Swiss folklore show, or simply choose to explore the old city and shop for Swiss watches, cuckoo clocks and delicious Swiss chocolates. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Day 9 - Lucerne — Zurich — USA This morning time to bid farewell to Switzerland and our Tour Director and new-found friends as our vacation comes to an end. There is a transfer available to Zurich airport, conditions apply. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 10 - Please Note Please note: This tour will visit France and Italy for a short period. Some passengers may require double entry visas. Please speak with your travel agent to access your specific requirements.
Free airport transfers Transfers on Day 2 at Zurich Airport will operate at 09.30, 11.00 and 12.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Zurich Airport at 08.30.
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