Itinerary
Day 1:Zurich
Hotel:
Standard:
IntercityHotel Zurich Airport 4 star/ Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich 4 star/Novotel Zurich City West 4 star or similar
Meals:
Meal: Excluded
Upon arrival at the airport, we will transfer to the hotel. We can enjoy free time until tour starts. Please check the informative posters placed at the hotel reception area which have all the information about our upcoming services such as meeting place, time and the guide's name.
Day 2:Zurich, Switzerland - Bern, Switzerland - Montreux, Switzerland - Geneva, Switzerland(257 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Nash Airport Hotel/IntercityHotel Geneva or similar 4 stars hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Included; Dinner: Excluded
We'll set off for the capital of the country, Bern, one of the most beautiful historic cities in Switzerland. We'll go to the Rose Garden viewpoint to admire the beautiful landscape of the city, and you'll have free time in the center. We'll continue along a scenic road winding through stunning high mountain landscapes, passing charming villages with traditional wooden architecture and traveling through the Gstaad region, renowned for its ski resorts. We'll include the cable car ride and lunch at Glacier 3000. From its terraces, you'll enjoy breathtaking views and have the chance to walk across the suspension bridge that connects two peaks. After descending, we'll journey toward Lake Geneva, an area known for its mild climate and extensive vineyards. We'll visit Chillon Castle (tickets included), a medieval fortress built on the waters of the lake. Our journey will then take us through the heart of Montreux, an elegant town famous for its jazz festival, following the lake's shoreline until we reach Geneva. Arrival will be at the end of the day.
Note: Our hotel is usually located on the French outskirts of the city.
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Bern, Switzerland
The official language of Bern is (the Swiss variety of Standard) German, but the main spoken language is the Alemannic Swiss German dialect called Bernese German.In 1983 the historic old town in the centre of Bern became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Montreux, Switzerland
This small Swiss city sits on the western coast of Lake Geneva. It is most famous for hosting the annual Montreaux Jazz Festival, and gets mentioned in the iconic rock song "Smoke on the Water."
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Chillon Castle
This Swiss castle provides incredible views of Lake Geneva. It is located on a narrow stretch of land on the eastern end of the lake. The poet Lord Byron was a famous visitor and carved his name into the dungeon.
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Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and a global center that houses the United Nations and many international organizations. Visitors enjoy museums, theatres, and cultural sites including Muse d'Art et d'Histoire, as well as archeological sites, historic buildings, dining, shopping, and much more.
Day 3:Geneva, Switzerland - Lausanne, Switzerland - Gruyeres, Switzerland - Broc, Switzerland - Fribourg, Switzerland(111 km)
Hotel:
Standard:
Hotel ibis Bulle La Gruyere
/B&B HOTEL Lully 3 Lakes or similar 3-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, we'll include a panoramic tour of Geneva, a city on the shores of Lake Geneva that is home to numerous international organizations. We'll see the Palace of Nations, the beautiful English Garden with its famous flower clock, and admire the “Jet d'Eau,” the tallest fountain in Europe. Afterwards, you'll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch.
We'll continue along the shores of Lake Geneva, passing through landscapes of vineyards and snow-capped mountains, until we reach Lausanne, a city in western Switzerland that is home to the International Olympic Committee. We'll stop at the Olympic Park, located by the lake, an iconic space dedicated to sports and Olympic culture. Then, we’ll head to the walled town of Gruyeres, world-famous for its cheese. Nearby, you'll find some of Switzerland´s top chocolate makers (including Nestle and others). We'll visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory, with a tasting included! We'll then continue to Fribourg, a bilingual French/German city with a charming old town.
Note: Occasionally, accommodation may be in a nearby city.
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Geneva, Switzerland
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland and a global center that houses the United Nations and many international organizations. Visitors enjoy museums, theatres, and cultural sites including Muse d'Art et d'Histoire, as well as archeological sites, historic buildings, dining, shopping, and much more.
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Palace of Nations (Outside Visit)
From 1929 to 1938, this building in Geneva served as the headquarters of the League of Nations, the predecessor to the United Nations. The UN repurposed the building beginning in the wake of World War II.
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The Geneva Water Fountain
Jet d'Eau, literally meaning 'water jet', is a huge Fountain on the Geneva Lake. It became a remarkable symbol for the city, therefore, it was amplified and relocated to the center of the Lake. The Fountain presents and gives the power to the place! Every time you look on its majesty you are reminded that you are in the powerful and well-organized country. Soon after being finished, the fountain became the symbol of strength, ambition and vitality of Geneva and Switzerland. Its strong engines pump 500 liters of water per second to the height of 140 meters.
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Lausanne, Switzerland
This Swiss city started as an ancient Roman military camp. Now it is a modern city of modest size. It is a popular destination for immigrants, the largest demographic being Portuguese.
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Gruyeres, Switzerland
The picturesque village of Gruyeres gets its charm from the Middle Ages. The pedestrian town welcomes visitors for a gentle stroll, with its cobblestones and its fountains. The village gave its name to the region La Gruyere and its delicious cheese, Le Gruyere AOP.
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Broc, Switzerland
The birthplace of the chocolate industry in La Gruyere, the village of Broc is home to the famous Maison Cailler, Swiss Chocolate Factory, which has been filling the town with its chocolate fragrance for over 100 years. Dive into the world of a hydroelectric factory with a visit to Electrobroc or go and discover the âGorges de la Jogneâ, a magical place in the middle of nature.
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Nestle Chocolate Factory
The Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory in Broc has been making chocolate treats since Louis Cailler established his headquarters in the Swiss hills of Fribourg-Gruyere in 1989. Now owned by Swiss food giant Nestle, the factory has opened a fresh new tour and visitor center at the hundred year old factory, telling the story of how sweet milk chocolate came to be.
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Fribourg, Switzerland
Visitors to Fribourg, Switzerland can anticipate an unforgettable day-trip filled with sites of historic architecture, like the Gothic Catherdral of Saint Nicholas, as well as museums, libraries, fountains, bridges and more. Tourists can also enjoy annual music and film festivals.
Day 4:Fribourg, Switzerland - Interlaken, Switzerland - Aare Gorge, Switzerland - Gandria, Switzerland - Lugano, Switzerland - Chiasso, Switzerland(205 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Hotel Touring Chiasso/Hotel Cruise or similar 4-star hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Included; Dinner: Excluded
We'll depart along a small, scenic road through the Bern canton, passing hills, forests, and green fields. We'll make a photo stop along the way, either at Schwarzenburg Castle or, depending on accommodation, at a viewpoint overlooking Lake Thun or Lake Brienz. We'll then continue to Interlaken, a tourist town nestled between two lakes. Afterwards, we'll head to the Aare Gorge, where we'll explore its impressive ravines (tickets included), followed by lunch (included). Next, we'll journey toward one of Switzerland's most spectacular mountain passes-the Susten Pass-with its eternal snow and glaciers. We'll stop en route to take in the majestic glacier scenery. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, we'll continue toward the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland, passing through the famous Gotthard Tunnel and stopping in Gandria, a charming lakeside village on Lake Lugano, known for its traditional, narrow, and steep streets. From there, we'll board a boat (tickets included) to Lugano, the main city in Italian-speaking Switzerland, famous for its mild climate and beautiful lakeside promenade. Finally, we'll head to Chiasso, arriving in the late afternoon.
Note:
-From late May to early October, the Susten Pass may be closed due to snow; in this case, we'll travel through the equally stunning Brunig Pass.
-Occasionally, accommodation will be in the Como metropolitan area.
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Interlaken, Switzerland
This small Swiss town is a very popular tourist destination because of its beautiful location nestled in a valley among the Alps. There is a famous monastery and many popular, old-fashioned hotels in the area.
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Aare Gorge, Switzerland
The Aare Gorge is a stunning natural canyon in Switzerland, carved by the Aare River. Located near Meiringen, it features dramatic limestone cliffs, walkways, and crystal-clear waters. A popular hiking spot, it showcases breathtaking Alpine scenery.
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Gandria, Switzerland
Gandria is a charming, car-free village on the shores of Lake Lugano in Switzerland. Known for its steep, narrow alleys, historic stone houses, and waterfront promenade, it offers a picturesque glimpse of traditional Ticinese culture. A popular stop for boat trips and lakeside dining.
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Lugano, Switzerland
Lugano, located in southern Switzerland, is an Italian-speaking city located on a lake and surrounded by mountains by the same name. There are 17 heritage sites of national significance in Lugano including villages like Barbengo, Bre, and Gandria, as well as libraries, churches, museums, and more.
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Chiasso, Switzerland
Chiasso is a Swiss town in the Canton of Ticino, near the Italian border. Known as Switzerland's southernmost municipality, it serves as a key transport and trade hub due to its strategic location. The town features a mix of Swiss and Italian influences.
Day 5:Chiasso, Switzerland - Bellinzona, Switzerland - Gotthard Pass, Switzerland - Altdorf, Switzerland - Lucerne, Switzerland(172 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Park Hotel Zug/Grand Hotel Europe Luzern or similar 4-star Hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, we'll depart for Bellinzona, the capital of Italian-speaking Switzerland, renowned for its three medieval castles which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll have time to stroll through the picturesque streets of the city center. We'll then head back toward the German-speaking region of Switzerland, crossing the Gotthard Pass, where we'll stop for a photo at a stunning viewpoint. Our next stop will be Altdorf, the capital of the Uri canton, known as the birthplace of William Tell and one of the founding cantons of independent Switzerland. You'll have free time to enjoy lunch. Afterward, we'll head to Lucerne, where you can visit the famous Kapellbrucke, the Lion Monument, the cathedral, the Jesuit Church, and the beautiful old town. Lucerne is considered the tourist capital of Switzerland.
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Bellinzona, Switzerland
The silhouette of Ticinoâs cantonal capital is dominated by the fortress of Bellinzona, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of three castles, a defensive wall and ramparts around the entire valley. The fortified ensemble is the only example of medieval military architecture of this kind in Europe.
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Gotthard Pass, Switzerland
The Gotthard Pass (2,106 m / 6,909 ft) is a historic Alpine mountain pass in Switzerland, linking Uri (north) with Ticino (south). A vital trade and military route since medieval times, it features the iconic Devilâs Bridge and the old Tremola cobbled road.
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Altdorf, Switzerland
Altdorf is the historic capital of Switzerland's Uri canton, famous as the legendary home of William Tell. Located near Lake Lucerne, it features a Tell Monument and a medieval old town. A gateway to the Gotthard Pass, Altdorf blends Swiss folklore, Alpine culture, and transport significance.
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Lucerne, Switzerland
This Swiss city on gorgeous Lake Lucerne is popular with tourists due to its amazing views of the lake, Mount Pilatus, and Mount Rigi of the Swiss Alps. Some of the buildings in Lucerne date back hundreds of years.
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Lion Monument
The Lion of Lucerne is an amazing sculpture carved directly into a cliffside in one of Switzerland's most gorgeous cities. It was done to commemorate the deaths of Swiss soldiers who were brutally massacred during the bloody French Revolution.
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Jesuit Church
The Lucerne Jesuit Church is a Catholic church in Lucerne, Switzerland.It is the first large baroque church built in Switzerland north of the Alps.Construction on the associated church began in 1667. By 1673 the shell of the church and the main façade were completed. The church was consecrated in 1677, though the interior was not yet really finished. Several side altars were still missing and even the high altar was only erected four years later, due to financial problems. The onion topped towers were not completed until 1893. The vault was redecorated in the mid-18th century. The original vestments of Brother Klaus, a famous Swiss patron, are stored in the inner chapel
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Lake Lucerne by Catamaran
Enjoy this catamaran ride on Lake Lucerne. You will sail through one of the most beautiful areas in the interior of Switzerland, with unforgettable views of the alpine landscapes, its lush vegetation, and sights of the surrounding mountains like Mount Burgenstock.
Tour Fee (Optional): Adult $41 / €35; Child $41 / €35. Transfers by bus from the hotel+Round trip tickets in modern catamaran+Assistance of guide. MIN Group Required:10 personsDuration: Approx. 2 Hours
Day 6:Lucerne, Switzerland - Einsiedeln, Switzerland - Maienfeld, Switzerland - Vaduz, Liechtenstein - Feldkirch, Austria(133 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
B/W Premier Central Hotel Leonhard/Central Hotel Lowen or similar 4-star Hotel
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
We'll depart, skirting the shores of the Lake of the Four Cantons as we head toward Einsiedeln, renowned for its immense baroque abbey, the most important pilgrimage center in Switzerland. Continuing east, we'll visit Heididorf, where we'll see Heidi's House (admission not included), a picturesque site with stunning landscapes accessible via a pedestrian path. Next, we'll enter the small independent country of Liechtenstein, and in its capital, Vaduz, nestled beneath its castle, you’ll have free time to stroll and enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we'll proceed to the neighboring city of Feldkirch in Austria, a charming walled city near the borders of Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Germany, with a beautiful medieval quarter and castle. Free time.
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Einsiedeln, Switzerland
Einsiedeln is a picturesque Swiss town in Schwyz canton, renowned for its Einsiedeln Abbey. Famous for the Black Madonna, it attracts visitors for its baroque architecture, Christmas markets, and scenic Alpine surroundings. The town also has winter sports and hiking opportunities.
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Maienfeld, Switzerland
Maienfeld in the distinctive Bündner Herrschaft region of GraubUnden inspired the poetess Johanna Spyri to write her novel Heidi. In the Heidi village, the story of this cheerful, nature-loving little orphan girl comes to life at the original locales of the story.
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Heidi's House
Heidi's house, is the birthplace and place of residence of the fictional character, which takes you back to the time of the world-famous Heidi story, in 1880, and lets you experience the life lessons and experiences of Heidi, in the house she lived in.
Admission (Optional): Adult $18 / CHF13.90; Child $18 / CHF13.90
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Vaduz, Liechtenstein
This small town is the capital of the principality of Liechtenstein, located ont he border between Austria and Switzerland. The most famous landmark is Vaduz Castle, home of the reigning prince of Liechtenstein.
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Feldkirch, Austria
Feldkirch is a charming medieval town in western Austria, near the Swiss and Liechtenstein borders. Known for its well-preserved Schattenburg Castle, Gothic St. Nicholas Cathedral, and cobbled old town, it blends history with modern Alpine culture.
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Appenzell: Swiss Heritage, Cheese & Mountain Vistas
Explore Appenzell, capital of Switzerlandâs smallest canton, famed for its open-air voting tradition, vibrant houses, and renowned cheese. Ascend to panoramic Rhine Valley views, spotting the Swiss-Austrian border. A guided walk through its historic center is followed by free time to savor Appenzeller cheese and Switzerlandâs oldest beer
Tour Fee (Optional): Adult $24 / €20; Child $24 / €20. Round trip transportation+Walk with guide. MIN Group Required:20 personsDuration: Approx. 3 Hours
Day 7:Feldkirch, Austria - Saint Gallen, Switzerland - Constance, Germany - Stein am Rhein, Switzerland - Zurich, Switzerland(134 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Novotel Zurich City West 4 star or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
We'll depart for St. Gallen, whose historic center has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll include admission to the library of its magnificent abbey, featuring a baroque hall that houses 170,000 volumes and the Egyptian mummy of Schepenese. The library is also UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afterward, we'll continue our journey along the shores of Lake Constance, situated between Germany and Switzerland, until we reach Constance, a German city with a beautiful medieval old town known for its cathedral and the Market Square. You'll have time to stroll and enjoy lunch. We'll then return to Switzerland to visit Stein am Rhein, a charming village on the banks of the Rhine, famous for its beautifully painted houses. We'll also visit the Rhine Falls (tickets included), the most powerful waterfalls in Europe. We recommend an optional boat ride that will make you feel like you can almost touch the cascading waters. Arrival in Zurich will be in the evening.
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Saint Gallen, Switzerland
The St. Gallen Stiftsbibliothek, in the Abbey of St. Gallen, is St. Gallen's most famous tourist attraction and recognized as a World Heritage Site. The library, a stunning example of baroque architecture, dates as far back as the 8th century.
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Abbey Library of Saint Gall
The St. Gallen Abbey Library in Switzerland is a UNESCO-listed Baroque masterpiece, renowned for its priceless medieval manuscripts, intricate wood carvings, and celestial ceiling frescoes. Founded in the 8th century, it houses over 170,000 historical texts, including Europeâs oldest architectural plan.
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Constance, Germany
A university city with approximately 83,000 inhabitants located at the western end of Lake Constance in the south of Germany.
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Stein am Rhein, Switzerland
Stein am Rhein is a historic town and a municipality in the canton of Schaffhausen. The town's medieval centre retains the ancient street plan. The site of the city wall, and the city gates are preserved, though the former city wall now consists of houses. The medieval part of the town has been pedestrianised and many of the medieval buildings are painted with frescoes.
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Zurich, Switzerland
Sitting on the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich, this city is the largest in Switzerland. The Bahnhofstrasse ("Station Street") is an important landmark as one of the world's most expensive shopping areas.
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Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls is a waterfall located in Switzerland and the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
The falls are located on the High Rhine on the border between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zurich, between the municipalities of Neuhausen am Rheinfall and Laufen-Uhwiesen/Dachsen, next to the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland.
Day 8:Zurich, Switzerland - Rapperswill, Switzerland(53 km)
Hotel:
Deluxe:
Novotel Zurich City West 4 star or similar
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
With our guide, we'll explore Zurich, the most populous city in Switzerland, and its financial and cultural heart. Known for its banks, Zurich has been twice recognized as the city with the best quality of life in the world. Afterwards, we'll embark on a scenic cruise of nearly two hours on Lake Zurich, with brief stops to enjoy the charming villages along the route. We'll disembark in Rapperswil, a picturesque village renowned for its medieval castle. We'll return to Zurich by train, providing an opportunity to experience the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railway system.
Note: Depending on the number of travelers, transfers to and from the city center may be via public transport.
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Zurich, Switzerland
Sitting on the northwestern tip of Lake Zurich, this city is the largest in Switzerland. The Bahnhofstrasse ("Station Street") is an important landmark as one of the world's most expensive shopping areas.
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Rhine Falls
The Rhine Falls is a waterfall located in Switzerland and the most powerful waterfall in Europe.
The falls are located on the High Rhine on the border between the cantons of Schaffhausen and Zurich, between the municipalities of Neuhausen am Rheinfall and Laufen-Uhwiesen/Dachsen, next to the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland.
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Zurich Lake
This Swiss lake lies to the southeast of the city of the same name. It is fed by the Linth River. It is a narrow lake, only reaching a maximum width of 2 miles, but reaches 25 miles long.
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Lake Zurich Cruise
This boat trip starts downstream along the Rhine, passing WWII bunkers and houses on the German-Swiss border, revealing a layered history. Then, it turns upstream toward the thunderous Rhine Falls, where the boat navigates swirling currents, offering a thrilling close encounter with the cascading waters.
Tour Fee (Optional): Adult $24 / €20; Child $24 / €20. Transportation to the embarkation point+Boat ride+Guide, MIN Group Required:20 personsDuration: 1 Hour 30 Minutes to 2 Hours
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Rapperswill, Switzerland
Rapperswil-Jona, town of roses located on the upper end of Lake Zurich, combines sights, cultural life, hiking and sports possibilities with a Mediterranean holiday atmosphere.
Day 9:Zurich
Meals:
Breakfast: Included; Lunch: Excluded; Dinner: Excluded
After breakfast, the journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful, lasting memories.