SWITZERLAND...Land of Enchantment
Don't just visit; LIVE IT like a Swiss. Travel by train, by bus, by cable car & by boat. And see for yourself why Switzerland has been voted the #1 destination in the world by U.S. News & World Reports
mid-May through October
1st Day: We board our plane for the flight to Geneva.
2nd Day: Upon arriving in Switzerland, we are met at the airport by our escort and transfer to Lausanne, where we have accommodations for the next 3 evenings. A delicious Welcome Dinner is included tonight. (Dinner)
3rd Day: Fairytale-like scenery abounds as we take a ride on the famous “Chocolate Train.” It takes us into a region of meadows, brilliant mountain peaks and countryside dotted with quaint farmhouses - replete with grazing sheep and cows that will make you feel as if Heidi herself will appear at any moment. We visit the charming town of Gruyeres to learn how its famous cheese is made before continuing on to the Cailler-Nestle factory - pioneers of Milk Chocolate – where we see how their delicious chocolates are created and get to taste some of the freshly made goodies. Time for lunch on your own in one of Gruyeres’ wonderful restaurants – fondue anyone? (B)
4th Day: We drive to Geneva, which sparkles as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Geneva’s most famous monument, the Jet d’Eau, is the world’s tallest water fountain and serves as a constant landmark as we explore this marvelous city. The city exhibits the strong influence of neighboring France, with its language, signs and culture. A visit to Geneva is not complete without seeing the ancient Old Town – whose oldest square was once a Roman forum, the Floral Clock, Market Street, waterfront parks and its ritzy shopping and banking districts, as well as its many international cafes and restaurants. After a day of discovery, we return to Lausanne and enjoy another fine dinner. (B,D)
5th Day: We travel to the capital of Switzerland, Bern. With its stately limestone buildings, historical towers and numerous elaborate fountains, Bern is one of the most impressive examples of medieval town architecture in Europe. We will see the unique Bear Park, the winding Aare River, 19th century Parliament Buildings, Cathedral of Bern, Einstein House, Rose Garden, Prison Tower and Town Hall. Particularly appealing is the ornate Astronomical Clock which was built in 1530. Its puppets pop out of tiny doorways on the tower hourly to perform little skits. We are treated to dinner before driving to Lucerne for a 2-night stay. (B,D)
6th Day: Today’s destination, Lugano, is stunning and the drive there takes us through some of the Swiss Alps’ most breathtaking scenery. Shimmering lakes surrounded by majestic mountains, charming Swiss villages, rolling flower fields and gorgeous vistas highlight our drive. Once in Lugano you will immediately detect its distinct Mediterranean flair. Street names, restaurants, signs and the language spoken all denote the city’s Italian influence. You’ll enjoy spending time in the traffic free historic town center and at enchanting Lake Lugano, set against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains and surrounded by parks and a flower laden promenade. A delicious luncheon in one of Lugano’s finer restaurants is prepared for us in this delightful setting. (B,L)
7th Day: A day that you will remember forever begins with a most scenic cruise to Mt. Pilatus on the calm waters of Lake Lucerne. We then board the world’s steepest cog railway and travel to the top of Mt. Pilatus. From the top it seems as if we can see all of Switzerland. We’ll enjoy an authentic Swiss luncheon from this glorious mountaintop setting. Following lunch we glide silently down from the top of the mountain by cable car and gondola, offering us more views of unmatched beauty. It’s on to Zurich, Switzerland’s very cosmopolitan city, where we have accommodations for the tour’s final evening. (B,L)
8th Day: We transfer to the airport to board our plane for the return flight home. (B)
Price: $2,999 per person, double occ
single supplement: $675
Our Tour Package Includes:
* Accommodations for 6 evenings
* 6 Breakfasts, 3 dinners & 2 lunches
* Gratuities for the included meals
* Sightseeing & admissions
* The cruise on Lake Lucerne
* A ride on the cog railway
* A scenic ride on the "Chocolate Train"
* The services of a professional tour escort
* Baggage handling
* Taxes
Airfare is additional
