SWITZERLAND...Land of Enchantment
It's a remarkable tour for its diversity and beauty as well as its people's hospitality. See for yourself why Switzerland has been voted the #1 destination in the world by U.S. News & World Reports
2019 Dates: June 6-13 ... September 19-26
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. (D)
3rd 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. (B)
4th 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 return to Lausanne where we are treated to another fine dinner. (B,D)
5th 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 is allowed for lunch on your own in one of Gruyeres’ wonderful restaurants – fondue anyone? Then it’s on to Lucerne for the next 3 evenings. A delicious dinner is prepared for us tonight. (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. Back in Lucerne we will see the Chapel Bridge – the covered 14th century wooden bridge, the Water Tower and the Lion’s Memorial, and get a good feel for the German influence on the city’s culture and architecture. (B,L)
8th Day: We transfer to Zurich to board our plane for the return flight home. (B)
2020 Dates: June 4-11 ... September 17-24 Price: $3,049
Price: $3,049 per person, double occ
single supplement: $895
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
Option … add a day in Zurich. A tour of Old Town lets visitors experience Zurich’s multi-faceted past; its medieval houses, narrow lanes, Europe’s largest clockface and its guild and town halls from the Renaissance period that turn into a living history of the city’s architecture and the people that lived here through the centuries. We’ll stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s “shopping mile,” which has contributed largely to the Bahnhofstrasse’s reputation as Switzerland’s Champs Élysées. It features a multitude of banks, exclusive fashion boutiques, stores and street cafes that invite passersby to linger. A stroll down the street brings us to lovely Lake Zurich, a gathering place for people, ferries and boats (includes Breakfast & Dinner). Please add $340 pp, double occ; $445 single
