SWITZERLAND & the ITALIAN LAKES
See for yourself why Switzerland has been voted the #1 destination
in the world by U.S. News & World Reports and delight in the
spectacular majesty of the Italian Lakes region
1st Day: Arrive in Geneva and transfer to Lausanne to check into your 4 Star hotel where we have accommodations for the next 3 evenings. We’ll meet our traveling companions for a drink and a tasty Welcome Dinner. (Dinner)
2nd 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. A deliciouis dinner in one of Bern's finer restaurants precedes our return to Lausanne. (B,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. Return to Lausanne for a free evening. (B)
4th Day: Fairytale-like scenery abounds as we take a ride on the famous “Chocolate Train.” Passing through 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 Zurich for the next 2 evenings. A delicious traditional Swiss dinner is prepared for us tonight. (B,D)
5th Day: Today is highlighted with a tour of Zurich. The cosmopolitan city by the water (Lake Zurich) combines creative urban life with nature in all its glory. 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. We’ll stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich’s “shopping mile,” which is regarded as Switzerland’s Champs Élysées. It features a multitude of banks, exclusive fashion boutiques, stores, restaurants and street cafes that invite passersby to linger. A walk farther down the street brings us to lovely Lake Zurich, a gathering place for people, ferries and boats. (B)
6th Day: The drive to today’s destination, Lugano, 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, signs and the language spoken all denote the city’s Italian influence. Enchanting Lake Lugano, its flower laden promenade set against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains and the traffic free historic town center will delight you. A delicious luncheon in one of Lugano’s finer restaurants awaits us (and some gelato, of course). Accommodations tonight are in Lugano. (B,L)
7th Day: It’s a short ride to the border and on to the charming town of Como, Italy. We learn about the importance of the silk production industry in Como’s history during our tour of the city that features the Broletto (Town Hall) and its fascinating gothic façade. Time to enjoy the local boutiques and eateries before we board our boat for a memorable cruise on Lake Como in which we’re surrounded by a panorama of stunning mountain scenery. Free time is provided in the picturesque town of Bellagio. Upon concluding our cruise we drive south to the fashion center of Italy – Milan, where we have accommodations for the next two evenings. (B)
8th Day: We take a tour of Milan today seeing, among other things, the world famous La Scala Opera House, Piazza del Duomo, the Milan cathedral and glamorous Vittorio Emanuele Gallery – Italy’s oldest shopping mall with its double arcade, located right in the center of town. We are given free time to enjoy this fabulous city on our own before gathering tonight for a final evening Farewell Dinner. (B,D)
9th Day: We transfer to the airport in Milan Malpensa to board our plane for the return flight home. (B)
Dates:
July 17 – 25, 2020
August 14 – 22, 2020
HIGHLIGHTS
Airfare is additional
Price: $4,199 per person, dbl. occ;
Sgl sup: $1,095
Zurich, Switzerland
Switzerland
Vittorio Emanuele Gallery, Milan