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Best of Switzerland
9 Day Switzerland Tour of Zurich, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lucerne
All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron’s enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.
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Trip code
SWBO
Best of Switzerland
9 Day Switzerland Tour of Zurich, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Lucerne
All the Best of Switzerland with a side visit to Italy. What could be better? Your travels will take you to Lake Geneva for local wine, cheese and delicious desserts in Lavaux, Lord Byron’s enchanting Chillon Castle and the pretty town of Brienz for a masterclass in Swiss wood carving.
Welcome to the sophisticated Swiss city of Zürich - a flawless blend of fascinating heritage and modern spirit. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and orientation in this beautiful lakeside setting.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Hyatt Place Airport
We leave the bright lights of Zürich behind and stop in Bern with its Old Town, admiring its medieval streets, ornate fountains and arcaded walkways. Journeying to Lake Geneva, we arrive in the resort town of Montreux, set against the pristine backdrop of snow-covered peaks and vineyards. After lunch, consider joining an Optional Experience to cruise Lake Geneva, including a visit to the Charlie Chaplin museum in his former estate, Manoir de Ban.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Eurotel
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Chaplin's World and Lake Geneva Cruise
Enjoy the palm trees on the shores of Lake Geneva from a romantic side-wheel paddle steamer as we cruise along the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. We’ll visit the Charlie Chaplin museum, set on the banks of the lake on his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life here and you’ll discover all the facets of this incredible man's life. We'll see sets and props from his greatest movies and then finish with a peaceful walk in the gardens.
Adult Price: Fr.66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 3
Onwards to Chillon Castle and Zermatt
This morning, we visit Chillon Castle, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. For nearly four centuries, this water fortress was the residence of the Counts of Savoy and an important stop for traders. Our next stop is Bourg en Lavaux, a charming wine village above Lake Geneva, where we’ll Connect With Locals over lunch at our Be My Guest experience. Continue your journey to the resort town of Zermatt, set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Matterhorn.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest
Day 4
Zermatt Your Way
Spend the day soaking up the crisp mountain air and panoramic alpine vistas. You have a full day on your own to explore the town, or simply relax in beautiful surrounds. Consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views or explore the heritage of what was once a remote mountain village.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Zermatt Dinner Experience
Discover the beautiful mountainous resort town of Zermatt. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner in a typical chalet-style restaurant with an opportunity to try the world-famous raclette and chocolate fondue.
Adult Price: Fr.86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Klein Matterhorn Excursion
A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain ride. You’ll enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener Steg, before boarding Europe's highest cable car to 3779m (12400ft) and the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Adult Price: Fr.119.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 5
Venture to the Italian Lake Maggiore
Departing Switzerland, we travel to the lakeside town of Baveno on Italy's Lake Maggiore. Spend the rest of the day indulging in the laid-back lakeside atmosphere or consider joining an Optional Experience to Isola Bella, one of the lake's Borromean islands, with its palazzo and exquisite gardens.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Simplon
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
Optional Experience
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori
This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding alleys, to enjoy dinner at one of the Island's restaurants.
Adult Price: €68.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 6
Off to Alpine St. Moritz
We travel through the scenic Italian countryside to the fortified town of Tirano. Here, we will board the famous Bernina Express train and wind our way through scenic landscapes en route to the stylish resort town of St. Moritz. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow travellers.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Reine Victoria
Arriving in Pontresina, you'll experience a horse-drawn carriage ride through the wild beauty of the Alps and the picturesque Rosegg Valley, with its spectacular mountain views.
Adult Price: Fr.56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 7
Journey to Lakeside Lucerne
Journeying through lush green landscapes, past Lake Zürich, we arrive in lakeside Lucerne. Pay tribute to the brave Swiss Guards, who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI at the Lion Monument, and cross the iconic wooden Chapel Bridge before strolling past the city's colourful façades. Consider joining a cruise on the tranquil lake waters and then ride the world's first double deck 'CabriO' cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn.
Trip Summary Accomodation IconHotel - Grand Europe
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
TODAY'S INCLUDED HIGHLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Optional Experience
Swiss Dinner by the Lake
Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious Swiss meal that includes the famous Swiss cheese fondue in a typical local restaurant. Its Lakeside location and well-placed terrace will ensure a relaxing evening enjoying the hearty Swiss menu. Two drinks are included.
Adult Price: Fr.95.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Optional Experience
Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise
Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Travelling by railway and Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery. (On certain departures Optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the cruise.)
Adult Price: Fr.113.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Day 8
Admire Scenic Brienz and Interlaken
We travel to Interlaken at the heart of Switzerland, which lies in the shadow of the Jungfrau Mountain. Stopping in the village of Brienz en route, we’ll Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the centuries-old tradition of wood carving for which this village is so famous. Spend some time on your own and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. This evening, we enjoy a Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director toasting the highlights of Switzerland we've enjoyed along the way.
As our journey through the Best of Switzerland comes to an end, we bid our newfound friends a fond farewell. Find out more about your free airport transfer at trafalgar.com/freetransfers.
Trip Summary Meals IconIncluded Meals - Breakfast
All optional experiences for this trip
Book with your travel director when you travel
Available on day 2
Chaplin's World and Lake Geneva Cruise
Enjoy the palm trees on the shores of Lake Geneva from a romantic side-wheel paddle steamer as we cruise along the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. We’ll visit the Charlie Chaplin museum, set on the banks of the lake on his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life here and you’ll discover all the facets of this incredible man's life. We'll see sets and props from his greatest movies and then finish with a peaceful walk in the gardens.
Adult Price: Fr.66.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Zermatt Dinner Experience
Discover the beautiful mountainous resort town of Zermatt. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a wonderful dinner in a typical chalet-style restaurant with an opportunity to try the world-famous raclette and chocolate fondue.
Adult Price: Fr.86.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 4
Klein Matterhorn Excursion
A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain ride. You’ll enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener Steg, before boarding Europe's highest cable car to 3779m (12400ft) and the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Adult Price: Fr.119.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Discover The Borromean Islands
We've organised a private launch to take you to the beautiful islands of Lake Maggiore. Here, with your Local Specialist, you'll see the Isola Madre, the Isola dei Pescatori, and on the Isola Bella we visit the magnificent palace of the Borromean Princes (this optional is only operated between mid March and the end of October).
Adult Price: €49.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 5
Dinner on Isola dei Pescatori
This evening escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s Island is inhabited year round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding alleys, to enjoy dinner at one of the Island's restaurants.
Adult Price: €68.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 6
Rosegg Valley By Horse And Carriage
Arriving in Pontresina, you'll experience a horse-drawn carriage ride through the wild beauty of the Alps and the picturesque Rosegg Valley, with its spectacular mountain views.
Adult Price: Fr.56.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Swiss Dinner by the Lake
Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious Swiss meal that includes the famous Swiss cheese fondue in a typical local restaurant. Its Lakeside location and well-placed terrace will ensure a relaxing evening enjoying the hearty Swiss menu. Two drinks are included.
Adult Price: Fr.95.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Available on day 7
Mount Stanserhorn And Lake Cruise
Take a scenic cruise with us across Lake Lucerne to Stans, and one of Switzerland's oldest mountain railways. Travelling by railway and Cabrio cable car, we'll reach 1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery. (On certain departures Optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the cruise.)
Adult Price: Fr.113.00*
* The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
All Optional Experiences
The Optionals and pricing listed here are a guideline only and subject to change.
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Optional Experiences and free time
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Train from Tirano to Pontresina
Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews
Best of Switzerland trip reviews
Our guests are at the heart of everything we do, their feedback fuels our innovation, inspiring us to improve continuously and craft Simply The Best vacations. That's why we ask each of our guests to leave a third-party verified, independent review after every trip. As testament to our commitment we have been given the Trusted Service Award from Feefo, recognising we deliver exceptional experiences as rated by real guests.
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Trip Rating
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5
The itinerary included a good mix of sightseeing attractions and opportunities to relax and have some leisure time on our own
The itinerary is not for the weak. There were a lot of steps to climb and lots of walking. The coach was awesome and we had a great driver. The hotels as we got through each day seemed to get worse. They had no air in two of them and the accommodations were at best mediocre. The last hotel was absolutely gorgeous in the front. Not so much on the inside. It was dated and could use some remodeling.
Would be a five star but once again this is due to be in between seasons and the one hotel location the lobby bar was not open. Were sent to there sister hotel which was short walking distance but if it was bad weather this would not have been ideal
Trip was great had an awesome tour director David and well being director Heidi, the bus driver was great as well Marcel, only fault was that we were between seasons and found that our one stop had little to do as all shops were closed.
Hotels were well located, clean, everything that one would need. Enjoyed the quirky one in Zermatt. Itinerary was everything I wanted to see. Especially enjoyed the train trip over the pass. The coach was, as always, excellent.
The travel directors were helpful and gave us good information. The driver was excellent. Everything was always clean and sanitized. Excellent choice of the places we went. As usual, everything was well done.
Gratuities: You have the option to pre-pay the gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. Please speak with your travel agent.
Basel Tattoo: We’ve included Tattoo tickets on departures 9 July and 16 July 2022 and 8 July and 15 July 2023.
Important Visa Information: Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your travel agent at the time of booking to assess your specific requirements. Visas cannot be issued at borders in Europe.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Unless otherwise stated, trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.
Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA). Does not apply to trips operated by Inspiring Journeys & our Mini-stays.
For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.
VIP private door-to-door UK airport transfers included. *This service is excluded from UK-based trips.
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Your selected departure date will feature some seasonal itinerary changes to what is displayed. Click 'VIEW ITINERARY' below to see full details.
Active Trip Details
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What is an Active Trip? This is an "Active" lifestyle itinerary, with walks and hikes most days. Hikes will range from easy/moderate to strenuous. No technical climbing skills are required but a reasonable level of fitness is required to make the trip more enjoyable. Understanding that not all people want to hike at the same pace or even on the same trail we will, where possible, host map orientation and then let everyone disperse to enjoy the trails best suited to them.
What to Pack Guests should bring lightweight hiking shoes or boots, broad brimmed sun hats, sunglasses, layered clothing, reusable water bottle(s), a hiking day pack and hiking poles (optional) Weather & Altitude While the itinerary is laid out below, we are at the mercy of the weather and so reserve the right to adjust the program as necessary. Please keep in mind that the higher elevations and possible variations in weather and temperature can increase the perceived level of difficulty of our activities. Elevation ranges up to 9,000 feet for Utah’s Mighty Five and up to 11,000 feet for California High Country Adventure.
Everyone reacts differently to altitude and so if you do have any health issues you should check with your doctor that this trip is suitable for you.
