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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 Zurich - 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.
We leave the bright lights of Zurich 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
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
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.
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
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.
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: €45.00*
* 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 Zurich, 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
Optional Experience
Swiss Folklore Evening And Dinner
Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included. Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a Lunch for CHF68.00.
Adult Price: Fr.99.00*
* 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, this optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the cruise. It may also be operated without the cruise for CHF 78.
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
Available on day 3
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: €45.00*
* 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 Folklore Evening And Dinner
Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue, in a typical restaurant. While enjoying dinner, you can also join in a lively folklore show which includes yodelling, flag-throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included. Occasionally, this optional may be offered as a Lunch for CHF68.00.
Adult Price: Fr.99.00*
* 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, this optional may be operated in reverse, ending with the cruise. It may also be operated without the cruise for CHF 78.
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.
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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Optional Experiences and free time
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Train from Tirano to Pontresina
Experience Tick Thin Icon
Handcrafted Highlights
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LIVE, UNEDITED & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS 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.
Overall Rating
4.5
Out of 5
Based on 410 independent reviews
Trip Rating
Customer experience
Trip rating is the overall quality of the itinerary and trip
4.5
Out of 5
5
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239
4
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142
3
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21
2
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5
1
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3
Customer experience is the standard of service you receive
Trip was well arranged and planned, even though some ad-hoc changes arose. Disappointed that the excursions were quoted in Swiss Francs and then converted to Euros with no rhyme or reason for the differences in cost\conversions.
The reason for the 4 stars is as follows: 1. Other than spending the night in Zurich, we did not have any time to actually spend time there. Have no idea what the city looks like. Two days there would have been ideal. 2. Did spend any time in St.Moritz. If we wanted to go there we would have to get our own transportation. Part of the plan should include a visit and free time there. 3. The time spent in Interlocken was a waste. Shops were way to expensive and the town was not all the attractive. 4. Externally the hotels were lovely, but most did not have coffee makers or a way to heat water for tea in the room. 5. The tour director and driver were excellent.
What changed? We've been with Trafalgar for 8 years now and now I see Asian people from Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, etc...I am just used to traveling with people from Canada, NZ and Australia. 4 Star hotels? They cannot even give us coffee maker in the room. All hotels are all built splendidly but simple things like coffee maker was missing. Jose our coach driver was excellent and he made me feel safe on the road. By the way, your hardcopy survey given at the end of the trip was not secured. There was no adhesive to the paper unlike before. Please use the old survey where privacy mattered.
Itinerary and coach was good. But the group was a lot bigger than anticipated, every seat on the 45 seater coach was filled up. The hotels was a little disappointing in terms of in-room amenities, breakfast quality and helpfulness of staff.
The Travel Director, Coach Driver and Local Specialists were excellent. However generally the hotels chosen was of a lower quality than we expected and the hotel staff were not very helpful or pleasant. For example, getting wireless connection, a in-room kettle with coffee/tea facilities or even a pair of in-room slippers were difficult. In some hotel, the bathroom was so small that you cannot turn around without bumping into something.
The tour guide was fantastic! The scenery was beautiful! The travel group was terrific! What more can you ask for? Trafalgar is a great way to travel and see the world.
Drinking Water: Tap water is safe to drink in all of the destinations on this trip. Please remember to bring a water bottle.
Basel Tattoo: We've included Tattoo tickets on departures 10 July and 17 July 2021.
Important Visa Information: This trip will visit Italy for one night. Some passport holders may require double entry visas. Please speak with your travel agent at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).
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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