Itinerary Details
Swiss Escape
Day 1ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLANDWelcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2ZURICH–NEUCHaTEL–LAKE GENEVASwiss History This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Neuchatel. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Later, arrive at your hotel on Lake Geneva and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B) 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.
Day 3LAKE GENEVAGrandeur in Geneva Today, enjoy an included excursion to Chillon Castle. Be captivated by anecdotal accounts and historical background during a guided tour of the castle. Take advantage of some free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of Lake Geneva. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Located in a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through this serene location and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Day 4LAKE GENEVA–BERN–LUCERNEAlpine Attraction Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Continue to Lucerne and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this alpine gem. (B)
155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
Day 5LUCERNEBridging History This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem before [LF] enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BRIDGING HISTORY See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.
Day 6LUCERNE–LUGANOSights & Delights of Switzerland This morning, leave Lucerne for a scenic drive through the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps, interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. Arrive at the elegant lakefront city of Lugano and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
112mi/180 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Day 7LUGANOSwiss Celebration Take advantage of free time this morning and afternoon to explore more of Lugano; admire the buildings, browse the stores in the pedestrian center, try some local specialties, or stroll along the lakeside promenade. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to discover further afield. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
ENHANCE FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano with an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle. Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
Day 8LUGANOSafe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.) (B)
