Itinerary

Day 1          DEPART USA

Overnight flight to Zurich.

Day 2          ARRIVE ZURICH

Welcome to the land of snow-capped mountains, picturesque wooden chalets and cowbells! After check-in, join a late afternoon orientation tour of the city which will include the elegant Bahnhofstrasse and the beautiful stained glass windows of the Fraumunster.  This evening join your Tour Director at the tour Kick-off Gathering and meet your fellow travelers!

Day 3          ZURICH - BERN - CHILLON CASTLE - VILLARS

Your Swiss adventure really begins this morning! Today you will travel to the Swiss capital Bern with its largely medieval city centre, recognized by UNESCO as a cultural World Heritage Site.  See the Zytgolgge – an elaborate medieval clock tower with moving puppets – and visit the open air bear park along the banks of the River Aare.  Did you know that the bear is a symbol of Bern and is featured in the coat of arms of the city?  Time to find some lunch before you travel to a beautiful 12^thcentury castle located on the shores of Lake Geneva.  Chillon Castle is Switzerland’s most visited historical monument and each room reveals a part of the castle’s history.  Go underground and hear the tale of the imprisonment of Bonivard, the hero of Lord Byron’s poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’.  Later continue up the scenic road to the Alpine village of Villars for a two night stay.  Dinner will be served at your hotel this evening.

Meal Plan:  B,D

Day 4          EXCURSION TO BROC AND GRUYERES - VILLARS

Today is a very important day.  After all, who hasn’t dreamed of visiting a chocolate factory? You will travel to the town of Broc where the Maison Cailler (Nestle) Chocolate Factory is located and has been since 1898.  Here, take an interactive guided tour through the factory and discover the secrets of chocolate making – Willy Wonka would even be impressed!  Of course, you’ll also be able to take some of this delicious chocolate away with you! Later continue through the alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyeres where you will have free time to explore the picturesque main street and castle.  This town is famous for its delicious cheese, made from milk given by the happy cows in the surrounding meadows! Then it is back to your hotel in Villars for a relaxing evening

Meal Plan:  B

Day 5          VILLARS - MARTIGNY - SION – ZERMATT

This morning, journey along the Rhone Valley to the Swiss town of Martigny.  The Romans were once here and you’ll see the amphi they built.  Later, travel to the town of Sion with its awesome fortress on top of two separate rocky peaks.  See the typically Swiss buildings here and why not try some delicious kuchen (cakes) for tea! A mini-bus and electric taxi will take you to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt.  Here you will be able to see the Matterhorn, the inspiration for the shape of Swiss Toblerone chocolate! Tonight dinner will be served at your hotel.

Meal Plan:  B,D

Day 6          ZERMATT AT LEISURE

A whole free day to spend in this relaxing resort nestled in the Swiss Alps.  Your Tour Director will provide suggestions on activities.  Perhaps take an excursion to Kleine Matterhorn or enjoy a short hike from the resort into the fresh mountain air.  You may even decide to sample traditional cheese fondue – truly delicious

Meal Plan:  B,D

Dau 7          ZERMATT – LAUTERBRUNNEN – INTERLAKEN

This morning leave Zermatt and rejoin your coach in Tasch.  Travel to the gorgeous town of Lauterbrunnen, nestled in a valley with waterfalls and chalet style houses with typical flower-filled window boxes.  See the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres into the valley.  Your destination is the Trummelbach Falls which belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jungfrau-Aletsh.  Here you will find the only place in Europe which has then incredible glacier-waterfalls inside a mountain.  Later you will have free time in the town to shop for Swiss souvenirs before reaching your hotel in Interlaken.

Meal Plan:  B,D

Day 8          EXCURSION TO BRIENZ AND BALLENBERG -  INTERLAKEN

Today is filled with fun things to do.  Travel to the town of Brienz and visit Switzerland’s well known wood-carving centre.  See a wood-carving exhibition and learn how today’s woodcarvings are done.  Next, it’s the Swiss Open Air Museum in Ballenberg to experience how Switzerland used to be in the olden days.  Meet some of the 250 farmyard animals and see demonstrations of local crafts as well as many of the other special daily events on offer.  This museum will give you a true impression of life and times gone by.  There are also characteristic houses from every region of the country.  After lunch and free time, return to Interlaken and perhaps enjoy a lakeside walk. 

Meal Plan:  B

Day 9          INTERLAKEN – LUCERNE – ZURICH

This morning, travel to lovely lakeside Lucerne.  This 14^thcentury city is one of the most picturesque in Switzerland with its wooden bridge and floating swans.  After an orientation tour including the Lion Monument, you’re free to explore or go shopping.  Perhaps consider an excursion by cog-wheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus or enjoy a Swiss Folklore show with lunch – the choice is yours! Later travel to Zurich where you started this adventure for a final Farewell Dinner together

Meal Plan:  B, D

Day 10          DEPART ZURICH

Your last chance to purchase Swiss souvenirs before you bid farewell to this magical land and your tour of Switzerland comes to an end. (Buffet Breakfast)

Accommodations

Zurich:              Moevenpick Zurich Regensdorf

Villars:              Hotel du Golf

Zermatt:            Antares

Interlaken:         Oberland