Contrasts of Switzerland

8 Day Switzerland Rail Tour to Zürich, St. Moritz, Zermatt, Geneva and Lucerne

$4,406

 

Tour Description

All aboard the world’s first-ever ‘Swisstainable’ tour. Experience the local culture and delight in regional produce as you support the ecology and economy of Switzerland. Every hotel, experience, meal and transport is accredited as ‘Swisstainable’ - Switzerland’s national benchmark certificate for sustainability.

 
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Zurich: Begin your Swiss adventure in Zurich, the country’s largest city known for its financial prowess, cultural vibrancy, and stunning lakeside setting. Explore the historic Old Town with its charming narrow streets, visit the iconic Bahnhofstrasse for luxury shopping, and enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Zurich and the surrounding Alps.

Lucerne: Discover the picturesque beauty of Lucerne, a city nestled between a lake and towering mountains. Walk across the medieval Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), admire the poignant Lion Monument, and explore the well-preserved old town. Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne or venture up Mount Pilatus or Mount Rigi for breathtaking panoramic views.

Zermatt: Journey to the alpine village of Zermatt, located at the base of the iconic Matterhorn. This car-free village offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore Zermatt’s quaint streets, take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway to get up close to the Matterhorn, and enjoy some of the best hiking and skiing in the world.

 
  • Day 1 | Welcome to Zürich

    Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey

    through Switzerland. Meet your Travel Director and

    fellow travellers to explore the city's ancient heritage

    and modern verve during your orientation tour this

    afternoon. This evening, meet your Travel Director

    and fellow travellers to launch your Swiss experience

    for dinner.

    Meals: Dinner

    Hotel: Mövenpick Airport

    Day 2 | Onwards by Train to St. Moritz

    Our love affair with the snow-capped peaks of

    Switzerland begins on a scenic train journey via Chur to

    the stylish resort of St. Moritz, set against the beautiful

    backdrop of Lake St. Moritz. Admire the inspiring natural

    setting and perhaps travel on one of Switzerland's most

    spectacular rail routes across the Bernina pass this

    afternoon, enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Hotel: Reine Victoria

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Bernina Pass Discovery - Board a train across the spectacular Bernina Pass, one of Switzerland's iconic rail routes. Our

    panoramic journey takes us to a local hostelry where you can indulge in a typical apéro of tasty snacks and vintages, a

    truly local experience!

    Adult: 93.00 CHF

    Day 3 | Catch the Glacier Express to Zermatt

    Embrace the glamour and romance of a bygone era.

    Watch the epic alpine landscapes drift past as you chug

    along one of the world's most unforgettable rail

    journeys from the comfort of the Glacier Express. Cross

    hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet

    (2,044 m) above sea level. Enjoy an included lunch on

    board as you journey past lakes and glaciers bound for

    the resort town of Zermatt, at the foothills of the

    imposing Matterhorn. Your Tour Director will take you

    on an Orientation of the town.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hotel: Ambassador

    Day 4 | Zermatt at Leisure

    Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp

    mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful

    surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the

    Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain

    views.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: Ambassador

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    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 3883m (12,740ft) to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.

    Adult: 135.00 CHF

    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 fondue.

    Adult: 96.00 CHF

    * This optional experience may not operate during the winter months.

    Day 5 | A Train Journey to Lakeside Geneva

    This morning we board a train to Geneva and continue to

    La Ferme Enchantée for a memorable Be My Guest

    experience over lunch. This sustainable farm also hosts

    beehives, and we meet the beekeeper during our MAKE

    TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon we return

    to Geneva where the orientation will include views of the

    Old Town, Jet d'Eau and the Flower Clock. Later, explore

    the city on your own. Stroll through the ancient maze of

    medieval streets and quiet squares or consider a cruise –

    enjoying views of the lakeside villages.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    Hotel: Warwick

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:

    Lake Geneva Cruise with Meal - Enjoy an unforgettable cruise on the ‘Belle Epoque ‘ steamers of the CGN company on

    Lake Geneva. The lake is one of Western Europe’s largest and its waters meet the shores of both Switzerland and

    France. You’ll see picturesque villages and towns in both countries as well as the majestic Alps and, on clear days, Mont

    Blanc. A three-course meal will be served in their wood-panelled dining room while you admire awe-inspiring Alpine

    scenery dining on the specialities of the Vaud canton.

    Adult: 105.00 CHF

    Lake Geneva Cruise - Enjoy an unforgettable cruise on the ‘Belle Epoque ‘ steamers of the C.G.N. company on Lake

    Geneva. Lac Leman, as it is known to the locals, is one of Western Europe’s largest lakes and its waters meet the

    shores of both Switzerland and France. You’ll see picturesque villages and towns in both countries as well as the

    majestic Alps and, on clear days, Mont Blanc.

    Adult: 52.00 CHF

    Day 6 | Journey on the Golden and Brünig Pass to Interlaken and Lucerne

    Picture-perfect landscapes are our constant companion

    as we journey from Geneva along the Golden Pass

    route. Passing through Interlaken, enjoy superb views

    of the Bernese Oberland and Brünig Pass on the way to

    Lakeside Lucerne. See the Iconic Chapel bridge and the

    poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of the Swiss

    Guards who bravely defended Louis XVI during the

    French Revolution on your orientation tour. The evening

    is free to spend as you wish, but you could choose to

    show off your vocal talents and learn how to yodel

    during an optional fun-packed Swiss folklore show with

    fondue dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Hotel: Radisson Blu

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    Swiss Folklore Evening with Dinner - Tonight we’ll enjoy a tasty Swiss meal, including the famous Swiss cheese fondue,

    inatypicalrestaurantWhileenjoyingdinneryoucanalsojoininalivelyfolkloreshowwhichincludesyodellingflag

    throwing and Alpine horn-blowing. Two drinks are also included.

    Adult: 111.00 CHF

    Day 7 | Explore Medieval Lucerne

    Mountain peaks surround you as you spend a day at

    leisure in beautiful lakeside Lucerne. Consider an

    Optional Experience to a nearby Mountain Peak, explore

    the medieval streets and shop for delicious Swiss

    Chocolate. Before we enjoy our Farewell dinner

    together, you might want to enjoy an Optional

    Experience riding a carriage through one of

    Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain villages.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    Hotel: Radisson Blu

    OPTIONAL EXPERIENCES:

    'Swisstainable' 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 funicular and the world's first Cabrio cable car, we'll reach

    1900m (6300ft), where you’ll have free time to admire the stunning Alpine scenery.

    Adult: 121.00 CHF

    * 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.

    Swiss Countryside & Carriages - A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful

    countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community,

    en route to a local homestead where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks.

    Adult: 77.00 CHF

    * Children must be accompanied by an adult.

    Day 8 | Journey Home

    We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and newfound

    friends at the end of a remarkable Swiss holiday. Your

    Travel Director will give you tickets for the short train

    journey from Lucerne to Zürich Airport, which can be

    used at your convenience, on the last day of the tour, for

    your onward journey.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Optional Experiences and free time

    High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid

    On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.

  • Booking and Payments

    • Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.

    • Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.

    Cancellations and Refunds

    • Cancellation by Client:

    • More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.

    • 30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.

    • Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.

    • Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.

    • Changes to Itinerary

    • Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.

    • Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.

    Travel Insurance

    • Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.

    • Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.

    Health and Safety

    • Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.

    • Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.

    Liability

    • Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.

    • Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.

    Visas and Documentation

    • Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.

    • Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.

    Conduct

    • Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.

    • Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.

    Complaints

    • Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.

    • Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.

    By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.

 

Travellers photos