Swiss Escape

NZD $3,059.00

 

Tour Description

Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for two nights.

Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Berne. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted holiday.

 
 

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Zürich, Switzerland: Start your Swiss adventure in Zürich, the country’s largest city. Discover the vibrant blend of old and new as you explore the historic Old Town, visit the impressive Bahnhofstrasse shopping district, and take in the views of Lake Zürich.

Lucerne, Switzerland: Experience the charm of Lucerne, a picturesque city nestled at the foot of the Swiss Alps. Walk across the iconic Chapel Bridge, admire the poignant Lion Monument, and enjoy free time to explore the quaint streets or take a cruise on Lake Lucerne.

Interlaken, Switzerland: Journey to Interlaken, known as the gateway to the Bernese Oberland. Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, this resort town offers stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Optional excursions to nearby alpine attractions are available.

 

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND.

    Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 0, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

    ACCOMMODATION *

    COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT ZURICH NORTH

    Day 2

    ZURICH-NEUCHATEL-LAKE GENEVA.

    Swiss History ZURICH Orientation walk of the old town includes sights of the Fraumunsterkirche. NEUCHATEL Free time en route to Geneva. (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 Fraumunsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

    ACCOMMODATION *

    MONA MONTREUX

    Day 3

    LAKE GENEVA.

    Grandeur in Geneva  LAKE GENEVA Guided visit to Chillon Castle. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B) HISTORIC SPOT EXPLORE MORE Located on 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 these serene location and take in breath-taking views of the surrounding area.

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

    ACCOMMODATION *

    MONA MONTREUX

    Day 4

    LAKE GENEVA-BERNE-LUCERNE.

    Alpine Attraction  BERNE Globus Local Favourite Guided walking tour includes the Old Town, a stop at Bear Park, and a panoramic view of the city from Rose Garden. Free time for lunch. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 155 mi / 250 km LOCAL FAVOURITE CITY SIGHTS BarenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne 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.

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

    ACCOMMODATION *

    ASTORIA

    Day 5

    LUCERNE.

    Bridging History  LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrucke (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 the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne's most photographed landmark.

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

    ACCOMMODATION *

    ASTORIA

    Day 6

    LUCERNE-LUGANO.

    Sights & Delights of Switzerland LUCERNE Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps on the way to Lugano. LUGANO Free time. (B) 112mi/180 km FREE TIME TIPS 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.

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

    ACCOMMODATION *

    NOVOTEL LUGANO PARADISO

    Day 7

    LUGANO.

    Swiss Celebration LUGANO Free time this morning and afternoon. Farewell dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D) FREE TIME TIPS 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.

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 1

    ACCOMMODATION *

    NOVOTEL LUGANO PARADISO

    Day 8

    LUGANO.

    Safe travels until we meet again!  Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.) (B)

    INCLUDED MEALS

    Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 0, Dinner: 0

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts 0 lunches 3 dinners

    Transport

    Touring by private, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi (where available).

    Accommodation

    First-Class or Superior First-Class with private bath or shower. Includes hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges

  • 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