Spectacular Switzerland (ZH) Tour

Welcome in Zürich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner with wine at your hotel.

Enjoy an orientation walk of Zürich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce. Then, leave Zürich and start your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, also known as Bienne by French-speaking Swiss and famous for watch-making. Explore the historical center and take pictures of the gothic church. Next up: a scenic drive along Lake Biel to Neuchâtel, beautifully situated at Lake Neuchâtel, and dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Stroll along its cobblestone streets or enjoy lunch at a café with the locals. Near the French border, arrive in stunning Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, with its fantastic lakeside location and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.

During morning sightseeing your Local Guide will show you the elegant buildings that house many international organizations, including headquarters of the International Red Cross and many United Nations agencies. You will also hear about John Calvin, the French theologian who helped reform the church in Geneva in the mid-16th century. Geneva is home to the largest Reformation Park with its International Monument to the Reformation. Balance of the day is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city. Choose from our exciting optional excursions to make the most of your stay.

Enter France and follow Lake Geneva along the southern shore, stopping in the famous spa town of Évian-les-Bains, renowned for its mineral water and a popular holiday resort. A scenic drive returns you to Switzerland. Cross the Rhône, France’s largest river, which flows into Lake Geneva. See the vineyards, where some of the best Swiss wines are produced, then leave this “Swiss Riviera” and continue to Gruyères. Here, a special treat awaits: visit the magnificent castle, walk through eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture, and enjoy [LF] lunch with local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double-crème. Continue to your hotel in Gstaad, one of Switzerland’s most famous ski resorts.

Morning at leisure to relax before continuing through the scenic Zweisimmen Valley to Interlaken. The town’s unique location, settled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz and surrounded by the world-famous Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains guarantees spectacular views. Later, arrive at your charming hotel in Grindelwald and look forward to tomorrow’s included highlight: the Jungfrau excursion.

Arrive in the stately capital of Berne. See the BEAR PARK, enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden, and the OLD TOWN with the Clock Tower and the ornate, flower-adorned fountains. Leave the Berner Oberland and drive via Langnau to picture-book Lucerne. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner excursion to a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing.

During your walking tour, admire Thorwaldsen’s impressive LION MONUMENT, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution, and ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. Of course, being in Switzerland, you will taste [LF] the traditional CHOCOLATE PRALINES from Läderach Chocolatier Suisse, one of Switzerland’s most famous chocolate makers. An exciting optional excursion is available to Mount Pilatus, and tonight, a special farewell dinner with wine awaits you at a local restaurant for a proper Auf Wiedersehen.

Lucerne - Zurich Airport. Morning transfer to Zürich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zürich, not Lake Lucerne.

Arrive in the stately capital of Berne. See the BEAR PARK, enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden, and the OLD TOWN with the Clock Tower and the ornate, flower-adorned fountains. Leave the Berner Oberland and drive via Langnau to picture-book Lucerne. Tonight is your chance to join an optional dinner excursion to a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing.