Country Roads of Switzerland - Small Group
Tour Operator:
Tour Code:
SE728ZN19-42
Start City:
Zurich
End City:
Zurich
Tour Style:
Tour Quality:
First Class
Tour Length:
14 days
Age Requirement:
5+ Years Old
Tour Capacity:
24
Dates & Prices
| Start Date | End Date | Offers | Brochure Land Price | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, Apr 14, 2024 | Saturday, Apr 27, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Tuesday, May 21, 2024 | Monday, Jun 03, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jun 16, 2024 | Saturday, Jun 29, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Sunday, Jun 30, 2024 | Saturday, Jul 13, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Tuesday, Jul 16, 2024 | Monday, Jul 29, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Tuesday, Jul 30, 2024 | Monday, Aug 12, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024 | Monday, Sep 02, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote | |
| Tuesday, Sep 17, 2024 | Monday, Sep 30, 2024 | Get Lower Price | Get Quote |
Promotions
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Promotion Details
If you're traveling with a child between the age of five and 17, you will get a discount of up to 10% on the land-only portion of their holiday. Young travelers must be under the age of 18 years on the date of departure and must be accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room).
5% Savings on Group Vacations
5% Savings on Group Vacations
Promotion Details
Group benefits and applicable discounts apply to Scheduled Departure and Exclusive Departure groups only, booked on the same booking number. Group benefits and discounts do not apply to Custom Groups, flight segments, train vacations, cruises, extensions or any pre/post-trip additions. Group Benefits are not available on all trips and/or departure dates and are not combinable with Limited Time Offers. Please refer to your group’s contract for further details. Other conditions may apply.
Tour Itinerary
See Switzerland in all its natural splendor during this 2-week guided tour that whisks you from snow-capped mountain peaks to floral valleys. Outside Lucerne, complete with wooden bridges and baroque churches, zip to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, a pinnacle so tall you can see France and Germany. Take in beautiful Bern and its Catherdrals with a Local Expert followed by a stop in Gruyères. Glide along the Glacier Express, a glass-topped train that will carry you through the Oberalp Valley and to Grindelwald, an idyllic alpine village set to the backdrop of winding rivers and towering waterfalls. In St. Moritz, a mountain railways pass will allow you to traverse the alpine village’s cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts. Then taste the freshest cuisine in Switzerland during an intimate farm-to-table dinner experience, including cheese.
Baveno , Bellinzona , Bern , Brienz , Geneva , Grindelwald , Gruyeres , Lauterbrunnen , Lucerne , Martigny , Montreux , Sion , Zermatt , Zurich
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Day 1
Welcome to LucerneWelcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travelers for centuries. Arrive into Zürich airport and transfer to your hotel in Lucerne. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a pleasant Welcome Dinner with wine at a local restaurant.Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Meals: Dinner -
Day 2
Ascend the summit of Mount StanserhornExplore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels take you up the summit. Admire unrivaled views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day see as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Return to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to walk along the lake or perhaps shop for a special timepiece or chocolate.Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 3
Bern, Gruyères and MontreuxIn Bern, your Local Expert, a local English teacher, shows you the Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the Ogre Fountain. Your travels continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps with snowy summits filling the horizon. Continue through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, that gives its name to the well-known cheese. Enjoy time on your own to explore the pretty main street and 13th century castle. From Montreux, travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to visit a winery. Admire the stunning panorama overlooking the lake and savor a tasting of tantalising, local wines. Delight in a delicious Farm-to-Table light dinner, made from locally sourced produce, and learn how the family is preserving the estate for future generations on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.Accommodation: Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 4
Lake Geneva and the Swiss CountrysideOn the western bay of Lake Geneva, visit Chillon Castle for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalized by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon.' Keep a look out for where the writer is rumoured to have left his mark. Return to Montreux where the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own or relax as you wish at your quayside hotel.Accommodation: Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 5
Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise Relaxed StartFollow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock. Next, relax in first-class comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise. This evening, enjoy time at leisure on the promenade of your lakeside resort.Accommodation: Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 6
Martigny, Sion and Zermatt Relaxed StartJourney into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheater. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. Complete your journey via cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening, take your pick from a selection a local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. Perhaps you will delight in the typical Swiss dining experience of fondue?Accommodation: Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 7
Zermatt at Leisure Relaxed StartZermatt in the summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking or relaxing in the fresh alpine surrounds. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge or sample the delicious cakes known as Kuchen?Accommodation: Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 8
The Italian Lake District to BavenoDescend to Täsch for a scenic drive to Brig, where you'll commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-meter summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping along the shores of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps join an experience to the stunning Isola Bella?Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 9
The Glamour and Glitz of St. MoritzJourney along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and head north to the three Fortifications at Bellinzona to meet your Local Expert, for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. These castles are enchanting examples of fortified medieval architecture of the Alps. Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, traveling via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.Accommodation: Crystal Hotel, St Moritz., Hotel Steffani, St Moritz.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 10
Leisure Time in St. Moritz Relaxed StartEnjoy a day at leisure to jostle with the jet-setters in this elegant resort or perhaps take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. To help you make the most of your day, your Travel Director will provide you with a mountain railways pass, offering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz.Accommodation: Crystal Hotel, St Moritz., Hotel Steffani, St Moritz.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 11
The Glacier ExpressStep aboard the Glacier Express to experience one of the world’s great railway journeys. Cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lütschine River to Lauterbrunnen, at the head of the Valley of Waterfalls, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 meters from the plateau above.Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 12
Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed StartEnjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain?Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
Meals: Breakfast -
Day 13
Rural Switzerland to ZürichTake in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Center to trace the history of the trade back to the early days of the 19th century. Continue over the Brünig Pass and drive alongside the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to return to Zürich. See the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster on an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. Join your travel companions at a local restaurant. Your Celebration Dinner is accompanied with wine - raise your glass to toast to your adventures.Accommodation: Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel. , Opera Hotel
Meals: Breakfast Dinner -
Day 14
Depart ZürichYour Swiss adventures come to and end this morning, with a transfer to Zürich airport.
Meals: Breakfast
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Dining Summary
- 5 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 13 Breakfast (B)
Additional Included Highlights
- : Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
- : Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.
- : We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- : From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- : Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- : If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.
Authentic Dining
- Lucerne: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
- Zermatt: Choose between fine local restaurants.
- Zürich: Raise your glass and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant for your Celebration Dinner.
Insight Experiences
- Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.
- Bellinzona: Explore the stunning town of Bellinzona with your Local Expert. Julie will passionately share with you her insights into the three marvelous castles, and her personal stories about how she fell in love with this city and decided to move to the area.
Make Travel Matter
- Stanserhorn: Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.
- Lake Geneva: Visit a family-run winery overlooking Lake Geneva. Enjoy a tasting, and learn how the family is preserving the estate for future generations. Savor delicious farm-to-table fare, made from locally sourced produce. Alongside using sustainable agricultural practices, they source majority of their good locally. They have strict procedures about waste reduction and any waste from the production is being re-used as fertilizer or food for their animals. This experience advances UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Production and Consumption.
Top Rated Highlights
- Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy, and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.
- Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- Bern: Your exploration with a local historian through Switzerland's capital includes seeing the floral displays, Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace, clock tower and Ogre Fountain.
- Gruyères: Travel along valley floors covered with rich meadowland, to the pretty town of Gruyeres. Your Travel Director leads an orientation tour where you will see the main street and 13th century castle.
- Montreux: At the foot of the Alps this town boasts one of the most beautiful walks along Lake Geneva, join your Travel Director for an orientation before there is free time to explore.
- Geneva: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the Jet d'Eau and Floral Clock.
- Lake Geneva: Enjoy first-class seats as you cruise on the serene waters of the King of Lakes, inspiration to the early Romantic movement.
- Martigny: View the Roman Amphitheater during your orientation.
- Sion: Your Travel Director will show you the two fortress-churches, the cathedral and Old Town Hall.
- Zermatt: Ride the shuttle trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway up to the traffic-free Alpine resort. Should weather permit, you may even see the majestic peak of the Matterhorn.
- Zermatt: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this picturesque village, high in the mountains.
- Baveno: During your orientation with your Travel Director see the cobbled streets and 16th century square.
- St Moritz: During your orientation of this alpine resort see the spa quarter and glacial lake.
- St Moritz: If you think there's no such thing as a free ride, you'd be mistaken! With your inclusive pass, travel on 13 cable cars, funiculars, chairlifts and select public transport options (when available). The crisp Alpine air is included in the deal.
- St Moritz: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity.
- Lauterbrunnen: Enjoy your orientation of the village that takes its name from 'many fountains,' referring to the 72 waterfalls that are within the surrounding valley.
- Staubbach Falls: In the Valley of the Waterfalls, witness these magnificent falls that plunge 300 meters.
- Grindelwald: Explore this famous glacier village with your Travel Director. Embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine towns.
- Brienz: Learn the history of woodcarving at the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Center.
- Zürich: During your orientation of the city, your Travel Director will show you the Grossmünster, Fraumünster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.
Well-being
- : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Health and Safety Protocols for Insight Vacations Tours
Insight Vacations has introduced these enhanced hygiene protocols – for you and team members.
You can travel with Insight Vacations and be assured that their team has put numerous new measures in place to elevate their hygiene standards and protocols. The well-being of guests and team has always been, and always will be, their primary concern.
In this new, fast changing Covid-19 era, Insight Vacations is doing all they can to adapt to new requirements and expectations. Here are some important new steps and procedures that they have implemented to enhance hygiene protocols, to comply with physical distancing requirements by relevant government authorities and to give you the peace of mind when you are traveling during these new times.
Expertly Trained Travel DirectorsTravel Director training equips them with enhanced hygiene and physical distancing procedures. During your trip, they will operate with a duty of care and monitor the hygiene etiquette of the guests, reacting and advising as needed, to ensure high standards are maintained. Before you travel, Insight Vacations will also keep you well informed about new protocols required in these areas, and ask that you cooperate with and heed the advice and direction of Travel Directors while on your trip. The Travel Directors have preventative measures in place to try and ensure your well-being and in the event that any unexpected issues arise on trip, they will activate additional protocols.
Stringent On-the-Road ProtocolsThe customized luxury coaches are sanitised before the start of your trip and have always been kept to very high standards. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, Insight Vacations have taken additional measures to elevate hygiene and sanitary practices in accordance with guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and as required, applicable government regulations. The Driver training provides them with the latest hygiene protocols. They will clean and disinfect all surfaces including handrails, door handles, tables, seats, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers on a daily basis. All the guests are asked to follow hygiene practices recommended by the World Health Organisation including the thorough and regular washing of hands and sanitising when required. Hand sanitiser is freely available on board for your use throughout the day. Please bring your own washable face mask and gloves with you, and additional hand sanitiser to make you feel comfortable, as these will be required to be worn in public in some countries. Should an unexpected situation arise, additional face masks, rubber gloves, antiviral sprays and wipes will be available for guest distribution on all trips.
A Full Team of Support 24/7It’s not just your Travel Director and Driver who will be taking care of you. Behind the scenes, the operations and guest support teams are in contact with them and on call 24/7, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.
Physical DistancingAdapting to the right size groups, based on government distancing requirements, you can rest assured that you will travel with the comfort of your own personal space. Have peace of mind that all of the experiences, hotels and restaurants you’ll enjoy on your trip have been vetted to ensure they adhere to physical distancing and hygiene guidelines.
Trusted Partners, Exceptional StandardsInsight Vacations is very selective in who they work with and choose to only use hotels, restaurants, ground handlers and venues that take the well-being of the guests as seriously as Insight Vacations does and agrees to meet expected guidelines and specifications. Insight Vacations only works with establishments that they are confident will consistently adhere to their high standards.
Always in the KnowAs part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) , Insight Vacations is kept up to date with all government advisories and travel alerts on a daily basis and is continually in touch with all of the partners on the ground in each destination. Also, rest assured that during your trip, the teams work to ensure the supplier partners (hotels, restaurants, museums and other venues) are also applying the same standard to these new hygiene and distancing protocols, to the extent possible.
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