Country Roads of Switzerland - Classic Group

Country Roads of Switzerland - Classic Group

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14 Days From

$7395

$7175

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Tour Overview

Embark on the "Country Roads of Switzerland - Classic Group" tour and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Switzerland. This luxurious journey takes you from the vibrant city of Zurich to the serene beauty of Lake Geneva, the majestic peaks of the Swiss Alps, and the charming villages of Grindelwald and Zermatt. Experience the thrill of ascending Mount Stanserhorn on a solar-powered cable car, savor local wines at a family-run winery, and enjoy a first-class cruise on Lake Geneva. With guided tours led by local experts, indulge in authentic Swiss dining experiences, including a traditional fondue evening in Zermatt. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Swiss adventure. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car and enjoy spectacular views from the summit.

  • Explore the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church, and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne.

  • Discover Bern with a local historian, including the Cathedral of St. Vincent and the Ogre Fountain.

  • Visit the picturesque town of Gruyères and see its 13th-century castle.

  • Enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Geneva, the inspiration for the early Romantic movement.

  • Ride the shuttle trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway to the traffic-free Alpine resort of Zermatt.

  • Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express through the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps.

  • Explore the charming village of Grindelwald, nestled in a unique Alpine landscape.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome to Lucerne

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travellers for centuries. Arrive into Zürich airport and transfer to your hotel in Lucerne. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions for a pleasant dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Ascend the summit of Mount Stanserhorn

Location: Mount Stanserhorn, Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore Mount Stanserhorn on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, as an open-top cable car powered by solar panels takes you up the summit. Admire unrivalled 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.

Day 3: Bern, Gruyères and Montreux

Location: Bern, Gruyères, Montreux

Accommodation: Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.

Accommodation Name: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux

Meals Included: Breakfast

In 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 savour 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 that owns the farm is preserving the estate for future generations on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.

Day 4: Lake Geneva and the Swiss Countryside

Location: Lake Geneva, Montreux

Accommodation: Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.

Accommodation Name: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux

Meals Included: Breakfast

On the western bay of Lake Geneva, visit Chillon Castle for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalised 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.

Day 5: Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise Relaxed Start

Location: Geneva

Accommodation: Grand Hôtel Suisse-Majestic, Montreux.

Accommodation Name: Eden Palace Au Lac, Montreux

Meals Included: Breakfast

Follow 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.

Day 6: Martigny, Sion and Zermatt Relaxed Start

Location: Martigny, Sion, Zermatt

Accommodation: Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.

Accommodation Name: Resort Alex, Zermatt

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. 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, with a chance to delight in traditional fondue.

Day 7: Zermatt at Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Zermatt

Accommodation: Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.

Accommodation Name: Resort Alex, Zermatt

Meals Included: Breakfast

Zermatt 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?

Day 8: The Italian Lake District to Lugano

Location: Täsch, Brig, Simplon Pass, Lugano

Accommodation: Hotel Simplon, Baveno.

Accommodation Name: De La Paix, Lugano

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel 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-metre 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?

Day 9: The Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz

Location: Bellinzona, Tiefencastel, St. Moritz

Accommodation: Crystal Hotel, St Moritz., Hotel Steffani, St Moritz.

Accommodation Name: Crystal, St. Moritz, Steffani, St. Moritz

Meals Included: Breakfast

Journey 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, travelling 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.

Day 10: Leisure Time in St. Moritz Relaxed Start

Location: St. Moritz

Accommodation: Crystal Hotel, St Moritz., Hotel Steffani, St Moritz.

Accommodation Name: Crystal, St. Moritz, Steffani, St. Moritz

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy 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.

Day 11: The Glacier Express

Location: Andermatt, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen

Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.

Accommodation Name: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Step 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 metres from the plateau above.

Day 12: Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed Start

Location: Grindelwald

Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.

Accommodation Name: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald, a charming village nestled in the Bernese Alps. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding alpine splendour. The Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," offers stunning vistas and a chance to explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, hike one of the many trails that wind through the lush valleys and up into the high mountains, where the diverse flora and fauna are a delight for nature enthusiasts. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, spend your day shopping in the quaint village shops or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the area.

Day 13: Rural Switzerland to Zürich

Location: Brienz, Zürich

Accommodation: Renaissance Zurich Tower Hotel., Opera Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre 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 dinner is accompanied with wine - raise your glass to toast to your adventures.

Day 14: Depart Zürich

Location: Zürich

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your Swiss adventures come to an end this morning as you depart from Zürich airport.

What's Included

  • Meals

    Includes 3 dinners with wine, 13 breakfasts, and 2 dinners.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included, along with all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Luggage Handling

    Your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Airport Transfers

    Transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates.

  • Luxury Coach

    Travel in the comfort of Insight’s luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.

  • Hand Sanitizer

    Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.

  • Local Expert Guides

    Local experts provide guided tours in various locations including Bellinzona, Bern, and Gruyères.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from Switzerland are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.

  • Gratuities for Tour Director and Driver

    Gratuities for the Tour Director and driver are not included.

  • Additional Transfers

    Transfers outside the scheduled times or for flights not matching the itinerary start and end dates are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel in style and comfort with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Enjoy scenic cable car rides and a first-class lake cruise, enhancing your Swiss adventure.

Accommodation

Experience the charm of Switzerland with stays at the Astoria Lucerne, Eden Palace Au Lac in Montreux, Resort Alex in Zermatt, Crystal Hotel in St. Moritz, and Romantik Schweizerhof in Grindelwald, offering comfort and elegance throughout your journey.

Dining Summary

  • 3 Dinner with Wine (DW)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)
  • 2 Dinner (D)

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.

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 marvellous castles, and her personal stories about how she fell in love with this city and decided to move to the area.

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a ride on an open-top cable car to Mount Stanserhorn, a visit to a family-run winery overlooking Lake Geneva, and a journey on the Glacier Express, one of the world's great railway journeys. Additionally, there is a special tour of Chillon Castle and a visit to the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre in Brienz. ...more ...less

  • Are there any sustainable travel experiences on this tour?

    Yes, the tour includes sustainable travel experiences such as the solar-powered cable car ride to Mount Stanserhorn and a visit to a family-run winery that practices sustainable agriculture and waste reduction.

  • What dining options are available during the tour?

    The tour includes several dining experiences such as a dinner with wine in Lucerne, a Dine-Around evening in Zermatt with options to indulge in traditional fondue, and a dinner featuring Swiss classics in Zurich.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    Transportation includes travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned coach with double the standard legroom, scenic cable car rides, and a first-class lake cruise on Lake Geneva. The tour also includes a journey on the Glacier Express train.

  • What is the role of the Travel Director during the tour?

    The Travel Director provides guided tours, leads orientations in various locations, and offers insights into local specialties. They also ensure the smooth running of the tour and provide assistance throughout the journey.

  • Are there any leisure days included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there are leisure days included in the itinerary, such as a day at leisure in Zermatt and St. Moritz, allowing you to explore the area or relax at your own pace.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

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Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West. ...more ...less

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1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 01, 2026 - Sep 14, 2026
$7575 $7355 (USD)

Operator discount: -$220 (USD)

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 19, 2026
$7575 $7355 (USD)

Operator discount: -$220 (USD)

Tuesday - Monday

Sep 08, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026
$7575 $7355 (USD)

Operator discount: -$220 (USD)

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 13, 2026 - Sep 26, 2026
$7550 $7330 (USD)

Operator discount: -$220 (USD)

Sunday - Saturday

Sep 20, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026
$7395 $7175 (USD)

Operator discount: -$220 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Country Roads of Switzerland - Classic Group

14 Days Starting and ending in Zurich, Switzerland

Visiting: Lucerne, Mount Stanserhorn, Bern, Gruyères, Montreux, Lake Geneva, Geneva, Martigny, Sion, Zermatt, Täsch, Brig, Simplon Pass, Lugano, Bellinzona, Tiefencastel, St. Moritz, Andermatt, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Brienz, Zürich ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

E728ZM20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Luxury

Activities:

Walking

From: $7395 $7175 (USD) Operator discount: -$220

NB: Prices correct on 01-Apr-2025 but subject to change.

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