Country Roads of Switzerland
Country Roads of Switzerland
$7250
Tour Overview
Immerse in cities, rural wonders and snow-capped mountains. Explore a former Duke's home on Lake Geneva's shore and reach Stanserhorn's mountain heights by traditional cog railway.
Top Rated Highlights
- Stanserhorn: Journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on a panoramic, open-top cable car powered by solar energy.
- Lucerne: 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: Explore one of the most beautiful walks along Lake Geneva.
- Geneva: With your Travel Director you'll discover the Jet d'Eau and the 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 Amphitheatre 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.
- Lugano: With your Travel Director discover the lakeside city.
- St Moritz: See the spa quarter and glacial lake of this charming alpine resort.
- St Moritz: With your inclusive pass, travel on 13 cable cars, funiculars, chairlifts and select public transport options (when available).
- St Moritz: Travel 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 metres.
- Grindelwald: Explore this famous glacier village. Embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face.
- Brienz: Learn the history of woodcarving at the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre.
- Zurich: During your orientation of the city, your Travel Director will show you the Grossmunster, Fraumunster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse.
Make Travel Matter
Stanserhorn: Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, and gain a deeper understanding of the local wildlife and flora. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 15: Affordable and Clean Energy & Life on Land.
Lake Geneva: Visit a family-run winery overlooking the lake. Enjoy a tasting, and learn about the family's sustainable agricultural practices before your Farm-to-Table meal. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Authentic Dining
Lucerne: Toast to new friends and Swiss adventures during your dinner at Restaurant Seeblick.
Zermatt: Choose between fine local restaurants for your Dine-Around evening, with the chance to indulge in traditional fondue.
Zurich: Raise your glass and enjoy a delicious dinner featuring Swiss classics at a local restaurant.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Astoria Lucerne
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Switzerland. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions, followed by a pleasant dinner with wine 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. Return to the 14th century city of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, Baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
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. Continue to the fortified town of Gruyères, where there is time at leisure. 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.'
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 to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre and continue to the town of Sion to 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.
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 your alpine surroundings. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein Matterhorn to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world.
Day 8: The Italian Lake District to Lugano
Location: Täsch, Brig, 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. 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, 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. Continue through the Grisons Region, following the Rhine River to the glamorous resort of St. Moritz.
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 mingle 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 and head down through the Oberalp Valley, rejoining the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the Schöllenen Gorge, along the Grindelwald Valley and follow the Lütschine River to Lauterbrunnen. See the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres from the plateau above.
Day 12: Grindelwald at Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Grindelwald, Jungfraujoch
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. Choose from a selection of Optional Experiences to complement your alpine journey.
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
Journey to Brienz to visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre. On return to Zürich, see the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster. 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
The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 3 dinners with wine, and 2 additional 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, so you don't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
-
Porterage
Porterage charges at hotels are included, and your bags will be carried and 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.
-
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
Enjoy 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.
-
Travel Director
A Travel Director will accompany you throughout the tour, providing guidance and insights.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
Flights to and from the tour start and end locations are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
-
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable, 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 first-class seats on a scenic Lake Geneva cruise and experience the iconic Glacier Express train journey through the Swiss Alps.
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. Enjoy luxurious amenities and stunning views at each location, ensuring a comfortable and memorable 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.
Summary
- Travel on the Glacier Express • Cruise on Lake Geneva • Ride the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway to Zermatt.
- Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre in Brienz.
- See Zurich • Lucerne's Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge • Travel in St. Moritz with your included pass • Lauterbrunnen • Staubbach Falls • the glacier village of Grindelwald.
- Welcome Dinner in Lucerne • Dine-Around options in Zermatt • Celebration Dinner in Zurich.
Check out our Q&As
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a ride on an open-top cable car powered by solar energy to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn, where you can enjoy spectacular views and possibly hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger. Additionally, you will visit a family-run winery overlooking Lake Geneva, where you can enjoy a wine tasting and learn about sustainable agricultural practices. ...more ...less
-
Are there any special dining experiences during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several authentic dining experiences. In Lucerne, you will have dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travelers. In Zermatt, you can choose between fine local restaurants for a Dine-Around evening, with the chance to indulge in traditional fondue. In Zurich, you will enjoy a delicious dinner featuring Swiss classics at a local restaurant. ...more ...less
-
What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes travel on a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. Additionally, you will experience a journey on the world-famous Glacier Express, a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity, and have access to a mountain railways pass in St. Moritz for free travel on cable cars, funiculars, and chairlifts. ...more ...less
-
What are some of the highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include a visit to the emotive Lion Monument in Lucerne, a journey to the top of Mount Stanserhorn, an exploration of Bern with a local historian, a visit to the fortified town of Gruyères, a cruise on Lake Geneva, and a ride on the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps. ...more ...less
-
What is the role of the Travel Director during the tour?
The Travel Director will accompany you throughout the tour, providing guidance and insights. They will lead you on orientations of various locations, such as Lucerne, Bern, and Zermatt, and will also offer an Insight Flourish, a local specialty representing the destination, from time to time. ...more ...less
-
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
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
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.
-
Terms and Conditions
Country Roads of Switzerland
14 Days Starting and ending in Zurich, Switzerland
Visiting: Lucerne, Mount Stanserhorn, Bern, Gruyères, Montreux, Lake Geneva, Geneva, Martigny, Sion, Zermatt, Täsch, Brig, Lugano, Bellinzona, St. Moritz, Andermatt, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Jungfraujoch, Brienz, Zürich ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
E728ZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
