Join an in-depth luxury escorted tour of the Alpine Wonders of Switzerland including a cruise on Lake Geneva, the resort town of St Moritz and pretty town of Lucerne.
Day 1. Geneva
Arrive in Geneva today, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later tonight, get to know your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Day 2. Lake Geneva, Montreux
This morning enjoy a cruise on beautiful Lake Geneva, the largest natural freshwater lake in western Europe. Cruise to Yvoire, a medieval town on the French side of Lake Geneva, disembark the cruise in Yvoire and take a coach onwards to Chillion, a castle with over 1,000 years of history. Located between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, this architectural jewel has inspired artists and writers for centuries. After stopping here, re-board the coach and travel to Montreux, a resort town on Lake Geneva, take a brief orientation tour of the town before a Welcome Dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 3. Montreux
After breakfast, board the Chocolate Train from Montreux. Enjoy coffee and croissants on board as you travel to the medieval cheese-making town of Gruyères. On arrival here, travel by bus into the town and visit a cheese factory as well as the Castle of Gruyères. Re-board the train and continue to Broc, home of the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory. Here, observe chocolate production and enjoy samples of the delicious finished product, before returning to Montreux.
Day 4. Täsch, Zermatt
This morning, travel to Täsch, located in the Mattertal Valley. Board a cog-wheel train for the short journey to Zermatt. Situated at the northern base of the famous mountain, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a truly pristine place. Electric cars, horse-drawn sleighs and carriages are the only forms of transport permitted, ensuring that the alpine air is exceptionally clean. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner tonight. After dinner, perhaps take an evening stroll around the village.
Day 5. Zermatt, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today ride a cable car to the summit of the Matterhorn for breathtaking panoramic views. This afternoon, enjoy a choice of touring activities. The adventurous might like to opt for an Alpine guided hike or alternatively, explore the displays at Matterhorn Museum.
Day 6. Como, Dine Around Dinner
Continue your journey to the stunning Italian Lake District and arrive at Como, on the shores of the beautiful glacial Lake Como. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing dinner in your hotel or venture out and enjoy classic Italian fare at a local restaurant.
Day 7. Lake Como, St Moritz
This morning in Como, take a cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Como. Thanks to its mountainous backdrop as well as the charming villas and towns sitting on its banks, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most romantic attractions. Then, travel to the historically rich town of Bellinzona. Ride a lift from Piazza Del Sole to Castelgrande, before visiting the Castello De Montebello. Having visited two of Bellinzona’s World Heritage-listed castles, it’s time to depart for one of the most famous winter resorts in the world - St Moritz, which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Day 8. St Moritz, Andermatt, Lucerne, Dine Around Dinner
Depart St Moritz today, boarding the Glacier Express for a rail journey known to be one of Europe’s most scenic. Travelling at a deliberately relaxed pace, this three-hour journey allows ample time to absorb the scenery outside your panoramic windows. Cross bridges and viaducts, travel through tunnels and marvel at the alpine landscapes, snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys and pretty villages. During the journey, enjoy lunch on board. Arrive in Andermatt and travel by coach to Lucerne. Check in to your hotel then enjoy a Dine Around Dinner tonight. Relax and dine in the elegant surrounds of your hotel at the Jasper Restaurant, or enjoy a unique dining experience at Stadtkeller Musik Restaurant, where cow bells, costumes and yodelling will bring your evening to life alongside delicious traditional food.
Day 9. Lucerne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Explore Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and within sight of spectacular Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi, with a choice of touring activities. Cruise the beautiful lake, or discover Lucerne with a walking tour or perhaps a Horse and Carriage Ride. This afternoon, tour nearby Zürich, including such sights as the famous commercial centre, the Old Town, Fraumünster Church with its famous Chagall windows and historical Limmatquai.
Day 10. Lucerne, Engelberg, Mt Titlis
Mt Titlis. After breakfast this morning, board your coach and travel from Lucerne to the neighbouring mountain resort town of Engelberg. Here, enjoy a brief tour taking in Engelberg Abbey and more. Then enjoy the truly breathtaking opportunity to ride the cable car from the town, over the scenic mountain landscape and up to Mt Titlis.
Day 11. Munich
Travel to Munich today, enjoying the magnificent Swiss scenery as you travel aboard your luxury coach past stunning alpine mountainscapes. Arrive in Munich and relax at your hotel.
Day 12. Munich Sightseeing, Freedom of Choice Touring
Explore the beautiful capital city of Bavaria today with a sightseeing tour this morning and a range of touring activities in the afternoon. You may like to visit the BMW museum, tour the Stadtmuseum or take an excursion to the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp.
Day 13. Munich, Castles of Bavaria
Today, head out into the picturesque Bavarian countryside and visit Neuschwanstein Castle for a tour of this 19th century Bavarian palace. The most photographed building in Germany, the castle is set on a rugged hill, and inspired the famous Disney Castle. Also, take a tour of impressive Linderhof Castle, before returning to Munich.
Day 14. Munich, Salzburg, Graz
Today travel to the Austrian city of Graz via Salzburg. In Salzburg, enjoy a guided city tour followed by a visit to the ‘Sound of Music’ sights before travelling to Graz, Recent holder of the ‘European Capital of Culture’ award. Graz boasts a relaxed atmosphere and many sights. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Graz.
Day 15. Graz
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Graz, including a visit to Eggenberg Castle and the Herend Porcelain Factory. Afterwards enjoy a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 16. Graz, Budapest
Today depart Graz and travel to Budapest where your tour concludes.
