| Country Roads of Switzerland - Itinerary
|
DAY 1 – MON – UK –
ZURICH
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow capped summits
and romantic lakes that has always attracted poets, musicians and travellers! After your scheduled
flight to Zurich Airport there is a complimentary shuttle service to your tour hotel, where your Tour
Director will be available to assist with checking in. An orientation tour of the city includes the
Fraumünster, with its stained glass windows, as well as the elegant Bahnhofstrasse. In the evening,
join your fellow travellers for a Welcome Drink. Hotel: Moevenpick Airport. |
DAY
8 – MON – LUGANO - ST MORITZ
Head north, passing by the three castles at Bellinzona
en route to the Grisons region. See the evocative Misox Castle, and travel via San Bernardino and the town
of Tiefencastel. Head east to the ancient Roman Julier Pass and the chic resort of St Moritz, set in the
Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above. Hotel: Monopol. (BB,D) |
DAY 2 – TUE – ZURICH
- MUNICH
After a short drive to
Berne, see the Bear Pits, Cathedral of St Vincent, the Federal
Palace and the floral displays and fountains. Gather at the
clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted
figures before viewing the grim Ogre Fountain. Visit Murten
with its ramparts, towers and yachts, and see the main street
with its arcaded houses and the 13th century castle which
affords splendid views of the lake. Now take the scenic road
up into the mountains to the Alpine village of Villars. Hotel:
Du Golf. (BB,D) |
DAY
9 – TUE – ST MORITZ AT LEISURE
Today is free to enjoy at your own pace. Jostle
with the jet-set in the elegant boutiques, or perhaps take a horse-drawn carriage ride through a nearby
valley for spectacular views? (BB) |
DAY
3 – WED – SWISS COUNTRY EXCURSION
Drive through vineyards
and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, renowned
for its cheese. Spend time exploring its picturesque main
street and castle before returning to the hotel via Gstaad,
one of Europe’s most fashionable ski resorts. (BB) |
DAY
10 – WED – ST MORITZ - INTERLAKEN
All aboard for the Glacier Express – one of the world’s great railway journeys. Ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive over the Susten Pass to admire the glaciers and rocky peaks of the Steingletscher in the late afternoon light. Stay ‘between the lakes’ tonight in the charming resort of Interlaken. Hotel: Royal St Georges. (BB,D) |
DAY
4 – THU – LAKE GENEVA EXCURSION
Follow the shores of Lac Leman to the
international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet D’Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Before returning
to your alpine hotel, embark on a highlight cruise on Lake Geneva past the cultural resort of Montreux. (BB,D) |
DAY
11 – THUR – 'THE VALLEY OF WATERFALLS'
Marvel at the Wetterhorn
Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the
sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen at the head of
the ‘Valley of Waterfalls’, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge
300 metres. Consider taking the funicular up to the tumbling
Trummelbach Falls.. (BB) |
DAY 5 – FRI – VILLARS
- ZERMATT
Journey into the upper
Rhône valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue
to the town of Sion which is dominated by two rocky peaks,
each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral
and Old Town Hall. The final stage of the journey to the traffic-free
mountain resort of Zermatt is by mini-bus and electric taxi.
Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Swiss cuisine. Hotel: Alpen Resort.
(BB,HD) |
DAY
12 – FRI – INTERLAKEN - LUCERNE
A delightful drive along the shores of Lake
Brienz leads to a wood-carving workshop. Next, experience Swiss rural life throughout the ages at the
Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. Now continue over the Brunig Pass and drive along side the lakes of
Lungern and Sarnen to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne. Hotel: Astoria. (BB,D) |
DAY
6 – SAT – ZERMATT AT LEISURE
Spend a whole day relaxing
in the clean mountain air. Perhaps take an excursion on the
Gornergrat rack railway (the highest in Europe), or conquer
a mountain by cable-car. (BB) |
DAY
13 – SAT –MT PILATUS EXCURSION
Take an excursion by
cog-wheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, which offers
a stunning view of Lucerne, as well as the lakes, countryside
and hills surrounding it. Continue to Lucerne to see the covered
wooden bridge, together with the famous Lion Monument carved
from a limestone cliff. Spend the afternoon browsing in the
shops. (BB) |
DAY
7 – SUN – ZERMATT - LUGANO
Descend to Tasch and re-join the coach. Drive
through Brig and ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-
metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Back in
Switzerland, drive on to the lakeside resort Lugano. Hotel: De la Paix. (BB) |
DAY
14 – SUN – LUCERNE - ZURICH - UK
Last chance to buy fine watches, cuckoo
clocks or delicious chocolate! Transfers arrive Zurich Airport at 08.30 & 12.30hrs. (BB) |
