Grand tour of swizerland (2009)

Day 1Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT

Day 2Sat. ARRIVAL IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Check into your hotel in Zurich. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 3Sun. ZURICH-ST. MORITZ

A sensational drive today through some of Switzerland’s most famed cantons. By way of the market town of Herisau, stop in Appenzell to see the old town center with its Town Hall. Further east to the minute Principality of Liechtenstein. A scenic drive through “Heidiland” to the Rhine Valley before starting the ascent of mighty Julier Pass. Soon you’ll be in the heart of Switzerland’s largest canton, the Grisons. Here, see some of the world’s best Alpine views before arriving in St. Moritz. (B)

Day 4Mon. ST. MORITZ-BERNINA EXPRESS TRAIN TO TIRANO, ITALY-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND

Enjoy the highlight of the whole tour and a wonderful way of crossing the Alps. One of Europe’s most spectacular train rides begins in St. Moritz and takes you across the lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina. Here, rejoin your coach for the journey to the shores of Lake Lugano. (B)

Day 5Tue. LUGANO-LAKE MAGGIORE-TÄSCH

Morning break in sub-tropical Lugano. Afterwards, return to Italy to savor the luminous atmosphere of Lake Maggiore. Time for an optional visit to Isola Bella

Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore

, a magnificently located palace and garden island. Then, back into Switzerland via scenic Simplon Pass. Overnight in the village of Täsch. (B,D)

Day 6Wed. TÄSCH-ZERMATT-LAUSANNE

This morning an excursion by train to Zermatt, the famous resort beneath the Matterhorn

Visit the iconic Matterhorn in the heart of the Swiss Alps

. In the afternoon, motor through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva before arriving in Lausanne on its northern shore. (B)

Day 7Thu. LAUSANNE-LAKE LUCERNE

Stop awhile in Gruyère to visit a local cheese factory. Then on to Switzerland’s beautiful capital, Berne

Enjoy the beautiful scenery while visiting Bern, Switzerland

, a charming town with arcaded shops, carved fountains, and towers. The visit features the Bear Pit and the monumental Federal Palace. Then by way of the shores of Lake Thun to Interlaken. After a visit, continue over Brünig Pass to Lake Lucerne. Time for an optional folklore evening in Lucerne. (B,D)

Day 8Fri. LAKE LUCERNE-ZURICH

Today, visit Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the main highlights. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day. The most popular option is an excursion to the Stanserhorn. In the late afternoon an easy drive back to Zurich for an overnight. (B)

Day 9Sat. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY

(B)

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