Swiss Escape
Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for 2 nights. Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Bern. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.
Tour Itinerary
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Swiss History This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Neuchâtel. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Later, arrive at your hotel on Lake Geneva and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B) 174 mi / 280 km TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.
Grandeur in Geneva Today, enjoy an included excursion to Chillon Castle. Be captivated by anecdotal accounts and historical background during a guided tour of the castle. Take advantage of some free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of Lake Geneva. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT HISTORIC SPOT Located in a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through this serene location and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Alpine Attraction Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Continue to Lucerne and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this alpine gem. (B) 155 mi / 250 km LOCAL FAVORITE CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
What's Included
Hotels
Itinerary Dates & Prices
- Save favorite vacations & searches
- Early access to promotions
- Exclusive deals, discounts & prices
- Plus more!
