Swiss Train Escape

Welcome to St. Gallen! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (nearest airport is Zurich). (D)

Swiss Specialties This morning, join an orientation walk of St. Gallen’s Old Town and see the UNESCO-listed Abbey District with its baroque Cathedral, named after St. Gall an Irish monk doing missionary work, and world-famous library. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE It may not be the most famous city in Switzerland, but St. Gallen is one of the country’s gems. It boasts a charming old town, featuring half-timbered houses and carved bay windows, the oldest soccer team on Continental Europe, the oldest brewery in Switzerland, and was once responsible for approximately half the world’s embroidery production. Take a stroll down the Marktgasse and sample a famous St. Gallen Bratwurst.

Scenic Surroundings This morning, board the Voralpen Express train for a scenic journey through Switzerland’s Pre-Alps, providing beautiful views of lakes, hills, and villages. Arrive in Lucerne, spend some free time exploring and settling into your hotel before [LOCAL FAVORITE] enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT Lucerne is considered an alpine gem, nestled among the mountains and set on the edge of a glacier lake. It is also home to one of Switzerland’s most iconic monuments - Bertel Thorvaldsen’s Lion Monument, a moving commemoration of the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution. Why not take a stroll to see why Mark Twain described it as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world."

Bridging History This morning, join an orientation walk to see the highlights of Lucerne. Admire the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss, and the charming Altstadt (old town) with its quaint streets and painted buildings. Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening to get better acquainted with this alpine gem. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne, the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.

Coming Up Roses in Bern Board your train this morning and enjoy the views before arriving 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, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Free time this evening to explore more and sample some local specialties. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne 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.

Life on the Lake Depart Bern by train and arrive at Lausanne, located on Lake Geneva, the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. Enjoy free time to linger in Lausanne, stroll around the old town or perhaps discover its Olympic heritage (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT The glistening waters of Lake Geneva lap against its French and Swiss shores in the serene surroundings of sublime vineyards and countryside. Belle Epoque sailboats traverse the lakeshores amid castles, museums, and resort towns as they have for over a century.

Grandeur in Geneva Today, enjoy an included excursion by train to Chillon Castle and Montreux. Be captivated by anecdotal accounts and historical background during a guided tour of the historic castle. Enjoy some free time in Montreux, often referred to as the Swiss Riviera, and favored by music stars as a recording location Take time to stroll around town and along the stunning lakeside promenade. Join your travel companions this evening for a farewell dinner. (B,D) 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 breath-taking views of the surrounding area.

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Geneva.) (B)