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.