Itinerary Details
Spectacular Switzerland
Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2 ZURICH–BIEL/BIENNE–NEUCHaTEL–GENEVA Swiss Strolls in Geneva This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Biel / Bienne, renowned for watch making. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center before continuing to lakeside Neuchatel. Time to have some lunch, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Arrive in the elegant city of Geneva and take advantage of a leisurely evening to get acquainted with the city chosen to host the headquarters of many international organizations. (B)
202 mi / 325 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.
Day 3 GENEVA Spend your day your way in Geneva Follow your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour featuring Reformation Park and a walk through the Old Town. Explore more of Geneva with your choice of included Globus choice excursions.
Geneva's humanitarian hearts
Follow your Local Guide for a specially themed tour focusing on Geneva's role in humanitarian efforts on a global scale since the 19th century. See where the Red Cross was founded and the site of the first Geneva Convention signing. Hear about the role Geneva still plays today through its international and non-governmental institutions on behalf of humanitarian issues.
Little train. Big sights.
Hop aboard Geneva's mini-train for a leisurely ride through the Old Town with captivating commentary on the main landmarks of the vibrant Swiss city. Along the route, see the Place Bel-Air, Reformation Wall, the Town Hall, St-Pierre Cathedral, and much more.
Enjoy free time this evening. (B)
Day 4 GENEVA–ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE–GRUYÈRES, SWITZERLAND–BROC–GRUYÈRE AREA How Sweet It Is This morning, arrive in Evian-Les-Bains and browse the spa town famous for its mineral waters and breathtaking scenery. Arrive in Gruyères [LF] for a delicious lunch of local specialties and a traditional dessert with meringue and double crème. After lunch visit the Castle and spend time in the village. To make things even sweeter, continue to Broc and [LF] visit the Maison Cailler Swiss chocolate factory for a tasting. (B,L,D)
90 mi / 145 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES Meringue a la crème and Swiss chocolate are two perfect pleasures we can’t resist! Capture the tradition of the medieval hilltop Castle of Gruyères with the double sweetness of crème and meringue. Later sink your sweet tooth into Maison Cailler’s decadent delicacies when you visit their famous chocolate factory.Day 5 GRUYÈRE AREA–GSTAAD–INTERLAKEN–GRINDELWALD Spectacular Switzerland Lots of alpine scenery to admire today, beginning with Gstaad for a stroll around the winter resort popular with celebrities. Continue to Interlaken and enjoy some free time in one of Switzerland’s oldest resorts, then take a short drive to arrive in Grindelwald for a leisurely afternoon. (B)
87 mi / 140 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Grindelwald has been attracting visitors since the 18th century, a popular hub for those wishing to explore the Bernese Oberland, an area renowned for stunning scenery and pristine nature. During the winter months the area is a top ski destination, and Grindelwald is Switzerland’s largest ski resort.Day 6 GRINDELWALD. EXCURSION TO THE JUNGFRAU The Top of Europe Prepare to be filled with wonder by today’s special treat! Join an excursion to the [LF] Jungfrau Massif with a mountain train ride to the summit. Receive your Jungfrau Passport and at the summit enjoy free time to explore the Alpine Sensation. Visit the Ice Palace, experience the Panorama 360°, have a bite of lunch, and even shop for chocolate at the world’s highest chocolate shop! (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
EPIC RIDE An unforgettable journey to the Jungfraujoch, often called the “Top of Europe.” Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and spend time exploring. Visit the Ice Palace where artists have created incredible ice sculptures. Enjoy a 360° cinematic experience of the Jungfrau Panorama and don’t miss the chance to take the ultrafast lift to the Sphinx Observatory to get a fantastic view of the longest glacier in the Alps.Day 7 GRINDELWALD–BERNE–LUCERNE 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)
112 mi / 180 km
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.Day 8 LUCERNE Bridging History This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem before enjoying a farewell dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at 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 the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.Day 9 LUCERNE–ZURICH AIRPORT Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
A complimentary morning transfer to Zurich Airport. in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. (B)
43 mi / 70 km
