10-Nights Switzerland: The Alps to the Italian Lakes - Small Group Journeys from $15,995

1 Arrive Zurich, Switzerland
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city and one with a well-deserved reputation for offering a high quality of life, among the best in the world. You are met and transferred to your hotel, where you meet your fellow guests this evening for dinner.


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2 Zurich - Breathtaking Views & Scenic Paths
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Zurich this morning, taking in its alluring mix of modern and Old World architecture while strolling its wide, pedestrian-friendly avenues. Zurich is known for its churches, and your walk incorporates several noteworthy ones, including the Fraumünster, with its Marc Chagall-designed stained glass windows, and the Grossmünster, supposedly founded by Charlemagne and later playing a key part in establishing the Reformation in Switzerland. After lunch at a local bierkeller (beer cellar), gather for a sweet finish with a visit to an independent chocolate producer. Learn about the fascinating history and production of Swiss chocolate at the last manufacturer who still starts with the raw cacao beans.


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3 Lucerne - Peaks of the Alps
Travel to Lucerne, on the shores of its beautiful lake, and stroll the streets of this medieval jewel. The city's most famous landmark is the Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge in Europe. Its interior is decorated with vivid paintings, many of which date back to the 17th century and depict events from the city's history. You also visit Corn Market Square and the nearby Old Town Hall, built in 1602. There is time for lunch at leisure or further exploration, Continue to Alpnachstad and board the cogwheel train for a ride on the world's steepest railway to the top of Mt. Pilatus. Descend via a cable car and alpine gondola. Continue to your hotel in Bern, named for the bears that may still be seen in Europe's wilderness.
Bellevue Palace

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4 Bern - Capital City
This morning, discover the charms of Switzerland's intimate capital, strolling delightful old streets and stepping inside the Zytglogge for a private, guided visit of this legendary medieval clock tower. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure, free to relax or explore on your own. Tonight, dine at your elegant hotel.
Bellevue Palace

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5 Interlaken - Play the Alphorn
Travel to the pretty mountain village of Habkern and partake in two Swiss traditions. Enjoy a special class with a yodel teacher and a lesson in the history of the famous alphorn. Once, these massive horns were used by herdsmen on the mountain slopes to communicate with people in the valleys below; today, they are enjoyed as musical instruments, and your lesson includes the option to play one yourself. After lunch, visit scenic Interlaken and cruise beautiful Lake Thun, surrounded by the glory of the Alps. Return to Bern for an evening at leisure.
Bellevue Palace

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6 Zermatt - All Aboard the Glacier Express
Drive to Stans for a visit to the Culinarium Alpinum, a center where chefs, schnapps distillers, farmers, butchers, sommeliers, cheesemakers and master bakers come together to help preserve Alpine culinary heritage. Join a guide for a tour with tastings, culminating in a traditional Swiss fondue lunch. Then, board the renowned Glacier Express, traversing majestic scenery in your first-class carriage, and enjoying dinner onboard before arriving in the mountain town of Zermatt — a popular waypoint for Alpine explorers.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof

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7 Zermatt - Design Your Day

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

• Ascend to the Summit of Gornegrat Mountain by cog railroad to take in vistas of the Matterhorn and more.
• Hike in the Zermatt Mountains with an expert guide to see picturesque alpine lakes that reflect jaw-dropping scenery.
• Indulge in a Spa Experience, taking advantage of your hotel's exceptional amenities for a relaxing massage.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

A short train ride takes you out of Zermatt today. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the spectacular Simplon Pass before arriving in the Italian Lakes District and the beautiful resort town of Stresa, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Ernest Hemingway set portions of his World War I novel A Farewell to Arms here, although he didn't actually visit in person until 1948. Settle in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy a Scenic Sundower overlooking the glittering lake, followed by a fine dinner.