Swiss Sational: Switzerland & Lake Como By Design
Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZURICH Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
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Day 2 ZURICH–EXCURSION TO RHINE FALLS ZURICH Orientation walk of the Old Town includes sights of the Fraumünsterkirche.
RHINE FALLS Take pictures of the waterfalls. (B)
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Day 3 ZURICH–BERNE–CHILLON CASTLE–LAKE GENEVA BERNE Guided walking tour includes the Old Town, a stop at Bear Park and a panoramic view of the city from Rose Garden.
CHILLON Guided visit of the castle. (B)
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Day 4 LAKE GENEVA LAKE GENEVA YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
TASTE: Swiss Chocolate & Cheese, Please!
The only thing more inspiring than Switzerland's stunning scenery is its food! A sweet adventure awaits you at the Maison Cailler chocolaterie (chocolate shop). Explore the story of Swiss chocolate through a series of interactive, multi-sensory experiences, and uncover a few secrets along the way! Continue on to the picturesque town of Gruyères for a taste. Stroll through its pedestrian center with Medieval cobblestones and fountains. A real charmer!
SIP: Mountains Soar & Wines Pour
Cruise the serene waters of Lake Geneva, explore Lavaux's breathtaking UNESCO vineyards, indulge in a wine tasting, and ride a scenic Swiss train through the picturesque, terraced landscapes of Switzerland¿s renowned wine region.
(B)
CHOICE-DAY.jpgDay 5 LAKE GENEVA–LUGANO LAKE GENEVA Take a gondola ride to the pinnacle of glacial terrain at Glacier 3000 for soaring sights high above Lake Geneva. Explore the spectacular scenery and endless skies with a walk on the glacier or spend time at the fun park during your visit. (B,D)
LAKE-GENEVA-GLACIER-3000.jpgDay 6 LUGANO LUGANO YourChoice Excursions include one of the following activities of your choice:
HIKE: "Olive You" Lugano!
Soak in breathtaking views of Lake Lugano and its surrounding mountains with a guided hike through the olive groves. Afterwards enjoy an aperitivo and some time to stroll in the quaint village of Gandria.
EXPLORE: The Right Train of Mind
Take a guided walking tour of Locarno and board the Centovalli train to meet the farmers who share century-old stories and traditions with local specialties and a glass of wine.
RELAX: Zen It Out
Spend the day on Monte Tamaro with your choice of entertainment, natural beauty, and trekking. Ascend the summit via cable car. Spend some "me" time at the spa. Or both!
(B)
CHOICE-DAY.jpgDay 7 LUGANO–EXCURSION ON LAKE COMO LUGANO: Drive to Como for an orientation, and free time to explore this delightful lakeside town. Embark on a boat cruise to take in the sights around Como's dazzling lake all the way to Bellagio. Marvel at matchless views of the Italian Alps as you float past forested hills, charming lakeside villages, peaceful bays, exotic gardens, and the elegant villas of the glitterati. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
(B,D)
LAKE-COMO-BELLAGIO.jpgDay 8 LUGANO Your vacation ends with breakfast in the morning. (The nearest airport is Milan.) (B)
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Lake Geneva
Geneva is a cosmopolitan metropolis proud of her traditions. A fascinating history that traverses the passage of western Euopean history and features in a great many of the pivotal events, both pre- and post Reformation serves as the foundation for this impeccable city on the picturesque shores of famous Lac Léman, or Lake Geneva. Geneva is a destination of lush parklands, eight picturesque bridges, quaint, winding streets and of course, the wonderful lake and her abundant treasures.
Zurich
Zurich is often referred to as the "garden city on the lake". A stroll through the fascinating city will soon explain the reason for this. Zurich is one of the richest cantons in the country and home to the famous and very beautiful shopping street, Bahnhofstrasse. It is a bustling metropolis with many new buildings and modern architecture. Age-old landmarks and examples of unique design and artistic styles proliferate the city; the oldest and best preserved are most densely distributed in Neumarkt. The famous Grossmunster with its two tall towers is most dominant. Visit the late 15th century Wasserkiche and the Rathaus, a graceful town hall built in renaissance style. Famous for its traditional festivals and holiday celebrations, Downtown Niederdorf is the center of activities. From jazz clubs to restaurants & bars to cultural pursuits including galleries, museums and exhibitions, there is something interesting all year. To really get familiar with Zurich, experience it from the Lake of Zurich. The perspective of the city and its romantic surrounds from this vantage point is unique and not to be missed.
Lugano
With its warm climate and Latin Character, Lugano is a carefree town nestled between the peaks of San Salvatore and Monte Bré. The swaying palms and cypress trees give it a distinct Italian feeling, and it is the largest town in the Italian-speaking Tessin canton. Due to its pleasant climate and breezy Mediterranean ambience, Lugano is one of the all time favorites and most visited resort areas during the warmer months. The old town has many buildings of historical interest. Palazzo Civico is filled with restaurants and boutiques and is the pulsating heart of the town. The irregularly shaped Lake of Lugano is spectacularly picturesque as is the bordering scenery. Indulging in some excellent shopping along Via Nassa. Lugano offers a wide variety of cultural, art and musical events each offering a unique way to explore the city's history and traditions. The famous Thyssen-Bornemisza art gallery, Villa Favorita, attracts countless visitors. Historic churches including Santa Maria degli Angioli and the cathedral San Lorenzo are well worth a visit.