The Trade Book
The Best of Switzerland
Tourism Information
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TOURISM_POSTED_BY:
M Michael
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TOURISM_POSTED_ON:
Jan 04, 2013
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3
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3973
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Category :
Tours »
Europe
»
Central & Eastern Europe
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Description :
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Location :
Zurich, Switzerland
Profile Information
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Duration
8 Days
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Departure From:
Zurich, Switzerland
Overview
Day 1 - Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland. Time to rest or to discover Zurich's attractive historic center and lakeside promenade. At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Day 2 - Zurich - Vaduz, Liechtenstein - St. Moritz, Switzerland. Enjoy an orientation walk, stop for a visit of a traditional CHOCOLATE CONFECTIONARY before continuing to the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. After a break in Vaduz, ascend the Rhine Valley into the mountainous Grisons, a canton where three of the country's four languages are spoken. Rhine valley is considered by many as the most beautiful mountain area in the world, with deep-blue lakes, airy larch forests that turn golden in the fall, mountain peaks, and quaint villages with massive white stone houses in the characteristic Grisons style. Afternoon arrival in ritzy St. Moritz.
Day 3 - St. Moritz - Lake Como, Italy - Lugano, Switzerland. A gradual change of scenery as you descend towards the enchanting shores of the Italian Lake Como and continue on to the southern tip of Switzerland. The vegetation south of the Alps is Mediterranean: chestnut groves, vineyards, and olive and fig trees make you forget that earlier today you were within walking distance of glaciers. Afternoon arrival in the popular subtropical resort town of Lugano allows time for shopping under the arcades of Via Nassa, an espresso on flower-festooned Piazza Riforma, or a stroll along the lake.
Day 4 - Lugano - Stresa, Italy - Zermatt, Switzerland. From Lake Lugano to the Italian shore of Lake Maggiore. An optional boat ride to the enchanting Isola Bella can be arranged. On over lofty Simplon Pass into the Swiss Valais, an area renowned for its excellent wines and great mountain resorts. To reach the most famous of them, leave the coach behind in Tasch and board a MOUNTAIN TRAIN to climb the last few miles up to car-free Zermatt, a picturesque cluster of rustic chalets beneath the Matterhorn.
Day 5 - Zermatt - Lake Geneva. Morning at leisure. At beautiful Lake Geneva for your overnight stay.
Day 6 - Lake Geneva - Berne - Interlaken - Lucerne. Travel along an excellent highway through some of the country's best farmlands to its stately capital, Berne. Your guided tour starts at the BEAR PARK, followed by a panoramic view of the city from the Rose Garden. Witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower and take your pictures of ornate, flower-adorned fountains. Highlight of the day is a special lunch at a traditional Swiss WORKING FARM.. You may wish to sign up for a folklore party with yodeling and alphorn blowing for a first-hand impression of Alpine merrymaking.
Day 7 - Lucerne. On your walking tour this morning, admire Thorwaldsen's LION MONUMENT and ornate patrician houses of the walled Old Town, then, cross the famous covered CHAPEL BRIDGE to the Jesuit church. Afterwards, shop for watches or climb a mountain by cable car. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant to celebrate the success of your Swiss vacation.
Day 8 - Lucerne - Zurich Airport. Morning transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich, not Lucerne.