“Switzerland is simply a large, bumpy, solid rock, with a thin skin of grass stretched over it.”
- From A Tramp Abroad by Mark Twain
Switzerland
Many travelers would take great exception to Mark Twain’s comments! With stunning Alpine scenery, lush meadows, a medley of beautiful lakes and attractive cities and towns, Switzerland has a wonderful variety of natural and man-made attractions. The beauty of the Alps is staggering. In fact, Switzerland is a traveler’s dream!
The fabled Swiss efficiency has positive benefits for visitors: trains run punctually, hotels are clean and comfortable, opening times for attractions are reliable, and everyone connected with tourism speaks English. There is something to enjoy throughout the year.
Swiss cheeses and wines are at their best when not required to travel! A trip to Switzerland is a wonderful opportunity to sample something not readily available elsewhere. Appenzeller, Emmenthaler, Gruyere, creamy cheeses from the French-speaking region, or herbed cheeses from the eastern cantons make good picnic provisions. Two of the more famous cheese dishes, fondue and raclette, are national specialties and not to be missed!
Other facets of Switzerland’s personality are its four different regions: Swiss-German, French, Italian and Romansch. In the French area are the beautiful towns of Lausanne, (the Olympic Museum), Montreux (The Castle of Chillon made famous by Lord Byron’s poem), and Vevey, (where Charlie Chaplin had his Villa). The famous ski and all season resorts of Klosters and St. Moritz where there are splendid spa facilities as well. Lucerne is one of the most beautiful of Switzerland’s medieval cities. Italian flavor spices up the cities of Locarno (immortalized in Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms), Lugano and Ascona (all wonderful health and spa resorts). Of course, the famed capitals of Geneva and Zermatt cannot be missed either.
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Lake Geneva & Matterhorn Region
One region, four worlds. Courbet, Kokoschka, Charlie Chaplin, and David Bowie are among those who settled t Lake Geneva, attracted, no doubt, by the Alpine panorama and almost Mediterranean vegetation. You find 47 summits above 13,000 feet, among them the Matterhorn, Glacier 3000 and Mount Allalin.4 nights
- 4 nights with breakfast in 3 or 4 night hotels (prices will vary)
- 1 night in Geneva, 1 night in Lausanne or Montreux
- 2 nights in Zermatt, Saas Fee Leukerbad or Crans Montana
- 4 days train travel in 2nd class
- Upgrades to 1st class rail and additional nights available
Splendor in Southern Switzerland
Discover the charming Ticino canton in southern Switzerland with this five-night package. Spend time learning about and tasting the regional food and wine specialties. Stroll along the lakeside shores and take boat excursions on Lake Maggiore. Visit Bellinzona and explore the three castles listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. It feels like Italy but runs like Switzerland.5 nights
- 5 nights with breakfast in B&Bs and 3 star hotels
- Transportation
- Half-day cooking class with excursion to gather local ingredients
- Half-day wine tasting with excursion to the vineyards and wine cellars of nearby valleys
Top of Europe - Jungfrau Region - Interlaken
Conveniently situated in the center of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken is an ideal starting point for innumerable trips. The town is well known for its delightful location and for the beautiful surrounding nature. A stay in the Bernese Oberland means relaxing at the foot of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau.4 nights in 3 to 5 star hotels
- 4 nights in 3 to 5 star hotels
- Breakfast daily
- Day trip to the Jungfraujoch
- Entrance fee to the history museum Ballenberg
- Optional visit to the Mystery Park in Interlaken
- Excursion to Muerren
- Transportation
Swiss Mountains and Lakes - Lucerne - Switzerland with a German Accent
Lucerne - the metropolis at the Lake Lucerne has numerous attractions: the Chapel Bridge with its fantastic gable paintings, the Glacier Garden, the cozy old lanes, the various museums and the characteristic churches. You will travel on the world's steepest cogwheel train up to Mt. Pilatus and visit Mt. Rigi.3 nights in 3 to 5 star hotels
- 3 nights accommodation with daily breakfast
- Excursion to Pilatus
- Excursion to Rigi
- Guided city tour in Lucerne
ESCORTED TOURS
Montreux - Zermatt - Lugano - St. Moritz - Grindelwald - Lucerne
11 Days/10 Nights - Land onlyExperience Switzerland's picturesque mountains, lakes and four distinct cultures. Visit Lake Como, St. Moritz, Montreux, Lucerne and Lugano, and take a journey aboard the fascinating Swiss railroads.
- 10 Breakfasts, 4 lunches and 7 Dinners
- Two nights stay in Zermatt, Lugano, Grindelwald and Lucerne
- Additional nights in Montreux, St. Moritz and Lugano
- Alpine Cogwheel Train
- Borromean Islands
- Glacier Express Train Ride
- Jungfraujoch Excursion
- Guided City Tours
