Itinerary for: Country Roads of Switzerland (E728)
Day 1 - UK - ZURICH
Enjoy your complimentary V.I.P door to door transfer to your departure airport. On arrival at Zurich Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 11:00 & 12:30. Later, an orientation tour of the city shows you the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster, famous for its stained glass windows by Marc
Chagall. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Movenpick Hotel Zurich-Airport.
Day 2 - ZURICH - BERNE - CHILLON CASTLE - VILLARS
After a short drive to Berne, see the Bear Pits, Cathedral of St Vincent, the Federal Palace and the floral displays and fountains. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the grim Ogre Fountain. Visit Murten with its ramparts, towers and yachts, and see the main street with its arcaded houses and the 13th century castle which affords splendid views of the lake. Now to the shores of Lake Geneva for a visit to Chillon Castle, which sits on a rocky islet, immortalised by Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. Continue up the scenic road into the mountains to the Alpine village of Villars.
Hotel: Hotel Du Golf. (BB,D)
Day 3 - SWISS COUNTRY EXCURSION
Snowy summits fill the horizon as you leave Villars and ascend the Col de la Croix. Drive through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, renowned for its cheese. Spend time exploring its picturesque main street and castle before returning to the hotel via Gstaad, one of Europe's most fashionable ski resorts. (BB)
Day 4 - LAKE GENEVA EXCURSION
Follow the shores of Lac Leman to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet D'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Before returning to your alpine hotel, embark on a highlight cruise on Lake Geneva past the cultural resort of Montreux.(BB,D)
Day 5 - VILLARS - MARTIGNY - SION - ZERMATT
Journey into the upper Rhone valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. The final stage of the journey to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt is by mini-bus and electric taxi. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Swiss cuisine.
Hotel: Alpen Resort (BB,HD)
Day 6 - ZERMATT AT LEISURE
Spend a whole day relaxing in the clean mountain air. Perhaps take an excursion to the Kleiner Matterhorn, see the Matterhorm from the church bridge, take a short hike or sample the delicious Kuchen (cakes). (BB)
Day 7 - ZERMATT - LUGANO
Descend to Täsch and re-join the coach. Drive through Brig to commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Back in Switzerland, drive on to the lakeside resort Lugano.
Hotel: De la Paix (BB)
Day 8 - LUGANO - ST MORITZ
Head north today, passing by the three castles at Bellinzona en route to the Grisons region. Travel via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel and follow the young Rhine River through Heidi Country. Head east to the ancient Roman Julier Pass and the chic resort of St Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.
Hotel: Monopol (BB,D)
Day 9 - ST MORITZ AT LEISURE
Today is free to enjoy at your own pace. Jostle with the jet-set in the elegant boutiques, or take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. (BB)
Day 10 - ST MORITZ - INTERLAKEN
All aboard for the Glacier Express - one of the world's great railway journeys. Have your cameras ready as you ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schollenen Gorge past the Devils Bridge. On through William Tell Country to stay 'between the lakes' in the charming resort of Interlaken.
Hotel: Royal St Georges (BB,D)
Day 11 - VALLEY OF WATERFALLS EXCURSION
Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen at the head of the 'Valley of Waterfalls', and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres. Consider taking a cog-wheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain. (BB)
Day 12 - INTERLAKEN - BRIENZ - LUCERNE
Brienz is well known as Switzerland's woodcarving centre. A delightful drive along the shores of the lake leads to a wood-carving exhibition to learn how today's woodcarvings are produced. Next, experience Swiss rural life throughout the ages at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. Now continue over the Brunig Pass and drive along side the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria (BB,D)
Day 13 - MT PILATUS EXCURSION
Take an excursion by cog-wheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, which offers a stunning view of Lucerne, as well as the lakes, countryside and hills surrounding it. Return to Lucerne to see the covered wooden bridge, together with the famous Lion Monument carved from a limestone cliff. Spend the afternoon browsing in the shops. (BB)
Day 14 - LUCERNE - ZURICH AIRPORT - UK
Last chance to buy fine watches, cuckoo clocks or delicious chocolate! Departure transfers arrive at Zurich Airport at 08:00. Please do not schedule any flights before 10:00am.
On arrival at your UK airport, your driver will greet you and escort you to your waiting car for your return V.I.P door to door transfer home. (BB)