Highlights of Switzerland

Day 1 - UK - Geneva – Vevey or Montreux

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Geneva. Travel by coach to Vevey or Montreux on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva. Enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel tonight.

Day 2 - Geneva

After our hot buffet breakfast, walk to the nearby train station and travel by train to the 13th-centry Chateau de Chillon, a medieval turreted lakeside fortress which inspired writers and artists such as Victor Hugo, Salvador Dali, Leo Tolstoy and Lord Byron. A guided tour uncovers the medieval halls, hidden chambers and Lord Byron’s initials which he carved on a pillar with his diamond ring when he visited in 1816. After a tasting session of wine produced by the local lakeshore vineyards, continue by train to the traditional lakeside resort of Montreux or Vevey. In Montreux, stroll around this French-speaking resort with its tree-lined lakeside promenade, picturesque old town, lovely Alpine views and Freddie Mercury statue. In Vevey, stroll along the lakeside promenades, see the iconic giant fork sculpture, and explore the narrow streets of the old town. Grab lunch in one of the many pretty cafes and then board the train back to the hotel. Choose one of the restaurants near the hotel for dinner tonight.

Day 3 - Geneva - Zermatt

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and travel by train to Zermatt. All our luggage will be transported separately to our next hotel. Along the way we’ll stop in Martigny-Bourg and take a short walk to Barryland, a living museum and educational centre dedicated to Saint-Bernard dogs which have been used in Switzerland as watchdogs and companions since the 17th century. These intelligent dogs became famous for rescuing travellers buried in avalanches when navigating dangerous routes between Switzerland and Italy. Learn about this endangered breed, their history, welfare and their protected future, before taking connecting trains to the alpine village of Zermatt.

Day 4 - Zermatt

Spend the day at leisure today exploring scenic Zermatt, which is famous for its awe-inspiring backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn and surrounding mountains. Explore using the included Swiss Half Fare Card which is valid on trains, buses, boats and cable cars. Perhaps take a cogwheel train to the summit of Gornegrat Ridge, sample traditional cheese fondue, discover the old town with its narrow alleyways and centuries old wooden chalets, or take the cable car to the mountain station on Klein Matterhorn. There are also many walking trails for all levels.

Day 5 - Zermatt - Interlaken

We leave Zermatt this morning and travel by train, with several connections and our luggage transported separately, to Interlaken which nestles between the famously deep blue Lake Thon and Lake Brienz in the spectacular Bernese Oberland. In the afternoon, take a scenic cruise on Lake Brienz and spend time in Brienz, known for its wood carving, before returning to Interlaken by train. Dinner included back at the hotel tonight.

Day 6 - Interlaken

Get ready for a day of incredible scenery today as we head to Mount Schiltorn which you may recognise from the film ‘James Bond: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Travel by train to the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for its rocky cliffs, roaring waterfalls and sheer cliffs. Travel by coach and take a short walk to the cable car station leading up to Mount Schiltorn. Travel to the summit, 2,970 metres above sea level, on the steepest connecting cable cars in the world, admiring some of the world’s most breathtaking 360° panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. A three-course lunch is included at the revolving Piz Gloria restaurant, which famously featured in the James Bond film. After lunch, spend free time in Mürren and visit the spy museum before returning to the hotel by train.

Day 7 - Interlaken

After breakfast, we board the Luzern-Interlaken Express train for a journey on the GoldenPass Line right into the heart of Switzerland to Lucerne. This one-and-a-half-hour ride takes us along the shores of five crystal-clear lakes, past cascading waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass. Sit back and relax watching the ever-changing scenery through the train’s large windows. On arrival, we meet a local guide for a walking tour of Lucerne, one of the prettiest cities in the world with medieval architecture and covered bridges. Stroll along the iconic Chapel Bridge, soak up the charming atmosphere of the Old Town, and explore scenic squares and hidden alleyways, while learning fascinating stories about Lucerne’s cultural and historical heritage. There is free time for lunch and further exploration. We then travel back to hotel on the Lucerne-Interlaken Express for a farewell dinner.

Day 8 - Interlaken - UK

Travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.