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Williston Park, NY 11596
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Switzerland
&
The Italian
Lakes
June 7-15, 2024
July 19-27, 2024
See why U.S. News & World Reports has ranked Switzerland as the #1 Country in the World for four straight years. When you visit Switzerland it’s like you’re visiting 3 countries in one. While in the southwestern region we are near the border of France, as evidenced by the language spoken by its residents and the city’s restaurants. As we visit the northern and central parts of the country, German is the primary language and Austrian-German cuisine is predominant. Traveling to the southeastern region takes us to Lugano, where Italian is the language of choice and wonderful Italian restaurants abound, leading us to our visit to Como, Italy and a memorable cruise on enchanting Lake Como. Charming lakeside villages, fascinating cities, glorious panoramic landscapes and majestic mountain scenery combine to make this a trip you’ll remember forever!
Scroll down to see the day to day itinerary
1st Day: Lausanne,
Switzerland
Welcome to Lausanne.
We’ll meet our traveling companions for a drink and a tasty Welcome Dinner.
We’ll meet our traveling companions for a drink and a tasty Welcome Dinner.
Dinner
2nd Day: Lausanne,
Switzerland
We travel to the capital of Switzerland, Bern. With its stately limestone buildings, historical towers and numerous elaborate fountains, Bern is one of the most impressive examples of medieval town architecture in Europe. We will see the unique Bear Park, the winding Aare River, 19th century Parliament Buildings, Cathedral of Bern, Einstein House, Rose Garden, Prison Tower and Town Hall. Particularly appealing is the ornate Astronomical Clock which was built in 1530. Its puppets pop out of tiny doorways on the tower hourly to perform little skits. We return to Lausanne where we are treated to another fine dinner.
Breakfast, Dinner
3rd Day: Lausanne,
Switzerland
We drive to Geneva, which sparkles as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Geneva’s most famous monument, the Jet d’Eau, is the world’s tallest water fountain and serves as a constant landmark as we explore this marvelous city. The city exhibits the strong influence of neighboring France, with its language, signs and culture. A visit to Geneva is not complete without seeing the ancient Old Town – whose oldest square was once a Roman forum, the Floral Clock, Market Street, waterfront parks and its ritzy shopping and banking districts, as well as its many international cafes and restaurants. Return to Lausanne for a free evening.
Breakfast
4th Day: Lucerne,
Switzerland
Fairytale-like scenery abounds as we take a ride on the famous “Chocolate Train.” Passing through a region of meadows, brilliant mountain peaks and countryside dotted with quaint farmhouses – replete with grazing sheep and cows that will make you feel as if Heidi herself will appear at any moment. We visit the charming town of Gruyeres to learn how its famous cheese is made before continuing on to the Cailler-Nestle factory – pioneers of Milk Chocolate – where we see how their delicious chocolates are created and get to taste some of the freshly made goodies. Time is allowed for lunch on your own in one of Gruyeres’ wonderful restaurants – fondue anyone? Then it’s on to Lucerne for the next 2 evenings.
Breakfast, Dinner
5th Day: Lucerne,
Switzerland
Another magical day awaits us as we take the short cruise to Vitznau and board a cog railway that takes us to the top of Mt. Rigi, known as the “Queen of the Mountains.” Once on top of the mountain we are afforded stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Lucerne. You’ll see for yourself why Mt. Rigi is the enduring picture postcard star of the region. We are then treated to a traditional Swiss luncheon while in this incredibly picturesque setting. We’ll experience more spectacular views of unmatched beauty during the cable car ride down from the mountaintop to the idyllic lakeside village of Weggis, before heading back to our hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch
6th Day: Lugano,
Switzerland
The drive to today’s destination, Lugano, takes us through some of the Swiss Alps’ most breathtaking scenery. Shimmering lakes surrounded by majestic mountains, charming Swiss villages, rolling flower fields and gorgeous vistas highlight our drive. Once in Lugano you will immediately detect its distinct Mediterranean flair. Street names, signs and the language spoken all denote the city’s Italian influence. Enchanting Lake Lugano, its flower laden promenade set against a backdrop of gorgeous mountains and the traffic free historic town center will delight you. A delicious luncheon in one of Lugano’s finer restaurants awaits us (and some gelato, of course). Accommodations tonight and tomorrow are in Lugano.
Breakfast
7th Day: Lugano,
Switzerland
It’s a short ride to the border and on to the charming town of Como, Italy. We learn about the importance of the silk production industry in Como’s history during our tour of the city that features the Broletto (Town Hall) and its fascinating gothic façade. Time to enjoy the local boutiques and eateries before we board our boat for a memorable cruise on Lake Como in which we’re surrounded by a panorama of stunning mountain scenery. Free time is provided in the picturesque town of Bellagio. Upon concluding our cruise we return to our hotel in Lugano.
Breakfast
8th Day:
Our drive takes us north to Zurich, the cosmopolitan city by the water that combines creative urban life with nature in all its glory. A tour of Old Town lets visitors experience Zurich’s multi-faceted past and a stroll along Bahnofstrasse, Zurich’s “shopping mile,” which is regarded as Switzerland’s “Champs Élysées,” is an absolute delight. It features a multitude of exclusive fashion boutiques, restaurants and street cafes that invite passersby to linger. A walk farther down the street brings us to lovely Lake Zurich, a gathering place for people, ferries and boats. Accommodations and a Farewell Dinner are in Zurich tonight.
Breakfast, Dinner
9th Day: Zurich,
Switzerland
Transfer to the airport in Zurich to board your plane for the flight home.
Breakfast
Exclusive Vacations
Your Tour Package
Includes
- First class accommodations for 8 evenings
- Full breakfast daily
- 1 lunch
- 4 dinners
- All sightseeing & admissions
- Services of a professional tour escort
- Gratuities for included meals
-
$3,999 per person, double occupancy; single supp: $1,095
Highlights
- Tours of Bern, Geneva, Lucerne, Lugano & Zurich
- Visits to Lausanne, Bellagio, Gruyeres (think fondue)
- Scenic ride on the “Chocolate Train” to tour the Cailler Chocolate Factory
- Cruise on Lake Como