Swiss Charms: Nature & Mountain Villages

Arrive in Zurich and continue to the medieval village of Stein am Rhein and the Rhine Falls. In Basel, enjoy its vibrant cultural scene. Discover Bern's historic charm and the famous cheese of Gruyères. Proceed to Lausanne to enjoy its lake views, then visit the village of Mürren, nestled in the Swiss Alps. Experience Geneva’s beauty before crossing into France to explore Annecy.

Itinerary

1st Day: Canada - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Switzerland? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Zurich*. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Zurich

Touch down in Zurich and self-transfer to the hotel*. As Switzerland's largest city and a renowned global financial hub, Zurich is beautifully situated on the north shore of its picturesque namesake lake. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure. Why not take a leisurely stroll through the historic old town, savor a piece of authentic Swiss chocolate, or indulge in a diverse array of local cuisine at the city's numerous restaurants? From quaint cafes to fine dining establishments, Zurich offers a culinary experience for every palate. Overnight stay in Zurich.

3rd Day: Zurich - Stein am Rhein - Rhine Falls - Basel

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Zurich to Stein am Rhein for a brief walking tour. The town of Stein am Rhein lies at the point where Lake Constance becomes the River Rhine again. It is famous for its well-preserved Old Town center, with painted facades and half-timbered houses, for which it received the very first Wakker Prize in 1972.

Continue to Neuhausen am Rheinfall and be amazed by the powerful Rhine Falls. Standing high above Europe's largest waterfall, feel the roar and vibration of the water through your entire body. Due to tectonic shifts in the Ice Age, the Rhine River was forced into a new riverbed over 15,000 years ago. Over a breadth of 150 meters, several hundred cubic meters of water rush into the depths at the rate of 23 meters per second.

Continue to Basel, Switzerland oldest city, for a brief walking tour. Explore the old town, see the Cathedral and the Rathaus (city hall) with its red colors. Pass by the Kunstmuseum (Museum of Art), considered the oldest public art collection in the world. Basel is both tradition-conscious and open-minded, a fact reflected in several modern buildings designed by renowned architects such as Herzog & Meuron, Mario Botta, Diener & Diener, and Richard Meier. Overnight stay in Basel.

Included Activities:

Walking Tour of Basel
Embark on a guided walking tour of Basel to delve into its rich cultural scene, discover historical landmarks, and wander its vibrant streets. Learn about Basel's fascinating history and architecture as you explore this dynamic Swiss city on foot.

Visit to Stein am Rhein & Rhine Falls
Explore the medieval village of Stein am Rhein with its charming architecture and picturesque streets. Then marvel at Rhine Falls, Europe's largest waterfall, as the mighty Rhine River cascades in a spectacular display of natural beauty.

4th Day: Basel - Bern - Gruyere - Lausanne

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will head to the stunning city of Bern, to enjoy a brief walking tour and admire its unique combination of medieval charm, modern sophistication, and natural beauty. Nestled in a picturesque loop of the Aare River, the city's well-preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and relaxed atmosphere.

Continue to the town of Gruyères, famous worldwide for its namesake cheese and its charming medieval castle. We highly recommend tasting the delicious cheese fondue, a traditional Swiss dish that should not to be missed!

Next, head to Lausanne, located on the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its vibrant cultural scene and internationally acclaimed museums. Take a brief walking tour to explore its old town and admire the majestic Gothic Cathedral. Overnight stay in Lausanne.

Included Activities:

Walking Tour of Bern
Embark on a guided walking tour of Bern to explore its historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and charming streets. Immerse yourself in Bern's rich history and architectural wonders as you stroll through this captivating Swiss capital.

Walking Tours of Gruyeres and Lausanne
Discover the medieval allure of Gruyères with its famous cheese and picturesque castle. Then, explore Lausanne, renowned for its stunning cathedral and scenic lake views, while learning about its rich history and vibrant atmosphere.

5th Day: Lausanne - Annecy - Geneva - Lausanne

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, your journey takes you across the French border to visit Annecy, where a captivating walking tour awaits to unveil the city's highlights. Annecy's medieval historic center beckons with its cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and iconic landmarks, earning it the nickname "Venice of the Alps." Explore its rich heritage as you wander through the old town, marveling at landmarks such as the Palais de l'Ile and its medieval castle, and the picturesque canals adorned with vibrant summer flowers.

Your adventure continues with a short walking tour in Geneva. This picturesque city situated on the shores of Lake Geneva, blends a cosmopolitan flair with stunning views of the surrounding Alps and Jura mountains. Wander through Geneva's charming streets and explore some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Jet d'Eau fountain, the beautiful L'Horloge Fleurie (Flower Clock), and the historic St. Peter's Cathedral in the Old Town. Overnight stay in Lausanne.

Included Activities:

Walking Tour of Geneva
Explore Geneva on a guided walking tour, discovering its landmarks, lakeside charm, and vibrant streets. Experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere and cultural richness of this iconic Swiss city.

Walking Tour of Annecy
Discover the charming canals, historic landmarks, and picturesque streets of Annecy. Explore the 'Venice of the Alps' as you learn about its rich history, enjoy the scenic beauty, and experience the unique atmosphere of this enchanting French town.

6th Day: Lausanne - Chexbres - Lauterbrunnen - Zurich

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, the day begins with a scenic journey to Chexbres, where you will stop to take photos among the beautiful Lavaux vineyards, offering a charming start to the trip. Next, you will continue your journey to Lauterbrunnen, a gateway to the Swiss Alps. Here, an exciting excursion awaits you: a cable car ride from Lauterbrunnen to Grütschalp, followed by a comfortable train ride to the village of Mürren. Situated at 1,650 meters above sea level, Mürren captivates with its charming brown-brick chalets and unrivaled views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. You will have free time in this alpine paradise to admire the spectacular alpine scenery. Return to Lauterbrunnen and continue your way to Zurich. Overnight stay in Zurich.

Included Activities:

Visit to Mürren Village
Explore Mürren Village, nestled in the Swiss Alps, where you can immerse yourself in its charming alpine architecture, breathtaking mountain views, and peaceful ambiance.

7th Day: Zurich

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have free day to explore the magic of Zurich. Consider visiting the Old Town (Altstadt), where you can wander through its charming narrow streets and discover historical landmarks. Take a relaxing stroll along Lake Zurich, enjoying the scenic views and possibly a boat ride. Art enthusiasts can spend time at the Kunsthaus Zurich, one of Switzerland's most important art museums. For a unique perspective, head to the Uetliberg Mountain for panoramic views of the city and surrounding Alps. If you prefer, we also recommend our excursion to discover Zurich on a scenic cruise and explore the captivating Lindt Home of Chocolate*, or our incredible trip to Titlis to experience its eternal snow and glacier**. Overnight stay in Zurich.

*Optional Zurich City Tour with Cruise & Lindt Home of Chocolate: Experience the beauty of Zurich, Switzerland’s vibrant economic and cultural center, on a varied city tour that includes a scenic cruise on Lake Zurich. Your guide will highlight the city’s attractions as you travel by coach, followed by a guided walk through the charming Old Town. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the lake, and finish your day with a visit to the Lindt Home of Chocolate, where the museum offers a delightful and unique experience

**Optional excursion Titlis eternal snow and glacier: Take a ride on the revolving Rotair cable car to Mt Titlis, where a magical winter wonderland awaits you throughout the year. Marvel at the stunning views of the Swiss Alps, wander through the Glacier Cave, and experience the excitement of the Cliff Walk. Then, glide on the Ice Flyer chairlift to Glacier Park and enjoy thrilling snow tubing down the glacier.

8th Day: Zurich - Canada

Breakfast at the hotel*. Bid farewell to the charming culture and unforgettable landscapes of Switzerland. At the indicated time, self-transfer to the airport** for your return flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end of your trip***.
 

This is the trip of a lifetime! Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience that you truly deserve. Don’t miss out—call us now to book this incredible holiday and make memories that will last forever!