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Itinerary
Day 1: We meet at our town of departure to board our bus to O’Hare Airport for our early evening departure on our major international airline for our flight to Zurich. We will be served dinner and can watch a movie during our overnight flight. (In-flight meals)
DAY 2: (Montreux) Arrival in Zurich Airport. We will be met by our English-speaking tour manager who will direct the group participants to the waiting motorcoach for the transfer to Montreux. En route to the hotel in Montreux, this will not be ready for check in until mid-afternoon, we will stop at the halfway point for a guided tour and lunch in the Swiss capital of Berne. The city's cobblestone streets will lead us through the city square past the flowering fountains, the famous clock tower, the cellar cafes and the Berne bear pit. Four miles of covered arcades insure perfect shopping weather all year round. After lunch and a bit of free time, we head back to the motorcoach for the rest of the transfer. Upon arrival in Montreux, we will check into the hotel with the rest of the day free to relax. That evening, there will be a welcome dinner served at the hotel. (D)
DAY 3: (Montreux) After breakfast, a city tour by motorcoach of Montreux and Vevey will be conducted. The beautiful city of Montreux, which lies on the shores of Lake Geneva and its sister city of Vevey, has attracted visitors since the 18th century. From rustic taverns and wine cellars, to a casino and dance clubs, there is something in Montreux that appeals to everyone. Besides its overall beauty, it is also an excellent and user-friendly base from which to explore the area of western Switzerland.
After the city tour, the motorcoach takes us directly to the Montreux train station for a beautiful rail journey on the Montreux Oberland Bernese Railway to the resort area of Gstaad. The scenery between Montreux and Gstaad is just what you would expect in Switzerland, breathtaking. Upon arrival in Gstaad, the motorcoach arrives to take you to the charming village of Gruyeres. The cobblestone main street and quaint store fronts of this medieval 9th century fortress town are probably best known for its cheese. You will have free time to shop for souvenirs after a lunch of the local specialty, raclette. On your way back to Montreux, we will stop for a tour of the famous Chillon Castle. There are areas of Montreux that date back to the Roman times and it was at Chilion Castle that Byron wrote the poem, "The Prisoner of Chillon". After our castle visit, we will drive back to the hotel to rest before dining that evening in the Restaurant Le Montagnard, which is located above Montreux and overlooks Lake Geneva. (B, D)
DAY 4: (Montreux) After breakfast, we will board the motorcoach for a tour of Geneva. This city is situated between the Alps and Jura Mountains at the western tip of Lake Geneva. You will visit historical sites around the city, including the charming "old town" area of the city with its museums, cafes and antique shops.
Our motorcoach then travels on to Lausanne, which is the world headquarters of the International Olympic Committee. Lausanne is a city of many hills that is dominated by its majestic cathedral. There will be a brief orientation tour of the city with a group lunch. After lunch, there will be a guided tour of the Olympic Museum located in Lausanne's beautiful lakefront suburb of Ouchy.
After returning to the hotel for a bit of relaxation, a group dinner is planned this evening at the Castle of Chatelard, which was built in 1446. Guests will enjoy a magnificent view over Lake Geneva, as well as the Swiss and French Alps. (B, D)
DAY 5: (Lugano) After breakfast, depart Montreux by motorcoach for the touring transfer to Lugano. As you drive through the Rhone Valley to Brig, a stop is included at the Wine Cellars of Imesch. Although, it is a modern-day factory, they still have mementos of "how it used to be done". The guests will sample wine and local specialties, and then continue on for an hour drive prior to having a planned group lunch. Upon arrival in Lugano, guests would check in at the Hotel de la Paix with the balance of the day at leisure. A group dinner of local specialties is planned for the guests at the hotel. (B, D)
DAY 6: (Lugano) After breakfast, a half day city tour of Lugano, which is located in the southernmost region of Switzerland in the canton of Ticino. This city near the Italian border beckons visitors to take a leisurely stroll along the palm-lined shores of Lake Lugano, or through the maze of narrow winding streets and lively piazzas. The main language here is Italian and it has a definite Italian feel in its local character and cuisine. Lunch is on your own and the balances of the day is at leisure to rest up, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the beauty of the city. The guide will also be able to propose lake excursions, or to travel on your own by train to other nearby picturesque towns should you be interested in further exploration of the immediate area. The evening is also free for personal sightseeing and dinner on your own. (B)
DAY 7: (Lugano) After breakfast, a full day motorcoach excursion to the Lake Como region of northern Italy, near the Swiss border, is planned. The tour begins by driving along Lake Lugano to the lakefront town of Porlezza. From there, it’s on to Menaggio and then via Cernobbio, along the Lake Como road, to the city of Como. This routing is a succession of regal hotels, lovely parks and magnificent views. A stop for a group lunch at a lakeside restaurant is a major part of this day's fun. A visit to the city of Como offers historic sightseeing and great shopping, particularly for silk products which are produced locally. That evening a farewell dinner is scheduled at a local Lugano grotto restaurant. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: (Luzern) After breakfast and hotel checkout, guests will board their motorcoach for a full day touring transfer to Luzern. Your drive takes you through the heart of the Swiss Alps and some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Upon reaching the southern tip of Lake Luzern in the town of Brunnen, the group leaves the motorcoach and continues on to the city of Luzern by Lake Steamer while the coach and driver continue on with the luggage to the Luzern hotel. The guests will have an opportunity to enjoy one of the highlights of the region on this 2 hour lake cruise. Lunch is not included on this transfer but it can be taken on the boat, or a stop will be made between Lugano and Brunnen.
Upon arrival in Luzern, the group will checkin at the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. That evening, a Swiss folkloric show and dinner is planned for the group at the Stadtkellar Restaurant in the "Old Town" section of Luzern. (B, D)
DAY 9: (Luzern) After breakfast, a guided city walking tour will be conducted to familiarize the guests with their surroundings and famous landmarks of the "Old Town" of Luzern. These sites include; the Lion's Monument, the Cathedral and the Wooden Bridge, to name but a few. The remainder of the day will be at leisure to shop and explore on your own. Your guide will also have suggestions for individual sightseeing to other cities, if you wish to take the train (Basel, Zurich, Engelberg). Or, perhaps, you would like to take a cable car to Mount Rigi or Mount Pilatus for a tour. Lunch and dinner will also be on your own. (B)
DAY 9: (Luzern) After breakfast, guests will board their motorcoach, and along with their guide, take a full day excursion to the Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland. Stops will be made along the way in Brienz, the woodcarving center of Switzerland, in the beautiful resort city of Interlaken and in the famous mountain village of Grindlewald. Lunch will be on your own in Interlaken. Time for individual sightseeing and shopping will also be taken during this tour.
Interlaken is a great favorite of American tourists. It is the metropolis of the Bernese Oberland region. Interlaken lies in the very heart of Switzerland at 1,870 feet above sea level between the Lakes of Brienz and Thun, and at the foot of the Eiger, Moench and Jungfrau Mountains.
Grindelwald is a skiing and hiking mecca that lies in a sun drenched valley at the foot of the awesome Wetterhorn and Jungfrau Mountains. It is a year round resort with more than 200 miles of carefully kept paths and trails leading over lush mountain meadows and through fragrant fir forests. This quaint village also offers excellent shopping for souvenirs that are produced in the region.
This evening, a farewell to Switzerland dinner is planned at the highly regarded Old Swiss House Restaurant in Luzern. This famous 16th century family run restaurant is related by marriage to Budweisser and the Busch family of St. Louis. This venue is a fitting final tribute to lovely, friendly and peaceful Switzerland. (B, D)
DAY 10: (Homeward bound) All good things come to an end. After breakfast and hotel checkout, guests will board the motorcoach for the one hour transfer from Luzern to the Zurich Airport for the flight back home.
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