Glorious Switzerland - Small Group

Glorious Switzerland - Small Group

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8 Days From

$4850

$4720

Glorious Switzerland - Small Group

8 Days Starting in Geneva and ending in Zurich

Visiting: Geneva, Montreux, Chillon Castle, Zermatt, Täsch, Simplon Pass, Lake Maggiore, Baveno, Julier Pass, Saint Moritz, Chur, Vaduz, Lucerne, Stanserhorn

Tour operator:

Insight Vacations

Tour code:

SE965ZN19

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

5-99

Special diets catered:

7 Breakfasts

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Hiking, Rail Excursion

From:
$4850
$4720 (USD) Operator discount: -$130

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Take a once in a lifetime trip across Switzerland, dipping fresh fruit in Swiss chocolate fondue in Geneva, breathing in the Alpine air of Zermatt and relaxing in luxury—at lakeside Lucerne. In the shadow of the mighty Mount Matterhorn, the car free ski resort of Zermatt is a wonder to behold, bettered only by the chic fashionista surrounds of St. Moritz in the Grison Alps. In Lucerne, explore nearby Stanserhorn with the Insight Choice between meeting a Swiss Ranger to learn about the local flora and fauna, or take a stroll through the magnificent surrounds of Marmott Park. A Celebration Dinner in Lucerne at the foot of Mount Stanserhorn offers glorious views over Lake Lucerne from restaurant Seeblick and draws the sojourn across Switzerland to a close.

Highlights

  • Stanserhorn: Walk along beautiful scenic pathways at the summit of Mount Stanserhorn for a chance to see native animals like marmots

  • Geneva: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the Jet d'Eau and Floral Clock

  • Montreux: At the foot of the Alps this town boasts one of the most beautiful walks along Lake Geneva, join your Travel Director for an orientation before there is free time to explore

  • Zermatt: Ride the shuttle trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway up to the traffic-free Alpine resort. Should weather permit, you may even see the majestic peak of the Matterhorn

  • Glacier Express: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity

  • Vaduz: Admire the Royal family's residence, Vaduz Castle, which overlooks the capital and is surrounded by year-round snow peaked mountains

  • Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge

Itinerary

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Day 1: Geneva, City Of Gardens

Location: Geneva

Accommodation: Hotel d'Angleterre, Geneva.

Accommodation Name: Hotel d'Angleterre

Meals Included: Dinner with Wine

Prepare yourself for the majesty of Switzerland's snow-capped mountains, glaciers, sparkling lakes, flower-filled meadows and rich, green valleys. Transfers from Geneva airport to your hotel depart at 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 18:00 in the hotel lobby, for a short stroll to your Welcome Dinner. The evening is full of Swiss delight, as you enjoy the cozy decor while being served typical Swiss specialties including cheese fondue. Return to your immaculate boutique hotel, the award-winning Hotel d'Angleterre. Enjoy British charm and the finest Swiss hospitality, with each room individually designed to reflect its elegant style.

Day 2: Montreux, Chillon And The Matterhorn Village Of Zermatt

Location: Geneva, Montreux, Chillon Castle, Zermatt

Accommodation: Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.

Accommodation Name: Resort Hotel Alex or Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Start your day with highlights of Geneva, the City of Gardens. See the Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock. Then relax and enjoy the enchanting scenery as we continue to the charming town of Montreux. Situated at the foot of the Alps and boasting beautiful lakeside walks, enjoy free time to explore this pretty town. On the western bay of Lake Geneva, join Maud, head of collections at Chillon Castle, for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, immortalised by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon.' Keep a look out for where the writer is rumoured to have left his mark.Continue through the Rhone Valley, where high summer temperatures support vines and other fruits. The final stage of your journey is by cogwheel train to the traffic-free Alpine resort of Zermatt. During your orientation with your Travel Director, feast your eyes on the distinctive triangular silhouette of the Matterhorn. At night, enjoy a stroll in the fresh mountain air to your chosen restaurant for your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 3: Free Time In Zermatt Relaxed Start

Location: Zermatt

Accommodation: Resort Hotel Alex, Zermatt.

Accommodation Name: Resort Hotel Alex or Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Zermatt in the summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking, or spend a whole day relaxing in the fresh Alpine surroundings. Perhaps take an optional ride on Europe’s highest cable car to the snow-capped roof of the world for a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France?

Day 4: Elegant Baveno Relaxed Start

Location: Zermatt, Täsch, Simplon Pass, Lake Maggiore, Baveno

Accommodation: Hotel, Simplon Baveno.

Accommodation Name: Hotel Simplon

Meals Included: Breakfast

Descend to Täsch and rejoin the coach. Follow in Napoleon's footsteps as you ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Continue along the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Perhaps take a delightful boat trip to see the stunning Isola Bella?

Day 5: Grison Alps To Chic St. Moritz

Location: Baveno, Julier Pass, Saint Moritz

Accommodation: Hotel, Crystal St Moritz. Steffani St Moritz.

Accommodation Name: Crystal Hotel or Hotel Steffani

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner, with Wine

Head north back into the high mountain country of the Grisons Alps today. Ascend the San Bernadino and the Julier Passes to arrive in the sparkling Engadine Valley with an invigorating climate characterised by clear skies and its location high in the Alps. On arrival in the cosmopolitan resort of St. Moritz, a brief orientation with your Travel Director will show you the spa quarter and the brilliantly sparkling glacial lake, before there is time to explore further on your own, or perhaps step aboard the Bernina Express to experience one of Europe's most outstanding train journeys?

Day 6: Scenic Train Ride, Liechtenstein And Lucerne

Location: Saint Moritz, Chur, Vaduz, Lucerne

Accommodation: Hotel, Astoria Lucerne.

Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria

Meals Included: Breakfast

Start the day with a scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. At Chur, reboard your coach and travel along the valley of the Upper Rhine to spend some time in Vaduz, the tiny capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you explore the area around the castle. Continue to Lucerne alongside the dramatic Walensee and Lake Zürich. On arrival, see the sorrowful sculpture of the wounded lion, commemorating the brave Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Your Travel Director will also show you the Jesuit Church and the Chapel Bridge.

Day 7: The Summit Of Mount Stanserhorn Relaxed Start

Location: Lucerne, Stanserhorn

Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Commence the day with a morning stroll along lakeside promenades or shopping for fine watches while enjoying the scenery. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora. Celebrate new friends and enjoy a Celebration Dinner at the foot of Mount Stanserhorn with magnificent views over Lake Lucerne at Restaurant Seeblick.

What's Included

  • Travel Director

    Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organizer, and friend overseas.

  • Personal Radio Headsets

    Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.

  • Hotel and Restaurant Tips

    Hotel and restaurant tips are included - you'll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency. We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels.

  • Luggage Handling

    We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.

  • Insight Flourish

    From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

    Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).

  • Airport Transfers

    If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

What's Not Included

  • Airfare

    International and domestic airfare not included.

  • Meals

    Some meals not included, providing the flexibility to explore local cuisine on your own.

  • Optional Experiences

    Optional experiences and excursions are available for purchase during your trip.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.

  • Personal Expenses

    Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.

Mode of Transport

Start the day with a scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. At Chur, reboard your coach and travel along the valley of the Upper Rhine to spend some time in Vaduz, the tiny capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, where you explore the area around the castle. Continue to Lucerne alongside the dramatic Walensee and Lake Zurich.

Accommodation

Enjoy British charm and the finest Swiss hospitality at Hotel d'Angleterre in Geneva. Your hotel in Zermatt will be either the Resort Hotel Alex or the Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa, depending on your departure date. In Baveno, stay at the Hotel Simplon. Your St. Moritz stay will be at either the Crystal Hotel or the Hotel Steffani, and in Lucerne, you will be accommodated at the Hotel Astoria.

Check out our Q&As

  • What are some highlights of the tour?

    Some highlights of the tour include the option to choose between two carefully selected activities at Stanserhorn, enjoying the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom, experiencing enhanced hygiene protocols following COVID-19, dining on local specialties such as cheese or meat fondue, and visiting iconic locations like Geneva, Zermatt, Lucerne, and Chillon Castle.

  • Are airport transfers included?

    Airport transfers are available at scheduled times if your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates. If your flights are outside these times, or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way from/to the airport.

  • What transportation is included?

    Transportation includes a scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, travel in a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with onboard washroom, and a panoramic, open-top cable car ride to the summit of Mount Stanserhorn.

  • What are the exclusions?

    Exclusions include international and domestic airfare, some meals to allow for dining flexibility, optional experiences and excursions, travel insurance, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and beverages.

  • Are meals included in the tour?

    The tour includes 4 Dinners with Wine and 7 Breakfasts. Some meals are not included to provide the flexibility to explore local cuisine on your own.

  • What is the primary focus of the tour?

    The primary focus of the tour is coach tours worldwide, with special attention to gardens & nature tours, wildlife tours, hiking, and rail excursions.

  • What countries does the Glorious Switzerland - Small Group tour visit?

    The Glorious Switzerland - Small Group tour visits Switzerland, Italy, and Liechtenstein.

  • What kind of accommodations can be expected?

    Accommodations include British charm and Swiss hospitality at Hotel d'Angleterre in Geneva, Resort Hotel Alex or the Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa in Zermatt, Hotel Simplon in Baveno, Crystal Hotel or the Hotel Steffani in St. Moritz, and Hotel Astoria in Lucerne.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1978.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

Reviews of this Operator

Peggy Lindenborn  

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02-Nov-2021

Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily is a delightful trip and our travel guides and driver, Enzo, Chris and Greg were amazing and made the trip very memorable. We saw so many places and had great experiences along the way! Thanks to them for such a wonderful vacation.!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Spain & Portugal

11-Jan-2023

Great itinerary, good pace, tour director was friendly and very knowledgeable and organised. Bus was very spacious and driver was great. Yes would recommend insight to friends and families

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Jacqueline Thornberry  

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31-Oct-2021

The number is our group was small which meant we got to know each other. Our tour guide, Laura Spiers, was excellent as was our driver. The food was good, and of course everything we saw in Iceland was beautiful and educational.

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Kathryn Ronca  

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08-Nov-2021

The trip was fantastic. Everything was well planned and exceeded my expectations. All insight personal were courteous helpful and professional Ann Manual and Kevin were a topnotch team There was attention to every detail and at all times felt safe and always a personal touch to the trip. The motor coach was clean and roomy and there was multiple wipe downs during the day All hotels were top notch and all staff at the hotels and restaurants were helpful and courteous I would recommend this trip as it gave you a fantastic view of the natural wonders of the the West.

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This trip is absolutely amazing! Worth every Penny! Our Tour guide did not Disappoint.

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Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024
$4850 $4720 (USD)

Operator discount: -$130 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025
$5395 $5265 (USD)

Operator discount: -$130 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025
$5550 $5420 (USD)

Operator discount: -$130 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Jun 29, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025
$5525 $5395 (USD)

Operator discount: -$130 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Sunday

Aug 10, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025
$5375 $5245 (USD)

Operator discount: -$130 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.