A walking tour of the old part of Zurich highlights the luxury shops of the Bahnhofstrasse and the Cathedral with its stained glass windows by Chagall and Giacometti. On to the Swiss capital, Bern where the Old Town has been featured in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1983. We’ll admire the fine architecture, covered arcades, cobbled streets, fountains and decorated facades. We will also visit the famous Barengraben – the Bear Pit. We continue into the heart of the Fribourg Alps to the picturesque fortified village of Gruyères to see how the delicious Swiss cheese is made in the Maison du Gruyère. Finally on to Gstaad, the exclusive ski resort which lies at the junction of four gently sloping valleys. Set in the midst of a majestic mountain landscape, the village exudes a unique style with many chalets and traditional mountain farms. We arrive at our hotel in Montreux this afternoon. Two Night Stay: Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic, Montreux
Day 3
Montreux – Cruise to Yvoire and Geneva (FB,HL)
A relaxing cruise takes us across Lake Geneva to the French part of the lake and the medieval lakeside village of Yvoire with its fortifications, pepperpot turrets and winding streets. Boasting a 700 year history as a modest fishing village, it is one of France’s most beautiful villages. From here we travel up the Mont Salève where we enjoy a delicious lunch in a mountainside restaurant. Then into Geneva where we visit the Reformation Monument, see the Red Cross buildings and the Jet d’Eau. There is time for shopping before we return to Montreux by way of a spectacular drive along the shores of Lake Geneva.
Day 4
Montreux – Chillon Castle – Zermatt (FB,D)
On our way to Zermatt we stop at nearby Chillon for a private guided tour of the castle and its terrifying dungeon. Then it’s up into the mountains and along the Rhone valley passing the town of Sion and acres of vineyards. We ascend a winding road to the village of Tasch, where we board our cog-wheel train to traffic-free Zermatt. Two Night Stay: Hotel Schweizerhof
Day 5
Zermatt – Kleine Matterhorn Excursion (FB,D)
Today we take a short walk to the cable car station to experience Zermatt’s highest mountain ride, which will take us to view a brilliant panorama of the highest Mountain peaks in Switzerland, France and Italy. The rest of the day is free to relax in this magnificent alpine village of wooden chalets and luxury hotels surrounded by glacier fields and fragrant pine forests.
Day 6
Zermatt – Stresa (Lake Maggiore) (FB,D)
We descend from Zermatt by railway to Tasch and continue our journey past a backdrop of snowy peaks, as we drive over the Simplon Pass to the Italian border near Domodossola. We descend to the largest of the Italian Lakes – Maggiore, where we stay in the elegant resort town of Stresa known for its streetscapes lined with palms, flourishing gardens and majestic facades. Two Night Stay: Hotel Regina Palace, Stresa
Day 7
Stresa – Excursion to the Borromean Islands (FB,HL)
This morning we enjoy a cruise across the limpid waters of this glassy lake to the Borromean Islands to visit the Isola Bella and the palace of the Borromean family. The stately residence contains priceless masterpieces - tapestries, furniture, and paintings by great masters. We then continue to the rustic fishermens’ island, Isola delle Pescatore, for a delicious lunch. Once back in Stresa you may stroll by the lake, wander in the town or simply relax.
Day 8
Stresa – Lake Como – Maloja Pass – St Moritz (FB,D)
A day of captivating scenery as we drive along the shores of Maggiore to Como, stopping in the towns of Tremezzo where Mussolini and his mistress were assassinated by partisans and Dongo, where they were captured in April 1945. On Via Chiavenna into the eye-catching Engadine region of Switzerland to the Maloja Pass which takes us to the “champagne climate” of St Moritz. Initially renowned for its curative mineral springs St. Moritz is now a chic and exclusive holiday resort. Overnight Stay: Hotel Schweizerhof, St. Moritz
Day 9
St Moritz – Glacier Express – Interlaken (FB,D)
After breakfast, we board our train – the Glacier Express – for one of the most amazing mountain rail journeys in the world. Settle back as we pass the unspoilt beauty of a landscape rich in ancient forests, peaceful Alpine meadows, rushing streams and mountain valleys, full of tradition and centuries-old culture. We travel through the Albula Gorge and over the impressive Landwasser viaduct to the Oberalp Valley and Andermatt where our coach and driver await. Then it is but a short distance to the resort, which lies between the lakes of Thun and Brienz – Interlaken! Two Night Stay: Hotel Victoria Jungfrau, Interlaken
Day 10
Interlaken – Ascent of the Jungfrau (FB)
We take a short drive to the nearby ski resort of Grindelwald to take the train to the Jungfraujoch – the highest mountain resort in Europe to be served by rack railway. At the summit of the Jungfrau you can take a snack and enjoy unforgettable views at the perfectly located restaurant …an alpine panorama which has to be seen to be believed. You really can believe that here, you are literally on top of Europe. There’s time to visit the ice grotto before returning to Interlaken.
Day 11
Interlaken – Brunig Pass – Lucerne (FB,HD)
Via Brienz and over the scenic Brunig Pass to the Lake of the Four Cantons – often called the Lake of Lucerne. A short drive along the lake brings us to Lucerne City itself, where we visit the Lion Monument to hear the moving story of the defeat of the Swiss Guard during the French Revolution in 1792. We also enjoy a walking tour of the city which shows us it’s many fountains, squares and medieval buildings. It also includes a leisurely stroll over the covered Chapel Bridge to visit the ornate Jesuit Church. There’s time to browse for last minute gifts and souvenirs. Tonight, it is time for us to enjoy a farewell meal before our Swiss adventure ends with a fondue dinner and wine at a local folklore show. Overnight Stay: Hotel Palace, Lucerne
Day 12
Lucerne – Basel – Cruise Embarkation (FB,D)
This morning we drive north to Basel where France, Switzerland and Germany meet. This afternoon the crew of your vessel waits to welcome you on board.
Day 13
Strasbourg, France (FB,L,D)
Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg is influenced by the culture of both countries and is the capital of the Alsace region. It is the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. Noteworthy sights are the Gothic Cathedral, the lovely La Petite France district, Place Kleber and Place Gutenberg with the statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Beer Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace wine region is available.
Day 14
Excursion to Heidelberg, Germany-Mainz (FB,L,D)
Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town of Student Prince fame. The ruins of the imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the Giant Vat, an 18th-century wine cask holding 49,000 gallons!
Day 15
Mainz-Rüdesheim (FB,L,D)
Situated on the left bank of the Rhine, opposite the mouth of the Main River, Mainz is Germany’s largest and most important wine market. The Old Town has many interesting shops, tea rooms and restaurants, and a fountain on the Schillerplatz is decorated with scenes of the famous carnival held here every year. Gutenberg, the father of modern printing, was born here and the Gutenberg Museum is well worth a visit. The pretty little town of Rüdesheim is the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum is a real surprise! Explore the Drosselgasse, pick up some souvenirs, and be sure to try one of the vintages in any of the little wine taverns!
Day 16
Coblenz (FB,L,D)
Downstream from Rüdesheim is the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of river dotted every mile with castles. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Situated at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, 2,000 year old Coblenz is the cultural and business centre of the Middle Rhine region.
Day 17
Cologne (FB,L,D)
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany’s largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne’s magnificent Gothic cathedral—which took more than 600 years to build—dominate the river skyline. The Germano-Roman Museum, located next to the cathedral, is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés and shops. The favourite local beer here is Kölsch.
Day 18
Amsterdam, Holland (FB,L,D)
Holland’s capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. This delightful 700-year-old city with its elegant and classic architecture, cafés and restaurants, and lively marketplace has a distinct ambience. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by Canal Boat, cruising through the elegant grachten, lined with stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”
Day 19
Amsterdam - Disembarkation (FB)
Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. You will be transferred to Amsterdam Airport for your onward or home bound flight.
10 Lakes cycle tour
What could be more enjoyable than biking on the shore paths of the lakes and to let the soul "flow" in a wonderfully unspoilt countryside? Not much, really............
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