Experience Overview
Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Grindelwald, and on to Geneva. Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a stunning 14th century fortress city sitting on a lakeshore and surrounded by snowcapped forests. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grison Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St Moritz—a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond in the Spy Who Loved Me. Board the Glacier Express to Andermatt and adventure through the heart of the Swiss Alps in the Albula Pass tunnel, before crossing the skyscraping Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Rhône Valley. In the Swiss capital, enjoy a sumptuous Geneva fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet.
Highlights
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner with Wine (DW)
- 6 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Lunch (L)
Additional Included Highlights
- 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 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.
- We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door.
- From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
- Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
- 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.
Authentic Dining
- Lucerne: Enjoy a savory dinner surrounded by the natural beauty of Lucerne.
- Geneva: You will be delighted with a delicious fondue dinner at local restaurant, a real Swiss treat.
Insight Experiences
- Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.
Make Travel Matter
- Geneva: Visit the fascinating Red Cross Museum. Learn how this world-renowned organization provides assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers and, with your visit, support their vital work. Your visit directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities.
Top Rated Highlights
- Lucerne: See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge.
- St Moritz: See the spa quarter and glacial lake of this charming alpine resort.
- St Moritz: 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.
- Grindelwald: Explore this famous glacier village with your Travel Director. Embedded in a unique Alpine landscape at the foot of the Eiger north face, Grindelwald is one of Switzerland’s most beautiful Alpine towns.
- 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.
- Geneva: With your Travel Director you'll discover the Jet d'Eau and the Floral Clock.
Travel Director
- "It's magical to see how a group of guests comes together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that's happening because suddenly the enthusiasm is palpable."
- "One food I really love introducing my guests to is cheese or meat fondue. It's not only a great meal, but it's an experience of its own and always lots of fun. Especially when I see all our guests bonding and having a good time discovering the way we enjoy it over here."
Well-being
- Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches.
- Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
Trip Details
Product Code: 28082
Tour Type: Group Tour
Accommodation: Deluxe
Transport: Private
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Family, 55+, Luxury
Tour Operator: Insight Vacations (CA)
Supplier Code: 124.356B
Starts: Zurich, Switzerland
Finishes: Geneva, Switzerland
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Easy
Includes
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5,008 ($715 /day)
Itinerary
Welcome to Switzerland, an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cozy villages, snow-laden forests, and imposing mountain ranges crowned by breathtaking peaks. Upon your arrival at Zürich airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Lucerne allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the lake and majestic mountains that frame the city. Stroll through the charming streets, where the atmosphere is filled with a sense of calm. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow guests for a light dinner and drinks.
Accommodation: Astoria Lucerne
Meals: Dinner with Wine
Begin your day exploring Lucerne, a captivating 14th-century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will detail the city's treasures, including the iconic covered wooden bridges, intricately painted gables, and the famous Lion Monument. Afterward, enjoy some free time to discover Lucerne's excellent shops or take a leisurely lakeside walk, where you can soak in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views. The bustling markets and quaint cafes offer a glimpse into local life. Later, embark on a scenic journey along the dramatic Walensee, passing through the historic town of Chur, to reach the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Located in the Engadine Valley, the resort sits among the awe-inspiring Grisons Alps, offering a blend of natural beauty and sophisticated elegance.
Accommodation: Laudinella, St. Moritz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
This day is entirely yours to enjoy at leisure. Perhaps start with a leisurely breakfast before exploring the chic resort's spa quarter, known for its luxurious wellness facilities and relaxing ambiance. Admire the traditional sgraffito plaster-coated facades that adorn many of the local buildings, showcasing intricate designs and rich history. If shopping is on your agenda, St. Moritz's stylish boutiques offer a range of high-end fashion and unique local crafts. The vibrant local market is perfect for finding artisanal goods and souvenirs. Alternatively, take an epic rail journey over the Bernina pass, which runs through a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering breathtaking views of the alpine landscapes, from glistening glaciers to verdant valleys, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Accommodation: Laudinella, St. Moritz
Meals: Breakfast
Board the world-famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps, with lunch included. The panoramic journey descends through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverses the stunning Landwasser Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that soars above deep gorges. As the train joins the broad Rhine Gorge, it meanders beside rock-strewn rivers, climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. After spiralling to the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass, you'll descend to Andermatt. Here, rejoin the coach and drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, passing the Devil's Bridge, a site steeped in local legend. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley, with each turn of the route revealing stunning view that capture the essence of the Swiss Alps.
Accommodation: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald, a charming village nestled in the Bernese Alps. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding alpine splendour. The Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," offers stunning vistas and a chance to explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, hike one of the many trails that wind through the lush valleys and up into the high mountains, where the diverse flora and fauna are a delight for nature enthusiasts. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, spend your day shopping in the quaint village shops or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the area.
Accommodation: Romantik Schweizerhof, Grindelwald
Meals: Breakfast
Journey to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. Join Maud, the curator of the Chateau, to visit the beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Visit the Red Cross Museum for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how this world-renowned organization provides vital assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your newfound friends at a local restaurant, as you are treated to a delicious, traditional fondue dinner complete with wine.
Accommodation: Royal, Geneva
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Your magical journey through Switzerland concludes after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport, bidding you farewell as you reflect on the unforgettable memories and experiences from your Swiss adventure. As you head home, you'll carry with you the sights of this beautiful country, enriched by the connections you've made and the stories you've gathered along the way.
Meals: Breakfast
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Insight Vacations (CA)
Part of The Travel Company (TTC) family of brands, Insight Vacations began operations in 1978 and is based in Cypress, CA. Journeys are featured to destinations, such as the U.S. and Canada, Europe, Latin America, North Africa, Asia, the UK and Ireland. The company offers are a variety of tours under the classifications of Regional Journeys, Country Roads, Discovery Journeys, Easy Pace trips, and Special Interest tours. Insight is the ideal name for the tour operator, as the journeys provided by Insight Vacations allow travelers to gain further insight into whatever destination they wish to explore. For example, Discovery Journeys are the ideal choice for first-time visitors to Europe. Itineraries include Dine-at-Home or Farm-to-Table experiences so travelers can learn more about how locals live and dine. Regional Journeys allow trip-goers to see a specific location in Europe that they have always wanted to see – Poland, Switzerland, Italy, etc. The carefully planned trips enable customers to immerse themselves in one specific region or country and to become acquainted with its culture, traditions, and people. For anyone seeking travel off the beaten track, Insight Vacations offers Country Roads – trips that lead travelers off the well-tread tourist trail to explore hidden gems where visitors can savor the local produce with Farm-to-Table dining. Some trips are offered under the Easy Pace travel style – the ideal trip choice for trip-goers who wish to slow their pace during their vacation. During these tours, vacationers stay at least 3 nights at each destination, giving them some additional time to explore a place and enjoy it. Regardless of the travel style, many of the vacations offered by Insight Vacations begin with Relaxed Starts – giving travelers time to sleep in a little, spend more time at breakfast, or explore an area on their own. The tour company prides itself on providing business class tours that features luxury coaches with 40 seats. While most coach touring operators provide vehicles with 53 seats, Insight Vacations has re-configured its motor coaches to hold up to 40 guests. This gives passengers extra leg room while traveling and offers them more space and privacy.
In Business Since 1978
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