Country Roads of Switzerland

Welcome to Lucerne
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travellers
over the years! On arrival at Zürich Airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 & 13:30. Later, join your Tour
Director for a Welcome Reception with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner
and wine.(Welcome Reception and Dinner)

Ascent to the summit of Mount Pilatus
After a restful night’s sleep, embark on a thrilling trip by cable car and cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, offering
stunning views over the lakes, countryside and surrounding hills. Return to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne to see the
covered wooden bridges, together with the Baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. The afternoon is free for lakeside
walks or to shop for a special timepiece and delicious chocolate.(Buffet Breakfast)

Head to Berne, Lake Geneva and Montreux
Drive to Berne and with a local expert, see the Bear Pits, Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Gather
at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the Ogre Fountain. Now to the great
arc of Lake Geneva for a visit to Chillon Castle, immortalised by Byron’s ‘Prisoner of Chillon’. Continue to Montreux on the
Lake Geneva shoreline, where your luxurious 5-star hotel awaits.(Buffet Breakfast)

Gruyères and the Swiss Countryside
Snowy summits fill the horizon as you ascend into the wide green valleys of the Vaud Alps, continue through vineyards and
alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, which gives its name to the well-known cheese. Enjoy some time to explore
the pretty main street and 13th century castle before returning to Montreux for the night.(Buffet Breakfast)

Geneva and Scenic Lake Cruise Experience
After breakfast, follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet D’Eau, Floral Clock and
Reformation Monument. Next, Relax in comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise. Then time at leisure
on the promenades of your lakeside resort.(Buffet Breakfast)

Travel to Martigny, Sion and the Matterhorn Village of Zermatt
Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated
by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. Saunter through
the weekly Sion produce market with Valaisian farmers proudly displaying their breads, vegetables and tasty local “Raclette”
cheeses. The final stage of the journey to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt is by cogwheel train. This evening, dine
as you please from our selection of local restaurants.(Buffet Breakfast / Dine-Around)

Zermatt at Leisure
Zermatt in summertime is a Shangri-la of leisure-time possibilities: Spend the day relaxing in the clean dry mountain air. Shop
for luxury goods along the famous Bahnhofstrasse or the little lanes and alleys. Perhaps take a trip to the Kleiner Matterhorn,
see the Matterhorn from the church bridge, take a short hike or sample the delicious Kuchen (cakes).(Buffet Breakfast)

Through the Italian Lake District to Lugano
Descend to Täsch and re-join the coach. Drive through Brig to commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in
magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of
Lake Maggiore. Back in Switzerland, drive on to the pretty lakeside resort of Lugano surrounded by snow capped mountains.
(Buffet Breakfast)

To the Glamour and Glitz of St. Moritz
Head north past the three castles at Bellinzona en route to the Grisons region. Travel via San Bernardino and the town of
Tiefencastel and follow the young Rhine River through Heidi Country. Head east to the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort
of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Free Time in St. Moritz
Today is free to jostle with the jet-set in the elegant boutiques or take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass- To
help you make the most of your day, Insight has arranged a mountain railways pass providing free travel on all cable cars,
funiculars and chairlifts (if open) in Engadin St. Moritz. Enjoy!(Buffet Breakfast)

The Glacier Express and on to Grindelwald
All aboard for the Glacier Express – one of the world’s great railway journeys. Descend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula
Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt.
Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge past the Devil’s Bridge. On through William Tell Country to your traditional Swiss
chalet style hotel in the beautiful glacier village of Grindelwald.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Valley of Waterfalls Experience
In the morning, marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lutschine
River to Lauterbrunnen at the head of the ‘Valley of Waterfalls’, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres from the
plateau above. Consider taking a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain.(Buffet Breakfast)

Rural Switzerland to Zürich
A delightful drive along the shores of the lake leads to the woodcarving town of Brienz. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving
Centre in Brienz to trace the history of the trade back to the early days of the 19th century. Meet a master carver and learn some
of the age-old techniques handed down from generation to generation. Continue over the Brunig Pass and drive alongside
the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to return to Zürich. An orientation drive shows you the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River
Limmat and Frauenmünster, famous for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. Tonight, sample typical Swiss cuisine with
wine at a farewell Celebration Dinner.(Buffet Breakfast / Celebration Dinner)

Your stylish five star hotel is perfectly situated for Zürich Airport – just five minutes away via complementary shuttle bus.(Buffet
Breakfast)