Switzerland is a composite of mountain peaks and glaciers, cheerful city dwellers and friendly, small town shops and dairy farmers,  green valleys and pastures, shimmering lakes and trickling brooks, people walking and hiking, and of course, cheeses and chocolates, it is breathtaking and exhilarating.

This tour features the majestic beauty of the region and the quiet yet sophisticated people who live there.  If you have ever dreamed of stepping into a picturesque landscape and experiencing the charm of small villages and towns on  mountain slopes and in valleys, then Switzerland is calling for you.

Join us as we travel through this country influenced by three cultures, nestled in the Alps between Germany, Austria, France, and Italy.  We will travel in our private motor coach, amble through the mountains on a train, cross a lake aboard a sightseeing boat, ascend mountain tops on funiculars and gondolas, visit medieval cathedrals and so, so much more.

​

TOUR ITINERARY
Day 1:  
Overnight flight from Charlotte to Geneva, Switzerland

Day 2:  
Upon arrival in Geneva we will board our private coach for a short ride to Lausanne where we spend our first night.

Days 3, 4 & 5

After a restful night and a full breakfast we will take a coach and walking tour of this charming city.  Old Lausanne sits on the shores of Lake Geneva and is best known for its medieval architecture and quaint shops.  From Lausanne we will travel in our private, touring motor coach to Grindelwald where we will spend the next 3 days and nights exploring the Bernese Oberland and Jungfrau Regions; these regions are quintessential Swiss Alps.  We will chug to mountaintops aboard a narrow gauge train where we will see beautiful vistas that can only be seen from certain vantage points, sweep across mountain valleys to mountain tops in a cable car, stare with amazement at the majesty of Mt. Eiger, walk through green valleys, cross streams on wooden foot bridges and wander through landscapes that will inspire you with breathtaking views.  During our time in Grindelwald we will tour the Cailler-Nestle Chocolate Factory which includes a media show, view the production process, and, oh yes, stop at the tasting section.  We will also visit La Maison Du Gruyere, one of the biggest producers of cheese in Switzerland. Swiss chocolate and cheeses; two products from Switzerland recognized as some of the best in the world.

​

And yes, there is time to visit the small, picturesque towns to do a little shopping.   During these three days our itinerary also takes us to Interlocken, a traditional resort town in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region of central Switzerland. Built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the emerald-colored waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, it features old timber houses and fields of edelweiss

Day 6
Today we travel through mountain passes, cross bridges over mountain rivers, and travel through tunnels to reach the small town of Zermatt, at the very base of The Matterhorn.  As we explore this village, you will astonish at the views surrounding us and spend a relaxing afternoon and evening here.  Unfortunately, no time to climb the Matterhorn!

Day 7
After breakfast we board the Glacier Express, almost everyone’s number one thing to do in Switzerland, and ride 4 hours through magnificent vistas to the small town of Disentis.  Here we get off the train and board our coach for the scenic drive to Lucerne where we will spend the next 3 nights.  Tonight we will enjoy a provided dinner and Swiss Folk show.

Day 8
We begin today with a walking tour of the old town which includes the Chapel Bridge, churches and cathedrals.  Later we visit other sights of interest including the Monument of the Dying Lion and a sightseeing boat ride on Lake Lucerne.  Mark Twain called the lion “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world.”                                                  

Day 9
Bundle up, today we will have a full day excursion to the top of Mt. Titlis.   A fun-filled day of activities, ride in the rotating Rotair aerial cable car up to Mount Titlis, Central Switzerland's highest peak at 10,000 feet. Enjoy a spectacular view of valleys, mountains, lakes, forest, ice boulders and glaciers along the way.

Day 10  
This morning we say goodbye to Switzerland as we travel in our coach to Bavaria, Germany.   Our first stop is Neuschwanstein Castle, the famed castle of Mad Ludwig and the model on which Walt Disney based his castle.  ​​Nestled in the foothills of the Alps is this picture-perfect castle; a photographer’s dream place.  After exploring the castle, we will drive to Munich, and along the way stop again to visit a breath-taking Rococo Church.  We will arrive in Munich about 6PM.

Day 11
Today we will see the many interesting sights of Munich.  Starting at Marienplatz, we will continue to the famous Glockenspiel, a stroll through the Viktualienmarkt (Marketplace),  St. Peter's Church, the English Garden, and even the BMW factory museum.  Tonight we will visit the Munich Hofbrauhaus to enjoy a typical German meal and a stein of beer.  

Day 12
Early afternoon we board our plane in Munich for a direct flight home. Arriving about 4:30 pm.

​