Compare Switzerland: Europe's Crown Jewel 2019 by Tauck vs Splendours of Italy by Costsaver

Day 1 Arrive Geneva with included transfer to Lausanne

Tour begins: 6:00 PM at Lausanne Palace. A transfer is included from Geneva International Airport to Lausanne Palace in Lausanne; the drive takes you through the vineyard country high above Lake Geneva to your hotel in Lausanne, overlooking the north-central shore of the famous lake. Meet your fellow alpine travelers at our welcome cocktail reception and dinner tonight at the hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Lausanne Palace

PORTOFCALL : Montreux, Switzerland

Day 2 Meadows & mountains, from Chillon to Gruyères and Zermatt

Think spectacular scenery, regal lakeside châteaux, quintessential Swiss villages and snowcapped mountains that glisten in the sunlight. Add ample opportunities to learn about life in this Alpine wonderland and you have a glimpse of what's in store today. Start your day with a visit to Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva; with over 1,000 years of history, this monument has served as the inspiration for many artists and writers, from Victor Hugo and Lord Byron to Delacroix and Courbet. Continue to Taesch where you climb toward Zermatt by rail for a two-night stay in an elegant landmark hotel nestled in the shadow of the Matterhorn.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Mont Cervin Palace

PORTOFCALL : Zermatt, Switzerland

Day 3 Climb to Gornergrat by cogwheel train & view the Matterhorn

Take a cogwheel rail journey up to Gornergrat (10,225 ft.), one of the best viewing points to see breathtaking vistas of the Matterhorn from on high. Descend at leisure; the rest of the day is free to enjoy the resort of Zermatt.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Hotel Mont Cervin Palace

PORTOFCALL : Gornergrat, Switzerland

Day 4 La dolce vita at Lake Maggiore in Italy & Lake Lugano in Switzerland

Travel by train and coach for a trip over the 6,578-ft. Simplon Pass to Stresa on Lake Maggiore in Italy - after lunch, a private water taxi awaits to take you to Isola Bella. Visit the palace and gardens, built in the shape of a ship, before continuing on to your grand hotel nestled on the shores of Lago di Lugano.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano

PORTOFCALL : Lugano, Switzerland

Day 5 A lovely day in lakeside Lugano

Get to know Lugano - a gem of a lakeside resort town - first on a walking tour, then aboard a private wine tasting cruise on Lake Lugano. Following lunch at a local grotto restaurant, the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to explore on your own. There is much to see, do and savor here in and around Lugano, and your Tauck Director will have many pleasurable activities to suggest, from checking out the Via Nassa to calling on little coastal villages like Gandria or Marcote by boat.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Hotel Splendide Royal Lugano

PORTOFCALL : Lugano, Switzerland

Day 6 Across the Alps to St. Moritz

View some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe as you cross between Italy and Switzerland along Via Regina, the old Roman road. Drive over the Maloja Pass en route to St. Moritz for an overnight stay at one of the town's truly grand hotels, a distinction it has held since it was built in 1896. Celebrity spotting is almost as popular as skiing in this fashionable resort town. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains St. Moritz

PORTOFCALL : St. Moritz, Switzerland

Day 7 A magical train ride through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express

Rail travel is one of the best ways to see the Alpine scenery up-close and the Swiss trains are some of the best in the world. Ride The Glacier Express aboard Tauck's private panoramic dome car through the Alps, where you'll travel along silver streams, beneath massive peaks with crystal-blue glaciers and through lush valleys speckled with tiny Alpine villages; the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. Depart the train at Andermatt for a scenic drive to Interlaken for a two-night stay... in guest rooms featuring views of the Jungfrau!

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Interlaken, Switzerland

Day 8 To the top of Europe & the Jungfraujoch

This part of the Bernese Oberland is known as Switzerland's "jewel in the crown." Given reasonable weather, today's excursion to "the top of Europe" will be a memorable highlight as your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps. Arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger. Continue to the Jungfraujoch (11,333 feet). Here, at what truly feels like the "top of Europe" - you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private reception at the Ice Palace; take time to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch. Following an afternoon spent as you please back in the alpine resort of Interlaken, you'll enjoy another Tauck Exclusive this evening - a private ride on the Harderbahn funicular up to the Harder Kulm (or Harderkulm) viewpoint, overlooking Interlaken and Unterseen, for dinner at a restaurant with panoramic views of the spectacular scenery below.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

PORTOFCALL : Interlaken, Switzerland

Day 9 Through the Bernese Oberland to Bern and on to Lucerne

Depart Interlaken and drive through more of the Bernese Oberland, bound for Bern. Switzerland's capital is noted for its charming architectural styles; explore the Old City of Berne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a "Taste of Switzerland" buffet lunch at Bern's Bellevue Palace, continue to Lucerne, one of Europe's premier cities, on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Stop at the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument) en route to your home, Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern, for the next two nights. A historic landmark built in 1845 and ideally located in the heart of Lucerne's Old Town, the hotel was a recent recipient of The Milestone Award, Swiss tourism's top accolade. Under the project titled "Wo Luzern Geschichte(n) schreibt" (Where Lucerne writes history/stories), every guest room has been allocated a guest with a unique story. They include great personalities such as thinkers, artists, politicians, athletes, musicians and crowned heads as well as unknown guests, whose stories are part of the hotel's history.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

PORTOFCALL : Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 10 Explore Lucerne and enjoy a special farewell evening

While a thoroughly modern, culturally rich city, lakeside Lucerne retains much of its old-world charm and a strong sense of its history, as you'll see for yourself on a guided walking tour and time to explore on your own today. Surrounded by an alpine panorama, stroll over its medieval covered wooden bridges and discover the many Renaissance and Baroque fountains that dot the city - along with many wonderful galleries, shops and cafés. Late afternoon, join us for a boat ride across the lake that brings us to our special farewell dinner at the popular restaurant Seehotel Baumgarten.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern

PORTOFCALL : Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 11 Journey home

Tour ends: Zurich. Fly home anytime. A transfer is included from the Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern to the Zurich Airport, an approximate travel time of 60 minutes; allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Lucerne, Switzerland

Day 1: Arrive Rome

Take time to embrace the Italian passion for life on this grand adventure that starts and ends in the 'Eternal City' of Rome. You'll see reminders of an ancient world, a holy empire and the Renaissance around every turn should you wish to spend the day exploring on your own, after checking in to your hotel. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a glimpse of what's in store. You could continue your independent exploration of Rome later this evening or join your travel group for an Optional Experience featuring typical Italian cuisine with music.

Ergife Palace

Day 2: Rome sightseeing and free time

Take a moment. Standing in St. Peter's Square, you are in the midst of the world's holiest Catholic shrine – where people have worshipped since the fourth century. This expansive place of pilgrimage and prayer gives way to the lofty vaults of one of the greatest churches in the world, St. Peter's Basilica. Your Local Specialist will reveal the treasures and talents of Bramante, Michelangelo and Bernini, who all had a hand in its construction. Continue your guided sightseeing tour across the Tiber River to Ancient Rome and imagine a time when soldiers and senators built a city that became the center of the world. The foundations of that city still stand today as a tribute to its former might and you'll have the opportunity to view its iconic ancient ruins before spending time on your own exploring or joining your fellow travelers on an Optional Experience to discover Rome's beautiful piazzas.

Ergife Palace

Breakfast

Day 3: Rome – Bay of Naples

This morning, consider joining an Optional Experience to the Roman Forum and explore the impressive meeting place of Ancient Rome. Then the Bay of Naples beckons and you'll head south past the Abbey of Monte Cassino, the site of fierce battles during World War II. Perhaps spend the afternoon taking an Optional Experience drive along the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast, with a visit to the artistic hub of Positano and its pastel-hued houses that seem to tumble into the Tyrrhenian Sea, or else spend the rest of your day in search of the best Margherita pizza. Its ingredients reflect the red, white and green of Italy's flag – could there be anything more patriotic?

La Panoramica Hotel

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Sorrento excursion

Today you'll take a scenic journey along the craggy Mediterranean coast, tracing the footsteps of artists, writers and high society who have long revered the sweet shores of Sorrento. Centuries on, there are no signs of the hypnotic sirens that once tempted soldiers to run their ships into the deadly rocks. Instead, fresh scents of citrus are likely to accompany your every step as you explore this beautiful resort town with plenty of time to explore on your own. Don't leave the town's historic harbor without sampling some local specialties. Perhaps say salute to a swift and zesty limoncello – it's the perfect after-dinner digestivo.

La Panoramica Hotel

Breakfast

Day 5: Bay of Naples – Assisi

Enjoy a relaxing morning, unless you choose to join an Optional Experience to see the excavations of Pompeii in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius. Buried under ash when Vesuvius blew her top, Pompeii remains frozen in time and your Local Specialist will reveal what life was like as a local resident of the time. Later, we journey to the heart of Italy, through the rolling hills of Umbria, to Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis. Your orientation tour around this medieval hill-top town will include views of the Basilica of St. Francis, the final resting place of a saint who preached obedience, chastity and poverty.

Frate Sole

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6: Assisi – Venice (Oriago)

Today we cross the dramatic Apennine Mountains bound for the charismatic calle of Venice, once a maritime powerhouse whose influences can be found all across the Eastern Mediterranean. The winged lion remains an enduring symbol of Venice, and is an image you'll see often as you explore the city over the next few days. You will arrive just in time for an optional gondola ride and Grand Canal cruise – grand palazzi, churches and ornate bridges lining your journey. Then later, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Il Burchiello

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Venice orientation and free time

We take to the waters of the lagoon and cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square, the gateway to the city. Admire the ornate Doge's Palace, the Basilica of St. Mark and the Bridge of Sighs, whose bittersweet views once elicited sighs from prisoners who were unlikely to see their beloved city ever again. There's time on your own to explore before we visit a glassblowing workshop to see the talents of master craftsmen at work at a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon, perhaps join an Optional Experience to the vibrant rainbow-colored façades of Burano Island, beacons for resident fishermen seeking a safe journey home across the lagoon.

Il Burchiello

Breakfast

Day 8: Venice – Verona – Lugano – Italian Lakes (Saronno)

From Roman ruins to Romeo and Juliet, Verona certainly is the stuff of legends. Our first stop today is the city that served as the backdrop for Shakespeare's famous love story and you'll have an opportunity to view the very balcony where the fictional Juliet once called for her Romeo. Admire the Roman Arena where thrilling performances are held to this day, then continue across the Swiss border to visit the pretty lakeside resort of Lugano. Your brief brush with Switzerland provides a beautiful introduction to the shimmering allure of the Italian Lakes, which you'll explore over the coming days. Return to Italy this evening where tonight you'll dine at your hotel.

Starhotels Grand Milan Saronno

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: Free day or Milan and Lake Como excursion

You have the whole day free to relax at the hotel pool, perhaps lace up your walking shoes for a stroll or simply people-watch with an Aperol Spritz in hand. Alternatively, consider an Optional Experience to stunning Lake Como with a leisurely cruise on its glacial waters before continuing to Italy's fashion capital Milan, to see the glass-roofed Galleria, La Scala and the spectacular Duomo.

Starhotels Grand Milan Saronno

Breakfast

Day 10: Italian Lakes region – Pisa – Florence (Prato)

You’ve always wanted to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and now you’re here! We’ll take you to snap a few strategic photos featuring you and the famous leaning tower, then there's time to admire Pisa's Romanesque Square of Miracles in all its marble glory. The structures here are said to symbolise the three main stages of human life – the Baptistery (birth), the Cathedral (life) and the Camposanto (death). Then continue towards Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. For a taste of Tuscany, consider joining an Optional Experience in the Tuscan Hills with regional favorites, live music and a glass or two of delicious Chianti.

Wall Art

Breakfast

Day 11: Florence sightseeing and free time

No expense was spared enriching the city of Florence through art and architecture and you'll see first-hand how this city paved its way to the modern age. Join a Local Specialist this morning for a fascinating account of Florentine history during a walking tour of its historic center, including views of the Ponte Vecchio, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto's Bell Tower and the Baptistery. Visit Piazza della Signoria, the city's main square where many political and artistic treasures can be seen, then witness a leatherwork demonstration and browse the centuries-old trades of gold and leathercraft. This afternoon, perhaps head up to Piazzale Michelangelo and admire the views over Florence's iconic skyline.

Wall Art

Breakfast

Day 12: Florence – Siena – Rome

Siena's fortified walls, towers and palaces emerge from the rolling countryside on your journey through the beautiful Chianti region. This former economic and military power today hosts the Palio horse race, injecting a shot of color amidst the burnt sienna façades of the city's Il Campo. Your visit will reveal the city's rich heritage, architecture and cuisine, most notably why Siena is renowned for its signature panforte fruit cake, which you have to sample during a visit to a pasticceria. Leaving Tuscany behind, we return to Rome for one final encounter with the Eternal City, or join your fellow travelers for an Optional Experience Farewell Dinner to end your holiday on a high note.

Ergife Palace

Breakfast

Day 13: Depart Rome

The Italian dream of eating well, laughing often and loving much will linger long after your Splendors of Italy tour comes to an end this morning. Say a fond arrivederci to your travel companions and Travel Director, reminiscing over epic shared memories along this unforgettable journey through Italy.

Breakfast