Compare Switzerland: Europe's Crown Jewel 2019 by Tauck vs Contrasts of Switzerland by Trafalgar

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: Welcome to Zürich

Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers to explore the city's ancient heritage and modern verve during your orientation tour this afternoon. This evening, attend a Welcome Reception to launch your Swiss experience.

Mövenpick Airport

Welcome Reception

Day 2: Onwards by Train to St. Moritz

Our love affair with the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland begins on a scenic train journey via Chur to the stylish resort of St. Moritz, set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake St. Moritz. Admire the inspiring natural setting and perhaps travel on one of Switzerland's most spectacular rail routes across the Bernina pass this afternoon, enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

Reine Victoria

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Catch the Glacier Express to Zermatt

Embrace the glamour and romance of a bygone era. Watch the epic alpine landscapes drift past as you chug along one of the world's most unforgettable rail journeys from the comfort of the Glacier Express. Cross hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 6,700 feet (2,044 m) above sea level. Enjoy an included lunch on board as you journey past lakes and glaciers bound for the resort town of Zermatt, at the foothills of the imposing Matterhorn. Your Tour Director will take you on an Orientation of the town.

Ambassador

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Zermatt at Leisure

Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.

Ambassador

Breakfast

Day 5: A Train Journey to Lakeside Geneva Connect with Locals

This morning we board a train to Geneva and continue through green pastures to La Ferme Enchantée for a memorable Be My Guest lunch experience. This sustainable farm also hosts beehives, and we meet the beekeeper during our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. This afternoon we return to sophisticated Geneva where the orientation will include views of the Old Town, Jet d'Eau and the Flower Clock, paying tribute to the city's centuries-old watchmaking traditions. Later, explore the sights of this lakeside city on your own. Stroll through the ancient maze of medieval streets and quiet squares or consider a cruise – enjoying views of the lakeside villages.

Warwick

Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Journey on the Golden and Brünig Pass to Interlaken and Lucerne

Picture-perfect landscapes are our constant companion as we journey from Geneva along the Golden Pass route. Passing through Interlaken, enjoy superb views of the Bernese Oberland and Brünig Pass on the way to Lakeside Lucerne. See the Iconic Chapel bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of the Swiss Guards who bravely defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution on your orientation tour. The evening is free to spend as you wish, but you could choose to show off your vocal talents and learn how to yodel during an optional fun-packed Swiss folklore show with fondue dinner.

Radisson Blu

Breakfast

Day 7: Explore Medieval Lucerne

Mountain peaks surround you as you spend a day at leisure in beautiful lakeside Lucerne. Consider an Optional Experience to a nearby Mountain Peak, explore the medieval streets and shop for delicious Swiss Chocolate. Before we enjoy our Farewell dinner together, you might want to enjoy an Optional Experience riding a carriage through one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain villages.

Radisson Blu

Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Journey Home

We say a fond farewell to Switzerland and newfound friends at the end of a remarkable Swiss holiday. Your Travel Director will give you tickets for the short train journey from Lucerne to Zürich Airport, which can be used at your convenience, on the last day of the tour, for your onward journey.

Breakfast