Swiss Delight - 9 Days
9 Days
Geneva
Zurich
***
Trafalgar Tours
9-Day Switzerland Sightseeing Tour from Geneva to Zürich
Get swept up in the charm of Switzerland's lively cities and soul-stirring landscapes on this perfect winter break filled with magical Christmas markets, delicious food and plenty of opportunities to shop...
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Geneva
Arrival Transfer: Depart the airport at 10:00, 12:00, 14:30
Launch your love affair with Switzerland in the sophisticated lakeside city of Geneva, an international city with all the charm of its Swiss traditions. After checking in to your hotel you'll have time to relax after your flight, or explore and discover the city. This evening, make your way to a dinner at a local restaurant to meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers to get a taste of the adventures to come.
Day 2: Journey to Lausanne and Montreux
Start your day with a morning orientation of the city, after it's just a short hop along the lake and you're in vibey Lausanne where you'll have some free time. You might choose to visit the Olympic museum dedicated to the spirit of olympism or take a stroll through the old town to admire the majestic 12th-century Gothic cathedral. Next, we venture to Montreux, nestled between steep hills. Enjoy an orientation tour and the evening is yours to spend as you wish. Perhaps enjoy a cruise to Lake Geneva, including a visit to the Charlie Chaplin museum?
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Chaplin's World and Lake Geneva Cruise - CHF 80 pp
Enjoy the palm trees on the shores of Lake Geneva from a romantic side-wheel paddle steamer as we cruise along the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. We’ll visit the Charlie Chaplin museum, set on the banks of the lake on his former estate, Manoir de Ban. Chaplin spent the last 23 years of his life here and you’ll discover all the facets of this incredible man's life. We'll see sets and props from his greatest movies and then finish with a peaceful walk in the gardens.
Day 3: Venture to Gruyères and Lavaux
The fromage heartland of Switzerland beckons this morning. You'll head to the picture-perfect town of Gruyères where you can enjoy some free time. The 13th-century castle dominates the medieval town as you stroll down its cobblestone streets. Don't forget to sample the famous local cheese before we leave. Lunch is in the heart of Lavaux with views of the vineyards, Lake Geneva and the beautiful Alps. If you can tear your eyes away from the stunning setting, you'll Connect With Locals on this exclusive Be My Guest experience. Afterwards, we return to Montreux. You could choose to relax this afternoon, but we know you won't be able to resist an Optional Experience to the enchanting Chillon Castle on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Chateau Chillon On The Shores of Lake Geneva - CHF 47 pp
Visiting Chateau Chillon is like going back in time! Each room uncovers another layer of history behind this castle on Lake Geneva. Join one of the Castle guides on a tour to see the cellar, prison, great halls, the Bernese chamber, the duke’s chamber, the chapel and perhaps even the sentry walks. You’ll learn the history of this fascinating castle situated on a rocky island and find out about a famous prisoner who resided here.
Maison Cailler - The History of Chocolate - CHF 50 pp
This morning, you’re off to Broc to visit Switzerland’s oldest chocolate maker, Cailler. Step into the museum and uncover the history of chocolate making before indulging in a delicious tasting. Take some time to browse for souvenirs and maybe treat yourself to a famous hot chocolate at the museum cafe.
Day 4: Scenic Train Ride to Gstaad and on to Lucerne
Board the train this morning and take in the Alpine scenery as you journey to Gstaad. Continue to lakeside Lucerne and enjoy your orientation through the Old Town’s cobbled streets. Cross the famous wooden Chapel Bridge and view the Lion Monument, a moving tribute to the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Then explore at your own pace, taking in the relaxed lakeside atmosphere or browsing the shops for Swiss souvenirs and chocolate.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Swiss Countryside & Carriages - CHF 83 pp
A chance to get to know the Swiss, you’ll meet local farmers and enjoy a delightful countryside tour in horse-drawn carriages. Soak up the stunning scenery as we trot around a typical rural community, en route to a local homestead where you’ll savour local drinks and snacks.
Day 5: Enjoy mountain views in Lucerne
Today is yours to explore Lucerne your way. Whether you're strolling along the lake, shopping for Swiss chocolate or choosing that perfect watch, your Travel Director is on hand with local tips to help you make the most of it. Embrace the festive charm of the Old Town or simply soak up the crisp Alpine air. You can also choose an Optional Experience to Mount Titlis, ascending by revolving cable car for 360-degree views of the Swiss Alps.
Optional Experiences: (Optional Experiences are enhancements to your tour and can be booked through your Travel Director while on tour).
Mount Titlis Excursion- CHF 112 pp
With guaranteed snow, two different types of cable car ride and the opportunity to walk inside a glacier, this is Switzerland's most exciting mountain trip. Make sure you wrap up warm, for a wonderful winter experience whatever the weather.
Swiss Dinner Party in Old Lucerne - CHF 113 pp
Tonight, you'll enjoy a delicious Swiss meal that includes the famous Swiss cheese fondue and a drink in a typical local restaurant. Its riverside location in the heart of old Lucerne will ensure a relaxing evening enjoying the hearty Swiss menu.
Day 6: French Colmar and Onto Basel
Cross the Rhine River into France and visit the Alsatian town of Colmar, known for its colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. Explore at your own pace, taking in the town’s fairytale charm. Return to Switzerland and the cultural capital of Basel. Join your Travel Director for an orientation of the Old Town, where medieval squares, historic fountains and modern art blend together. Spend time at leisure exploring Basel’s famous museums or browsing the boutiques and riverside cafes.
Day 7: Into The Black Forest
Travel into the heart of Germany’s Black Forest and visit Hofgut Sternen at the entrance to the Ravenna Gorge, where you’ll learn about local craftsmanship, including the famous cuckoo clocks. Continue to Freiburg im Breisgau and enjoy an orientation of the Old Town, seeing the Historical Merchants' Hall, the Old Town Hall and Freiburg’s striking red sandstone Münster cathedral. Spend time at leisure discovering the city’s cobbled squares or sampling regional specialities and wines before returning to Basel.
Day 8: Discover cosmopolitan Zürich
Continue to Zürich and explore its historic centre, crossing the Münster Bridge and visiting Paradeplatz, Lindenhof Square and other highlights of the Old Town. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a walking tour raising awareness of social issues and supporting community change makers. As your tour comes to a close, toast to your unforgettable journey through Switzerland over dinner with your Travel Director and travelling companions.
Includes
- 8 nights in handpicked 3 & 4 star hotels in great locations
- Comfortable coaches with bathroom facilities (w/c)
- 24/7 personal service – knowledgeable Travel Director & expert driver
- Porterage, plus tips and gratuities at hotels and restaurants are included
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Flights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book flights
- Pre & post nights - please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to obtain a quote and book additional nights
- Driver & Tour Director gratuities - these can be pre-paid, please ask your reservations agent when booking your tour
Choose Your Departure Date
Prices shown above are per person based on 2 adults sharing. For single, triple, quad and child prices please call us for a quote.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 to check the latest up-to-date availability and to book your tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is the deposit to secure a tour and when is the balance due?
A deposit of 10% is required when making your booking.
The balance of the holiday cost must be received by us no less than 10 weeks prior to your date of departure. Bookings made within 10 weeks of departure require full payment at the time of booking.
For some tours or if there is a special "Early Booking offer", the balance maybe due sooner than 10 weeks before departure, in this case you will be advised at time of booking when the balance due date would be.
The balance payment date will be shown on your confirmation invoice.
Payments can be made by debit card, credit card or bank transfers.
YOUR PAYMENTS TO US ARE FULLY FINANCIALLY SECURE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND: Where your confirmed travel arrangements include a flight and you are resident in the UK (or EU) or the flight departs from, arrives in or transits the UK, this is financially protected through our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number 6874 managed by the Civil Aviation Authority, Gatwick Airport South, West Sussex, RH6 0YR, UK, telephone 0333 103 6350, email claims@caa. co.uk.
CANCELLATIONS: Cancellations t&c's can differ from operator to operator, these will be confirmed to you with your booking confirmation. For our general Terms and conditions and general cancellation details please click here.
What does the tour cost include?
The per person price listed covers all hotel accommodations, taxes, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a professional Travel Director, all meals as shown in the itinerary and luggage handling. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.
Can i book flights through you?
Yes, we can offer competitive airfares with all the major airlines.
When booking a package with us that includes flights and a tour, your package is then fully ATOL bonded by the CAA for your full financial peace of mind.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for any flight requirements.
You are, of course, welcome to book flights independently but we are therefore not responsible should your flights be delayed and you miss any part of your tour or other arrangements booked with us.
Can i add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?
Many of our clients choose to add extra hotel nights to spend a little more time in their chosen destination. You can reserve additional hotel nights before or after your tour.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your additional nights and assist with your requirements.
Can i book twin beds or triple/quad rooms?
Yes, we have options for twin (2 beds) and triple/quad room configurations.
If you a travelling in a party of three or four adult guests, please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
For double rooms (2 guests), 1 Double/Queen or King bed is the normal, Twin beds can be requested at time of booking.
For triple rooms (3 guests) these will normally have 1 Queen/King bed and a fold out bed, or 2 Queen/King beds and a fold out bed.
For Quad rooms (4 Guests) these will normally have 2 Queen/King beds.
How much is the solo/single supplement?
Escorted tours are the perfect option if you're travelling solo, combining the camaraderie of a smaller group with the independence of a solo trip. Many tours offer solo room share options, or a competitive solo supplement.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for your requirements.
How many guests will be on this tour?
Trafalgar welcomes guests from all over the world to have an amazing, shared travel experience. While we can’t share details of who you’ll be travelling with and how many people are on your tour in advance of your tour, you can see our average group sizes below. You’ll meet your group at your tour welcome when you start your trip.
Europe trips: An average of 40 to 45 guests and a maximum of 53
United States and Canada trips: A maximum of 52 guests
Australia and New Zealand trips: A maximum of 50 guests
Asia trips (except Sri Lanka): A maximum of 32 guests
Sri Lanka trips: A maximum of 48 guests
Africa trips: A maximum of 36 guests
Latin America trips: A maximum of 40 to 45 guests
How much walking will be on this tour?
With your comfort in mind, Purely Escorted Tours assigns every tour an activity level. The activity level for your chosen tour is displayed in the tour introduction.
Leisurely: Tours will typically have 1-2 miles of walking per day on primarily flat surfaces and with some stairs.
Balanced: Tours typically have up to 1-3 miles of walking per day, which may include some uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and stairs.
Dynamic: These journeys can feature 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve some steep hills.
Do your coaches have on-board wifi and bathroom faclilites?
Regardless of where in the world your tour visits, we do our best to ensure your coach is as comfortable as it can be. However, there can be differences depending on where in the world you're visiting:
Europe, North & South America, Australia & New Zealand trips:-
We pride ourselves on having the best-in-class fleet of fuel-efficient coaches. The high vantage point from your coach’s window means you can take in all the glorious scenery, whether it’s a vast rural landscape or an urban city centre. Facilities you’ll enjoy are:
- Reclining seats
- An on-board restroom
- Charging points (please note that these are power points, and not USBs)
- WiFi
- Air-conditioning
Africa & Asia trips:-
Africa and Asia tour vehicles do not have Wi-Fi. On Asia trips, there are no onboard rest rooms, but we always ensure there are regular rest stops.
Are gratuities included for the driver, tour director and at restaurants etc?
Gratuities are included at hotels and restaurants. And, you have the option to pre-pay your Travel Director and driver gratuities before you travel if you wish.
Please call us on 0844 80 444 80 and our travel experts will be able to provide a quote for you to pre-pay driver and tour director gratuities.
Do you offer/include Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in your tour and we do not offer travel insurance.
Please procure Travel Insurance before travelling. This will protect you and will give you peace of mind before you travel and whilst on your tour.
We suggest that your insurance covers the following:
- Cancellation or curtailment of your vacation due to medical or other reasons
- Loss or damage to your property and baggage
- Loss of cash, credit cards etc
- Medical costs and personal accidents
Certain countries require visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry and in Europe, you may find that doctor's surgeries, dentists and hospitals often require payment in cash prior to providing services. Whilst rare, medical evacuation can be exceptionally expensive.
Do remember to bring a copy of your policy, contact phone numbers and details of how to claim when you travel.
Should you choose to travel on Purely Escorted Tour without the required travel insurance, you will have full responsibility for all expenses (trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, quarantine expenses and emergency evacuation/repatriation) that may arise while travelling with us.
What does a guaranteed departure mean?
A guaranteed departure means the tour will operate no matter how many people are booked to travel on that departure.
In the slim case that a guaranteed departure you are booked on has to be withdrawn due to unforeseen circumstances, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid, or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure that suits you.
What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?
Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks and so it is strongly advised that you consult your local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
Note: Purely Escorted Tours is not responsible for obtaining any necessary visas required on your tour.
Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:
Europe trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country for example an ETA when transiting through UK & Ireland.
Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travellers:
From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
UK eTA applications can be made at the UK Governments official website.
USA trips incl transiting travellers:
US law requires travellers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.
Canada trips:
Canadian law requires travellers both entering and transiting through Canada to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel.
eTA applications can be made at the Government of Canada's website.
Rest of the World trips:
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.
What if I have mobility issues?
Please notify us of any disability requiring special assistance prior to travelling. We will try our best to accommodate you throughout the tour and will inform the hotels.
What if I have food allergies?
Please advise us of any dietary requirements. We will make arrangements with our suppliers where possible.
You will also need to talk to your Travel Director at the beginning of your tour and they will do their utmost to arrange an alternative menu at the hotels and restaurants.
How much luggage can I bring?
Travelling on a Purely Escorted Tour entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in).
In addition guests may also bring one item of hand luggage that is small and light enough to be carried onto the coach and fit underneath the seat, or in the small overhead compartment above. (Luggage with adjustable handles and wheels will not fit).
Please test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.