Swiss Escape

Overview

Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome dinner with wine served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Your first stop on your guided tour of Switzerland is the picturesque, watch-making town of Biel, also called Bienne, at the foot of the Jura Mountains. You’ll take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral. Stroll along the lake promenade before venturing to Montreux—situated on the shores of Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, and famous for its annual jazz festival.

Your escorted tour of Switzerland includes a visit to the stately capital of Berne. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, and see the Old Town’s clock tower with its painted figures, and ornate, flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside resort of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a wonderful farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted holiday.

UK - Zurich, Switzerland

On arrival you will transfer to your hotel.

Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your tour director and travelling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Zurich - Bienne - Neuchatel - Montreux

Zurich–Biel/Bienne–Neuchatel–Montreux. Walk through Zurich’s old town, Switzerland’s centre of banking and commerce, before departing on your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the world’s most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, known as Bienne by the French-speaking Swiss, famous for watch-making, and explore the historical center. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel, dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Time to stroll along the lake promenade before continuing to elegant Montreux, famous for its Jazz Festival.

Montreux

This morning a guided visit to the nearby Chillon Castle is included. Beautifully located on the banks of Lake Geneva, the castle was used as a residence and toll station by the Counts of Savoy from the 12th to the 16th century.

Spend the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Montreux - Bern - Lucerne

 Arrive in the stately capital of Berne. Your guided tour starts with a stop at the Bear Park, symbol for the name of the town, followed by a panoramic view of the city from the rose garden. Walk through the beautifully preserved medieval old town, witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower, and marvel at the ornate, flower-adorned fountains. Leave the Berner Oberland and drive to picturesque Lucerne.

This evening, enjoy dinner with regional specialties at a local restaurant.

Lucerne

During your orientation walk be captivated by Thorwaldsen’s impressive Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who protected the Royal House of France during the French Revolution. See the ornate patrician houses of the walled old town, then cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to the Jesuit church. A breathtaking optional excursion is available to one of Lucerne’s mountains.

Lucerne - Lugano

A spectacular drive straight through the Swiss Alps brings you via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, and to the elegant lakeside resort of Lugano. Later, why not sign up for an optional cruise on Lake Lugano.

Lugano - Excursion to Bellinzona

Lugano, a full day at leisure gives you the chance to explore more of the local area. Join an optional excursion to visit the UNESCO protected Castles of Bellinzona. Tonight, a farewell dinner will be served at your hotel to celebrate your Swiss Escape.

Lugano - UK

Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.