Compare Switzerland Walking & Hiking Tour by Backroads vs Switzerland in 8 days - Enchanting Alps & Glacier Scenic Railway - Exoticca Group Sup. by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 6 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,498 | $ 3,699 |
| Price Per Day | $ 750 | $ 462 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 7 breakfasts and three-course lunch* on the Glacier Express. |
| Description |
Prepare to be pampered. Awestruck. Exhilarated. In a place where mountains cut into the sky. Where snow perfectly crowns each peak and glacial lakes shimmer. Where alpine comfort and Matterhorn views come standard at the Riffelalp Resort. Where trails lead to remote hamlets and green pastures, over hidden mountain passes and beside immense glaciers. Where chalets are always ready with a cold beer or warm hot chocolate. Prepare for the height of Switzerland. Prepare for the Swiss Alps. |
Discover the natural beauty and tranquillity of Switzerland. From cosmopolitan Zurich, discover the capital of Bern and the idyllic resort town of Interlaken. Explore the scenery of Zermatt, in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn, before taking the amazing Glacier Express railway to luxurious St. Moritz. Relax in Bad Ragaz and enjoy the medieval charms of Lucerne. |
Day 1: Experience quintessential Switzerland with breathtaking hikes
Starting with a ridgeline walk above the Adelboden Valley Ascend by gondola to the Wildflower Trail Alpine pastures, tumbling waterfalls and glistening glaciers stretch out before you.
Days 2-3: Trek from high mountain passes to wildflower-strewn meadows
A challenging route to Leukerbad leads past a shimmering glacier-fed lake and over Gemmi Pass, crossed for centuries by traders Cable cars whisk us over the toughest ups and downs Traverse a thermal gorge on a suspension bridge that looks onto a thundering waterfall Get the skinny on Swiss cheese at a traditional farm Do your hiking muscles need TLC? You're in the right place: Leukerbad's healing waters have attracted travelers since the 19th century.
Day 4: Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, the epitome of luxury, with panoramic views of the Matterhorn
Catch the Glacier Express train to Zermatt, a picturesque village that is blissfully automobile-free En route through the Zmutt Valley, stop for a lager or slice of apple strudel in one of the historic mountain hamlets.
Days 5-6: Jaw-dropping views of Gornergletscher,
A glacier with bright blue pools and deep crevasses, reached by foot or train As you listen to the ice field groan, creak and rumble, the Monte Rosa and Breithorn peaks stand watch Savor crisp morning air en route to an alpine lake which offers magnificent vistas of Zermatt Enjoy a tour of historical Zermatt with a local expert.
Day 1: US - Night on board
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Switzerland? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Zurich.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Zurich
Touch down in Zurich, famous as a global center of finance on the north shore of beautiful Lake Zurich. Transfer to the hotel, get settled in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Zurich.
Day 3: Zurich - Bern - Thun - Interlaken
After breakfast at the hotel, a 2-hour walking tour of Zurich with a professional guide. Explore the atmospheric Old Town, see the 12th-century Grossmunster cathedral and stroll down bustling Bahnhofstrasse. Discover Paradeplatz, the 11th-century Fraumunster Church and stroll along the river banks at Limmatquai. Afterwards, set off for the Swiss capital of Bern, a small city known for its medieval old town. Upon arrival, enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour with a professional guide. Pass through the old town where you can admire the Zytglogge medieval clock tower, the beautiful Rose Garden and Parliament Square. See the Gothic-style Bern Cathedral and visit Bear Park, named after the brown bear which is the symbol of the city. Later on, pass through Thun before continuing to Interlaken, a traditional resort town in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region. Get settled at the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery and charming alpine architecture. Overnight stay in Interlaken.
Day 4: Interlaken - Zermatt
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a short panoramic tour with your driver through Interlaken this morning, one of Switzerland's most important resort towns. Later, transfer to Zermatt, in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn mountain! This car-free resort is a natural paradise where you can soak up the tranquillity of the Swiss mountains. Overnight stay in Zermatt.
Day 5: Zermatt
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Zermatt. Admire the majestic silhouette of the Matterhorn or soak up the charming atmosphere of this Alpine town as you wander through its pretty streets, flanked by wooden architecture and chocolate-box style lodgings. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the famous Matterhorn is to take the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway, which reaches a maximum height of 3,100 metres above sea level for spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding scenery!* Overnight stay in Zermatt. * Tickets for the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway can be purchased at the destination. Timetables for the service are available locally.
Day 6: Zermatt - St. Moritz by Glacier Express
Breakfast at the hotel. Prepare for an exciting day ahead as you set off on the famous Glacier Express*, one of the most scenic train rides in the world! Journey through the inspiring landscapes of the Alps as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz, an unforgettable journey of around 7.5 hours. Pass through 91 tunnels, across 291 bridges and climb as high as 2033 meters as the Glacier Express crosses the Oberalp Pass. The journey includes a three-course meal and the panoramic windows ensure ample opportunities to kick back and take in the views! Arrive in St. Moritz and transfer to the hotel. St. Moritz is the most luxurious alpine resort in Switzerland so be sure to get out and explore the upmarket eateries and glamorous streets. Overnight stay in St. Moritz. *The possibility to upgrade your seats to first class is available in the next step of the booking process.
Day 7: St. Moritz - Davos - Klosters - Bad Ragaz
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning to explore St. Moritz at your leisure, famous for hosting the Winter Olympics twice and one of the most prominent ski resorts in Europe. Afterwards, head off to Davos, the highest town in the Swiss Alps. Enjoy this unique town, famous for holding the annual World Economic Forum before heading to Klosters which has a more laid-back atmosphere and boasts plenty of pretty wooden Alpine architecture. Afterwards, head to Bad Ragaz, one of Switzerland's most famous spa resorts. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the Tamina Therme, a spa oasis that harnesses the healing properties of the thermal waters of Bad Ragaz. Overnight stay in Bad Ragaz.
Day 8: Bad Ragaz - Lucerne - Zurich
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave beautiful Bad Ragaz behind you today as you depart to Lucerne, an enchanting Swiss city filled with medieval architecture. Take in the views of Lake Lucerne and see St. Peter's Chapel, the Jesuit Church, the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge as you enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour, accompanied by a professional guide. Afterwards, continue your journey back to Zurich. On arrival, get settled at the hotel and enjoy your final evening in Switzerland. Overnight stay in Zurich.
Day 9: Zurich - US
Breakfast at the hotel.* Bid farewell to the charming culture and unforgettable landscapes of Switzerland. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end of your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
