Compare Magical Switzerland - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023 by Insight Vacations vs 10 Day Classic Switzerland by Gate 1 Travel

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Trip	Magical Switzerland - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023 by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 10543 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	10 Day Classic Switzerland by Gate 1 Travel 3.5 \| Average 746 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip See Offer

Duration	8 days	10 days
Price From	$ 3,150	$ 3,709
Price Per Day	$ 394	$ 371
Highlights	: Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19.All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : Embrace the magic of Christmas time in Europe. Select departures will allow you to have time to explore local markets. Lucerne: During your orientation with your Travel Director, see the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church and Chapel Bridge. St Moritz: During your orientation of this alpine resort see the spa quarter and glacial lake. St Moritz: Travel along the route of the world-famous Glacier Express, through looping tunnels and dizzying viaducts, in the scenic heart of the Swiss Alps, on a regional train fully powered by hydroelectricity. Brig: During your orientation with your Travel Director cross the River Rhône and hear about this popular holiday resort at the foot of the Simplon Pass. Zermatt: Your Travel Director will lead you on an orientation of this picturesque village, high in the mountains. Zermatt: Ride the shuttle trains of the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway up to the traffic-free Alpine resort. Should weather permit, you may even see the majestic peak of the Matterhorn. Montreux: At the foot of the Alps this town boasts one of the most beautiful walks along Lake Geneva, join your Travel Director for an orientation before there is free time to explore. Geneva: During your orientation, your Travel Director will show you the Jet d'Eau and Floral Clock. : "It's magical to see how a group of guests comes together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that's happening because suddenly the enthusiasm is palpable." : "One food I really love introducing my guests to is cheese or meat fondue. It's not only a great meal, but it's an experience of its own and always lots of fun. Especially when I see all our guests bonding and having a good time discovering the way we enjoy it over here." Lucerne: Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine. Geneva: You will be delighted with a delicious fondue dinner at local restaurant, a real Swiss treat. Dining Summary: 4 Dinner with Wine (DW), 6 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch (L) Geneva: Visit the fascinating Red Cross Museum. Learn how this world-renowned organization provides assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers and, with your visit, support their vital work. Lake Geneva: Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.	View Fraumunster Church, a Zurich landmark with its Chagall windows During your Geneva tour, view the Jet d'Eau, Flower Clock and Reformation Monument Visit Chillon Castle built in the 9th century to control the main road to the Great St. Bernard pass See the tiny storybook Principality of Liechtenstein nestled between Switzerland and Austria View the impressive Lion Monument, commemorating the massacre of the Swiss Guards during the French Revolution in 1792 Admire the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Trip Style	Group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Premium	Premium
Physical Level	3- Moderate	3- Moderate
Travel Themes	Cultural 50 plus Education / Learning	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	Switzerland	Switzerland
Cities and Attractions	Alps Geneva Lucerne Matterhorn Rhône Valley St. Moritz Zermatt	Geneva Lucerne St. Moritz Zermatt Zurich
Flights & Transport	Airfare included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture Historic sightseeing	N/A
Meals Included	N/A	N/A
Description	Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Brig, and on to Geneva. Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a stunning 14th century fortress city sitting on a lakeshore and surrounded by snowcapped forests. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grison Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St Moritz—a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond in the Spy Who Loved Me. Board the Glacier Express to Brig and adventure through the heart of the Swiss Alps in the Albula Pass tunnel, before crossing the skyscraping Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Rhône Valley. Explore the car free, cobbled streets of Zermatt Village at the foot of Mount Matterhorn and in the Swiss capital, enjoy a sumptuous Geneva fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet.	1 Zurich, 2 Geneva, 2 Zermatt, 1 St. Moritz, 2 Lucerne

Itinerary: Magical Switzerland - Small Group, Winter 2022 2023

Day 1: Zürich and Lovely Lucerne

Welcome to Switzerland - an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cosy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges, crowned by famous peaks. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne at 09:30 and 13:30. Join your Travel Director and fellow guests at 18:00 for a Welcome Dinner with good food and wine.

Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: Lucerne and St. Moritz Relaxed Start

Experience Lucerne, a beautiful 14th century city still protected by medieval fortifications. Your Travel Director will reveal the covered wooden bridges, the painted gables and the sorrowful Lion Monument. Then there’s time to enjoy the excellent shops and lakeside walks before heading along the dramatic Walensee, past Chur, to the fashionable ski resort of St. Moritz. Set in the sparkling Engadine Valley, this elegant resort nestles below the awe-inspiring, majestic Grisons Alps.

Hotel Laudinella, St Moritz.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 3: St. Moritz at Leisure Relaxed Start

This whole day is completely at leisure, so maybe enjoy a late breakfast to start? Afterwards you may choose to explore the spa quarter of this chic resort, see the houses with their traditional sgraffito facades or indulge in the stylish boutiques? You may even consider joining the Bernina Express for a scenic rail journey of such epic proportions that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Hotel Laudinella, St Moritz.

Breakfast

Day 4: Aboard the Glacier Express

Board the world famous Glacier Express for a spectacular ride with lunch included, through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Descend through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverse the lofty Landwasser Viaduct. Your train then joins the broad Rhine Gorge and meanders beside rock-strewn rivers before climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. Picturesque landscapes of ice-capped mountains and stone-built villages with chalet-style houses glide by. After a series of spirals, you will reach the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass. Modern, panoramic viewing cars ensure that you won’t miss a thing on your descent to Andermatt and down the Rhône Valley. Around mid-afternoon, you will disembark in Brig. Marvel at the dramatic Swiss scenery, as you follow the narrow valley which leads to Täsch, your home for the next two days.

Modern Rooms by Täscherhof, Täsch.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Zermatt, Matterhorn Village

Board the cogwheel train that takes you to the traffic-free haven of Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn. Wander along its cobbled streets to browse among the shops, explore the ancient wooden farmhouses and mazot barns in the back alleys, or visit the Matterhorn Museum to pass through the homes of yesteryear. If you have a head for heights, then you may like to board the cable car up the Klein Matterhorn. From the summit, marvel at the incredible views of the icebound Swiss Alps, should weather permit. Return to your hotel in Täsch where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Breakfast

Day 6: Chillon Castle and Geneva

Journey along the Lower Rhône Valley to the shores of Lake Geneva where the associations with the early European Romantic movement are very strong. Join Maud, the curator of the Chateau, to visit the beautiful Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, set on a rocky islet in the lake. In 1816, the castle inspired Lord Byron to write the poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon,’ following his walk through the dungeons. Look out for his name, which he carved into a pillar. Close by is the sophisticated tiered town of Montreux, where it is delightful to stroll along the lakeside promenade. Enjoy a beautiful journey alongside the lake, passing Vevey and Lausanne, to reach the immaculate town of Geneva. On arrival, your orientation includes the United Nations Building, officially known as the Palais des Nations, the Old Town and the Jet d’Eau. Visit the Red Cross Museum for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and learn how this world-renowned organization provides vital assistance to refugees, migrants and asylum seekers. Spend your night in Geneva, rejoicing with your newfound friends at a local restaurant, as you are treated to a delicious, traditional fondue Celebration Dinner complete with wine.

Warwick Geneva.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Depart Geneva

Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport at 08:00 or 10:00.

Breakfast

Itinerary: 10 Day Classic Switzerland

DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Switzerland
Depart for Switzerland

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Zurich
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's financial center and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Zurich
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Morning Tour of Zurich, Berne, Travel to Geneva
Begin this morning with a panoramic drive through the Old Town of Zurich. View Fraumunster Church, St Peter's Church, historic Limmatquai, Bahnhofstrasse, and National Museum. The tour concludes with a scenic drive along Lake Zurich. Afterward, travel to Berne, the capital of Switzerland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the old town and visit Bear Park, the symbol of the city. In the afternoon, continue to Geneva. Upon arrival in late afternoon check into your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Geneva
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - Geneva City Tour
During your morning orientation tour of Geneva, view the Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Spend the balance of the day at leisure. There is an opportunity to join the optional Lake Geneva Cruise & Yvoire tour. Take a cruise on Lake Geneva, passing by rolling hillsides. Cross over to the French side of the lake and visit the medieval village of Yvoire
Optional: Lake Geneva Cruise & Yvoire (AM)
Overnight: Geneva
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Wednesday - Tour of Chillon Castle
Drive along the shores of Lake Geneva past the towns of Lausanne and Montreux and through the vineyard region to the landmark castle of Chillon. Originally built in the 9th century to protect one of the main roads to the Great St. Bernard pass to Italy. Explore the turrets, corridors, and vaulted dungeons on a guided tour. Then continue your journey through the Alps. Leave the coach behind in Tasch and travel the final stretch by van, right into the mountain resort of Zermatt
Overnight: Zermatt
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Thursday - Full Day in Zermatt
Enjoy a full day at leisure. Take a leisurely stroll through the traffic-free village and explore the bountiful gift shops and fashionable boutiques. Or, take one of the many alpine cars, gondolas or cog railways to further admire the views of glaciers and summits
Overnight: Zermatt
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Glacier Express to St. Moritz
This morning, board the Glacier Express. From Zermatt, the full day leisurely train ride to St Moritz, will transport you past mountain scenery, waterfalls and rivers. Arrive in famous alpine resort town of St Moritz, host of two Winter Olympics and one of the most exclusive ski destinations. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: St. Moritz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Morning at Leisure in St. Moritz, Liechtenstein, Travel to Lucerne
Spend the morning at leisure. Perhaps, join the optional Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride. Depart from Pontresina a resort town for a ride through the Val Roseg. In the late morning, travel to Lucerne. En route stop in Liechtenstein, the tiny Principality that lies in the heart of the Alps, sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. Arrive in Lucerne, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps join the optional Swiss Folklore Dinner, which offers traditional customs of good food, homemade beer, music and fun
Optional: Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in the Val Roseg (AM)
Optional: Swiss Folklore Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Lucerne City Tour
Begin this morning with an orientation drive through Lucerne starting at the Lion Monument. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps join the optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Board a cogwheel railway which takes you to the summit of Mt. Pilatus at nearly 7,000 feet. Later, descend by aerial cableway and return to the hotel. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (AM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Depart Switzerland
Transfer to the airport in Zurich for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast