The Alps offer some of Europe's most glorious and majestic landscapes. On this walking tour, you will traverse gentle slopes while absorbing the beauty of crystal blue lakes and glacial torrents. You will also see the Matterhorn up close.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Lausanne
Your trip begins with a regularly scheduled overnight flight to Geneva aboard an internationally recognized airline.
Day 2 - Lausanne
Welcome to Switzerland! After you clear customs, a Go Ahead representative will greet you at Geneva Airport and escort you to your hotel in Lausanne via private motorcoach, where you’ll be assisted with hotel check-in. Meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner this evening.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - Lausanne
Today, you’ll enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Lausanne, a city nestled between Lake Geneva and the Savoy Alps. Known for its long tradition of fostering intellectual and cultural innovation, and for its stunning scenery and steep hills, Lausanne is considered the San Francisco of Switzerland. Your tour will take you past shuttered foursquare mansions and down ritzy shopping streets, ending at the glamorous lakeside resort of Ouchy. Later, opt for a wine tasting in beautiful Lavaux where you’ll sample the region’s prestigious wines amidst its spectacular scenery.
Included meals: breakfast
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$45 USD |
Wine Tasting in Lavaux
Immerse yourself in the beautiful setting and prestige of the Lavaux, one of Switzerland’s most celebrated wine-growing regions. As you explore the countryside, sample the local wines at caveaux run by individual winegrowers.
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Day 4 - Lausanne
Enjoy a free day in Lausanne or opt to visit the lovely town of Annecy. Crossing into France, begin by exploring Annecy’s cobblestone streets and scenic canal, stopping on the Bridge of Love and to see the Palace on the Island. Then enjoy lunch with your group and indulge in a restorative lake cruise.
Included meals: breakfast
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$85 USD |
Annecy
The magical town of Annecy, located in the French Alps, is often called the Venice of Savoie. With your Tour Director, discover Château, which was once home to the counts of Genevois and Palais de l’Ile. Then visit the 15th-century Church of St. Maurice, head across the square to the Hôtel de Ville and Take the bridge over the canal to see the lakeside lawns of the Champ de Mars. Lunch is included.
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Day 5 - Zermatt
En route to Zermatt, you’ll visit the ancient Chateau de Chillon, whose beauty has inspired artists and writers from Jean-Jacques Rousseau to Victor Hugo and Lord Byron, from Delacroix to Courbet. Next, enjoy a scenic walk through the wine-growing region of Montreux along the Swiss Riviera. In the village of Taesch, board a mountain train that brings you to the town of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. Stretch your legs on this afternoon’s walk as your Tour Director introduces you to this famed ski resort. Dinner is included this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Included entrances: Chateau de Chillon
Day 6 - Zermatt
The Matterhorn has four faces which face the four compass points: the north and east faces overlook the Zmutt Valley and Gornergrat Ridge in Switzerland. The south face looks out over the resort town of Breuil-Cervinia in Italy, and the west face looks towards the mountain of Dent d’Hérens, which stradles the Swiss-Italian border. Today, you’ll take in the Matterhorn’s peak and grandeur as you venture out on an alpine walk and a gondola ride.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: gondola ride
Day 7 - Interlaken
Enjoy the scenic splendor of the Alps as you continue on to Interlaken, a resort in the heart of the Swiss Alps, situated between the Lakes of Thun and Brienz and at the foot of the Eiger, the Mönch and the Jungfrau mountains. Along the way, travel through the Loeschberg Tunnel and stop in Blausee for a boat ride and a visit to a trout farm, as well as some free time to explore the park. Later board the mountain train to Taesch and then continue by bus to Interlaken, where you’ll settle into your hotel and enjoy an included dinner with your group.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 8 - Interlaken
Today, take an excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jungfraujoch, a windswept mountain pass known as the “Top of Europe.” There, you’ll take a gondola ride (or train, depending on weather) to view the icy reaches of the Sphinx, walk on the snows of the Jungfrau plateau and explore the Ice Palace.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 9 - Lake Lucerne Region
Head north to Lucerne. An hour south of Basel and Zürich, with spectacular mountain views, lake vistas and a picturesque old quarter, Lucerne has long been a favorite vacation spot. When Queen Victoria arrived for a long holiday in August 1868, the town was already renowned as a spot for rejuvenation and relaxation.
Today, your Tour Director will acquaint you with this lakeside city. Begin with an exploration of the city’s Old Town, where you’ll discover Mühlenplatz, Weinmarkt, Hirschenplatz and Kornmarkt, its four main cobblestone squares ringed by colourful facades. Then venture over to Kapellplatz, or Chapel Square, to peek into the tiny 18th-century St. Peterskapelle before crossing over the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), a covered bridge whose history dates back to medieval days. The murals lining the ceiling are nearly identical to those painted in the 14th century. Pay tribute to the fallen Swiss Guards at the Löwendenkmal, a sandstone carving recognizable by its sleeping lion. This evening, partake in a savory tradition at an optional Swiss Folklore Dinner, featuring specialties such as fondue and live entertainment.
Included meals: breakfast
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$79 USD |
Swiss Folklore Evening
Take part in a long-standing Swiss tradition at a festive dinner and show, featuring local Lucerne delicacies and fondue. Learn more about Swiss music and dance during the evening’s live entertainment.
Please note: This optional is seasonal from April to October.
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Day 10 - Lake Lucerne Region
Embark on a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne to the base of Mount Pilatus. Then, take a cogwheel train ride up the famed mountain where you’ll have free time to take in the spectacular views from its peak. Take a gondola ride partway to Frankmuntegg and then begin your invigorating 2 hour walk to descend Mount Pilatus. Board the bus back to your hotel where you’ll enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your group this evening.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 11 - Lake Lucerne Region
Continue further into the Alps for our tour extension. Otherwise, transfer to the Zurich airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
Extend Your Stay
Add 2 nights in Alpine Spa for only $449 USD (Single room: add $100 USD)
Switzerland's thermal spas have a century-old tradition both for wellness and medical treatment. During this extension, discover just how rejuvenating this area can be, particularly Tamina Therme’s sparkling mineral waters and hot springs. You’ll achieve wellness of the mind, body and spirit, as you embrace the mystical and energizing powers of the Alpine region.