Swiss Escape

Swiss Escape

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8 Days From

$1816

Swiss Escape

8 Days Starting in Zurich, Switzerland and ending in Lugano, Switzerland

Visiting: Zurich, Lake Geneva, Berne, Lucerne, Lugano

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

KHAX-2024

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $1816

NB: Prices correct on 23-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zurich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zurich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for 2 nights.

Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Berne. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the 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 town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a 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 vacation.

Highlights

  • Walking tour of Zurich's Old Town, including Fraumunsterkirche

  • Guided visit to Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva

  • Walking tour of Berne's Old Town, Bear Park, and Rose Garden

  • Walking tour of Lucerne, including the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge

  • Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps to Lugano

  • Free time to explore Lugano's Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos

  • Optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Places You'll See

Courtyard By Marriott Zurich North

Eurotel Montreux

Astoria

De La Paix

Novotel Lugano Paradiso

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Zurich,Switzerland

Location: Zurich

Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2: Zurich,Neuchâtel,Lake Geneva

Location: Zurich

Accommodation Name: Eurotel Montreux

Meals Included: Breakfast

ZURICH–NEUCHÂTEL–LAKE GENEVA Swiss History ZURICH Orientation walk of the old town includes sights of the Fraumünsterkirche.NEUCHÂTEL Free time en route to Lake Geneva. (B) 174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.

Day 3: Lake Geneva

Location: Lake Geneva

Accommodation Name: Eurotel Montreux

Meals Included: Breakfast

LAKE GENEVA Grandeur in Geneva LAKE GENEVA Guided visit to Chillon Castle. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)HISTORIC SPOT EXPLORE MORE Located on a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through these serene location and take in breath-taking views of the surrounding area.

Day 4: Lake Geneva,Berne,Lucerne

Location: Berne

Accommodation Name: Astoria

Meals Included: Breakfast

LAKE GENEVA–BERNE–LUCERNE Alpine Attraction BERNE [LF] Guided walking tour includes the Old Town, a stop at Bear Park, and a panoramic view of the city from Rose Garden. Free time for lunch. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 155 mi / 250 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.

Day 5: Lucerne

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Location: Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Astoria

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

LUCERNE Bridging History LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.

Day 6: Lucerne,Lugano

Location: Lugano

Accommodation Name: De La Paix

Meals Included: Breakfast

LUCERNE–LUGANO Sights & Delights of Switzerland LUCERNE Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps on the way to Lugano.LUGANO Free time. (B) 112mi/180 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.

Day 7: Lugano

Location: Lugano

Accommodation Name: Novotel Lugano Paradiso

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

LUGANO Swiss Celebration LUGANO Free time this morning and afternoon. Farewell dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Lugano with an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle. Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.

Day 8: Lugano

Location: Lugano

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.)LUGANO Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.) (B)

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North in Zurich, Eurotel Montreux at Lake Geneva, Astoria in Lucerne, and De La Paix or Novotel Lugano Paradiso in Lugano.

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast and selected dinners are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours in Zurich, Chillon Castle, Berne, and Lucerne.

  • Welcome Dinner

    Welcome dinner on the first day in Zurich.

  • Farewell Dinner

    Farewell dinner on the last evening in Lugano.

  • Transportation

    Scenic drives through the Swiss Alps and other locations as part of the tour.

  • Small-Group Discoveries

    Limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    International and domestic flights are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions such as the visit to Bellinzona Castle are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Airport Transfers

    Transfers to and from the nearest airport (Milan, Italy) are not included.

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Old City of Berne

Accommodation

Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North in Zurich, Eurotel Montreux by Lake Geneva, Astoria in Lucerne, and De La Paix or Novotel Lugano Paradiso in Lugano.

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the starting point of the Swiss Escape tour?

    The tour starts in Zurich, Switzerland.

  • What kind of welcome can I expect on the first day in Zurich?

    On the first day in Zurich, you will meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel at 6 pm.

  • What are some of the key sights in Zurich included in the tour?

    In Zurich, the tour includes an orientation walk of the old town with sights of the Fraumünsterkirche.

  • What activities are planned for the visit to Lake Geneva?

    At Lake Geneva, you will have a guided visit to Chillon Castle and free time in the afternoon and evening.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Berne?

    In Berne, there will be a guided walking tour that includes the Old Town, a stop at Bear Park, and a panoramic view of the city from Rose Garden. You will also have free time for lunch and in the late afternoon and evening.

  • What are the highlights of the Lucerne visit?

    In Lucerne, the tour includes a walking tour with visits to the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

  • What is special about the drive from Lucerne to Lugano?

    The drive from Lucerne to Lugano is scenic, taking you through the Swiss Alps.

  • What options are available during the free time in Lugano?

    During your free time in Lugano, you can explore the city’s mix of Italian and Swiss culture, visit Piazza della Riforma, and see the pastel palazzos. There is also an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • How does the tour conclude?

    The tour concludes in Lugano with breakfast in the morning. The nearest airport for departure is in Milan, Italy.

  • What is the group size for the Small-Group Discoveries option?

    The Small-Group Discoveries option is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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1 Select your preferred date

Saturday - Saturday

Nov 30, 2024 - Dec 07, 2024
$2154 $1903

Barrhead discount: -$251

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 01, 2024 - Dec 08, 2024
$1816

Sunday - Sunday

Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024
$2167

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025
$1816

Sunday - Sunday

Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025
$1816

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025
$1916

Saturday - Saturday

Mar 15, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025
$2354

Sunday - Sunday

Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025
$2029

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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