The Best of Switzerland

The Best of Switzerland

383 Views
8 Days From

$3279

$3122

The Best of Switzerland

8 Days Starting and ending in Zurich, Switzerland

Visiting: Zürich, Zurich, Lugano, Zermatt, Lucerne, Europe

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ZG-2025

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Small Group

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3279 $3122 Barrhead discount: -$157

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on "The Best of Switzerland" tour, a cultural journey through the heart of Europe, visiting Italy, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Begin in Zurich with a welcome dinner, then explore the Old Town and savor Sprungli chocolate-pralines. Travel through the scenic high Alps to Vaduz and St. Moritz, and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Como en route to Lugano. Experience a mountain train ride to Zermatt, and drive through the Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva. Discover Berne with a guided tour and traditional Swiss farm lunch, and conclude in Lucerne with a visit to Mount Pilatus and a farewell dinner. This tour offers a blend of history, art, and breathtaking landscapes, with accommodations in top Swiss hotels.

Highlights

  • Zurich orientation walk in the Old Town with a Sprungli chocolate-praline tasting

  • Scenic drive along Lake Zurich and Lake Walen into the high Alps

  • Free time in Vaduz, Liechtenstein

  • Visit to Lake Como

  • Scenic mountain train ride to Zermatt

  • Guided walking tour of Berne

  • Scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus

  • Walking tour of Lucerne including the Lion monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge

Places You'll See

Mercure Zurich City

Laudinella

Novotel Lugano Paradiso

Alex

Mona Montreux

Astoria

Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Zurich,Switzerland

Location: Zürich

Accommodation Name: Aja Zurich

Meals Included: Dinner

At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2: Zurich,Vaduz,Liechtenstein,St. Moritz,Switzerland

Location: Zurich

Accommodation Name: Hotel Steffani

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

ZURICH–VADUZ, LIECHTENSTEIN–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND Swiss Chocolates & Sweet Views ZURICH Orientation walk in the Old Town includes a [LF] Sprüngli chocolate-praline tasting. Take a scenic drive along Lake Zurich and Lake Walen into the high Alps en route to the Principality of Liechtenstein.VADUZ Spend free time to browse and for lunch.ST. MORITZ Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Since chocolatier David Sprüngli opened Confiserie Sprüngli & Fils on Zurich’s Marktgasse in 1836, its irresistible confections have been tempting many a sweet tooth for generations. Today Confiserie Sprüngli continues its tradition as a pioneer of Swiss chocolate making, whipping up sweet temptations from truffles to pralines in the many chocolate shops bearing its name throughout Switzerland.

Day 3: St. Moritz,Lake Como,Italy,Lugano,Switzerland

Location: Lugano

Accommodation Name: Novotel Lugano Paradiso

Meals Included: Breakfast

ST. MORITZ–LAKE COMO, ITALY–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND Legendary Lakes of Italy & Switzerland LAKE COMO See the stunning lake en route to Lugano.LUGANO Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 87 mi / 140 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 4: Lugano,Stresa,Italy,Täsch,Switzerland,Zermatt

Location: Zermatt

Accommodation Name: Alex

Meals Included: Breakfast

STRESA Enjoy free time.TÄSCH Take a scenic mountain train ride to Zermatt. 165 mi / 265 km

Day 5: Zermatt,Lake Geneva

Location: Zermatt

Accommodation Name: Eurotel Montreux

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

ZERMATT–LAKE GENEVA Life on the Lake ZERMATT Spend free time this morning before returning to Täsch. Take a scenic drive through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley en route to Lake Geneva. (B,D)93 mi / 150kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT The glistening waters of Lake Geneva lap against its French and Swiss shores in the serene surroundings of sublime vineyards and countryside. Belle Epoque sailboats traverse the lakeshores amid castles, museums, and resort towns as they have for over a century.

Day 6: Lake Geneva,Berne,Lucerne

Gilda Giorgi
meeta

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

LAKE GENEVA–BERNE–LUCERNE Coming Up Roses in Berne BERNE Guided walking tour. Enjoy [LF] lunch at a traditional Swiss working farm before continuing to Lucerne. (B,L) 162 mi / 260 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains,” Berne - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometers of arcades and animated clocktower, then indulge in lunch at a local farm.

Day 7: Lucerne

Gilda Giorgi
meeta

Location: Lucerne

Accommodation Name: Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

LUCERNE Lion Hearted in Lucerne LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. [LF] Scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus and receive a special souvenir cap. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Feel your heart soar as you ascend to the summit of magnificent Mount Pilatus, home to the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Look out for the legendary dragon and take in the heavenly vistas. Direct your gaze as far as the eye can see with views as far as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Down below, sparkling lakes catch the sun for a view unlike any other.

Day 8: Lucerne,Zurich Airport

Location: Zurich

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. A morning complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. 42 mi / 68 km

What's Included

  • Meals

    Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch, 4 three-course dinners are included.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided in Zurich at Aja Zurich, St. Moritz at Hotel Steffani, Lugano at Novotel Lugano Paradiso, Zermatt at Alex, Lake Geneva at Eurotel Montreux, and Lucerne at Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann.

  • Tour Director

    A Tour Director will be available to guide you throughout the tour.

  • Local Guides

    Local guides will be available to provide insights and information at various locations.

  • Small Group Discoveries

    Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.

  • UNESCO Sites

    The tour includes a visit to the Old City of Berne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Welcome Dinner

    A welcome dinner is included on the first day in Zurich.

  • Farewell Dinner

    A farewell dinner is included on the last evening in Lucerne.

  • Scenic Railway Ride

    A scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus is included, along with a special souvenir cap.

  • Complimentary Airport Transfer

    A complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport is provided on the last day.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

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

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver, and local guides are not included.

  • Optional Excursions

    Optional excursions and activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel documentation costs are not included.

Meals

Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch, 4 three-course dinners

Small Group

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe 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 Europe 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 European tour—without the crowds.

UNESCO Sites

Old City of Berne

Accommodation

Zurich:Mercure Zurich City
St. Moritz:Laudinella
Lugano:Novotel Lugano Paradiso
Zermatt:Alex
Lake Geneva:Mona Montreux
Lucerne:Astoria
Lucerne:Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann

Mode of Transport

Travel in style with scenic drives through the Swiss Alps, a mountain train ride to Zermatt, and a scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus. Complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport is included.

Notes

High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. St. Moritz elevation is 5,978 ft (1,822 m) and the ascent up Mount Pilatus takes you to an elevation of 6,982 ft (2,128m).

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes stays at various hotels: Aja Zurich in Zurich, Hotel Steffani in St. Moritz, Novotel Lugano Paradiso in Lugano, Alex in Zermatt, Eurotel Montreux at Lake Geneva, and Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne.

  • Are there any special activities included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes several special activities such as a Sprüngli chocolate-praline tasting in Zurich, a scenic mountain train ride to Zermatt, a guided walking tour in Berne, and a scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus in Lucerne where you will receive a special souvenir cap.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a full buffet breakfast daily, one lunch, and four three-course dinners.

  • Is there any free time during the tour?

    Yes, there is free time allocated in various locations including Vaduz, St. Moritz, Lugano, and Zermatt.

  • What is the group size for this tour?

    Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates, limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.

  • Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Old City of Berne, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • What happens on the last day of the tour?

    On the last day, the tour ends with breakfast in Lucerne, followed by a complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich if needed.

  • 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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Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Barrhead discount: -$157

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Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 05, 2025
$3316 $3159

Barrhead discount: -$157

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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