Magical Switzerland - Classic Group, Winter
Magical Switzerland - Classic Group, Winter
7 Days Starting in Zurich and ending in Geneva
Visiting: Zürich, Lucerne, Chur, Saint Moritz, Andermatt, Grindelwald, Chillon Castle, Montreux, Geneva
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W850ZM19
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
20 - 40
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3709
$3651 (USD)
Barrhead discount: -$58
NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Grindelwald, 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 Andermatt 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. In the Swiss capital, enjoy a sumptuous Geneva fondue dinner at Le Petit Chalet.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Zürich And Lovely Lucerne
Location: Zürich, Lucerne
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria, Lucerne.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria
Meals Included: Dinner with Wine
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.
Day 2: Lucerne And St. Moritz Relaxed Start
Location: Lucerne, Chur, Saint Moritz
Accommodation: Hotel Laudinella, St Moritz.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Laudinella
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Day 3: St. Moritz At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Saint Moritz
Accommodation: Hotel Laudinella, St Moritz.
Accommodation Name: Hotel Laudinella
Meals Included: Breakfast
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?
Day 4: Aboard The Glacier Express
Location: Saint Moritz, Andermatt, Grindelwald
Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
Accommodation Name: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
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 where you rejoin the coach. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley.
Day 5: Grindelwald At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Grindelwald
Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald.
Accommodation Name: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain?
Day 6: Chillon Castle And Geneva
Location: Grindelwald, Chillon Castle, Montreux, Geneva
Accommodation: Warwick Geneva.
Accommodation Name: Warwick Geneva
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Journey 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.
Day 7: Depart Geneva
Location: Geneva
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your magical journey comes to an end after breakfast. Your transfer will arrive at Geneva airport at 08:00 or 10:00.
What's Included
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Insight Experiences
Visit Chillon Castle with the Head of Collections to discover the artefacts, treasures and history of the chateau.
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Top Rated Highlights
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.
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Authentic Dining
Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for your Welcome Dinner served with wine.
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MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
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.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature, including souvenirs, laundry, and beverages, are not included.
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Optional Activities
Costs for optional activities not included in the tour itinerary are not covered.
Mode of Transport
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 Rhône 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 where you rejoin the coach. Drive through the dramatic Schollenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley.
Accommodation
Stay at the following or similar: Hotel Astoria in Lucerne, Hotel Laudinella in St. Moritz, Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald in Grindelwald, Warwick Geneva in Geneva.
Check out our Q&As
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How many meals are included?
The tour includes 4 Dinners with Wine, 6 Breakfasts, and 1 Lunch.
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What countries does the tour visit?
The tour visits Switzerland.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Highlights of the tour include a Welcome Dinner in Lucerne, a fondue dinner in Geneva, a visit to Chillon Castle, exploring the Red Cross Museum in Geneva, seeing the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, traveling along the route of the Glacier Express, and exploring the glacier village of Grindelwald.
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Are there any special features or services offered on the tour?
Special features and services include hotel and restaurant tips included, personal radio headsets for tours, baggage handling, Insight Flourishes which are local specialties, complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi, and transfers at scheduled times for those whose flights align with the itinerary start and end dates.
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What are the accommodation options?
Accommodation options include Hotel Astoria in Lucerne, Hotel Laudinella in St. Moritz, Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald in Grindelwald, and Warwick Geneva in Geneva.
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What are the pick-up and drop-off times?
Pick-up times in Zurich are at 09:30 and 13:30. Drop-off times in Geneva are at 08:00 or 10:00.
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What are the start and end locations of the tour?
The tour starts in Zurich and ends in Geneva.
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What type of transportation is used on the tour?
Transportation includes a ride on the world-famous Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps and a luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
Reviews of this operator
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Saturday
Nov 17, 2024 - Nov 23, 2024Sunday - Saturday
Nov 24, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024Thursday - Wednesday
Dec 19, 2024 - Dec 25, 2024Saturday - Friday
Dec 28, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jan 05, 2025 - Jan 11, 2025Sunday - Saturday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 01, 2025Tuesday - Monday
Mar 18, 2025 - Mar 24, 2025Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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Terms and Conditions
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