Best of Switzerland

Explore some of Switzerland's most spectacular landscapes and enchanting resorts on this fantastic independent journey. Enjoy the convenience and comfort of Switzerland's superb rail network and the excitement of independent exploration as you sweep through majestic snow-capped peaks, fragrant pine forests, emerald valleys, shimmering lakes and picturesque towns.

MEAL PLAN
• The three star option includes breakfast throughout. The four star option includes breakfast and dinner throughout. See individual hotel pages for more information.

TOUR INCLUDES
• Second class (three star option) and first class (four star option) rail transfers throughout Switzerland and half price Swiss Card. One fly-rail luggage tag per adult for both your arrival and departure from Switzerland.
NB
• All optional activities listed in the itinerary are suggestions only and these can be pre-booked or arranged on arrival (extra cost).

DAY 1 - LONDON TO LUCERNE
Swiss International Air Lines flight from Heathrow to Zürich. Embark on a one hour first class rail journey to the enchanting lakeside city of Lucerne and spend two nights at either the three and a half star Waldstätterhof  in a Comfort room or the four star Seeburg in a Standard room. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the medieval city centre, taking in sights including Switzerland's oldest Baroque church, the famous Dying Lion monument and fresco-painted buildings. We recommend booking a ride aboard a lake steamer to visit the charming lakeside villages of Brünnen, Burgenstock, Weggis and Vitznau. Alternatively you may choose to book an excursion to the rugged and imposing Mount Pilatus where you can enjoy dramatic views and also visit Switzerland's longest summer toboggan run.

DAY 3 - LUCERNE TO INTERLAKEN
Depart Lucerne on a train journey to the cosmopolitan town of Interlaken (approx. 2½ hours), crossing over the Brünig Pass and traversing glittering emerald lakes, rolling hills, craggy peaks and picturesque villages. Spend two nights at either the three star City Oberland in a Standard room or the four star Metropole in a Standard room. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this spectacular region. You may choose to visit the St Beatus Caves, one kilometre of mystical lit limestone caves with stalagmites, waterfalls, and dripstone formations. Alternatively you could choose to alight the steamer at Beatenbucht and take the funicular up the side of the mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The pretty lakeside village of Bönigen is just five minutes by bus from Interlaken and it is well worth a visit.

DAY 5 - INTERLAKEN TO GRINDELWALD
Continue onwards by train (approx. ¾ hour) to the lively resort of Grindelwald which lies in a sheltered valley overshadowed by the Wetterhorn, Schreckhorn and the north face of Eiger. With two days at leisure to explore the 'Glacier Village', you may decide to experience the Jungfrau mountain with a sedate journey by gondola up to First – home to the ‘First Flieger’: a thrilling zip-line cable high above ground. Alternatively you could choose to visit the breathtaking Oberer Gletscher (Glacier) – a huge mass of tumbling ice waiting to be explored, with approx. 900 vertical steps and a beautiful suspension bridge over the glacier. Other activities in the surrounding area include river rafting and the gushing Trümmelbach waterfalls. Spend two nights at either the three star Derby hotel in a Standard room or the four star Kreuz & Post in a Standard room.

DAY 7 - GRINDELWALD TO MONTREUX
Take the scenic GoldenPass Line railway from Grindelwald to the elegant resort of Montreux (approx. 3 hours) which boasts beautiful lakeside gardens and cafés, superb scenery, and an unusually mild climate. Stay two nights at either the three star Hotel Helvétie in a Standard room or the four star Golf Hôtel René Capt in a Side lakeview room. Time at leisure to discover the highlights of this sophisticated town which is nestled in a sheltered Lake Geneva Bay surrounded by vineyards. The long flower-bordered lake promenade links Vevey and Montreux and is ideal for a picturesque stroll whilst the lake is ideal for bathing, watersports and cruises. Soak up the romance of the ‘Chateau de Chillon,’ join the lake steamer for day trips to Lausanne and Geneva, or try your luck at the famous Montreux Casino.

DAY 9 - MONTREUX TO LONDON
Travel by train to Geneva airport (approx. 1¼ hours) for your return Swiss International Air Lines flight to Heathrow.