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Tour Description
Switzerland is a small multi-cultural, multi-lingual country located in the very heart of Europe. It shares common frontiers with five countries - Germany, France, Italy, Austria and the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein. Switzerland is therefore at the crossroads of the continent. It is a focal point of international air, road and rail traffic and easily accessible within hours from major European cities and centers.
Itinerary
Day 1: Zurich- Lucerne, Switzerland
Arrive Zurich International Airport. Upon clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by an iExplore Representative who will present you with a welcome packet including all necessary documentation. Transfer by private car to your hotel in Lucerne, where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Lucerne is one of Switzerland's most charming medieval cities. Lucerne is situated in the historic and scenic heart of what many believe to be the "true" Switzerland picture mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss. The town straddles the Reuss River on the western edge of Lake Lucerne and makes an excellent base for excursions.
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann is an oasis of charm and hospitality snuggled in the picturesque old town of Lucerne. Each room is individually and beautifully decorated with a flair for detail. A feeling for tradition harmoniously linked with modern comfort and the outstanding cuisine of its restaurant allow the guests to forget everyday worries - a real home away from home.
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann- Standard Room
Day 2: Lucerne
Meet your English-speaking local guide for a private guided half-day walking tour of Lucerne.
The Old Town has many interesting sites, which you can easily see on foot. Reflect on the history of Lucerne as you walk across the 14th century Chapel Bridge with its paintings of heroic town events. Then cross Mill Bridge to see the "Dance of Death" paintings. Musegg Town Wall, the old city ramparts and the stately Town Hall, displaying suits of armours, remind you of the Middle Ages.
Continue on to the Lion Monument memorializing the Swiss Guards who defended the Royal Palace in Versailles during the French Revolution.
The afternoon is free for additional sightseeing on your own or shopping in Lucerne.
Breakfast
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann- Standard Room
Day 3: Lucerne- Mt. Pilatus- Lucerne
Please note that today's suggested excursion to Mount Pilatus is self-guided. A detailed program and map will be provided for you, along with tickets for this excursion. A private guide may be arranged at an additional charge.
This morning, board a first class boat for a leisurely cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad.
From there, ascend by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world to Mount Pilatus, 7000ft high. On top you have time to walk up to the vista point and to admire the magnificent view over the Swiss Alps and Lucerne.
Then descend by aerial cable car to Fraekmuentegg, where you change to smaller cable cars that carry you over pine forests and mountain meadows to the village of Kriens. Return to Lucerne by a convenient public bus.
Breakfast
Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann- Standard Room
Day 4: Lucerne- Grindelwald
Transfer by pre-arranged taxi to the Lucerne train station. First Class train from Lucerne to Grindelwald. The hotel bus will meet you in Grindelwald for the transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Grindelwald. This lovely Alpine village in the heart of Switzerland is embraced by the snow-capped peaks of the dramatic Eiger, Moench & Jungfrau Mountains. Grindelwald village is nestled in a sunny valley dotted with charming cottages, between 3400 ft and 11,300 ft (1,050 m and 3,454 m).
Located in the Jungfrau region, Grindelwald is a good base for winter and summer activities in the mountains. In winter, there's good skiing; during other seasons, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and more adventurous pursuits, such as canyoning. Be sure to visit one of the nearby glaciers.
Hotel Kirchbuehl is situated in a sunny and quiet location with a spectacular view to the mountains and the glacier. The hotel has a specialty restaurant and offers sauna, steam bath, whirlpool and solarium.
Breakfast
Hotel Kirchbuehl- Standard Room
Day 5: Grindelwald- Jungfraujoch- Grindelwald
Please note that today's suggested excursion to Jungfraujoch is self-guided. A detailed program and map will be provided for you, along with tickets for this excursion. A private guide may be arranged at an additional charge.
This excursion takes you to the very heart of the Bernese Alps - from the green valleys to the glistening, eternal snow fields and glaciers encircling the mighty "Eiger" (13'026 ft/ 3970m), "Mönch" (13'449 ft/ 4099m) and "Jungfrau" (13'643 ft/ 4158m), which form an imposing nucleus of the Alpine Region.
The railways of the Jungfrau Region are under unified management and comprise an electrified, highly efficient transport system. For those technically interested: there are different gauges, also gradients up to 25%. The highlight, of course, is the spectacular ride through the tunnel (4.4 miles long) cut into the rocks of the "Eiger". The traveling time from Grindelwald to the Jungfraujoch is approx. 2 hours each way. At Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, you can visit the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Terraces - reached by lift affording breathtaking view of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest river of ice in Europe. Refreshment or a meal can be obtained at the Jungfraujoch Restaurant "Top of Europe." After approximately 2 hours you will return to the mountaineering village of
Grindelwald.
Breakfast
Hotel Kirchbuehl- Standard Room
Day 6: Grindelwald- Montreux
Transfer by hotel bus to the Grindelwald train station. First Class train from Grindelwald to Montreux via Zweisimmen. You will be met at the Montreux train station by your local guide for a tour of the wine lands area. You will depart by private car on a scenic drive through the beautiful vineyards and charming villages of the major wine producing area of Switzerland. Then stop at a typical old wine cellar (about 400 years old!) for a wine tasting- a delightful custom enjoyed by the Swiss for centuries!
Montreux. In the 19th century, writers, artists and musicians flocked from all over Europe to this pleasing lakeside resort. The "Riviera on Lake Geneva" offers miles of lakeside to stroll along, snow-capped mountains, and a lake with steamships plying up and down.
The Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic is a Belle Époque style hotel, built in 1870. The hotel overlooks the Alps and Lake Geneva and is situated in the heart of Montreaux and is centrally located opposite the train station, near Congress Center, casinos and shops.
Breakfast
Hotel Suisse Majestic- Standard Room
Day 7: Montreux- Gruyeres- Broc- Montreux
Today, enjoy a fascinating excursion aboard the famous "Chocolate Train." First Class train Montreux - Gruyères - Broc - Montreux
Please note: the Chocolate Train runs on Monday, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from May to October, as well as on Monday thru Friday in July and August, excepting national holidays. If the Chocolate Train is not available, train tickets from Montreux to Gruyères and return will be provided.
The "Chocolate Train" is a joint venture of Golden Pass Services and Cailler-Nestlé. Ride in first-class comfort in a nostalgic "Belle-Époque" Pullman car, vintage 1915, and/or the modern panorama car offering stunning views of the vineyards surrounding Montreux and medieval Gruyères. Coffee and a croissant will be served on board.
Stopping in Gruyeres, visit the cheese factory where Gruyère cheese is made. You will then have some time to visit Gruyères Castle and take a stroll around town. There is also time for lunch (not included). Re-board the train and continue to Broc, home of the Nestlé Chocolate Factory. View a film presentation about chocolate making and take a brief tour of the factory - then enjoy a chocolate tasting!
Return by train to Montreux this afternoon.
Breakfast
Hotel Suisse Majestic- Standard Room
Day 8: Montreux- Geneva- Depart
Today, depart from your hotel to the Montreux train station. (Next door) First Class train from Montreux direct to Geneva Airport.
Breakfast
Please note the Hotel Kirchbuehl will be closed from approximately April 11 to May 13, 2010. Alternate accommodations will be made.
Departures
This trip is available April 1 to October 24. Alternate itineraries are offered year round. Please call for details.
Pricing Information
2011 Prices:
April 1 to July 4 and August 18 to October 24:
$3,289 per person double occupancy.
$4,919 Solo traveler.
July 5 to August 17:
$3,369 per person double occupancy.
$4,959 Solo traveler.
Prices for your dates of travel may vary- please contact iExplore for an exact quote. Quoted prices are based on current rates of exchange, tariffs and taxes as of November, 2010. iExplore reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes received after prices are published, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. iExplore is under no obligation to give breakdown costs involved in any package.
Inclusions:
3 nights accommodation at the Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne, standard rooms
2 nights accommodation at the Hotel Kirchbuehl in Grindelwald, standard rooms
2 nights accommodation at Hotel Suisse Majestic in Montreux, standard rooms
Full buffet breakfast daily
Service charge and taxes
Arrival transfer from Zurich airport to Lucerne by private sedan or minivan with English speaking driver
Taxi transfer from Hotel Wilden Mann to train station on day 4
Transfer by hotel bus from train station to Hotel Kirchbühl in Grindelwald on day 4
Transfer by hotel bus from Hotel Kirchbühl to train station in Grindelwald on day 6
Half day private car (sedan or minivan) for visit to the vineyards in Montreux and area, ending at hotel
Taxi transfer from Hotel Eden au Lac to train station in Montreux on day 8
English speaking local guide in Lucerne for morning city walk on day 2
English speaking local guide in Montreux for vineyard tour in Montreux area on day 6
wine tasting with cheese and bread on day 6
Train & boat tickets:
o half fare card valid for 1 month
o day 3- tickets to Mount Pilatus
o day 4 - first class train Lucerne to Grindelwald
o day 5 - tickets to Jungfraujoch
o day 6 - first class train Grindelwald to Montreux
o day 7 - tickets for chocolate train or Lausanne to Gruyeres and back
o day 8 - first class train Montreux to Geneva airport
Exclusions:
International air and taxes
Meals other than those indicated
All optional sightseeing excursions or additional visits not outlined in itinerary
Items of a personal nature
Travel Insurance
Departure tax
Gratuities
Holiday surcharges
All prices are in US dollars and do not include international airfare, unless otherwise noted.
Prices displayed are based on the lowest season base price and assume double occupancy. Prices are shown in U.S. dollars and may or may not include administrative fees, taxes, meals, airfare (where applicable) and Single Supplements. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
