Tour Details
DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Starts any day. May to September
9 days from $9995.00Arrive Lugano & Ascona, Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland. You are met on arrival in Lugano, and escorted on a drive to your luxury hotel in Ascona. The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax or explore this town set on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore.
Ascona
Your full day touring begins with the picturesque Verzasca Valley, where crystal clear waters flow down mountains through vast, deep gorges. Visit the hydro-electric dam, see Lavertezzo’s Ponte dei Salti Bridge, and tour the Madonna del Sasso sanctuary in Locarno.
In the afternoon, take a cruise on Lake Maggiore to the Brissago Islands. Explore the Mediterranean Garden of Canton Ticino, overflowing with more than 1500 species exotic subtropical plants. (B)
Ascona to St. Moritz
This morning, drive to Bellinzona, a city with a rich medieval heritage. Tour this town, over-flowing with outdoor restaurants and a colorful market. Visit the Medieval Fortress with its three castles – Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and Castello di Sasso Corbaro. Continue through jaw-dropping scenery as you traverse the San Bernardiono Pass en route to St Moritz. Enjoy an evening at leisure in this quaint town. (B)
St. Moritz
This morning, tour St. Moritz, one of the best known European jet-set vacation spots, and host to the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics. See St. Moritz’s 12th century Leaning Tower and then visit the Morteratsch Cheese Dairy to learn about their ancient cheese-making traditions and sample the delicious results.
This afternoon, transfer to Punt Muragl to take the funicular up to Muottas Muragl (7370 feet). Enjoy dinner at the famed Mountain Restaurant while overlooking the spectacular Engadine Mountains. (B,D)
St. Moritz to Zermatt
Today, travel aboard the Glacier Express, taking a first class journey over ‘The Roof of Europe’ - from the Bernina Mountains to the Matterhorn. This 169-mile journey goes straight across the Alps, over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels.
After a delightful lunch on board, disembark in Zermatt. Set at the foot of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a car-free, world-class resort. (B,L)
Zermatt
Begin your day of guided sightseeing with a morning walking tour of this chic mountain village. Then, take an exhilarating excursion by cogwheel train to Gornergrat. Admire the majesty of rock faces, the silver glitter of eternal snow, and the sheen of ice falls and glaciers that surround you. Stand in awe of the breathtaking circular panorama of 29 of Switzerland’s 10,000-foot mountains, including the king of mountains - the Matterhorn. (B)
Zermatt to Lucerne
Descend through mountain valleys as you drive from Zermatt to Brig, before ascending into the frosty solitude of the Alps. Cross the Alps via the Lötschberg Tunnel, and then follow along Thun Lake past Interlaken. Your guide makes scenic stops en route, including the quaint typical Swiss village of Brienz. The center of Switzerland's wood-carving industry, the town is adorned with iconic wood chalets dotted with the colors of windowsill flowers.
Continue your drive along the Lakes of Lungern, Sarnen and Lucerne, arriving in the historic city of Lucerne by early afternoon.
Enjoy a walking tour through Lucerne, a lakeside city of 14th century churches and ornate historic bridges. See Lucerne's trademark – the Chapel Bridge and Water Tower, Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge. Visit the Baroque Jesuit Church and nearby Franciscan Church, as well as the Hof Church, the city’s main Cathedral and the most important Renaissance Church in Switzerland. Explore the Old City squares with historical buildings, the Italian Renaissance style Town Hall and the Lion Monument, memorializing the Swiss Guards. (B)
Excursion to the Stanserhorn
Today enjoy a day of exhilarating alpine scenery. Travel by train to Stans, then ride the 19th century funicular for an exciting ride to the "Kälti" station. Here, board the world’s first topless aerial cable car, Cabrio, to the summit of Stanserhorn. At 6225 feet, enjoy the vast vista over 10 lakes and 3 countries from the viewing platform and the revolving restaurant. (B)
Lucerne to Zurich & Depart
Today you are at leisure until time for your transfer to the Zurich airport, and your flight home or onwards to your next destination. (B)
Hotel Giardino, Ascona
The luxurious Hotel Giardino is located in the residential area of Ascona, a few steps from the yacht port and the golf course. Guests can enjoy their very own oasis of retreat and well-being at the Lago Maggiore. The Giardino’s stylish suites, junior suites, rooms and apartments offer a home away from home. All rooms and suites are equipped in a light Mediterranean design. Earth-colored tones, old wood parquet flooring, colorful fabrics and high-quality furniture dominate the decor. All rooms also have a terrace or a balcony, so guests can enjoy the view. Comfortable and stylish, Hotel Giardino offers its guests a delightful retreat.
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains, St Moritz
Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains is located in St Moritz Bad, right at the Mauritius spring, the actual root of St Moritz itself. It is the only five-star luxury hotel in St Moritz with direct access to the ski and hiking region of Corviglia, immediately opposite the cable car station. The legendary Hahnensee ski run ends in front of the hotel, and the cross-country ski runs of the Engadine ski marathon pass it also. Chic, elegant, and exclusive, the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains is the ideal choice for vacationing in St Mortiz.
Mont Cervin Palace, Zermatt
The Mont Cervin Palace is part of the village of Zermatt. No cars, just tranquility, clean air and idyllic mountains. From the Bahnhofsstrasse it is just a stone's throw through the romantic old village center to the great outdoors and the Matterhorn. Hospitality has been the Palace’s passion for more than 150 years. The first travelers were drawn by the promise of adventure in the mountains, but they were soon joined by others seeking a change of air and relaxation. No matter why guests come here, in the Mont Cervin Palace they all find the kind of comfort and hospitality that quickly makes a name for itself. This is the spirit we wish to preserve for all the guests who come through our doors in the years ahead.
Hotel Schweizerhof SUI, Lucerne
The Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern is far more than just a five-star hotel. Its guest list dates back to 1845 and reads like a who’s who of the international elite. Mark Twain, Leo Tolstoy, Roger Moore, Richard Wagner and Anastacia are just some of the illustrious names to have resided here. And yet the Hotel has retained its understated manner and kept its feet firmly on the ground, dispensing with any airs and graces; it is still run by the same family, now in its fifth generation. Undoubtedly this is one of the many reasons why guests from all over the world see it as their home away from home.