Overview
Swiss Splendors by Train
Small groups translate to great experiences on this Small Group Discovery tour. Designed from the ground up for a maximum of 18 guests in Europe, this Small Group Discovery tour has everything you need to explore with up-close-and-exclusive experiences that go beyond traditional tours. From the great feats explained at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne to Zermatt’s spellbinding views of the Matterhorn from Europe’s highest rack railway, you’ll enjoy sharing each unforgettable view with your small group. Be surrounded by breathtaking views via train travel to Interlaken for sheer beauty rising in the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Ride the rails through unbelievable beauty on to Lucerne to explore the history, culture, and rich delicacies of the Swiss Alps. This Small Group Discovery tour is a truly peak experience!
Highlights of Swiss Splendors by Train
City Highlights
Price Details US
Travelers Notes
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Orientation walk in Lausanne includes a visit to the Olympic Museum or a guided tour of the city.• Scenic ride on Europe’s highest rack railway from Zermatt to Gornergrat features views of the Matterhorn • Eiger Express Cable Car ride and cogwheel train journey to the “Top of Europe”—the Jungfraujoch • Scenic boat trip on Lake Brienz • Orientation walk of Lucerne features the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge• Train rides between destinations
Notes
This rail tour requires guests to walk between hotels and train stations. Uneven terrain and stairs in some train stations and included experiences may pose challenges for guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs. High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. Maximum elevation is 10,100 ft. (3086 m) at Gornergrat and 11,332 ft (3,455m) at the Jungfrau Massif.One piece of luggage per person, not exceeding 20 kg/44 lbs will be transported from the lobby of your overnight hotel to the next overnight hotel on travelling days. As for the hand luggage, a small backpack/hand bag containing essentials for the day (such as water, raincoat, essential medication, money, etc.) to carry during the train journeys and daily activities is recommendable. A guided tour of Lausanne will be included when the Olympic museum is not available.
Transportation
UNESCO Sites
Swiss Alps Jungfrau-Aletsch
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN LAKE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND Your Small Group Discovery Begins! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2
LAKE GENEVA Incredible Feats An orientation walk includes a visit to the Olympic Museum*. (B)* A guided tour of the city will be included when the museum is not available. TOUR HIGHLIGHT RULES OF THE GAMES The Olympic Museum was opened in 1993 and reflects the spirit of the sports games which bring nations together as the largest information center on the Olympic Games in the world.ENHANCED FREE TIMESMALL GROUP ADVANTAGE Take advantage of your small group optional experience with an exclusive wine tasting experience. Travel by train to the heart of Lavaux; stroll among the vines and taste the local wine. Continue to picturesque Vevey for some free time before enjoying a scenic boat ride on Lake Geneva.
Day 3
LAKE GENEVA–ZERMATT–GORNERGRAT EXCURSION All Aboard for Zermatt! Board the train for your journey from Lausanne to Zermatt. An included excursion takes you to the famous Gornergrat. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTPEAK PERFECTION Travel on board Europe’s highest rack railway to marvel at the views of the Matterhorn from its summit. Spectacular!
Day 4
ZERMATT–INTERLAKEN Alpine Adventure Take a relaxing train ride from Zermatt to the welcoming heart of Interlaken, the gateway to the majestic Bernese Oberland. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Interlaken lies between the crystal-clear lakes of Thun and Brienz affording spectacular surrounding views of the alpine peaks of Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.
Day 5
INTERLAKEN The Top of Europe Take advantage of your small group and [LF] ascend to the summit of the Jungfrau Massif on board the Eiger Express Cable Car. (B)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Take advantage of your small group size with a thrilling experience aboard the Eiger Express Cable Car. Be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps before continuing your alpine ascent by cogwheel train to ascend to the “Top of Europe” - the Jungfraujoch. Disembark at Europe’s highest railway station and take in the 360-degree panoramic views from the summit of Jungfrau Massif.
Day 6
INTERLAKEN–BRIENZ–LUCERNE Natural Highs Sit back and relax for a boat ride on the turquoise waters of Lake Brienz. Enjoy wonderful views of the Bernese Oberland with its impressive mountains, historic castles, and romantic lakeside villages. After disembarking, continue your journey to Lucerne aboard the Lucerne Interlaken Express train. (B) TOUR HIGHLIGHTLAKE STORIES Be immersed in the beautiful natural landscapes during your trip. Mighty mountainsides, dense forests, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls surround you with picture-perfect scenery. The refreshing lake breeze is both invigorating and relaxing as waves ripple, merge, and heighten as your ship approaches the shore. Enjoy the expansiveness of the lake while pondering the depth of the water that has flowed through the Alps for thousands of years. ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIMESMALL PLEASURES Relax at a rustic table at a typical Old Town restaurant where colorful banners, wooden walls, and quaint balconies add to the atmosphere. Feel your spirits rise with merry accordion tunes and traditional dances as you indulge in a hearty feast of Swiss specialties such as classic cheese fondue.
Day 7
LUCERNE Lion Hearts Join your Tour Director for an orientation walk tour of Lucerne including the Lion monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge. This evening, a farewell dinner at a local restaurant awaits. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME EPIC RIDE Climb soaring Mount Pilatus on a thrilling ascent on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway with an incline of 48 degrees, this silent aerial tramway and panoramic gondola reveal a panorama of unmatched beauty. The rugged cliffs above Lucerne have been shrouded in mystery and legend since the Middle Ages with countless tales of mythical encounters with a dragon inhabiting the surrounding caves. As you ride higher, it’s easy to imagine the dragon soaring back and forth between the 10,000-foot (3,048-meter) Bernese Alps (Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau) and sparkling Lake Lucerne. The trip back down is just as inspiring with irresistible photo opportunities!
Day 8
LUCERNE–ZURICH AIRPORT Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. A complimentary morning transfer to Zurich Airport is provided for homebound flights departing no earlier than 10:00 AM. Extra nights are available in Zurich. (B)
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Moevenpick Hotel Lausanne | Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne offers stunning views over the French Alps. Its two restaurants offer a wide choice of culinary experiences, based on local products and seasonal ingredients. The bar is the perfect meeting place for a sundowner or nightcap. The fitness centre and sauna are perfect for some relaxation. All 337 guestrooms are fully air- conditionned and complimentary high speed WiFi internet access is available throughout the hotel. | Lausanne | 4 Avenue de Rhodanie Ouchy | Superior First-Class |
| 2 | Pollux | Chalet style hotel with modern comforts and amenities, restaurant, sauna and solarium; located near the Gornergrat station. | Zermatt | Bahnhofstrasse, 28 | First-Class |
| 3 | The Hey Hotel | Set in the center of Interlaken, just 400 m away from the Interlaken-West train station, Swissness meets Design with a relaxed atmosphere in this trendy lifestyle hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available and all guest rooms are air-conditioned and include a TV, kettle and coffee machine. The restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious dishes - including plenty of vegetarian options in cozy surroundings and the open lobby concept ensures a feel-good ambience with a great selection of drinks and snacks on offer. The property is located on the charming Höheweg promenade with many shops, cafes, bars and restaurants in walking distance. | Interlaken | Hoeheweg 7 | First-Class |
| 4 | Astoria | Ideally located in the heart of Lucerne, surrounded by mountains, close to its lake boasting crystal clear waters, the historic old town, and famous Chapel Bridge. All 252 contemporary rooms have a minibar and Wi-Fi. There's a plush cocktail lounge, a stylish café, and a rooftop bar affording city views. Other facilities include a full equipped modern gym. | Lucerne | Pilatusstrasse 29 | First-Class |
