Overview
The Best of Switzerland
If you have dreamed of taking in storybook-setting vistas, breathing in fresh Alpine air, and tasting mouth-watering Swiss chocolates, this enchanting tour of Switzerland has you covered from A to Zurich. Bustling cities, chalet-dotted hillsides, and pastoral valleys welcome you to the land of lush green farmland, glorious fondue, and glitzy fun. Join the capricious and carefree in the posh playgrounds of swanky St. Moritz, sparkling Lake Geneva, charming car-free Zermatt, and Italy’s celebrated and celebrity-full Lake Como. As you near lively Lugano and the Italian border, the scenery delightfully changes from mountainous panoramas to a Mediterranean paradise complete with chestnut groves, olive and fig trees, and fruitful vineyards. Dinner at a shady and cool grotto and lunch on a traditional Swiss farm provide local, delectable dining experiences like no other.
Highlights of The Best of Switzerland
Travelers Notes
We’ve packed everything you need for the perfect tour—from hand-selected hotels and dining to the friendly expertise of Globus Tour Directors and Local Guides (with headsets to hear every word), to seamless transportation between destinations and VIP access to the world’s most iconic sites! Touring by private, first-class, air-conditioned motorcoach with free Wi-Fi, plus ride the mountain trains of Zermatt and Pilatus. Enhance your free time with your GlobusGO mobile app!
Private Touring
6 guests in a party: $2,783*18 guests in a party: $694*
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select Europe dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus Europe escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized European tour—without the crowds.
Product Group
The Best of Switzerland
UNESCO Sites
Old City of Berne
Notes
High altitudes may be challenging for some guests. St. Moritz elevation is 5,978 ft (1,822 m) and the ascent up Mount Pilatus takes you to an elevation of 6,982 ft (2,128m).
Meals
Full buffet breakfast daily; 1 lunch, 4 three-course dinners
Itineraries
Day 1
ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and travel companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)ZURICH-CITY-CENTER.jpg
Day 2
ZURICH–VADUZ, LIECHTENSTEIN–ST. MORITZ, SWITZERLAND Swiss Chocolates & Sweet Views ZURICH Orientation walk in the Old Town includes a [LF] Sprüngli chocolate-praline tasting. Take a scenic drive along Lake Zurich and Lake Walen into the high Alps en route to the Principality of Liechtenstein.VADUZ Spend free time to browse and for lunch.ST. MORITZ Enjoy free time this afternoon. (B,D) 137 mi / 220 kmLOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES Since chocolatier David Sprüngli opened Confiserie Sprüngli & Fils on Zurich’s Marktgasse in 1836, its irresistible confections have been tempting many a sweet tooth for generations. Today Confiserie Sprüngli continues its tradition as a pioneer of Swiss chocolate making, whipping up sweet temptations from truffles to pralines in the many chocolate shops bearing its name throughout Switzerland.LIECHTENSTEIN.jpg
Day 3
ST. MORITZ–LAKE COMO, ITALY–LUGANO, SWITZERLAND Legendary Lakes of Italy & Switzerland LAKE COMO See the stunning lake en route to Lugano.LUGANO Enjoy free time this afternoon and evening. (B) 87 mi / 140 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.LUGANO.jpg
Day 4
LUGANO–STRESA, ITALY–TÄSCH, SWITZERLAND–ZERMATT The Heights of Beauty STRESA Enjoy free time.TÄSCH Take a scenic mountain train ride to Zermatt. (B) 165 mi / 265 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Stresa is an example of Italy’s splendid elegance on Lake Maggiore, overlooking the surrounding islands. With natural beauty, ornamental gardens, and grand architecture, Stresa is a study in sophistication. Luxury villas and art nouveau hotels along the shores make for a perfect place to stroll.STRESA.jpg
Day 5
ZERMATT–LAKE GENEVA Life on the Lake ZERMATT Spend free time this morning before returning to Täsch. Take a scenic drive through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley en route to Lake Geneva. (B,D)93 mi / 150kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT PICTURE PERFECT The glistening waters of Lake Geneva lap against its French and Swiss shores in the serene surroundings of sublime vineyards and countryside. Belle Epoque sailboats traverse the lakeshores amid castles, museums, and resort towns as they have for over a century.ZERMATT.jpg
Day 6
LAKE GENEVA–BERNE–LUCERNE Coming Up Roses in Berne BERNE Guided walking tour. Enjoy [LF] lunch at a traditional Swiss working farm before continuing to Lucerne. (B,L) 162 mi / 260 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Explore the “City of Fountains,” Berne - the capital city of Switzerland, dating back to the 12th century. Take in the medieval architecture in the Altstadt (Old Town) with its 6 kilometers of arcades and animated clocktower, then indulge in lunch at a local farm.BERNE-OLD-TOWN.jpg
Day 7
LUCERNE Lion Hearted in Lucerne LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. [LF] Scenic railway ride to the top of Mount Pilatus and receive a special souvenir cap. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITE EPIC RIDE Feel your heart soar as you ascend to the summit of magnificent Mount Pilatus, home to the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. Look out for the legendary dragon and take in the heavenly vistas. Direct your gaze as far as the eye can see with views as far as the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Down below, sparkling lakes catch the sun for a view unlike any other.LUCERNE-BRIDGE.jpg
Day 8
LUCERNE–ZURICH AIRPORT Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. A morning complimentary transfer to Zurich Airport in time for homebound flights leaving no earlier than 10 am. Extra nights are available in Zurich. (B) 42 mi / 68 kmLUCERNE.jpg
Departures
Hotels
| # | Name | Description | City | Address | Rating |
| 1 | Mercure Zurich City | This modern city hotel has 318 air-conditioned cozy guestrooms with modern furnishings including bathrobes and slippers for comfort and Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property for connectivity. Other facilities include a wellness area with rooftop terrace and panorama sauna, a DELI restaurant, 24 hour fitness and reception with snack bar and Starbucks drinks machine as well a NIVEA shop offering massages and cosmetic treatments | Zurich-Altstetten | Vulkanstrasse 108B | First-Class |
| 2 | Laudinella | Traditional mountain architecture with lots of woodworks & local grisons style; in center of St Moritz-Bad; near spa & ski slopes. | St.Moritz | Via Tegiatscha 17 | First-Class |
| 3 | Novotel Lugano Paradiso | This modern mid-scale 97-room hotel is located just a short walk away from Lake Lugano with Free Wi-Fi connection and tasteful, elegant décor throughout. Soundproofed guestrooms perfectly blend comfort with technology and the restaurant is an informal setting serving fresh, tasty, healthy specialties with a bar area for simply enjoying drinks in a friendly atmosphere. The property also offers a fitness centre and an outdoor seasonal swimming pool & bar. | Lugano | Via San Salvatore 11 | First-Class |
| 4 | Alex | Hotel Alex in the heart of Zermatt is a mountain hut on the outside and a stylish boutique hotel on the inside with its traditional furniture, exquisite carving, and precious paintings of the Matterhorn. It features a superb wellness centre including saunas, an indoor pool, massage rooms, a tropical shower, and a well-equipped fitness centre. Enjoy lunch or dinner on the large sun terrace with garden lounge. All rooms are elegantly refurbished and include flat screen TV with international channels, coffee & tea making facilities, and in-room safety box. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the property. | Zermatt | Bodmenstrasse 12 | First-Class |
| 5 | Mona Montreux | Located on the shores of Lake Geneva with views of the Alps and strides away from the Montreux Music & Convention Center. Rooms have free Wi-Fi and a minibar. Guests can enjoy Swiss and international cuisine at the lakeside restaurant, or on the terrace, where barbecued dishes are prepared during the summer months. Other amenities include a fitness center. | Montreux | 81 Grand Rue | First-Class |
| 6 | 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 |
| 7 | Romantik Hotel Wilden Mann | Comprised of 7 historic town houses, this delightful property is an oasis of charm and hospitality snuggled in the picturesque old town of Lucerne. Complimentary coffee/tea making facilities are available in the public area, the spacious lounge is an inviting place to relax and the hotel's two restaurants offer a choice of local specialties and international cuisine. | Luzern 7 | Bahnhofstrasse 30 | First-Class |
