DAY 1, Monday - Arrive in Zurich
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland’s financial center and home to many of the world’s leading banks; transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a Welcome Dinner at the hotel. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in Zurich no later than 4 PM or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Zurich
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Tuesday - Morning Tour of Zurich, Einsiedeln, Travel to Lucerne
Begin this morning with a walking tour through the Old Town of Zurich. Stroll along the famous shopping Bahnhofstrasse street, view the baroque St Peter's church, with Europe’s largest clock on its tower, and admire the gorgeous views from Lindenhof hill. The tour concludes with a scenic drive along Lake Zurich. Afterward, journey to Einsiedeln, located in the heart of Central Switzerland. The baroque Einsiedeln Abbey, has been one of the most important places of pilgrimage in Europe since the Middle Ages. Free time for lunch on your own. Later, continue to beautiful Lucerne, with its pristine lakeside setting and gorgeous mountainous panorama. Upon arrival in late afternoon, check into your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Wednesday - Lucerne City Tour
A day to explore the heart of central Switzerland. Begin this morning with an orientation drive through Lucerne starting at the inspiring Lion Monument. One of the best-known monuments in the country, the Lion of Lucerne was created in remembrance of the heroic death of Swiss guards killed in 1792 during the French Revolution. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge, one of the oldest covered wooden bridges in Europe forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Shop for chocolate, watches and the famous Swiss and German cuckoo clocks, sip coffee at a café, or perhaps join the exciting optional tour to Mount Pilatus. Ascend to the peak of Mount Pilatus via aerial cableway, and enjoy the jaw dropping views out of the panoramic windows, especially designed to give the feeling of flying. Once at the top, take a short hike or, relax on the panorama terrace. After admiring the splendid scenery at nearly 7,000 feet, descend by aerial cableway and return to the hotel. Tonight, gather together for dinner at the hotel
Optional: Mount Pilatus Tour (AM)
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Thursday - Full Day in Lucerne
Today is at leisure for individual explorations, or join the optional tour to Berne, the capital of Switzerland. The medieval air of this city with its many fountains, sandstone facades, narrow streets and historic towers is unique. Stroll along the beautifully preserved cobblestone streets of the Old Town and visit the Zytglogge, a landmark medieval clock tower built in the early 13th century. View the house where Albert Einstein lived and wrote the Theory of Relativity. Admire the House of Parliament, boasting stunning views of the majestic Bernese Alps. Free time for lunch on your own. Return to Lucerne later in the afternoon
Optional: Full Day Berne
Overnight: Lucerne
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Friday - Gotthard Pass en Route to Lugano, Cruise on Lake Lugano
This morning, depart Lucerne and travel south to Lugano, a city located in the Italian-speaking Ticino region. En route, travel through the Gotthard Road Tunnel. A masterpiece of engineering, the almost 10.5 mile long road tunnel connects the snowy Alps with the beautiful palm trees of the Italian region. Early afternoon arrival in Lugano, set on the shores of glacial Lake Lugano. After lunch on your own, take a boat cruise on Lake Lugano and marvel at the surrounding alpine scenery. Spend the rest of the day at leisure
Overnight: Lugano
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Saturday - Full Day in Lugano
A day to explore Lugano on your own., or perhaps join the optional Lake Como Tour. Take a guided walking tour to the town of Como, home to exquisite Lake Como, one of Italy's most romantic destinations. Enjoy a private cruise of the lake, admiring the elegant villas. Spend some free time independently exploring this picturesque villages and before returning to your hotel in Lugano. On your last night in Switzerland, bid goodbye to your Tour Manager and newfound friends at the Farewell Dinner
Optional: Lake Como Tour
Overnight: Lugano
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Sunday - Depart Switzerland
Transfer to the airport in Milan for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
***End of Tour***
SPECIAL FEATURES:
· View the baroque St Peter's church, with Europe’s largest clock in Zurich
· Visit to the Lion Monument, commemorating the massacre of the Swiss Guards during the French Revolution in 1792
· Admire the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape
· Experience Lugano, with its Swiss-Mediterranean mix of cultures and distinctive culinary scene
· Take a boat cruise on Lake Lugano and marvel at the surrounding alpine scenery
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