Best of Switzerland
From CAD $5385
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(12 reviews)
Embark on an eight-day journey through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Visit the Zytglogge Clock on an orientation walk with your local leader in Bern, travel on a cogwheel train through the Alps and hike to the peak of Mount Rigi. Join a guided tour of a local cheese cellar, explore Grindelwald at your own pace and treat your taste buds to plenty of chocolate along the way!
Highlights
- Discover the area where Einstein lived and developed his Theory of Relativity at the start of the 20th century on an orientation walk with your local leader in Bern.
- Get a taste of the world-renowned Swiss rail system – your main transport on this trip – and soak in the scenic views as you ride the Luzern-Interlaken Express.
- Walk to the peak of Mount Rigi on a daytrip. Ride the cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm, learn about the region during a cheese cellar tasting and take in the panoramic views with a picnic lunch.
- Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both delicious treats along the way.
- Choose your own adventure with plenty of free time – maybe visit Grossmunter Church in Zurich, see Bourbaki Panorama in Lucerne or ride a cable car to Grindelwald First in Grindelwald.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1616
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Train,Public bus,Boat,Cable car,Cog railway
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
Explorer, Rail & Cruises
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: AMSS
Starts: Zurich, Switzerland
Finishes: Zurich, Switzerland
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $5385 ($673 /day)
Itinerary
Hoi! Welcome to Switzerland. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Zurich. If you arrive early maybe visit Grossmunster Church, stroll along the promenade of Lake Zurich or treat your sweet tooth with a tour and tasting at the Lindt Home of Chocolate Museum. After your meeting, join your local leader on an orientation walk. Later, maybe get to know your fellow travellers over dinner at a local restaurant.
Get a taste of the world-renowned Swiss rail system as you head to Bern – the capital city, built around a crook in the Aare River. On a walking tour with your leader, you’ll walk past medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt (Old Town) and learn about the city’s history. Explore the area where Einstein lived and developed his Theory of Relativity at the start of the 20th century and stop to check out Parliament House. Then, visit the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and examine the gears of the old clock, which dates back to the 15th century, with many original parts still in operation. Watch the perfectly timed figurines, then climb to the top for a panoramic view of Bern. In the evening, why not get some of your crew together to explore the local food and drink scene – from typical Swiss dishes to worldwide cuisine, this is a great place for dining.
Included Activities:
- Bern: Orientation Walk
- Bern: Zytgoggle Guided Tour
This morning, board a train to Grindelwald – a small village in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps known for its glacial gorges, waterfalls and limestone walls. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings around town. Then, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.
Included Activities:
- Grindelwald - Village walk
Today is a free day. Maybe explore Gletscherschlucht (Glacier Canyon) or ride a cable car to Grindelwald First, where you can embark on the First Cliff Walk – an adrenaline-pumping walkway that clings to the side of the mountain. You might also like to ride the rails through the village of Kleine Scheidegg to board the train to Jungfrauroch (the Top of Europe) – home to the highest railway station in Europe.
After breakfast, take the train to Lucerne, stopping at Interlaken along the way. Interlaken is a traditional resort town in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region built on a narrow stretch of valley, between the emerald-colored waters of Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. From here, ride the Luzern-Interlaken Express to Lucerne – this train ride is incredibly scenic, so make sure to make the most of the passing landscapes! When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk with your leader, then the rest of the day is free. Maybe visit the Glacier Garden, wander through the Richard Wagner Museum or see Bourbaki Panorama. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner and try some traditional dishes like zuppa di zucca (pumpkin soup) or chugelipastete (meat pie).
Included Activities:
- Lucerne - Orientation Walk
- Lucerne - Glacier Garden Visit
- Lucerne - Interlaken to Lucerne panoramin train ride
- Lucerne - Swiss Travel Pass
Set out on a daytrip to Mount Rigi today. Take the train to Arth-Goldau, where you’ll board a cogwheel train to Rigi Kulm. When you arrive, set off on a short walk to the peak of Mount Rigi. After, go downhill to the local cheese cellar, where you’ll join a guided tour for a cheese tasting. Maybe pack a picnic lunch to enjoy while soaking in the panoramic views, before setting off on another walk to Itznau – a picturesque municipality on the shores of Lake Lucerne, nestled at the foot of the Rigi. Later this afternoon, take a boat back to Lucerne.
Included Activities:
- Lucerne - Rigi Staffel to Vitznau cogwheel train ride
- Lucerne - Vitznau to Lucerne boat ride
- Lucerne - Rigi Kulm cogwheel train ride
- Rigi Mountain - Cheese cellar guided tour & tasting
Take the train back to Zurich this morning. When you arrive, join your local leader for an orientation walk, with a very important hot chocolate stop! You then have the rest of the day to explore – maybe wander through the Swiss National Museum, visit the Fraumunster Church or take a cable car to Uetilberg for panoramic views over the surrounding alps and lake. Tonight, maybe join your group for a farewell dinner – a great way to say goodbye to Switzerland.
Included Activities:
- Zurich - Local hot chocolate drink
- Zurich - Orientation walk
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave any time after breakfast. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Zurich, please chat to your booking agent ahead of time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Vanessa - Traveled, May 2023
Switzerland itself is a beautiful place and we saw some wonderful places. Not many inclusions and no local guide as advertised. Shared bathroom not expected and although clean, still not ideal. Compared to previous trips with G Adventures, Intrepid was subpar. We learned more facts and history from a wonderful waiter in Bern. Unlikely to use Intrepid again, our guide was lovely and this review should not reflect on her personally.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/31/2023
Natalie - Traveled, August 2023
Great way to introduce yourself to the wonders of Switzerland. It is fast paced, adventurous and beautiful. All accommodations are clean and comfortable and easily within walking distance to train stations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Ieda - Traveled, August 2023
Unfortunately Intrepid's selection of accommodations were very poor for this trip and in this tour we did not have a local guide. I don't believe I would use Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/20/2023
Robert - Traveled, August 2023
A short tour which gave a good introduction to Switzerland, albeit focussing on tourist 'hotspots'. Its success for me personally lay largely on the excellent organisational skills, supportive and personable nature of our leader, Serena. We all opted for Jungfraujoch so this should really be an included activity rather than an optional extra.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Bradley - Traveled, August 2023
Great trip with good pacing. Many options for activities with varied levels of physicalness. Smooth train rides between destinations with a beautiful view of the Swiss countryside and nature.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/16/2023
Megan - Traveled, June 2023
The cows really do wear bells, the hills are rolling and green, the trains run exactly on time, and the mountains are as majestic as they are made out to be-Switzerland is a beautiful place. This trip is a great way to see many parts of this picturesque country!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/05/2023
Raymond - Traveled, August 2023
Our first time to both Europe and Switzerland was excellent. Our tour guide Luisa was wonderful and brought a lot of enthusiasm to our group. The places we went too were spectacular. It’s a trip we will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Sethuraman - Traveled, July 2023
Our trip Leader Luisa was very helpful and knowledgeable. Offered many suggestions on what we can do in our free time. Also planned with us to make it happen. We could have skipped Bulle and instead stayed in Bern did Cheese factory and Chocolate factory tour. Bern offers many things to see
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Emma - Traveled, June 2023
Really great way to see a lot of Switzerland in a short space of time. Big days, make sure you're well rested before the trip stats. The Bernese Oberland was a particular highlight. The day trip to Gruyere is a delight but if you're not into super touristy experiences maybe skip the chocolate factory and go for a swim instead. Simone our leader was a delight and Switzerland is truly impressive destination.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/22/2023
Jennifwr - Traveled, May 2023
Experiencing this spectacularly beautiful country by train left me constantly awestruck. There's nothing I didn't like and 100% will go back. Do recommend this trip!!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/19/2023
Ella - Traveled, June 2023
Fantastic trip. The mountains, Lucerne and Bern are particular highlights
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2023
Aysha - Traveled, June 2022
The Best of Switzerland was an amazing trip me and my husband took. We enjoyed every part of from the beautiful country to their amazing transport system. I think it’s an excellent trip for an introduction to Switzerland as it gives you a taste of a little bit of everything of this amazing country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/28/2022
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