Switzerland has so much to offer, but if you’ve got limited time to explore this marvelous country, our Highlights tour is the one for you. Experience the best of this beautiful country, from the elegance of Zurich to the beauty of the Lake Geneva region. It’s all yours for 9 marvelous days. Get your camera ready! You won’t want to miss a moment!
Fly to Zurich, where you’ll be greeted by one of Europe’s most cultural cities. The largest city in Switzerland is the perfect destination for art lovers and ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in a little “retail therapy” as well. Opt for a half-day private tour or explore on your own. Whichever you choose, be sure to visit the Kunsthaus, known for its modern art exhibits, and the Rietberg Museum, offering the best in non-European art. Don’t miss the Chagall-designed stained glass windows at the Church of Our Lady and take time to enjoy the animals at the marvelous Zurich Zoo. And if you’ve got a few extra dollars to spend, head to the Bahnhofstrasse – Zurich’s answer to Rodeo Drive – where you can find some of the best shopping in Europe.
Next, the scenery changes as you head to bucolic Lucerne. Situated on a lake of the same name, Lucerne is the largest city in north-central Switzerland and its Old Town area – with its quaint shops, courtyards, old-world architecture, and pedestrian friendly streets – is what you envision when you think of Europe. Enjoy an excursion on the crystal clear Lake Lucerne or travel out of the city to the nearby mountains, where you can explore Mount Pilatus, take a hike on the groomed trails, or simply enjoy the view from up above.
After departing Lucerne, you’ll head for the capital city of Bern with its UNESCO-lauded historic Old Town area featuring stunning medieval architecture and a list of must-see sites including the Munster Cathedral, the old Town Hall, Holy Ghost Church, the Zytglogge and Käfigturm towers, and the town’s collection of handsome 16th century fountains. Enjoy a private tour of the area and then take some time on your own to explore the remainder of the sites.
Continue to Lausanne, situated in the French-speaking section of the country, where you’ll experience the true beauty of the Lake Geneva region. Admire both the lake and the surrounding Alps as you make your way through Switzerland’s fourth-most populated city, blessed with 46 buildings or sites on the National Heritage list. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Swiss Reformed Church, the Chateaux Saint-Maire, and City Hall, and check out the collection of more than two dozen museums. In addition, you’ll enjoy a side trip to the prolific Lavaux Wine Region, known for its white varietals made from the chasselas grape. Hop aboard the wine train for a close-up look at the terraced vineyards and a chance to meet winegrowers and taste their offerings.
9 days featuring Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, and Lausanne
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Plan My TripWe can offer round trip international airfare from any city in the United States. Please note that we can only offer published fares and do not have the capabilities to hold specific fares or flights for longer than five days. Also, we do not offer airfare as a single item - it must be included with a travel package.
Plan My TripInterested in including rail travel in your journey, we offer a wide range of rail passes, transportation cards, night train reservations, premier seat reservations, point-to-point tickets and more. Please contact us at info@destinationeuropeonline.com or fill our Travel Request form and provide the necessary information.
Plan My TripWe work with a large range of hotels and properties all over Europe. Ranging from budget friendly hotels, to first class luxury hotels. We also work with select B&Bs and Inns, rentals, Villas, Castles, and unique style properties (think glamping, tents, ice hotel, etc). With our Virtuoso connections, additional amenities at select hotels are included.
Plan My TripThe experiences and activities that we build are endless. From private drivers and private guides, to small group experiences. City tours, day trips, boat charters, hot air balloons, food and wine, culinary experiences, hiking & biking, history tours, photography tours, garden and estate tours, and special occasions are just some of what we can offer.
Plan My TripEurope offers an array of River Cruise options from the Douro River in Portugal, to Normandy and the South of France along the Seine and Rhone Rivers, to Rhine and Danube Rivers meandering through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, and Romania. We can help you navigate all options best suited for you or group.
Plan My TripWe wanted to drop you a note to thank you for all your help with our recent vacation to Italy. It was simply a phenomenal trip! You put together a package which was exactly what we asked for ? organized activities coupled with ample free time to explore on our own, and smaller quaint (yet elegant) accommodations.
Our trip to Paris and Provence was even better than we had imagined. Once again we gave you short notice, but you came through for us with flying colors. Everything, transportation, hotel accommodations, day tours were excellent. This was our second trip with you planning all of the details, truly amazing!