Included Premium Highlights

    * Visit Chillon Castle, immortalised by the poet, Byron, & beautifully situated on Lake Geneva
    * Embark on a highlight cruise on the serene waters of Lake Geneva
    * Excursion by cable-car to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, for breathtaking panoramic views
    * Travel along the route of the Glacier Express for a scenic ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps

Included Other Excursions & Sights

    * See Geneva's Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock & Reformation Monument
    * Visit France's mountaineering capital of Chamonix
    * See the majestic peak of the Matterhorn from traffic-free Zermatt (weather permitting)
    * Experience beautiful Lake Maggiore in the Italian Lake District
    * Visit the elegant lakeside resort of Lugano
    * Drive through the majestic Grisons Alps
    * Visit Vaduz, the tiny capital of Liechtenstein & see the castle
    * See the dramatic scenery of Walensee & Lake Zurich
    * See the emotive Lion Monument, Jesuit Church & Chapel Bridge in Lucerne
    * Scenic Drives - Arve Valley, Italian Lake District, Forclaz, Simplon, San Bernadino & Julier Passes

Included First Class Services

    * Escorted by a professional Tour Director
    * Headsets for all guided visits & walking tours
    * Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with extended leg room & on-board restroom
    * Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes & porterage
    * Insight Traveller document wallet, map book journal & information pack
    * Airport arrival & departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 1 & Day 9
    * Should your flights not coincide with these arrival & departure transfers, please make your own way to/from the airport

Included Quality Dining

    * Choose from a selection of restaurants on your Dine Around evening in Zermatt (DA)
    * 8 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 2 three-course table d'hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
 

Day 1 - GENEVA AT LEISURE

Welcome to Switzerland! Prepare yourself for various modes of transport, all of which showcase the majesty of the snow capped mountains, the glaciers, sparkling lakes, the beauty of the rich, green valleys & flower filled meadows. On arrival at Geneva Airport, your airport transfer leaves for the tour hotel at 11:00,13:00,16:00. This evening, get to know your Tour Director over a Welcome Drink

Hotel: Cornavin (D)

Day 2 - LAKE GENEVA EXCURSION

Your morning orientation tour of Geneva shows you the Jet D'Eau, Floral Clock & Reformation Monument. Then follow the shores of Lake Geneva to visit Chillon Castle, which sits on a rocky islet on the lake, immortalised by Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. Before returning to your hotel, embark on a highlight cruise on the serene waters of Lake Geneva, the 'king of Europe's lakes'. (BB)

Day 3 - GENEVA - CHAMONIX - ZERMATT

Today's route takes you into France (remember your passport) for a drive through the picturesque Arve Valley to Chamonix at the foot of Mont-Blanc. Take the excursion by cable-car to the summit of the Aiguille du Midi, where the panoramic views of the French, Swiss & Italian Alps are spectacular! Return to Switzerland by the Forclaz Pass Road, one of the great international routes of the Alps. Descend to Martigny in the southern Swiss canton of Valais, & follow the Rhone valley. The final stage of the journey is by mini-bus & electric taxi to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. Tonight, enjoy a stroll in the clean mountain air to your chosen restaurant on your Dine-Around evening.

Hotel: Alpen Resort (BB,DA)

Day 4 - ZERMATT AT LEISURE

Zermatt in summertime is a Shangri-la of leisure-time possibilities: try swimming or hiking or spend a whole DAY relaxing in the clean mountain air. Perhaps take an optional ride on Europe's highest cable car tothe snow-capped roof of the world for a magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy & France? (BB)

Day 5 - ZERMATT - LUGANO

Descend to Täsch & re-join the coach. Drive via Brig & follow in the footsteps of Napoleon & ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Back in Switzerland, drive on to Lugano, one of the most popular resorts in Switzerland, spectacularly set among towering mountains beside the clear lake. Browse beneath the arcades of the Via Nassa or stroll beneath the trees in the glorious Municipal Park & along the lake-side promenade.

Hotel: De La Paix (BB,D)

Day 6 - LUGANO - ST MORITZ

Head north back into the high mountain country of the Grisons Alps today. Ascend the Julier Pass to arrive in the sparkling Engadine Valley & spend the afternoon in the chic cosmopolitan resort of St.Moritz. Free time to browse or take a ride on the Bernina Express.

Hotel: Monopol (BB,D)

Day 7 - ST MORITZ - ZURICH

Start the day with a scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, across the Grisons Mountains & through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages & lush meadows. At Chur, re-board your coach & drive along the valley of the Upper Rhine to the Principality of Liechtenstein to spend a while in the tiny capital, Vaduz. Then cross back into Switzerland where a beautiful drive takes you alongside the dramatic Walensee & Lake Zurich to the commercial heart of the country, Zurich.

Hotel: Mövenpick Zurich Airport (BB)

Day 8 - LUCERNE EXCURSION

Today's excursion is to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne with its covered wooden bridges, baroque churches, painted gables, medieval walls & watch towers. You'll also see the sorrowful sculpture of a wounded lion, hewn out of the rock, to commemorate the brave Swiss guards who lost their lives defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. Stroll along the lake side promenades or shop for fine watches, cuckoo clocks or delicious chocolate before returning to Zurich. (BB,D)

Day 9 - ZURICH

Departure transfers arrive at Zurich Airport at 08:30 & 12:30. (BB)

Your Insight tour already includes a host of bonus highlights and comprehensive sightseeing. However, there is an exciting array of optional excursions which will turn an already amazing experience into the trip of a lifetime! These are entirely optional and can be booked through your Tour Director/Local Representative at the commencement of your tour. All prices are quoted in local currency. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard or American Express. To help your pre-tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately EURO 45 per person per day for optional excursions.

ZER02 - KLEINER MATTERHORN EXCURSION
A unique electric taxi service will drive us to the foot of Zermatt's highest and most spectacular mountain experience. Enjoy stunning views as we ascend to Furi and Trockener steg before boarding Europe's highest cable car to arrive on the snow-capped top of the world at 3883 m (12,740 ft). A magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France will make this an unforgettable experience - one not to be missed. EURO 76

ITL01S - ISOLA BELLA
The premier attraction of Lake Maggiore is the Borromean Islands. Our lake cruise takes us to Isola Bella, the largest and most famous island, renowned for its incredible palace and stunning Botanical Gardens. A guided tour of this privately owned palace with free time to admire the gardens is a must. EURO 36

SMV02 - BERNINA - EXPRESS EXCURSION
Enjoy one of the most exciting train rides in Switzerland as you cross the Bernina Pass to the Alp Grum. Spectacular views of the Alpine peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, green valleys and mountain villages. We then descend to Poschiavo to reboard our touring coach. EURO 36

LCR07 - SWISS ALPINE SHOW WITH LUNCH
Enjoy a typical Swiss lunch including cheese fondue and two drinks whilst being entertained by a lively show featuring song, dance, Alpenhorn blowing and traditional Swiss flag throwing. EURO 61

ZUR01 - RHINE RIVER JOURNEY WITH DINNER
Enjoy a spectacular boat trip along the River Rhine, starting at the highest waterfalls in Europe and sailing past vineyards; sleepy villages and the marvellous Benedictine monastery of Rheinau, which we will pause toadmire. Later dine in a cosy local restaurant, nestled in the oldest house in Rheinau. EURO 72