Private Trip – Grand Circle of Switzerland

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Program:

Day 1: Zurich
For transportation we will provide Swiss Travel Pass – 1st Class: Swiss travel pass includes train transfers throughout the whole of Switzerland.
Transfers from train stations to hotels and back are subject to supplement.

After arrival to Switzerland take a train from Zurich airport to Zurich hotel.

Afterwards, discover the spectacular sights of Zurich (on your own), one of most vibrant Swiss city. Cruise past legendary landmarks like the sophisticated Bahnhofstrasse and admire the shimmering surface of Lake Zurich. See the sacred St Peter’s Church and the charming Old Town, and then ride the Dolderbahn railway to the undulating hills of the Zurichberg district.

Overnight: Zurich

Tip of the day:

– RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS IN ZURICH:

• DIDIS FRIEDEN; Black & white dining room with big windows & terrace, for imaginative cordon bleu & veal dishes.
• DIFFERENTE (in hotel Krone); using only high-quality, seasonal and local produce for its dishes. Enjoy in Mediterranean dishes and Swiss specialities.
• RESTAURANT GUSTAV; Mediterranean cuisine with modern interpretation of culinary classics with an Italian touch.
• KRONENHALLE; Gourmet regional cuisine in century-old restaurant, with art masterpieces lining wood-panelled walls.
• PANORAMA RESTAURANT FELSENEGG (20 km out of Zurich); Traditional menus are served at this lively Swiss restaurant with a terrace & 120-year-old stove, overlooking Lake Zurich.

Day 2: Zurich

Enjoy one day romantic self-guided train tour from Zurich to biggest European waterfalls of Rhein Falls and stroll through romantic towns of Switzerland: Stein am Rhein, Schaffhausen and visit famous Abbey Library in St. Gallen.

Optionally we can include whole-day private guide.

Overnight: Zurich

Day 3: Zurich – Interlaken

Train transfer to Interlaken, check-in at the hotel and at leisure.

Overnight: Interlaken

Tip of the day – favourite activities for this day:

• VISIT THE OPEN AIR MUSEUM BALLENBERG: Switzerland as it used to be. More than one hundred century-old buildings from all over Switzerland, 250 farmyard animals, traditional, old-time gardens and fields, demonstrations of local crafts, and many special events create a vivid impression of rural life in days gone by.
• VISIT OF THE TRÜMMELBACH WATERFALLS: The Trümmelbach Falls are the world’s only glacier waterfalls that are accessible underground by lift, galleries, tunnels, paths and platforms. They are part of the Lauterbrunnen Valley’s 72 waterfalls, among them also the imposing Staubbach Fall. The hiking tour on mainly flat land leads from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg, past water gushing from vertical rock faces that are several hundred meters high. Ticket of 11 CHF/person payable on the spot!
• BOAT RIDE ON THUN LAKE: A cruise on the clear, blue waters of Lake Thun amid the mountains of the Bernese Oberland is an unforgettable experience. During the unhurried two-hour trip between Thun and Interlaken, you can indulge in fine cuisine while casting admiring gazes at the castles on the banks and the mountains beyond
• 007 SCHILTHORN CABLE CAR: On the opposite side of the valley is the holiday resort of Mürren, accessible from Lauterbrunnen and Stechelberg. The cable way from Stechelberg continues to the peak of the Schilthorn at 2971 m, famous for being the setting where the 007 classic, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ was filmed.
• ALPHORN SOUND: Discover how an alp horn works and try to make its distinctive sound ring across the valley for yourself. Experience Swiss customs and traditions as you try and make a sound on the alp horn. You will receive instruction from an experienced alp horn player who will be delighted to answer your questions.
• FUNKY CHOCOLATE MAKING WORKSHOP: Funky Chocolate Club first opened in November 2014. Their love and passion for chocolate led them to this crazy idea – let’s open a meeting point for all chocolate lovers, let’s share secrets of Swiss chocolate with travelers from all over the world. Even though chocolate making is very serious business Funky Chocolate try to have as much fun as possible with all of their products.
• HALF-DAY KAYAK TOUR: Experience the beauty of our mountain lakes from an awe inspiring perspective and learn your first moves in this fantastic environment. Our half day tours run regularly each week and on weekends through the Summer in the mornings, afternoons and evenings and are suitable for all levels. Our tours start in Bönigen on Lake Brienz and offer an insight into the area’s natural beauty. Experience the grandeur of the surrounding mountains, the 13th century castle of Ringgenberg, the beautiful cliffs and the calmness of the incredible turquoise lake.
• TOP OF INTERLAKEN – HARDER KULM viewing platform. If Interlaken had a king, he would reside on the Harder Kulm. From the viewing platform at 1,322 metres above sea level he would graciously look down upon Lake Brienz and Lake Thun, or admire the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.

Day 4: Grindelwald – Interlaken – Wengen

Top of Europe with Jungfrau experience. Enjoy a 2 hour cogwheel train ride through green meadows and the hard rock of the Mountain Eiger to Europe’s highest railway station at 11,333 ft: the famous Jungfraujoch (Top of Europe). Spend some time on top of Jungfraujoch which is covered by eternal ice and snow. You may visit the Glacier Palace with its ice sculptures, the Sphinx (weather station), and lookout platforms providing you with a breathtaking view of the glacier and the snow-covered mountain peaks.

After return to Interlaken free time to enjoy both lakes or do some other activities in the area (see Tip of the day options below Day 3).

Overnight: Interlaken

Day 5: Interlaken – Bern – Lausanne

Train transfer to Lausanne.

En-route stop in Bern, the capital city of Switzerland and explore historical part of Bern. On your own: Stroll through the beautiful and romantic old town, a UNESCO World heritage site. The Old City (Altstadt) is the medieval city center of Bern, Switzerland. Built on a narrow hill surrounded on three sides by the river Aare, its compact layout has remained essentially unchanged since its construction during the twelfth to the fifteenth century. Despite a major fire in 1405, after which much of the city was rebuilt in sandstone, and substantial construction efforts in the eighteenth century, Bern’s old city has retained its medieval character.

It is home to Switzerland’s tallest cathedral as well as other churches, bridges and a large collection of Renaissance fountains. In addition to many historical buildings, the seats of the federal, cantonal and municipal government are also situated in the Old City. It is a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site since 1983 due to the compact and generally intact medieval core and is an excellent example of incorporating the modern world into a medieval city. Numerous buildings in the Old City have been designated as Swiss Cultural Properties of National Significance, as well as the entire Old City.

In the afternoon, continue to Lausanne. Check-in at your hotel and continue exploring this beautiful city (on your own).

As a base of International Olympic Committee since 1914, Laussane is boasting as second largest town by Geneve Lake. The setting of Lausanne is extremely picturesque: the town is built on three hills, surrounded by vineyard-covered slopes, with Lake Geneva at its feet. Rising impressively from the opposing French lake shore are the Savoy Alps. The attractive old town is largely car-free. Small alleyways with cafes and boutiques shape the streetscape in the medieval city centre.

Also worthy of a visit are the parks, containing many Mediterranean plant species, and grand palace hotels like the Beau-Rivage Palace in Ouchy and the Hotel de l’Angleterre, where Lord Byron once stayed.

Overnight: Lausanne

Day 6: Lausanne – Montreux – Zermatt

From Lausanne continue further to Montreux with famous Castle Chillon.

In Montreux visit Chillon Castle: Castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy.

Continue scenic train ride to the car-free village of Zermatt, set on the foot of the mighty Matterhorn. After arrival, check in at the hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure in Zermatt, famous because of the best view of the impressive Matterhorn. The rural village with the dark sun-burned wooden houses is inviting for shopping and fine eating.

Overnight: Zermatt

Day 7: Zermatt

Ascend by cable car to the top of Matterhorn glacier, set on a high plateau and surrounded by mountains 13,124 feet high.Fantastic highest viewing platform in Europe (3883m) – one of the best views I have ever seen in my life! Take a hike or ski on the glacier, offering numerous ski-lifts to enjoy skiing.

Overnight: Zermatt

SOME RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS IN ZERMATT: Zermatt is widely regarded as having the best mountain restaurants in Europe.

• THE «SPYCHER»; flambé and grill restaurant with traditional dishes of Switzerland, as well as exquisite meat dishes of the finest quality
• CHEZ VRONY (on Sunnegga mountain station – only for lunch); large terrace which boasts stunning view of Matterhorn. Vrony’s 100 years of family traditional serving of food is based only from organic sources or meat that has grazed on alpine grass, so get into real mountain experience.

Day 8: Zermatt – St.Moritz

Enjoy a full day on the Glacier Express, most renowned Panoramic Train in the world. Sit back and relax in your comfy seat, taking in the Alpine scenery from the large picture windows and enjoying a delicious lunch served at your seat. Route takes you to fascinating 8-hours panoramic train ride from the Alpine resort of Zermatt to another chic and most renowned Swiss ski center, St. Moritz.

Optionally: Excellence class on Glacier Express Train: A panoramic trip through the Swiss Alps aboard the Glacier Express is now even more spectacular. The new Excellence Class sets standards that are as high as the mountain peaks along the legendary route: with window seat guaranteed and a five-course menu included.

Overnight: St.Moritz

RESTAURANT SUGGESTIONS IN ST. MORITZ:

• CHESA VEGLIA (in Badrutt’s Palace); Swiss specialties, pizzas, steaks & drinks are served in a rustic old farmhouse with separate areas.
• RESTAURANT ENGIADINA; a first-class à-la-carte meal accompanied by a bottle of fine wine will provide you with a lasting memory of your holiday.
• RESTAURANT CA d’ORO; Mediterranean cuisine, offering a combination of traditional and well-loved dishes with more modern elements
• CHESA AL PARC; Select from the array of Swiss delicacies and international dishes. Weekly specials: Venetianstyle on Tuesdays, the traditional Italian dish Bollito Misto on Thursdays, and Fondue Chinoise à discretion on Sunday evening.

Day 9: St.Moritz – Lucerne

Enjoy Pontresina area with multiple options below or continue in the morning directly to Lucerne. Train transfer from St. Moritz to Lucerne and check in at the hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy Lucerne which ranks amongst the world’s prettiest and romantic cities in the world. Contributing to Lucerne’s cityscape alongside the world-famous Chapel Bridge and Water Tower are the Musegg Wall, the Jesuit Church, the Mill Bridge, the Lion Monument, the KKL culture and convention centre, and a host of other sites of interest.

Optionally: Mt. Pilatus Golden Tour: Enjoy worlds steepest cogwheel train-cable car to enjoy the great views from the summit of Pilatus. On the top of Pilatus you’ll find several bars and restaurants, as well as a terrace to enjoy the views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps. Also there’s a ‘Dragon Path’ about the myths around this mountain, and several hiking trails to viewing points.
From May to October experience the assorted delights of Lucerne’s landmark mountain courtesy of the Golden Round Trip – a half-day or whole-day excursion involving a boat trip, the cogwheel railway, aerial cable way and panorama gondolas.

Overnight: Lucerne

Mt. Pilatus steepest cogwheel train in the world

Day 10: Lucerne – Zurich Airport

Train transfer to Zurich Airport and flight back home.