Swiss Escape
Swiss Escape
$1745
Swiss Escape
8 Days Starting in Zurich, Switzerland and ending in Lugano, Switzerland
Visiting: Zurich, Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva, Berne, Lucerne, Lugano
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KHA-2026
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Swiss Escape" tour and immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Switzerland. Begin your journey in Zurich, where you'll explore the charming old town and enjoy a welcome dinner. Travel through Neuchâtel to the stunning Lake Geneva, visiting the iconic Chillon Castle. Discover the historic city of Berne, with its picturesque Old Town and Bear Park, before heading to Lucerne to see the famous Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument. Experience the breathtaking Swiss Alps en route to Lugano, where you'll have free time to explore its unique blend of Italian and Swiss culture. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner in Lugano, with an optional excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bellinzona Castle. Enjoy comfortable accommodations in first-class hotels and savor delicious meals, including seven breakfasts and three dinners, as you explore the best of Switzerland.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Zurich,Switzerland
Location: Zurich
Accommodation Name: Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Day 2: Zurich,Neuchâtel,Lake Geneva
Location: Zurich, Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva
Accommodation Name: Mona Montreux
Meals Included: Breakfast
ZURICH–NEUCHÂTEL–LAKE GENEVA Swiss History ZURICH Orientation walk of the old town includes sights of the Fraumünsterkirche.NEUCHÂTEL Free time en route to Lake Geneva. (B) 174 mi / 280 kmTOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.
Day 3: Lake Geneva
Location: Lake Geneva
Accommodation Name: Mona Montreux
Meals Included: Breakfast
LAKE GENEVA Grandeur in Geneva LAKE GENEVA Guided visit to Chillon Castle. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)HISTORIC SPOT EXPLORE MORE Located on a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through these serene location and take in breath-taking views of the surrounding area.
Day 4: Lake Geneva,Berne,Lucerne
Location: Lake Geneva, Berne, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria
Meals Included: Breakfast
LAKE GENEVA–BERNE–LUCERNE Alpine Attraction BERNE Guided walking tour includes the Old Town, a stop at Bear Park, and a panoramic view of the city from Rose Garden. Free time for lunch. Free time late afternoon and evening. (B) 155 mi / 250 kmLOCAL FAVORITE CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Berne differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.
Day 5: Lucerne
Location: Lucerne
Accommodation Name: Astoria
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LUCERNE Bridging History LUCERNE Walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. [LF] Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this the world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.
Day 6: Lucerne,Lugano
Location: Lucerne, Lugano
Accommodation Name: De La Paix
Meals Included: Breakfast
LUCERNE–LUGANO Sights & Delights of Switzerland LUCERNE Scenic drive through the Swiss Alps on the way to Lugano.LUGANO Free time. (B) 112mi/180 kmFREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.
Day 7: Lugano
Location: Lugano
Accommodation Name: Novotel Lugano Paradiso
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
LUGANO Swiss Celebration LUGANO Free time this morning and afternoon. Farewell dinner this evening at your hotel. (B,D)FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE in Lugano with an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle. Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.
Day 8: Lugano
Location: Lugano
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.)
What's Included
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Guided Tours
Enjoy guided tours in Zurich, Berne, and Lake Geneva, including a visit to Chillon Castle.
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Walking Tours
Participate in walking tours of Zurich's Old Town, Berne's Old Town, and Lucerne's Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument.
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Scenic Drives
Experience a scenic drive through the Swiss Alps on the way to Lugano.
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Small-Group Discoveries
Benefit from Small-Group Discoveries with an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring a more intimate experience.
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UNESCO Sites
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Old City of Berne.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions, such as a visit to Bellinzona Castle, are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Transfers to and from the nearest airport in Milan, Italy, are not included.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes scenic drives through the Swiss Alps, with transportation provided between key locations such as Zurich, Lake Geneva, Berne, Lucerne, and Lugano.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North in Zurich, Mona Montreux by Lake Geneva, Astoria in Lucerne, and De La Paix and Novotel Lugano Paradiso in Lugano.
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Small Group
Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.
UNESCO Sites
Old City of Berne
Check out our Q&As
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What is included in the meals during the Swiss Escape tour?
The Swiss Escape tour includes 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners.
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What can I expect on the first day of the Swiss Escape tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Zurich and meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel at 6 pm.
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What activities are planned for the second day of the tour?
On the second day, there is an orientation walk of Zurich's old town, including sights of the Fraumünsterkirche, followed by free time en route to Lake Geneva.
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What will we do at Lake Geneva on the third day?
On the third day, you will have a guided visit to Chillon Castle and free time in the afternoon and evening.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Berne on the fourth day?
In Berne, there will be a guided walking tour that includes the Old Town, a stop at Bear Park, and a panoramic view of the city from Rose Garden.
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What are the main attractions in Lucerne on the fifth day?
In Lucerne, the walking tour includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
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What can I do during my free time in Lugano on the sixth day?
During your free time in Lugano, you can explore the city's mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture, visit Piazza della Riforma, and enjoy the architecture and street art.
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Is there an optional excursion available on the seventh day in Lugano?
Yes, there is an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle, where you can enjoy panoramic views and try local specialties and Merlot wine.
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What is the nearest airport to Lugano for departure on the last day?
The nearest airport to Lugano for departure is in Milan, Italy.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
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