Swiss Escape
Swiss Escape
Swiss Escape
8 Days Starting in Zurich, Switzerland and ending in Lugano, Switzerland
Visiting: Zurich, Lake Geneva, Berne, Lucerne, Lugano
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KHAX-2024
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zurich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zurich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for 2 nights.Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Berne. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.
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.ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Day 2: Zurich,Neuchâtel,Lake Geneva
Location: Zurich
Accommodation Name: Eurotel 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: Eurotel 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: Berne
Accommodation Name: Astoria
Meals Included: Breakfast
LAKE GENEVA–BERNE–LUCERNE Alpine Attraction BERNE [LF] 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. 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: 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.)LUGANO Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.) (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay at Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North in Zurich, Eurotel Montreux at Lake Geneva, Astoria in Lucerne, and De La Paix or Novotel Lugano Paradiso in Lugano.
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Meals
Daily breakfast and selected dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours in Zurich, Chillon Castle, Berne, and Lucerne.
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Welcome Dinner
Welcome dinner on the first day in Zurich.
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Farewell Dinner
Farewell dinner on the last evening in Lugano.
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Transportation
Scenic drives through the Swiss Alps and other locations as part of the tour.
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Small-Group Discoveries
Limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure, ensuring extra space and personalized experiences.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the visit to Bellinzona Castle are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Airport Transfers
Transfers to and from the nearest airport (Milan, Italy) are not included.
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
Accommodation
Stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North in Zurich, Eurotel Montreux by Lake Geneva, Astoria in Lucerne, and De La Paix or Novotel Lugano Paradiso in Lugano.
Meals
7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners
Check out our Q&As
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What is the starting point of the Swiss Escape tour?
The tour starts in Zurich, Switzerland.
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What kind of welcome can I expect on the first day in Zurich?
On the first day in Zurich, you will meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel at 6 pm.
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What are some of the key sights in Zurich included in the tour?
In Zurich, the tour includes an orientation walk of the old town with sights of the Fraumünsterkirche.
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What activities are planned for the visit to Lake Geneva?
At Lake Geneva, you will have a guided visit to Chillon Castle and free time in the afternoon and evening.
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What can I expect during the visit to Berne?
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. You will also have free time for lunch and in the late afternoon and evening.
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What are the highlights of the Lucerne visit?
In Lucerne, the tour includes a walking tour with visits to the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and Chapel Bridge. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
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What is special about the drive from Lucerne to Lugano?
The drive from Lucerne to Lugano is scenic, taking you through the Swiss Alps.
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What options are available during the free time in Lugano?
During your free time in Lugano, you can explore the city’s mix of Italian and Swiss culture, visit Piazza della Riforma, and see the pastel palazzos. There is also an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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How does the tour conclude?
The tour concludes in Lugano with breakfast in the morning. The nearest airport for departure is in Milan, Italy.
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What is the group size for the Small-Group Discoveries option?
The Small-Group Discoveries option is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure.
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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
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