9 day Glorious Switzerland tour with Insight Vacations tour

Inclusions

• 9 nights in first class hotels
• 9 breakfasts, 5 dinners including a Dine-Around evening in Zermatt
• Travel by luxury 40-seat coach with more legroom
• Escorted by professional tour director

Itinerary

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 and flower filled meadows.Hotel: Warwick.

Day 2    Lake Geneva excursion
Your morning orientation tour of Geneva shows you the Jet D’Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Then follow the shores of Lake Geneva to visit medieval Chillon Castle. Before returning to your hotel, embark on a highlight cruise on the serene waters of Lake Geneva, the ‘king of Europe’s lakes’.

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 and 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, and follow the Rhone valley. Hotel: Alpen Resort.

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.

Day 5    Zermatt - Simplon Pass - Lugano
Drive via Brig and follow in the footsteps of Napoleon and 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. Hotel: De La Paix.

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 and 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.

Day 7    St. Moritz - Lucerne
Start the day with a scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, across the Grisons Mountains and through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. At Chur, re-board your coach and 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 and Lake Zurich to lovely lake side Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland. Hotel: Astoria.

Day 8    Lucerne at leisure
A full day at leisure in this beautiful 14C city with its covered wooden bridges, baroque churches, painted gables, medieval walls and watch towers.

Day 9    Lucerne - Zurich
Your departure transfer arrives at Zurich Airport at 08:00.

Departure Dates and Prices*

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 23 February 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuations)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Further conditions apply please see Insight Vacations Europe & Britain 2012 brochure or speak to your RACQ Consultant