Country Roads Of Switzerland

Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travelers for centuries. On arrival at Zürich airport, transfers leave for your hotel in Lucerne. Meet your travel director and travel companions for drinks, followed by a pleasant welcome dinner with wine at a local restaurant.

Step aboard a funicular railway and open-top cable car for a spectacular journey to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Admire unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains and, on a clear day see as far as Alsace in France and the Black Forest in Germany. Enjoy exploring Stanserhorn. Choose between meeting a Swiss Ranger and learn about the local wildlife or alternatively, walk through the Stanserhorn marmot park and along the Rock-Gipfelweg trail leading to the summit. At the highest point you can enjoy a breathtaking 360 degree panorama. Return to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to walk along the lake or perhaps shop for a special timepiece or chocolate.

In Bern, your local expert, a local English teacher, shows you the Bear Pits, Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the Ogre Fountain. Your travels continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps with snowy summits filling the horizon. Continue through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, that gives its name to the well-known cheese. Enjoy time on your own to explore the pretty main street and 13th century castle. From Montreux, travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to visit Domaine Wannaz and admire the stunning panorama overlooking the lake. Savor a tasting of tantalizing, local wines and delight in a delicious farm-to-table light dinner.

On the western bay of Lake Geneva, a local expert will show you the medieval Chillon Castle, former home to the Counts of Savoy, immortalized by Lord Byron's "Prisoner of Chillon." Keep a look out for where the writer is rumored to have left his mark. Return to Montreux where the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own or relax as you wish at your quayside hotel.

Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet d'Eau and Floral Clock. Next, relax in first-class comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a highlight cruise. This evening, enjoy time at leisure on the promenades of your lakeside resort.

Journey into the upper Rhône Valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. Complete your journey via cogwheel train to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt. This evening, take your pick from a selection a local restaurants for your dine-around evening. Perhaps you will delight in the typical Swiss dining experience of fondue.

Zermatt in summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking or relaxing in the fresh alpine surrounds. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge or sample the delicious cakes known as Kuchen.

Descend to Täsch for a scenic drive through Brig, where you'll commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping along the shores of Lake Maggiore. The afternoon is at your leisure. Perhaps join an experience to the stunning Isola Bella.

Journey along the shores of Lake Maggiore, and head north to the three castles at Bellinzona to meet your local expert, Julia Guidotti, for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Originally from the midwest of the USA, Julia was married in Ticino - the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland of which Bellinzona is the capital. Having lived in the area for many years, Julia is passionate about this city and is always keen to share her knowledge and delighted to assist with any questions you have about the region. Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, traveling via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.

Enjoy a day at leisure to jostle with the jet-setters in the elegant boutiques, or take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. To help you make the most of your day, your travel director will provide you with a mountain railways pass, offering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts, when available, in Engadine St. Moritz.

Step aboard the Glacier Express to experience one of the world's great railway journeys. Cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lütschine River to Lauterbrunnen, at the head of the Valley of Waterfalls, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 meters from the plateau above.

Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald further. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain.

Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre to trace the history of the trade back to the early days of the 19th century. Continue over the Brünig Pass and drive alongside the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to return to Zürich. See the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster on an orientation of the city with your travel director. Join your travel companions at a local restaurant. Your celebration dinner is accompanied with wine - raise your glass to toast to your adventures.

You will leave the Zürich airport for your onward flight.