View of Spiez Castle on Lake Thun in Switzerland

A Sublime Tour of Switzerland’s Treasures & Charm

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Switzerland

Places Visited

Zurich, Lucerne, Mount Pilatus, Hergiswil...

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Suggested Duration

12 Days

Reveal the charms of Switzerland as you indulge in the rich aromas that emanate from the many renowned restaurants and spectacular comforts of five-star hotels. Listen to the legends of the Matterhorn on a scenic train ride beneath Alpine summits, and then linger beneath the frescoed ceilings that are bathed in natural light. Blocks of wood take great shape in the hands of master woodcarvers as waterfalls carve into the mountainside and corkscrew down into the valley while hidden vineyard terraces...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • Learn to make bread in a traditional oven while learning the heritage of the Alps at the Ballenberg Museum
  • Delight in a hands-on experience as you make cheese at one of the most celebrated dairies in Switzerland
  • Enjoy a scenic train ride around mountain summits for a pristine view of the Matterhorn, Switzerland’s most famous peak
  • Visit a secluded historical monastery that overlooks Lake Maggiore to find staggering views and priceless frescoes
  • Witness subterranean glacial waterfalls as they carve through the mountainside
  • Relish the vivacious colors and graceful designs of glass sculptures at Hergiswil, and take part in a glassblowing lesson
  • Sip regional wine in the Lavaux wine region for an introduction to the historical villages, magnificent scenery, and countless tiers of beautiful vineyards
  • Learn the basics of woodcarving during a private tour of the Brienz Woodcarving Museum and Trade School and make a personalized decoupage
  • Indulge in the luxuries of five-star accommodation and private tours across the stunning Swiss landscape 

Detailed Description

Bask in the beauty of Switzerland on your 12-day luxury tour that will reveal the natural splendor of the mountains, lakes, and woodlands. Your journey will begin with your arrival at Zurich Airport as your private transfer will meet you at baggage claim and escort you on a scenic drive to the stunning lakeside city of Lucerne. The next day, your guide will lead you on a private walking tour of Lucerne to bring you along the cobbled streets and across the covered bridges to see the charms of the city. In the afternoon, venture next to the Glass Factory of Hergiswil to see the historical warehouse and workshop before enjoying your personal glass blowing lesson.

Wake the next morning and depart for the village of Grindelwald, with a stop first in the hilly village of Emmental. The Emmental dairy produces some of Switzerland’s most celebrated cheese, and you can tour the factory and engage in traditional cheese making instruction with a private instructor before visiting the capital city of Bern. You will quickly discover the inherent charms of the city of Bern, located on a sandstone plateau. In the evening, you will settle into the comforts of your accommodation in Grindelwald. The next two days will give you time to revel in the splendor of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and the surrounding mountains. Travel to the top of Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest point and traverse the walkways along Trummelbach Waterfalls. As you move on to visit the open-air museum of Ballenberg, you can also bake bread in a communal oven the way local villagers once did.

The next day will bring you across the Alps, first stopping at the woodcarver village of Brienz. Take a moment to see the magnificent woodwork of the students at the Brienz Woodworking School and Museum before trying your hand to create a traditional piece of art. Move on that afternoon to travel across St. Gotthard Mountain Pass, and then relax in the luxury of your resort in Ascona. The next several days are yours to traverse the landscape around Lake Maggiore to cruise the water to the Brissago Islands and trek to the mountaintop over Locarno to visit the Monastery of Madonna del Sasso. If you prefer, you can cross the border into Italy for a day trip to Lake Como. The following day, you will travel over the Simplon Pass and board the funicular to the village of Zermatt, known for its proximity to the famous Matterhorn Mountain.

The next day is yours to enjoy the scenery around Zermatt. In the summer, hiking trails crisscross the valley and mountains while in the winter, ski slopes are full of thrill seekers from all around the world. For a sensational view of the Matterhorn, you can take the train up to the Gornergrat Summit and luxuriate in the perfect panorama. Descend the mountaintops of the Alps the following morning to traverse the Rhone River Valley. Tour the dramatic grounds of Castle Chillon and then stroll along the trails of the Lavaux wine region to taste the sensational local varietals. You can also stop in the village of Gruyeres to visit the chocolate factory and cheese factory located in view of the soaring castle towers before returning in Zurich. Your private transfer will meet you in the lobby of your hotel the next day and escort you to the Zurich airport for your flight home. 

Starting Price

$6,235 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.82 stars based on 382 reviews.

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"The travel agency planned every little detail and made...

Reviewed By Searcy L.

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