The following is just a suggested daily touring schedule. You will have complete control over your daily schedule and may change your plans at any time by simply telling your guide. Your time in Europe is yours to enjoy as you like!
For custom luxury travel and tours to Switzerland, please contact one of our travel experts.
$6,525 per person, based on two people traveling together. Please contact Exeter International for specific pricing and availability.
Arrival into Zurich, where you will be met by your driver for your transfer west to your hotel in Lucerne. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.
Lucerne is the gateway to Central Switzerland. Founded on the banks of Lake Lucerne in the 6th century, the city grew up around the Sankt Leodgar Abbey, initially built in 840, The city first gained prominence as a stop along the Gotthard trade route and then eventually, as a seat in the Swiss Confederacy. Today, as the most populous city in Central Switzerland, the city is a nexus of business and culture for the region, with several world-class museums and theaters for its residents to enjoy.
Exeter Services: Arrival Transfer
Hotel: Hotel Schweizerhof
Today, meet your guide at 9AM for an overview tour of the city. Your walk will take you through some of the beautiful town squares, lined with historic homes decorated with frescoes.
Make your way to the water, where you will cross the medieval Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). The bridge, centerpiece of the city, spans the River Reuss where it meets the lake. Initially built in 1365, it is the oldest surviving truss bridge in the world. Your guide will show you some of the 158 paintings that decorate the interior frames of the bridge. Painted by local artist Heinrich Wägmann in the 17th Century, they depict events from Lucerne’s storied history. Halfway across stands the Wassertum (Water Tower), which predates the bridge by about 30 years. Throughout the years, the tower has served as a prison, a library, and now as home to the local artillery association.
From there, walk through the medieval cobblestone streets up to the Musegg Wall, also known as “Nine Towers”. As part of the rampart walls built in 1386, the Musegg and its nine towers soar high above the city, providing some of the best panoramic views of Lucerne, The Reuss and the lake. Today, four of the towers are open to guests, including Zytturm, home to the city’s oldest clock.
End the day with a walk to the Lion of Lucerne, a moving monument to Swiss Soldiers who were massacred when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution. Hewn out of a cliffside by Lukas Ahorn in 1821, it depicts a mortally wounded lion impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-de-lis. Mark Twain immortalized the monument in ‘A Tramp Abroad’, calling it “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”.
Exeter Services: Guide (4 Hours)
Hotel: Hotel Schweizerhof
This morning, your transfer assistant will meet you in your hotel lobby and assist you with getting on your train to Zweisimmen. Upon arrival in Zweisimmen, you will switch trains and board the Golden Pass Train to Montreux. First class tickets are included on both trains.
Upon arrival in Montreux, you’ll be met by your assistant and driver and taken to Geneva, where you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of your evening at leisure.
Exeter Services: Station Transfers with Assistants (Lucerne and Geneva)
Hotel: Beau Rivage Geneva
This morning, you will meet your guide and driver for an overview city tour. You’ll pass by the United Nations office which is the second largest of the four major office sites of the United Nations. Across the street, you’ll see the Broken Chair Monument. It was constructed to symbolize land mine and cluster bomb opposition.
You’ll cross the lake and head to Old Town, where you’ll step inside St. Pierre’s Cathedral.
Your day will end at a chocolate shop, where you’ll indulge in a magnificent tasting while learning about the history of the chocolate bean.
After, you’ll walk back to your hotel on your own.
Exeter Services: Vehicle & Driver (2 Hours); Guide (3 Hours)
Hotel: Beau Rivage Geneva
This morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel. You’ll walk to the train station, where you’ll board your train to Vevey. First Class Tickets are included.
Upon arrival in Vevey, you will be met and taken to Chillon Castle. Chillon was the residence of the Counts of Savoy for almost four centuries. It is located on the banks of Lake Geneva and is truly a sight to see.
After, you’ll head to Chaplin’s World- an adventure dedicated to Charlie Chaplin-the man and artist. You’ll start off at the Manoir-where Charlie and his wife, Oona, lived. You’ll walk through the house and see things as they were when he was there. Next, you’ll head to the interactive studio before ending with a stroll in his impressive parks-with unobstructed views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
You’ll head back to the train station to board your train to Geneva. Upon arrival, you’ll walk back to your hotel.
Exeter Services: Vehicle & Driver (5 Hours); Guide (7 Hours)
Hotel: Beau Rivage Geneva
This morning, you will be met and driven to the airport to board your flight onward.
Exeter Services: Transfer
