Itinerary Details
Insight Vacations: Magical Switzerland
Day 1 - Zürich and Lovely Lucerne
Welcome to Switzerland, an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cozy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges crowned by breathtaking peaks. Upon your arrival at Zürich Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Lucerne allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the lake and majestic mountains that frame the city. Stroll through the charming streets, where the atmosphere is filled with a sense of calm. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a light dinner and drinks.
Accommodations: Astoria Lucerne
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Lucerne and St. Moritz
Begin the day exploring Lucerne with your Travel Director, from the medieval Old Town and Chapel Bridge to the Lion Monument, carved in memory of the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Enjoy time to browse the city’s shops before traveling east, following the shores of Lake Walen and passing Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city. Continue into the Engadine Valley and arrive in St. Moritz, a resort shaped by both alpine tradition and sporting history. Host of the Winter Olympic Games in 1928 and 1948, the town remains closely associated with winter sport, mountain scenery and refined Swiss hospitality.
Accommodations: Laudinella, St. Moritz
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - St. Moritz at Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure in St. Moritz, perhaps starting with a relaxed breakfast before discovering the resort at your own pace. Look out for traditional sgraffito facades, decorated by scratching patterns through layers of colored plaster, a technique found across the Engadine. Browse the town’s boutiques or spend time in its renowned spa quarter. Alternatively, join an Optional Experience aboard the Bernina Railway, part of a UNESCO World Heritage route, as it climbs through the high Alps past glaciers, lakes and dramatic mountain passes.
Accommodations: Laudinella, St. Moritz
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 - Scenic Rail Journey
Enjoy a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps, with lunch included. The panoramic journey descends through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverses the stunning Landwasser Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that soars above deep gorges. As the train joins the broad Rhine Gorge, it meanders beside rock-strewn rivers, climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. After spiralling to the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass, you'll descend to Andermatt. Here, rejoin the coach and drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, passing the Devil's Bridge, a site steeped in local legend. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley, with each turn of the route revealing stunning views that capture the essence of the Swiss Alps.
Accommodations: Sunstar Grindelwald
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Grindelwald at Leisure
Enjoy a full day in Grindelwald, with time to explore the village and its Bernese Alps setting at your own pace. Perhaps browse the local shops or follow one of the maintained winter trails through the surrounding landscape. For a different perspective, join an excursion to the Jungfraujoch, traveling by mountain railway and cable car to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 m (11,332 ft). From here, take in views across the Aletsch Glacier, explore the Ice Palace and visit the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, keep the day unhurried and enjoy Grindelwald’s alpine atmosphere closer to the village.
Accommodations: Sunstar Grindelwald
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 - Chillon Castle and Geneva
Journey to Lake Geneva and visit Chillon Castle with your Local Expert, once home to the Counts of Savoy and later immortalized by Lord Byron in The Prisoner of Chillon. In the dungeons, look for Byron’s name carved into a pillar. Continue to Montreux before traveling along the lakeshore past Vevey and Lausanne to Geneva. On arrival, see the Palais des Nations, Old Town and Jet d’Eau, then visit the Red Cross Museum for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, discovering how humanitarian action supports people displaced by conflict and crisis. End the day over a traditional fondue dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travelers.
Accommodations: Royal Manotel, Geneva
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Depart Geneva
Your magical journey through Switzerland concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to Geneva Airport, where you'll bid farewell as you reflect on the unforgettable memories and experiences of your Swiss adventure. As you head home, you'll carry with you the sights of this beautiful country, enriched by the connections made and the stories gathered along the way.
Meals: Breakfast