SWITZERLAND PRIVATE EXPEDITION
FULLY INCLUSIVE, CUSTOM TAILORED PACKAGES INCLUDE LUXURY TRAVEL SERVICES AND EXPERIENCES THAT TRANSCEND ALL EXPECTATIONS
Amid Switzerland’s emerald meadows and majestic mountains, the everyday is made extraordinary, with awe-inspiring backdrops framing nearly every scene. Take in some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes from Gruyères to Zermatt, zip through the Alps on the legendary Glacier Express, and explore alpine villages and historic towns with a private guide. Along the way, discover a culture that runs deeper than the cheese, clocks, and chocolate for which Switzerland is so well known.
EXPERIENCE HIGHLIGHTS
Wind through stunning Alpine landscapes aboard two scenic railways—the Goldenpass Panoramic and the Glacier Express. Ascend the Mont Blanc massif via cable car, and witness the iconic Matterhorn towering over Zermatt. Descend into underground bunkers below the Sasso San Gottardo, a once-secret World War II-era fortification. Set out on private tours of Geneva, Zermatt, and Lucerne.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
Land in Geneva and set out on a private tour of this cosmopolitan city, whose elegant buildings edge the shores of Europe’s largest alpine lake. See the most notable of Geneva’s international organizations: the world headquarters of the Red Cross and the European headquarters of the United Nations. Continue to the flourishing Flower Clock, the Basilica of Notre Dame, and the extraordinary Jet d’Eau fountain. Stroll the cobbled streets of the old town and visit its Grand Thèâtre, Reformation Wall, and St. Pierre’s Cathedral before joining a scenic boat cruise on the lake.
Accommodations:Hotel Bristol
DAY 2: CHAMONIX, FRANCE
Embark on a private excursion to the French Alpine village of Chamonix, located at the foot of Western Europe’s tallest peak, Mont Blanc. Ascend the massif via cable car to the summit of Aiguille-du-Midi, and take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Mer de Glace glacier from the viewing terraces. Back down in Chamonix, explore this world-famous resort town before returning to Geneva.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Accommodations:Hotel Bristol
DAY 3: LAUENEN/GSTAAD
Drive to the mountain village of Lauenen, nestled beneath Alpine peaks. Join a guide for the easy hike to Lauenensee, a pair of picturesque glacial lakes backed by soaring mountains, and enjoy a picnic lunch on the shoreline. Hike back to Lauenen, or transfer by vehicle if you wish. Then travel to the charming Alpine resort town of Gstaad.
Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations:Hotel Gstaaderhof
DAY 4: GOLDENPASS PANORAMIC/MONTREUX/ZERMATT
This morning, independently board the Goldenpass Panoramic, a scenic train that winds through the spectacular mountain landscapes of western Switzerland. Through the railcar’s glass domes, take in verdant meadows dotted with turquoise mountain lakes and charming chalets. Ride below staggering snow-capped peaks to the terraced vineyards lining the shores of Lake Geneva, arriving in Montreux. From here, catch a train bound for Zermatt. Set out on a private walking tour of the town, located at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn.
Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodations:Hotel Schweizerhof
DAY 5: ZERMATT
Enjoy a day at leisure in glitzy Zermatt, exploring its car-free pedestrian center lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Consider a visit to the Matterhorn Museum to learn about early mountaineering expeditions to its namesake peak, or opt to hit the slopes for a day of skiing or hiking. For close-up views of the Matterhorn—and for a fascinating walk through the inside of a glacier—take the cable car to glacier paradise.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Accommodations:Hotel Schweizerhof
DAY 6: GLACIER EXPRESS/SASSO SAN GOTTARDO/LUCERNE
Climb aboard the world-famous Glacier Express for a breathtaking journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Ride through high-mountain peaks and over towering bridges, enjoying the elegant amenities of the train as you soak in magnificent scenery. Disembark in the town of Andermatt, and make the short trip to Sasso San Gottardo. Tour this World War II-era fortification with a private guide, learning about its use as a top-secret army base and exploring some of its more than 2 kilometers of underground tunnels. Following your visit, travel to the lakeside town of Lucerne.
Meals Included:Breakfast
Accommodations:Hotel des Balances
DAY 7: LUCERNE
Set out on a private tour of Lucerne, a charming city of waterfront promenades, covered bridges, and inviting plazas. Stroll the town’s narrow lanes, visiting the iconic Chapel Bridge, the Dying Lion monument, and the Culture and Convention Centre—an architectural gem that holds impressive concert halls and contemporary art exhibits. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city at leisure, wandering the medieval town center or climbing the Nine Towers of the old town wall for views over the city. Opt to take a ferry ride along the cobalt waters of Lake Lucerne, or ride the world’s steepest cog train to the top of nearby Mount Pilatus (May to November).
Meals Included:Breakfast
Accommodations:Hotel des Balances
DAY 8: ZURICH/DEPART
Travel to the Zurich airport, and catch your international flight home.
Meals Included:Breakfast