Between Lakes and Alps I 7-Day Guided Tour with Accommodation in Switzerland

Day 1: Arrival at Zurich Airport

1. Zurich
   1h
   Directly from Zurich airport by meeting your experienced driver, who guarantees a comfortable transfer to your hotel with a luxurious vehicle. Enjoy a well-earned rest after your flight, then head out to explore one of the richest and most sophisticated cities in the world – Zurich. Your helpful guidebook will point out some of the most amazing sights and activities that you can enjoy independently.

Day 2: Zurich – Lucerne – Flüelen – Lugano

1. Lucerne
   3h
   After a tasty breakfast, your driver-guide will be waiting for you at 08:00 to help you explore the wondrous beauty between the lakes and the Alps. It’s just a one-hour smooth ride to one of the most gorgeous cities in Switzerland – Lucerne. During a 2-hour walking tour with a professional local guide, you will stroll along the roofed Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrucke), admire the Lion Monument, peruse the Picasso Museum, and take up an amazing photo opportunity at the Reuss River.
2. Chapel Bridge
   30m
   Not for nothing is the world-famous timber bridge Lucerne’s most photographed destination, it is held in high esteem by visitors and residents in equal measure. Together with the Water Tower, the bridge forms a landmark in the townscape like no other attraction.
   The Chapel Bridge these days links the Lucerne Theatre on the south bank of the River Reuss with St. Peter’s Chapel on Rathausquai, passing the Water Tower on the way. The devastation that caught the world’s attention was one that no one would have wished to have happened.
3. Lion Monument
   20m
   Carved in stone yet deceptively alive – Lucerne’s world-famous Lion Monument has been impressing visitors from near and far for very many years. The imposing stone lion, however, is more than “just” a monument. Depending on your point of view, it can be seen as a commemoration, a work of art, or a memorial. And as a proud landmark of the city of Lucerne.
4. 20m
   The Reuss is Central Switzerland’s quintessential river. Starting in the Gotthard region, it steadily flows northward through Lake Lucerne, and after 160 kilometers, it ultimately flows near Windisch into the Aare River.
5. Lugano
   6h
   As if that wasn’t enough, we’ll now take you on to the Gotthard Panorama Express - an epic 5.5-hour adventure across water and land, by both boat and train -an experience you’ll never forget. You’ll leave your luggage in safe hands with your reliable driver-guide to take a fun-filled boat ride from Lucerne and Flüelen with an accompanying traditional refined lunch or simple midday refreshments. Once in Flüelen, the luxurious train with bright panoramic windows will be waiting to take you through the Alps and the Gotthard tunnel to sparkling southern Switzerland - a region of Italian language and culture and home to Lugano – where your trip ends for today.
   After your long but exciting day, your luggage will meet you at the hotel, ready for you to check in, relax, and prepare yourself for your next big adventure.

Day 3: Lugano

1. Lugano
   3h
   Right after your delicious breakfast, you’ll meet your driver-guide at 09:00 to discover fabulous Lugano – a little version of Italy in Switzerland. Surrounded by magnificent mountains and lining the shore of an enormous crystal-topped lake, Lugano is a city well-known for its amazingly beautiful setting. Located in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton of Switzerland, this city is a wonderful blend of Italian, Swiss, and Mediterranean influences.
   During your 2-hour walking tour, you’re certain to fall for the fantastic Italianate architecture, lakeside promenades, waterfront parks, shopping streets, and squares filled with the hustle and bustle of life from arcades and restaurants. Enjoy a traditional lunch in one of the numerous cafés and restaurants in the town’s main square, the Piazza Della Riforma, and prepare yourself for the next part of today’s exciting adventure.
2. Piazza della Riforma
   3h
   With its many bistros and restaurants, Piazza Della Riforma is the city’s main place of encounter.
   Throughout the year, several different events, including Easter in the City, Estival Jazz, Blues to Bop, Autumn Festival, and Christmas in the Square, take place here. But in the past, when the square was called Piazza Grande, it was the scene of several political events.
3. Swissminiatur
   1h · Admission ticket included
   The next section of your day presents two options for adventure. You might choose to visit the open-air museum, Swissminiatur. It’s a perfect view of Switzerland on a smaller scale, with 120 intricate models of houses, castles, and monuments. The tiny replicas include sites such as the Heidi Village in Maienfeld, the castles of Burgdorf and Chillon, the Federal Parliament in Bern, and the Cathedral of Milan, a unique model that can also be viewed from the inside.
4. Fox Town Factory Stores
   1h · Admission ticket included
   You might select a visit to the FoxTown Factory Stores instead. A veritable temple of elegance and luxury, where shoppers can discover over 160 stores and 250 of the most prestigious international brands in women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing, accessories, sports, and homeware at prices reduced by up to 70% all year round.
   
   Once you’ve grabbed a bargain or seen some of the most fascinating sites in miniature, your trusty driver-guide will deliver you back to your hotel for some rest and relaxation before you continue exploring Switzerland’s treasures on day 4.

Day 4: Lugano - Tirano - St. Moritz

1. Tirano
   3h
   You’ll begin your day with a hearty breakfast before checking out of your hotel. Today, you’ll be travelling from little Italy in Switzerland to real Italy. Your driver-guide will meet you at your hotel to start your captivating journey to Tirano - the ancient chief town of Valtellina located in the province of Sondrio in northern Italy. Here, you’ll have some free time to enjoy the city and grab a tasty lunch.
2. St. Moritz
   3h
   Then, you’ll leave your luggage with your driver while you take a cozy wagon trip through the magical landscape, enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and rivers. The UNESCO World Heritage Bernina Red Train, also known as Bernina Express, is known for its red wagon carriages, which journey through the spectacular surroundings, giving you ample opportunity to take amazing photos, admire the beautiful views, and make your trip truly memorable.
   
   The Bernina Express takes you on an unforgettable 2.5-hour journey to see some wonderful sights, including the impressive Landwasser Viaduct, Alp Grüm, Ospizio Bernina, Valposchiavo, and unique Brusio Circular Viaduct. Finally, you’ll reach St. Moritz, where your driver will greet you again at the train station to transfer you safely to your hotel.
3. Landwasser Viaduct
   20m
   The Landwasser Viaduct on the Albula line of the Rhaetian Railway is one of Graubünden’s most famous structures. The 142-meter-long and the 65-meter-high bridge leads the railway line in a tight curve over the wild Landwasser valley and straight into a tunnel. This spectacular site makes the structure, which forms part of the Rhaetian Railway UNESCO World Heritage Site, an emblem of Graubünden.
4. Alp Gruem
   Pass by
   After an exciting train ride on the Bernina Line, you'll love the view from the sunshine terrace of the Ristorante Alp Grüm at 2091 m.
   
   The views extend over the Val Poschiavo as far as the Bergamasker Alps, while in the west towers, the enormous "Vadret da Palü" glacier. Italian pasta, specialties of the Poschiavo, Engadin delicacies, and Veltliner wines.
5. Pass by
   The authentic natural and cultural landscape of the Puschlav, which is 25 kilometers long as the crow flies, extends from the giant ice peaks of the Bernina Mountain Range all the way down to the vineyards of the Veltlin. Woven into it are a great many sites of natural beauty, pretty towns with interesting cultural monuments, churches, and palaces.
6. Brusio Spiral Viaduct
   Pass by
   The 143-metre circular viaduct is located below Brusio station. Its curves fascinate visitors from all over the world.
   If traveling towards Tirano, you catch your first glimpse of the circular viaduct just before Brusio station. Your excitement level rises in anticipation of experiencing this imposing structure. Even though the stop in Brusio is short, you can’t wait for the train to move on: the circular viaduct is close, but you’re not there yet. The train finally gets underway and follows a dam for a little while until the nine arches appear, every ten meters in diameter. Sit on the right in the direction of travel to enjoy the best view of the spectacle. The train descends meter by metre round a tight right-hand bend until it leaves the circular viaduct through one of the arches. What a structure!
7. St. Moritz
   Pass by
   St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin valley. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, has the Cresta Run, a world-championship bobsled run made of natural ice, and an outdoor Olympic ice rink. Its frozen lake hosts polo, cricket, and even horse racing on ice.
   Finally, you’ll reach St. Moritz, where your driver will greet you again at the train station to transfer you safely to your hotel.

Day 5: St. Moritz

1. St. Moritz
   10h
   After all the excitement of car rides, train journeys, and boat trips, you’ll be ready for your free time in St. Moritz on day 5.
   
   Located high in the Engadin area of the Swiss Alps, the fashionable St. Moritz has been a popular holiday hot spot for decades. It was originally celebrated as a mineral spa town and then became the first winter alpine resort around 150 years ago. It’s now one of the prominent ski resorts in Switzerland and has already hosted the Winter Olympic Games twice.
   
   The town has a fascinating cultural heritage involving many famous visitors such as Nietzsche and Wagner, a recognizable style of Engadin architecture, and the famous, irresistible Engadin nut tart on offer! There are lakes and mountains in abundance here, with several majestic waters and stunning hillsides to visit, including Corviglia, Piz Nair, and Corvatsch.
2. Corviglia
   Pass by
   Corviglia is a location on the eastern slopes of Piz Nair, overlooking St. Moritz in the canton of Graubünden. It lies on the watershed between the rivers Schlattain and the Ovel da la Resgia, at an elevation of 2,486 m.
3. Piz Nair
   Pass by
   Piz Nair is a tall mountain peak above St. Moritz in southeastern Switzerland. It is accessible by a cable car so that non-hikers can enjoy the views without all the work. At the top, you’ll find a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a view. Many make the very short climb to the tallest rocky point for even nicer views for only the tiniest amount of work.
4. Ovaverva Hallenbad, Spa & Sportzentrum
   1h · Admission ticket included
   While you’re there, why not indulge in some wellness treatments at Ovaverva Spa to refresh your body and soul? From the outside pools with massage jets and views of the mountains to the large bubbling hot tubs and 25-meter pools, Ovaverva has everything to enjoy the water both inside and in the fresh open air. The in-house spa offers relaxation, and with every massage, every deep beauty treatment, and every trip to the purifying sauna, you can recharge your batteries for the next big adventure.

Day 6: St. Moritz – Liechtenstein – Zurich

1. Vaduz
   2h 40m
   After a relaxing break to soothe the mind and muscles, it’s time to continue your Swiss fairytale. Your driver-guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel in St. Moritz at 09:00 to explore the natural beauty and cultural glory of two countries, all in one day – Switzerland and Liechtenstein. You’ll travel through the stunning Swiss countryside with crystal-clear alpine lakes and sweeping mountain vistas. It’s a gem of a trip featuring life in tiny villages and sophisticated cities, not to mention the fascinating Vaduz – Liechtenstein’s capital.
   
   As one of the smallest countries in Europe, this tiny nation is often overlooked by travelers to the continent. But despite its size, Liechtenstein manages to pack in fairytale castles, unforgettable alpine vistas, and picturesque mountain villages.
2. Vaduz Castle
   2h
   One of the first things on the agenda is Vaduz Castle (Schloss Vaduz), the pride and joy of the city, and the current residence of the Prince of Liechtenstein. Currently, the property is closed to the public. However, you are still welcome to hike up to the castle for a closer look, take some photos, and admire a scenic view.
3. Zurich
   2h
   When you’ve had your fill of the interesting sites, you’ll meet your driver-guide again to be taken back to Zurich – the last stop of your journey. A comfortable hotel room is exactly what you’ll need after such a delightful experience. Enjoy your evening, and have a good rest to get ready for tomorrow’s departure.

Day 7: Departure - Zurich Airport

1. Zurich
   3h
   We are at the end of our 7-day adventure, full of colorful moments, unforgettable experiences, and fabulous photography. Your driver will be ready and waiting to take you back to Zurich airport with plenty of time to catch your flight home. We hope you enjoyed your trip and that Switzerland exceeded all your expectations.
   
   We are always at your disposal to help you discover more of Switzerland’s endless beauty on your next visit.

Pickup details

Directly from Zurich airport by meeting your experienced driver, who guarantees a comfortable transfer to your hotel with a luxurious vehicle. Enjoy a well-earned rest after your flight, then head out to explore one of the richest and most sophisticated cities in the world – Zurich.
On Day 2 - after a tasty breakfast, your driver-guide will be waiting for you at 08:00 to help you explore the wondrous beauty between the lakes and the Alps.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Kindly be informed that check-in at the hotel on Day 1 is at 15:00․ To request an early check-in - please send a special request in advance.