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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Switzerland

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Best of Switzerland

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Description

An eight-day jaunt through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland is the ideal way to see (and taste) all things Swiss. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Beginning in Zurich, travel in comfort by train to lakeside Lucerne, the stunning Swiss Alps and cheese-obsessed and chocolate-stuffed Bulle before finishing in the nation’s quaint capital, Bern. Here, the outdoors has never looked so good and the chocolate has never tasted so smooth, so it’s time to sample it all yourself.

Trip Name
Best of Switzerland
Last Updated
2024-08-29
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Choose your own adventure with two free days in the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. You can take these days as relaxed or as thrill-seeking as you want from your hotel homebase surrounded by mountain views.
  • Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both in La Gruyere region.
  • Your locally based group leader will provide expert advice on how to make the most of your free time, as well as giving you orientation walks around each place so you can get your bearings.
  • Take in the breathtaking alpine views from the summit of Mt Pilatus with your small group, reached via the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
  • With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace in Bern, you’ll discover why this city is considered one of the most beautiful and laidback capital cities in the world.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Many sites, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). We recommend checking the opening times of anywhere you're interested to visit and making reservations where required/possible.

Day 1 - Zurich
Welcome to Switzerland! There's much to see and do in Zurich, so we recommend you book some additional nights prior to the trip's start. This afternoon, meet your group at 5 pm in the hotel lobby for an important welcome meeting. Afterwards, take an evening orientation walk with your leader around Zurich to take in the river and lakefront by night.
Day 2 - Lucerne
This morning, get a taste of the world-renowned Swiss rail system – efficient and punctual – as you head to Lucerne, a small city known for its mountainous backdrop on the pristine Lake Lucerne. The city is a popular destination for those visiting central Switzerland thanks to its proximity to many outdoor activities, its breathtaking natural beauty and historic architecture. On a walking tour with your leader, take a walk past 15th-century frescoed houses and across covered wooden bridges and climb to the top of the medieval towers along the city walls for spectacular views of this picturesque city and its surroundings. In the tiny streets of the old town (Altstadt), there’s often a craft market and dozens of shops full of unique handmade goods.
Day 3 - Lucerne / Mt Pilatus
It's tour time! Hop on the Golden Pilatus tour – a roundtrip journey across Lake Lucerne to the summit of Mt Pilatus and back to town via boat, rail and gondola. From the shores of the Reuss river in Lucerne, hop on a steamboat ride along the lake to Alpnachstad, where you'll board the steepest cogwheel railway in the world, which takes you to the summit of Mt Pilatus at 2132 metres. Walk up to the various viewpoints or just park yourself on the panoramic viewing platform and enjoy some lunch (and perhaps even a yodelling or alphorn demonstration if you're lucky). From here, travel down the other side of the mountain via gondola. Opt to walk back to the city centre or hop aboard a public bus for an evening at your leisure.
Day 4-5 - Jungfrau region
Today, travel to the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps and enjoy a couple of free days in this picturesque mountain paradise. From your homebase in the village of Grindelwald, you've got a tonne of optional activities to choose from. With trains and cable car routes throughout the valley, it's quite easy to access viewpoints and hikes of all levels from the valley floor to mountain peaks. One of the popular spots is Grindelwald First, accessible by a cable car ride, you can embark on the First Cliff Walk, an adrenaline-pumping walkway that clings to the side of the mountain. You might also opt to ride the rails from Grindelwald through the village of Kleine Scheidegg to board the train to Jungfrauroch, aka the Top of Europe, home to the highest railway station in Europe at nearly 3500 metres. Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen are easy day trips, too. In Lauterbrunnen, you could also visit Trummelbach Falls – Europe's largest subterranean waterfalls whose powerful glacier waters have carved a slot canyon through the mountainside. Happy exploring!
Day 6 - Bulle
This morning, catch another train to Bulle, located in La Gruyere district. After lunch, hop on a quick local train to Gruyere, where you will first visit La Maison du Gruyère, a renowned cheese factory where you can learn about the traditional methods of making the famous Gruyère cheese. Then, head to a local fromagerie to savour delicious cheeses during a tasting session. Conclude your culinary excursion with a visit to a local chocolate shop, where you can treat yourself to a delightful tasting of Swiss chocolates.
Day 7 - Bern
Travel to Bern – Switzerland's capital and arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. After checking into your hotel, grab a quick lunch and follow your leader on an orientation walking tour. Head to the Old Town, explore the area where Einstein lived and developed his Theory of Relativity at the start of the 20th century and stop to check out Parliament House. Visit the famous Zytglogge - Bern Clock. On a guided tour, examine the gears and apparatus of the old clock, which dates back to the 15th century, with many original parts still in operation. Watch the perfectly timed figurines closely and don't miss out on the panoramic view of Bern from the top. In the evening, why not get some of your crew together to explore the food and drink scene in Bern – from typical Swiss dishes to worldwide cuisine, Bern is a great place for dining.
Day 8 - Bern
With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave any time after breakfast. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to come to an end! If you would like to spend more time in Bern, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-05-202525-05-2025AUD $ 4,316-
25-05-202501-06-2025AUD $ 4,316-
08-06-202515-06-2025AUD $ 4,316-
22-06-202529-06-2025AUD $ 4,486-
13-07-202520-07-2025AUD $ 4,486-
03-08-202510-08-2025AUD $ 4,662-
10-08-202517-08-2025AUD $ 4,662-
24-08-202531-08-2025AUD $ 4,662-
07-09-202514-09-2025AUD $ 4,486-
21-09-202528-09-2025AUD $ 4,486-
17-05-202624-05-2026AUD $ 5,035-
24-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 5,035-
07-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 5,035-
21-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 5,235-
12-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 5,235-
02-08-202609-08-2026AUD $ 5,440-
09-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 5,440-
23-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 5,440-
06-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 5,235-
20-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 5,235-

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

Train,Public bus,Boat,Cable car,Cog railway

Map

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