Overview
Itinerary
Willkkommen! Bienvenue! Climb aboard a Swiss Rail train to Neuchâtel. This medieval waterfront city stands out with its Gothic landmarks and sandstone grandeur. With Lake Neuchâtel as your backdrop, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D) Stay: Best Western Premier Hotel Beaulac (3 Nights)
Have you heard of the Belle Époque period? Learn all about it on a walking tour of Neuchâtel's historic quarter. Your day continues at Château de Boudry. This 13th-century castle houses the Museum of Vine and Wine where an expert insider guides you as you wander its galleries. The best part: before you leave, get a taste of the local favorites. (B)
Take off today for the walled town of Murten, the language border between French and German. With free time to explore this medieval town, walk the rampart walls to take in views of the lake below. If you prefer, a full day at leisure in Neuchâtel is also an option. (B)
All aboard! We're traveling by train from Neuchâtel to the Swiss capital city of Bern. Take on the day by exploring the sweetest parts of Bern alongside your expert guide. Retrace and taste the history of chocolate makers in Bern's old town center. Complete your day by settling into the resort village of Zermatt, nestled against the backdrop of the Matterhorn. (B/D) Stay: Hotel Alex (2 Nights)
Rise and shine and begin your morning getting familiar with Zermatt alongside your Tour Manager. Then, it's your choice! Ascend more than 10,000 feet on Europe's highest mountain railway – the Gornergrat. Maybe you'll even decide to hike a portion of the way down -OR- visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise by summit lift and discover towering peaks and glaciers as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure. (B)
Head to the north shore of Lake Geneva to Vevey, known as one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera,” with awe-inspiring views of the Alps. Take in a breath of fresh mountain air on a walking tour before exploring nature independently during an afternoon at leisure. (B) Stay: Astra Hotel (3 Nights)
A relaxing morning in Vevey before traveling to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux is a perfect start to the day. Enjoy a local lunch at a family-owned restaurant before visiting with our friends, Jacques and Aurelia, for a wine tasting. Wander the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) on foot before enjoying a second round of tastings from the region's finest varieties. (B/L)
Today, head to Montreux with your Tour Manager and visit the legendary Château de Chillon for a guided tour. This princely residence faces the lake and portrays the image of an imposing fortress from the mountains. Enjoy free time taking in Montreux's postcard landscapes and lively promenade. If you're looking to see more with your Swiss Travel Pass, maybe an afternoon discovering the Olympic Museum is more your style.
Tonight, join your travel companions for dinner and conversation. (B/D)
Board the train to Lucerne to find out why this destination is called the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Make your way through Altstadt (Old Town) with your Tour Manager, uncovering the town's 800-year-old secrets and history. Stroll along the famous covered Chapel Bridge, built in the early 14th century and stretching its way across the River Reuss. The remainder of the day is yours to explore however you'd like. (B) Stay: Hotel Astoria (2 Nights)
Enjoy the first half of your day at leisure to explore Lucerne on your own. Depart for Rigi — also known as Queen of the Mountains — on an afternoon cruise through Lake Lucerne. All aboard the cogwheel train for a journey from Vitznau to Rigi Klum. On your ascent, a local guide will teach you why Rigi is one of the most sustainable mountains in Switzerland during an Impact Moment. End the day with smiles and say “cheese” for a group photo at the scenic overlook before heading to your private farewell dinner on Mount Rigi. (B/D)
Depart for home, dreaming of snowy Alps and captivating cultures. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Discover Neuchâtel's historic quarter and the treasures of the Belle Époque period.
- Visit the 13th-century Château de Boudry, where you'll tour the Museum of Vine and Wine with a tasting.
- Equipped with a Swiss Travel Pass, travel entirely by train.
- Visit the charming village of Zermatt and marvel at views of the Matterhorn.
- Experience the splendor of the Swiss Riviera in Vevey.
- Soak in the best views of the Alps and the Swiss Riviera.
- Savor lunch at a family-owned restaurant followed by a wine tasting at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Dine at Mount Rigi during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
- Discover the sweetest parts of Bern during a historic chocolate tour of the old town center.
- Expertly crafted itineraries
- 4-star+ accommodation
- Skilled and engaging tour managers
- Expert local guides with insider knowledge
- Attraction entrance fees
- Many meals full of local flavour
- Unparalleled sightseeing
- Enriching cultural experiences
- Comfortable on-tour transportation
- Hotel-to-hotel baggage handling
- Plus, access to Wi-Fi hotspots on tour
- To truly experience the program and destination, you need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening.
- Private, chauffeur service is included for all air-inclusive tour bookings. This personalised service is included within a 40km radius from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart airport gateways. Service is available between 41-70 kms for a small fee.
- Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
- Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
Trip Optionals These optional activities can be pre-booked & included in your trip price.
- Location: Pawtucket, RI. Cost: $175.
- You can now include pre-paid tipping into your guided tour purchase. You pay for your tipping up front, we handle the rest, and you can cross one more thing off your “To Do” list. No more running to an ATM at the last minute on tour or carrying around cash you won’t spend. Transportation is not included Prepaid gratuities are only available to guests departing from Australia & New Zealand. This covers tips for the Tour Manager, driver(s), and local guides including optional tours. Airport transfer and extension gratuities are not included in this amount.
Brochure
Collette Explorations (2024-25)
Availability
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Collette. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Collette. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
