info@airtoursholidays.in
ITINERARY
This morning, your flight brings you into the city of Geneva. Right under the airport is the fantastic and well planned Swiss transport system. Simply validate your Swiss pass and you are good to go. Board your train to Geneva central station.
Proceed to your hotel, check in and relax.
This afternoon, time to explore the city. Geneva, home to the International headquarters and straddling the border with France, Geneva is one of the more well-known Swiss cities and is well worth a visit. The old town of Geneva dates back to the Roman Empire. Geneva is home to many political and global organisations such as United Nations, World Health Organisation, to name a few, due to its “neutral nation” status.
Just a short walk from the train station, is the Water Jet or Jet d’Eau, the large water fountain on lake Geneva – iconic to the city. Appreciate the l’horloge fleurie or the Flower Clock inside the English Garden along the west of the lake. Head to Place du Bourg-de-Four to marvel at St Piere Cathedral. Take a stroll along the Reformation Wall, the figures carved into Geneva’s old city walls depict important people from the Protestant Reformation. Play an oversized game of chess in Bastions Park or shop up a storm on Rue Du Marche in the Old Town.
Overnight in Geneva
After breakfast, get enthralled as you arrive into Montreux on the Swiss Riviera. Visit the Chillon Castle, built in the waters of the lake is this fantastic medieval castle.
Thereafter, embark on a picturesque journey through vinyards, rolling pastures dotted with grazing cows and charming villages to arrive at the tiny walled village of Gruyere, known for its cheese. Learn how this native cheese is made and delight in a traditional cheese fondue lunch in the cafeteria.
Continue along little roads, amidst bucolic mountain country side and very pretty wooden villages to Cailler. Visit the Chocolate factory. Get your fill of chocolate as they are absolutely free here for tasting and take home some chocolates for your loved ones from the adjoining chocolate shop.
Return to Geneva.
Overnight in Geneva.
After breakfast this morning, enjoy a day in Lausanne. With its stunning lake side panoramas ripe for outdoor activities, it is no wonder that Lausanne is home to 40 international sports federations as well as the International Olympic Committee. But Lausanne is so much more than just the home of Olympics and its fabulous lake side location. It is spread over 3 hills but getting around is very simple. The Old Town is located in the Cite neighbourhood positioned on one of Lausanne’s 3 hills and offers fabulous views over the rest of the city and Lake Geneva. A must visit is the Olympic Museum in the lakeside Ouchy district. Covering 3000 square meters spread over 3 levels, the museum’s permanent exhibition details three major themes with an incredible display of objects, audio visual presentations and historical events, it is easy to loose oneself here.
Overnight in Geneva.
After breakfast this morning, check out and board your train to Zermatt. Zermatt in summer might not be as popular as it is in winter, but this mountain town by the Switzerland-Italy border is a hiker’s paradise when it’s not covered in snow. While it is known to be touristy, its beauty and car-free charm makes it a quintessential stop on all Switzerland itinerary.
Zermatt is at the southern border of Switzerland towards the west and is car free. Most hotels have electric cars that will fetch you from the station to your hotel. Check in and relax for the rest of the day.
Wander around the quaint little town which is carfree. Time permitting do visit the Matterhorn Museum. Pick up some hand made souvenirs made by local artesans or hunt for Swiss Army knives, Swiss textiles, crafts and decors.
Make sure you have your camera ready for some postcard-worthy shots of traditional wooden chalets complete with stunning mountain ranges as backdrop.
Overnight in Zermatt
Enjoy a quick breakfast and prepare yourself for yet another day of scenic journey as you set out to explore Zermatt. The area is surrounded by 38 mountain peaks all over 4000 meters high. Zermatt has inherited the nickname of the “Sunniest Corner of Switzerland”, as few clouds tend to form here. Which also means, the Matterhorn is clearly visible almost 62% of the time.
Marvel at the Matterhorn by taking the Gornergrat Bahn up to the spectacular Gornergrat Lookout. The entire train journey is absolutely stunning with the Matterhorn popping in and out of view along the way.
Rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Zermatt
Post breakfast, check out and time to board the Scenic train – Glacier Express. The Glacier Express is a direct scheduled train service between Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn and St Moritz in the Engadine skiing area. Billed as Europe's slowest express, its a narrow-gauge train which takes 7½ hours to complete the journey. Taking you through you through the three cantons of Valais, Uri and Graubünden, offers breathtaking and varied panoramic views. Eight hours of sheer pleasure for your eyes and your palate, too.
Arrive St Moritz and check into your hotel.
Overnight in St Moritz
After breakfast explore St Moritz. You are in hiking heaven if you are visiting during the summer months. Your Swiss pass allows you free access to cable cars, funiculars, etc. Much of the best hiking is accessed by cable car, including hike from Muottas Muraggl to Alp Languard, Corvatsch mid-station to Furtschellas. Particularly attractive villages include Sils and the Zuoz in the Upper Engadine, and further afield Guarda, Ardez and Poschiavo. Another 'must' is cable car up to Diavolezza. You are sure to have a great time!
In the winters, ofcourse enjoy the snow and try a beginners course of skiing.
Overnight in St Moritz
After breakfast, time to check out and bid farewell to the Swiss Alps as you board your train to Zurich airport for your flight back home with unforgettable memories of your Swiss Vacation with AirTours Holidays!