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Swiss Escape 2027
8 Day Tour from Zurich to Lugano
Tour Description:
Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for 2 nights.Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Bern. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.
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Dates & Pricing
Start Dates Listed Below are US departure dates, please verify specific dates with your Pavlus Travel Planner
| Saturday 23 Jan 27 — Sunday 31 Jan 27 | Starting at $1,969 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 30 Jan 27 — Sunday 07 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,099 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 01 Feb 27 — Tuesday 09 Feb 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $2,499 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Feb 27 — Sunday 14 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,099 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 08 Feb 27 — Tuesday 16 Feb 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $2,499 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 13 Feb 27 — Sunday 21 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,199 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 15 Feb 27 — Tuesday 23 Feb 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $2,599 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 20 Feb 27 — Sunday 28 Feb 27 | Starting at $2,199 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 22 Feb 27 — Tuesday 02 Mar 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $2,599 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 27 Feb 27 — Sunday 07 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,199 | Get a Quote | |
| Monday 01 Mar 27 — Tuesday 09 Mar 27
Small Group Discovery | Starting at $2,599 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 06 Mar 27 — Sunday 14 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,299 | Get a Quote | |
| Saturday 13 Mar 27 — Sunday 21 Mar 27 | Starting at $2,299 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Special Features Included in this Tour: • Orientation walk in Zurich’s Old Town• Visit to Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva, and Lugano• Guided visit to Chillon Castle• Guided walking tour in Bern• Walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge• Scenic drive through the Swiss alps
ITINERARY
Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)
Dinner
DinnerDay 2 ZURICH–NEUCHÂTEL–LAKE GENEVA
Swiss History This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Neuchâtel. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Later, arrive at your hotel on Lake Geneva and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B) 174 mi / 280 km
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 3 LAKE GENEVA
Grandeur in Geneva Today, enjoy an included excursion to Chillon Castle. Be captivated by anecdotal accounts and historical background during a guided tour of the castle. Take advantage of some free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of Lake Geneva. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Located in a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through this serene location and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 4 LAKE GENEVA–BERN–LUCERNE
Alpine Attraction Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Continue to Lucerne and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this alpine gem. (B)
155 mi / 250 km
LOCAL FAVORITE
CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 5 LUCERNE
Bridging History This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem before [LF] enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BRIDGING HISTORY See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 6 LUCERNE–LUGANO
Sights & Delights of Switzerland This morning, leave Lucerne for a scenic drive through the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps, interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. Arrive at the elegant lakefront city of Lugano and enjoy a leisurely evening. (B)
112mi/180 km
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art
Breakfast
BreakfastDay 7 LUGANO
Swiss Celebration Take advantage of free time this morning and afternoon to explore more of Lugano; admire the buildings, browse the stores in the pedestrian center, try some local specialties, or stroll along the lakeside promenade. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to discover further afield. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner. (B,D)
ENHANCE FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano with an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle. Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous
Breakfast Dinner
Breakfast DinnerDay 8 LUGANO
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.) (B)
Accommodations
| Zurich | Lake Geneva | Lucerne | Lugano |
Courtyard by Marriott Zurich North
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Max Bill-Platz 19 Zurich Switzerland
Situated in the business district of Oerlikon, this modern hotel is just a short walk from Zurich Oerlikon Station from which downtown Zurich can easily be reached by direct train in just under 10 minutes. Combining innovative design and a fresh, contemporary style, the 152 spacious guestrooms feature plush bedding and black-out curtains to ensure a great night's sleep. All air-conditioned rooms include a lounge chair, in-room safe, mini-refrigerator, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The inviting 'Kitchen & Bar at Courtyard' restaurant offers a seasonal all-day food and beverage service, and there is a 24/7 Grab n' go Market in the lobby for snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and the fitness area is available to hotel guests 24/7.
First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
Max Bill-Platz 19 Zurich Switzerland
Situated in the business district of Oerlikon, this modern hotel is just a short walk from Zurich Oerlikon Station from which downtown Zurich can easily be reached by direct train in just under 10 minutes. Combining innovative design and a fresh, contemporary style, the 152 spacious guestrooms feature plush bedding and black-out curtains to ensure a great night's sleep. All air-conditioned rooms include a lounge chair, in-room safe, mini-refrigerator, and coffee/tea-making facilities. The inviting 'Kitchen & Bar at Courtyard' restaurant offers a seasonal all-day food and beverage service, and there is a 24/7 Grab n' go Market in the lobby for snacks and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and the fitness area is available to hotel guests 24/7.