Country Roads of Switzerland
A 15-Day Insight Tours tour starting from $3,499
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| Starting Price: | $3,499 |  |
| Tour Length: | 15 Days | |
| Countries Visited: | Italy, Switzerland | |
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Cities Visited: Well paced tour with three nights in Villars, two-night stays in most of the other cities and no excessively long driving days. There is also the added bonus of travelling on the Glacier Express train. |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Visit Chillon Castle, immortalized by the poet, Byron, and beautifully situated on Lake Geneva
- Enjoy a delightful excursion through the Swiss countryside to the towns of Gruyères and Gstaad
- Embark on a highlight cruise on the serene waters of Lake Geneva
- Travel aboard the Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps
- Take an exhillarating excursion to the summit of Mount Pilatus for stunning views over Lucerne
Included Personal Insights
- Visit a traditional wood-carving exhibition to learn how woodcarvings are produced
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See the Fraumunster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich
- See the Clock Tower, bear pits, Federal Palace and Cathedral of St Vincent in Berne
- Visit the walled town of Murten and inner court of the castle for fine views of the lake
- See Geneva's Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument
- View the Roman Amphitheater in Martigny
- See the two fortress-churches of Sion, Our Lady of Glarier Cathedral and Town Hall
- See the majestic peak of the Matterhorn from the resort of Zermatt (weather permitting)
- See Bellinzona's three castles Cross the San Bernardino pass
- Travel through the spiral tunnels of the Abula pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct
- Drive through the dramatic Schollenen Gorge past the Devils Bridge
- See the Grindelwald Valley, visit Lauterbrunnen and the Staubbach Falls
- Visit a wood carving showroom in Brienz and nearby Ballenberg open-air museum
- See Lucerne's Lion Monument and the reconstructed Chapel Bridge
- Scenic Drives - Italian Lakes, Broye Valley, Simplon, San Bernardino, Julier, Brunig and Susten Passes
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 15
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of typical Swiss cuisine in Zermatt (HD)
- 13 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Day 1 - DEPART USA
Overnight flight.
Day 2 - ZURICH AT LEISURE
Welcome to Switzerland, a land of snow-capped summits and romantic lakes that has attracted poets, musicians and travellers over the years! On arrival at Zurich Airport, your airport shuttle service leaves for the tour hotel at 09:30, 11:00 & 12:30. Later, an orientation tour of the city shows you the Bahnhofstrasse, Grossmünster, River Limmat and Frauenmünster, famous for its stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. In the evening, join your Tour Director and fellow guests for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Movenpick Hotel Zurich-Airport.
Day 3 - ZURICH - BERNE - CHILLON CASTLE - VILLARS
After a short drive to Berne, see the Bear Pits, Cathedral of St Vincent, the Federal Palace and the floral displays and fountains. Gather at the clock tower to watch the mechanical procession of painted figures before viewing the grim Ogre Fountain. Visit Murten with its ramparts, towers and yachts, and see the main street with its arcaded houses and the 13th century castle which affords splendid views of the lake. Now to the shores of Lake Geneva for a visit to Chillon Castle, which sits on a rocky islet, immortalised by Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon'. Continue up the scenic road into the mountains to the Alpine village of Villars.
Hotel: Hotel Du Golf. (BB,D)
Day 4 - SWISS COUNTRY EXCURSION
Snowy summits fill the horizon as you leave Villars and ascend the Col de la Croix. Drive through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of GruyA'res, renowned for its cheese. Spend time exploring its picturesque main street and castle before returning to the hotel via Gstaad, one of Europe's most fashionable ski resorts. (BB)
Day 5 - LAKE GENEVA EXCURSION
Follow the shores of Lac Leman to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet D'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument. Before returning to your alpine hotel, embark on a highlight cruise on Lake Geneva past the cultural resort of Montreux.(BB,D)
Day 6 - VILLARS - MARTIGNY - SION - ZERMATT
Journey into the upper Rhone valley to Martigny to view the Roman Amphitheatre. Continue to the town of Sion, dominated by two rocky peaks, each crowned with episcopal fortresses, and see the cathedral and Old Town Hall. The final stage of the journey to the traffic-free mountain resort of Zermatt is by mini-bus and electric taxi. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of Swiss cuisine.
Hotel: Alpen Resort (BB,HD)
Day 7 - ZERMATT AT LEISURE
Spend a whole day relaxing in the clean mountain air. Perhaps take an excursion to the Kleiner Matterhorn, see the Matterhorm from the church bridge, take a short hike or sample the delicious Kuchen (cakes). (BB)
Day 8 - ZERMATT - LUGANO
Descend to Tasch and re-join the coach. Drive through Brig to commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Cut through northern Italy, stopping on the gentle shores of Lake Maggiore. Back in Switzerland, drive on to the lakeside resort Lugano.
Hotel: De la Paix (BB)
Day 9 - LUGANO - ST MORITZ
Head north today, passing by the three castles at Bellinzona en route to the Grisons region. Travel via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel and follow the young Rhine River through Heidi Country. Head east to the ancient Roman Julier Pass and the chic resort of St Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.
Hotel: Monopol (BB,D)
Day 10 - ST MORITZ AT LEISURE
Today is free to enjoy at your own pace. Jostle with the jet-set in the elegant boutiques, or take an exciting train journey over the Bernina pass. (BB)
Day 11 - ST MORITZ - INTERLAKEN
All aboard for the Glacier Express - one of the world's great railway journeys. Have your cameras ready as you ascend through the spiral tunnels of the Albula Pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schollenen Gorge past the Devils Bridge. On through William Tell Country to stay 'between the lakes' in the charming resort of Interlaken.
Hotel: Royal St Georges (BB,D)
Day 12 - VALLEY OF WATERFALLS EXCURSION
Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen at the head of the 'Valley of Waterfalls', and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 300 metres. Consider taking a cog-wheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain. (BB)
Day 13 - INTERLAKEN - BRIENZ - LUCERNE
Brienz is well known as Switzerland's woodcarving centre. A delightful drive along the shores of the lake leads to a wood-carving exhibition to learn how today's woodcarvings are produced. Next, experience Swiss rural life throughout the ages at the Ballenberg Open-Air Museum. Now continue over the Brunig Pass and drive along side the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to the beautiful 14th century city of Lucerne.
Hotel: Astoria (BB,D)
Day 14 - MT PILATUS EXCURSION
Take an excursion by cog-wheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, which offers a stunning view of Lucerne, as well as the lakes, countryside and hills surrounding it. Return to Lucerne to see the covered wooden bridge, together with the famous Lion Monument carved from a limestone cliff. Spend the afternoon browsing in the shops. (BB)
Day 15 - RETURN TO USA
Last chance to buy fine watches, cuckoo clocks or delicious chocolate! Departure transfers arrive at Zurich Airport at 08:00. Please do not schedule any flights before 10:00am. (BB)
Don't miss our current specials: | ||||
Touring Date |
Land Only |
Land + Air |
Single (Land Only) |
Single (Land + Air) |
9/12/2010 - 9/26/2010 |
$3,499 |
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9/19/2010 - 10/3/2010 |
$3,499 |
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9/26/2010 - 10/10/2010 |
$3,499 |
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10/3/2010 - 10/17/2010 |
$3,499 |
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4/24/2011 - 5/8/2011 |
$3,499 |
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5/1/2011 - 5/15/2011 |
$3,499 |
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5/8/2011 - 5/22/2011 |
$3,499 |
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5/15/2011 - 5/29/2011 |
$3,499 |
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5/22/2011 - 6/5/2011 |
$3,499 |
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5/29/2011 - 6/12/2011 |
$3,499 |
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6/5/2011 - 6/19/2011 |
$3,499 |
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6/12/2011 - 6/26/2011 |
$3,499 |
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6/19/2011 - 7/3/2011 |
$3,499 |
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6/26/2011 - 7/10/2011 |
$3,499 |
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7/3/2011 - 7/17/2011 |
$3,499 |
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7/10/2011 - 7/24/2011 |
$3,499 |
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7/17/2011 - 7/31/2011 |
$3,499 |
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7/24/2011 - 8/7/2011 |
$3,499 |
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7/31/2011 - 8/14/2011 |
$3,499 |
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8/7/2011 - 8/21/2011 |
$3,499 |
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8/14/2011 - 8/28/2011 |
$3,499 |
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8/21/2011 - 9/4/2011 |
$3,499 |
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8/28/2011 - 9/11/2011 |
$3,499 |
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9/4/2011 - 9/18/2011 |
$3,499 |
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9/11/2011 - 9/25/2011 |
$3,499 |
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9/18/2011 - 10/2/2011 |
$3,499 |
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9/25/2011 - 10/9/2011 |
$3,499 |
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10/2/2011 - 10/16/2011 |
$3,499 |
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10/9/2011 - 10/23/2011 |
$3,499 |
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Airfare Disclaimer Documents |
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Included Premium Highlights
- Visit Chillon Castle, immortalized by the poet, Byron, and beautifully situated on Lake Geneva
- Enjoy a delightful excursion through the Swiss countryside to the towns of Gruyères and Gstaad
- Embark on a highlight cruise on the serene waters of Lake Geneva
- Travel aboard the Glacier Express for a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps
- Take an exhillarating excursion to the summit of Mount Pilatus for stunning views over Lucerne
Included Personal Insights
- Visit a traditional wood-carving exhibition to learn how woodcarvings are produced
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See the Fraumunster and elegant Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich
- See the Clock Tower, bear pits, Federal Palace and Cathedral of St Vincent in Berne
- Visit the walled town of Murten and inner court of the castle for fine views of the lake
- See Geneva's Jet d'Eau, Floral Clock and Reformation Monument
- View the Roman Amphitheater in Martigny
- See the two fortress-churches of Sion, Our Lady of Glarier Cathedral and Town Hall
- See the majestic peak of the Matterhorn from the resort of Zermatt (weather permitting)
- See Bellinzona's three castles Cross the San Bernardino pass
- Travel through the spiral tunnels of the Abula pass and cross the Landwasser Viaduct
- Drive through the dramatic Schollenen Gorge past the Devils Bridge
- See the Grindelwald Valley, visit Lauterbrunnen and the Staubbach Falls
- Visit a wood carving showroom in Brienz and nearby Ballenberg open-air museum
- See Lucerne's Lion Monument and the reconstructed Chapel Bridge
- Scenic Drives - Italian Lakes, Broye Valley, Simplon, San Bernardino, Julier, Brunig and Susten Passes
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Airport Shuttle arrival and departure transfers at scheduled times on Day 2 and Day 15
Included Quality Dining
- Highlight Dinner of typical Swiss cuisine in Zermatt (HD)
- 13 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d'hote Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
Save 3 Ways with Insight Vacations
Book and pay in full on 2011 Europe & Britain departures and receive 10% off listed tour price!
Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!
Other Featured Insight Deals
Save Up To $150 On 2011 USA AND CANADA Departures
Book and pay in full on an Insight Vacations 2011 USA and Canada departure of 10 days or more and save $150 per person or book a departure of 9 days or less and save $100 per person.
Book Now-Offer Ends September 30th, 2010
Save $300 on air-inclusive vacations!
Book yourself and a companion on an air-inclusive Insight Vacations 2010/11 Winter departure and each person will save $150 (this is valid for singles).
Book Now-Offer Ends October 1st!
TERMS: 10% savings valid on 2011 Europe & Britain departures when full payment is made by October 1st, 2010. Travel must depart between April 11th, 2011 and October 11th, 2011. Offer applies to new bookings only. Normal name change policy applies. Offer is applicable to groups – with availability and collection of travelers’ names at time of booking. Promotion is combinable with brochure discounts EXCEPT Early Payment Discount. Offer valid on Select Choices departures EXCEPT City Stays. Offer NOT valid on Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Egypt or tours including cruises. Once payment is received, cancellation penalties apply. Offer may be withdrawn at any time and subject to availability. Other restrictions apply. Please call for details.
Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5 - 8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family – and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%. Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers! This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or fl ight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELER SAVINGS
5 - 17 YEAR OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren. This discount applies only to tours featuring the “Young Traveler Discount” in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE! Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour.
This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”.
SINGLE TRAVELER SAVING
INSIGHT’S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we’ll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don’t have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we’ll provide a single room at no extra cost†. There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. †Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice. This discount only applies to tours featuring the “Triple
Room Discount” in the price panel. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount”. Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion
Play Option
FREQUENT TRAVELER SAVING
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer. Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available
from your Tour Director. Insight’s Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further
tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our “Friends & Family Discount” and “Extra Tour Discount.” Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight’s most popular tours fi ll very quickly. Don’t be disappointed, book early! You’ll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here’s how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure
date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the “Early Payment Discount” in the price panel.
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All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing.