Itinerary

DAY 1 - USA / ZURICH

Departure from USA to Zurich by scheduled service.  Contact our office for a quotation of the lowest airfares available for your dates.

DAY 2 - ZURICH - LUCERNE

Arrival to Zurich airport where you will collect your luggage and take the escalators down to the train station and board your train to Lucerne.  Upon arrival transfer to your selected hotel and the remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure to rest or explore on your own.

DAY 3 - LUCERNE

Following breakfast at your hotel, this morning you will join a 2 hour regular scheduled walking tour of Lucerne. On the walk, you will learn important, humorous and interesting facts about Lucerne's history, churches, bridges, narrow streets, towers, squares and of course, Lucerne's trademark - the Chapel Bridge with the Water Tower. Following the tour we suggest that you explore some of the restaurants along the lake and try the local cuisine. Remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure for shopping or exploring on your own. (Nov 1 - Mar 31 walking tour operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays only)

DAY 4 - LUCERNE

Following breakfast at your hotel, today you will have a one-day card for unlimited cruises on Lake Lucerne in 2nd class.  The Lake of Lucern is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland and boats depart every hour to a variety of destinations and lengths.  We suggest you select the 4 hour lunch cruise to Fluelen and plan to enjoy lunch in the lovely restaurant on board while you admire the scenery and small villages along the lake.  For those that want to have a 360 degree panoramic view of the area including 6 lakes surrounded by mountains can take the boat to Vitznau where you can board the oldest cogwheel train to Mount Rigi. Or take the boat to Alpnachstad to board the steepest cogwheel to Mount Pilatus (open mid May - October only).

DAY 5 - LUCERNE - LUGANO

Following breakfast at your hotel board the train to Lugano.  You will pass through valleys dotted with waterfalls, and cross the famous St. Gotthard Train Tunnel until you reach Lugano.  Upon arrival check into your hotel and the remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure to explore on your own.  We suggest you take a stroll along the lakeside promenade and the historical center. 

DAY 6 - LUGANO

Following breakfast at your hotel enjoy a day on Lake Lugano exploring the small and picturesque villages like Gandria and Morcote.  Do not forget your passport you may want to cruise over into Italy.

DAY 7 - LUGANO

Following breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a day trip to Bellinzona where you can visit the three castles with the guided explanations of an Audioguide Bellinzona Artkey. The castles are a world heritage UNESCO site.

DAY 8 - LUGANO - VENICE

Following breakfast at your hotel, transfer on your own to the Lugano train station in time to board your train for Chiasso, Italy.  Benvenuto in Italia!  Continue by train until you reach the city of canals, Venice.  Upon arrival check into your hotel and begin to explore on your own. This evening celebrate your arrival with a gondola serenade on the Grand Canal.

DAY 9 - VENICE

Following breakfast at your hotel, this morning join a walking tour of the artistic and historical center of Venice, Saint Mark's Square and the Doge's Palace.  This afternoon stroll the city and shop or ask us about an optional tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.