7 daysSwitzerland
Experience the magic of Switzerland at Christmas, journeying from Lucerne to Grindelwald, and on to Geneva. Start your Swiss adventure in Lucerne, a stunning 14th-century fortress city sitting on a lakeshore and surrounded by snow-capped forests. Voyage through the frosted peaks and frozen waterfalls of the Grisons Alps to the Alpine ski resort of St. Moritz, a retreat frequented by royalty and James Bond, famously featured in The Spy Who Loved Me. Take a scenic rail journey to Andermatt and travel through the heart of the Swiss Alps in the Albula Pass tunnel, before crossing the skyscraping Landwasser Viaduct and descending through the Rhône Valley. In Geneva, you'll enjoy a sumptuous fondue dinner.
Welcome to Switzerland, an enchanting winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls, peaceful cosy villages, snow-laden forests and imposing mountain ranges crowned by breathtaking peaks. Upon your arrival at Zürich Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in Lucerne allowing you to unwind and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the lake and majestic mountains that frame the city. Stroll through the charming streets, where the atmosphere is filled with a sense of calm. In the evening, meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a light dinner and drinks.
Begin the day exploring Lucerne with your Travel Director, from the medieval Old Town and Chapel Bridge to the Lion Monument, carved in memory of the Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Enjoy time to browse the city’s shops before travelling east, following the shores of Lake Walen and passing Chur, Switzerland’s oldest city. Continue into the Engadine Valley and arrive in St. Moritz, a resort shaped by both alpine tradition and sporting history. Host of the Winter Olympic Games in 1928 and 1948, the town remains closely associated with winter sport, mountain scenery and refined Swiss hospitality.
Enjoy a day at leisure in St. Moritz, perhaps starting with a relaxed breakfast before discovering the resort at your own pace. Look out for traditional sgraffito facades, decorated by scratching patterns through layers of coloured plaster, a technique found across the Engadine. Browse the town’s boutiques or spend time in its renowned spa quarter. Alternatively, join an Optional Experience aboard the Bernina Railway, part of a UNESCO World Heritage route, as it climbs through the high Alps past glaciers, lakes and dramatic mountain passes.
Enjoy a spectacular ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps, with lunch included. The panoramic journey descends through the tunnels of the Albula Pass and traverses the stunning Landwasser Viaduct, a marvel of engineering that soars above deep gorges. As the train joins the broad Rhine Gorge, it meanders beside rock-strewn rivers, climbing through snowy pastures and woodlands. After spiralling to the highest point of the route, the icy Oberalp Pass, you'll descend to Andermatt. Here, rejoin the coach and drive through the dramatic Schöllenen Gorge, passing the Devil's Bridge, a site steeped in local legend. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley, with each turn of the route revealing stunning views that capture the essence of the Swiss Alps.
Enjoy a full day in Grindelwald, with time to explore the village and its Bernese Alps setting at your own pace. Perhaps browse the local shops or follow one of the maintained winter trails through the surrounding landscape. For a different perspective, join an excursion to the Jungfraujoch, travelling by mountain railway and cable car to Europe’s highest railway station at 3,454 m (11,332 ft). From here, take in views across the Aletsch Glacier, explore the Ice Palace and visit the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, keep the day unhurried and enjoy Grindelwald’s alpine atmosphere closer to the village.
Journey to Lake Geneva and visit Chillon Castle with your Local Expert, once home to the Counts of Savoy and later immortalised by Lord Byron in The Prisoner of Chillon. In the dungeons, look for Byron’s name carved into a pillar. Continue to Montreux before travelling along the lakeshore past Vevey and Lausanne to Geneva. On arrival, see the Palais des Nations, Old Town and Jet d’Eau, then visit the Red Cross Museum for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, discovering how humanitarian action supports people displaced by conflict and crisis. End the day over a traditional fondue dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow travellers.
Your magical journey through Switzerland concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to Geneva Airport, where you'll bid farewell as you reflect on the unforgettable memories and experiences of your Swiss adventure. As you head home, you'll carry with you the sights of this beautiful country, enriched by the connections made and the stories gathered along the way.
Lucerne, Switzerland
1 night
Spend the evening unwinding in the architectural masterpiece that is the Hotel Astoria. Soak in the breathtaking surroundings or simply relax in your elegantly designed room.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Concierge, Gym, Laundry, Foreign Currency Exchange, 24-hour Front Desk
Room Air Conditioning, Safe, TV, Wi-Fi
Saint Moritz, Switzerland
2 nights
Hotel Laudinella enjoys a quiet location in St. Moritz-Bad, the spa quarter, and offers superb views of the surrounding mountains. Rooms are decorated with warm colours and pine furniture.
Hotel Restaurant, Bar, Laundry, Room Service, Gym, Spa, Foreign Currency Exchange
Room TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Wi-Fi
Grindelwald, Switzerland
2 nights
Perfectly positioned in a peaceful yet central spot, Sunstar Hotel & SPA Grindelwald offers panoramic views of the iconic Eiger and Wetterhorn. With the First cable cars just steps away, it’s an ideal base for your alpine discoveries.
Hotel Restaurant, Gym, Bar, Pool, Spa
Room Wi-Fi
1 night
An artful blend of modernity and tradition, Hotel Royal offers 202 luxury and superior hotel rooms and suites, a banquet meeting area, a business centre, a fitness area with sauna and a steam room. The hotel’s rich decor creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, while our attentive service is ready to respond to your every wish no matter what the hour.
Hotel Gym, 24-hour Front Desk, Concierge, Laundry, Bar, Restaurant, Business Centre
Room Safe, TV, Tea & coffee facilities, Mini Bar, Hairdryer, Wi-Fi
Lake Lucerne Cruise
Paid on tour
Rail Journey Over The Bernina Pass
Paid on tour
Sleigh Ride
Paid on tour
Jungfrau Excursion by Cogwheel
Paid on tour
Per person, twin share
