Offer-Nr.
20220036
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Key Data from your inquiry:
Type of Tour:
Self-Guided (Train)
Nr. of travelers:
2 Adults
Accomodation:
4-5* hotels
Where to go?
Entire Switzerland
Must-Sees?
Must-See's and off the beaten track
Arrival/Departure
Zurich →Geneva
Tour Start:
same day
Interests:
nature ✓
active ✓
Level of fitness:
-
Comments:
We love to hike, bike, sightsee, and also enjoy culture, great food, and having a lot of fun. We want to be active but not rushed with some down time here or there to explore or relax.
Trip Itinerary:
We kindly ask for your understanding that the final tour itinerary including our detailed recommendations can only be provided after your confirmation and down payment.
Day 1: Arrival in Zurich
Zurich Airport is perfectly connected to the city center. Your hotel is located in the heart of the old town - perfect for your day of arrival to still walk around, stretch out your legs after your flight and get an impression of Switzerland's biggest city.
Day 2: Zurich & Rhine Falls & St. Gallen
You will leave Switzerland's largest city behind for the day and you will head up north to Europe's biggest waterfall - the Rhine Falls. By boat, you get on the Rock in the middle of the falls to understand the power of this natural spectacle. Shortly after, you get the chance to discover Stein am Rhein, which is well-known for its well-preserved old town with painted facades and half-timbered houses.
Around noon you can stop in St. Gallen to discover the UNESCO world heritage Abbey district of St. Gallen. Its magnificent Baroque cathedral forms a unique historical ensemble. The Abbey Library - with Switzerland's most beautiful hall and ancient books will fascinate you.
Day 3: Zurich → Lucerne
It is not a long train ride from Zurich and Lucerne's Old Town is rated every year among the most beautiful towns in the world. Stroll around and chick-in into your hotel before enjoying a scenic boat cruise on Lake Lucerne. Winding its way through the mountain scenery, it is a perfect way to get some scenic views of famous mountains like the Stanserhorn, Mount Rigi, and Pilatus.
If you are interested in the history of Switzerland you might want to cross the lake and hike part of the Switzerland trail or visit the meadow where the legendary oath of Rüttli was taken and therefore the confederation of the first three cantons was formed.
Day 4: Lucerne → Kandersteg
As Backroads is already covering a good part of the Bernese Oberland you might want to explore a little more the region around the Lake before taking off to Kandersteg. An active way to start your day would be renting a stand-up paddleboard or a small boat for yourself (if you have the proper license) and enjoying some time on the water.
As the train from Lucerne to Kandersteg will stop in any case in Bern, I would suggest spending the afternoon in Bern's cute Old-Town which is also a UNESCO world heritage site; and are you aware that the bear is not only the symbol of the canton? Bears live in the city center in a pit right on the other riverside of the old town.
Day 5 - 9: Backroads | Multi-adventure trip
From Kandersteg to Giessbach Falls (Lake Brienz)
Day 10: Giessbach Falls → Zermatt
At this time you will be already an expert yourself when it comes to the Bernese Oberland. So with no detour, you will head straight to Zermatt. As tomorrow will be a big day you should not overdo it today. Get yourself some rest, walk around in Zermatt and enjoy some dinner - and all of that with the view on the famous Matterhorn. Tomorrow you will be a lot closer!
Day 11: Zermatt
Get ready to climb (hike) your first 4 000m peak - the Breithorn. This tour is a perfect way to get a sense of high Alpine air for the first time, but only for surefooted and experienced hikers accompanied by a mountain guide. In the early morning, you take the cable car to the Matterhorn glacier paradise at 3,883 m. The climb to the top and the descent afterward lasts about three hours depending on the conditions.
Day 12: Zermatt → Montreux
Continuing your train ride along the Valais (Valley) the language will change from German to French. Arriving at the Montreux Riviera you can enjoy the afternoon on the shores of Lake Geneva. A visit to the medieval Chillon Castle is always worth it or we could organize a degustation tour through the vine terraces of Lavaux (another UNESCO world heritage).
Day 13: Montreux & Gruyère
Today another magnificent train ride is awaiting you - the Golden Pass. Personally, this is my favorite train line, even though it is short compared to the Glacier Express. Making its way up the steep mountain ridge you shouldn't miss a single moment! These tracks are also the only way crossing the nature parc of Gruyère - cars have to make a detour for hours to experience what you can do, stressless in one of the baroque wagons of the Golden Pass.
The medieval town of Gruyère is home to the namesake AOP cheese and close by in Broc is one of the biggest chocolate manufacturers based. After a hike around Mount Moleson, we would like to invite you to a demonstration of one of the alpine cheeseries, where cheese is still produced as it has been for centuries.
Day 14: Montreux → Geneva (4th of September)
Follow the northern shoreline to Geneva, home of the UN, ICRC, and numerous other NGOs. Depending on your interest and time until departure, we are happy to organize a guided tour through the UN. As I am regularly in Geneva I'd be happy to show you around a little myself.
We are confident that this itinerary will provide some exclusive memories for you until it is time to say: "Ade, Au revoir, ciao and hope to CYou again in Switzerland"
Price Quote & Inclusions:
Storchen Zurich *****
Zurich 2 | Nights
Lucerne | 1 Night
Waldhotel Doldenhorn ****
Kandersteg | 1 Night
Alpen Resort Zermatt ****
Zermatt | 2 Nights
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic ****
Montreux | 2 Nights
* breakfast included
** all hotels upon availability
Boat Cruise Rhine Falls & Lake Lucerne
Private Mountain Guide Breithorn
Matterhorn Express
Alpine Cheese demonstration
Maison Caillier
Rental car - Premium all-around carefree protection
• Fully comprehensive insurance with refund of the excess.
• Refund in the event of damage to the glass, roof, tyres and underbody, including sump and clutch.
• Refund of towing costs.
• Refund of costs for loss of/damage to vehicle keys and documents.
• Vehicle theft protection with refund of the excess.
• Reimbursement of damage and theft of car radio and navigation system (mobile or built-in) in connection with burglary damage.
• Refund of accident processing charge.
• Customary liability coverage.
• Additional liability insurance in the amount of EUR 7.5 million.
• Accident Insurance (PAI) with a coverage of 20.000 EUR for each passenger of the rental car in case of invalidity only
• All local taxes.
• Airport fees.
Swiss Travel Pass Flex
24h emergency number for last-minute requests or any problems arising
TBD
Per Person:
$3,000 - $4,000 USD
Q & A:
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Next Steps:
As soon as we receive your confirmation we will do all the bookings. Your final travel itinerary will be sent as soon as we receive the down payement.
