Day 1 Sat. ARRIVAL IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND. Check into your hotel in Zurich. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city. Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D) Day 02: Sun. ZURICH-ST. MORITZ. A sensational drive today through some of Switzerlands most famed cantons. First by way of the market town of Herisau, then stop in Appenzell to see the old town center with its Town Hall. Further east to the minute principality of Liechtenstein. A scenic drive through Heidiland to the Rhine Valley before starting the ascent of the mighty Julier Pass. Soon youll be in the heart of Switzerlands largest canton, the Grisons. Here see some of the worlds best Alpine views before arriving in St. Moritz. (B) Day 03: Mon. ST. MORITZ-BERNINA EXPRESS TRAIN TO TIRANO, ITALY-LUGANO, SWITZERLAND. Enjoy the highlight of the whole tour and a wonderful way of crossing the Alps. One of Europes most spectacular train rides begins in St. Moritz and takes you across the lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina. Here rejoin your coach for the journey to the shores of Lake Lugano. (B) Day 04: Tue. LUGANO-LAKE MAGGIORE-TÄSCH. Morning break in Lugano with a visit to a chocolate factory in nearby Caslano. Afterwards return to Italy to savor the luminous atmosphere of Lake Maggiore. Time for an optional visit to Isola Bella, a magnificently located palace and garden island. Then back into Switzerland via scenic Simplon Pass. Overnight in the village of Täsch. (B,D) Day 05: Wed. TÄSCH-ZERMATT-LAUSANNE. This morning an excursion by train to Zermatt, the famous resort beneath the Matterhorn. In the afternoon motor through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva before arriving in Lausanne on its northern shore. (B) Day 06: Thu. LAUSANNE-LAKE LUCERNE. Stop awhile in Gruyère to visit a local cheese factory. Then on to Switzerlands beautiful capital, Berne, a charming town with arcaded shops, carved fountains, and towers. The visit features the Bear Pit and the monumental Federal Palace. Then by way of the shores of Lake Thun to Interlaken. After a visit continue over the Brünig Pass to Lake Lucerne. Time for an optional folklore evening in Lucerne. (B,D) Day 07: Fri. LAKE LUCERNE-ZURICH. One of Switzerlands finest cities nestled amid its snow-capped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the main highlights. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day. The most popular option is an excursion to the Stanserhorn. In the late afternoon an easy drive back to Zurich for overnight. (B) Day 08: Sat. THE TRIP ENDS TODAY. (B) The Package Includes: SIGHTSEEING Visits to Appenzell, Liechtenstein, St. Moritz, Lugano, a chocolate factory at Caslano, Lake Maggiore, Täsch, Zermatt, Lausanne, Gruyère village, Berne, Interlaken, Lucerne; Jungfraujoch excursion SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS Julier Pass, Engadine Valley, Swiss-Italian Lake District, Simplon Pass, Lake Geneva, the Bernese Oberland GUIDES Services of a professional Tour Director while touring QUALITY HOTELS Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges ZURICH Novotel City West (F), ST. MORITZ Sporthotel Bären (ST) or Löffler (ST), LUGANO Acquarello (ST), TÄSCH Walliserhof (ST) or City Rhone (ST) at Visp, LAUSANNE City Lausanne (ST) or Continental (ST), LAKE LUCERNE Löwen (T) at Lungern or Seehof (T) at Flüelen MEALS Buffet breakfasts (B) and dinners (D) as detailed in the tour description AIRPORT TRANSFERS Airport transfers can be provided on additional request. OPTIONALS Choice of optional excursions at reasonable prices to customize your own experience.