Contrasts of Switzerland - From £3,310

Zürich is your springboard to a spectacular journey through Switzerland. Meet your Travel Director and your fellow travellers then join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, a social-impact guided walking tour led by a local guide who shares the city through a fresh lens while supporting community change makers. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner to kick off your Swiss experience.

Your love affair with the snow-capped peaks of Switzerland begins on a scenic train journey via Chur to the stylish resort of St. Moritz, set against the beautiful backdrop of Lake St. Moritz. Admire the inspiring natural setting and perhaps travel on one of Switzerland's most spectacular rail routes across the Bernina pass this afternoon, enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

Embrace the glamour and romance of a bygone era. Watch the epic alpine landscapes drift past as you chug along one of the world's most unforgettable rail journeys from the comfort of the Glacier Express. Cross hundreds of bridges and the Oberalp Pass at 2,044 m (6,700 ft) above sea level. Enjoy an included lunch on board as you journey past lakes and glaciers bound for the resort town of Zermatt, at the foothills of the imposing Matterhorn. Upon arrival, your Travel Director will take you on an orientation of the town.

Spend a full free day soaking up Zermatt's crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas. Relax in beautiful surroundings or consider an Optional Experience to the Klein Matterhorn for the most spectacular mountain views.

Travel by train from Zermatt to Geneva, soaking up the changing scenery as you head towards the lakeside. On arrival, join your Travel Director for an orientation and see key sights including the Old Town, the Jet d’Eau and the Flower Clock. Then the afternoon is yours. Lose yourself in the Vieille Ville’s lanes, browse boutiques and chocolate shops, stroll the lakefront promenades or step inside one of the city’s museums. If you feel like getting out on the water, a cruise on Lake Geneva is a great way to take in the views. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Picture-perfect landscapes are your constant companion as you journey from Geneva along the Golden Pass route. Stop at Interlaken in the heart of the Swiss Alps, located at the foot of a trio of famous peaks — the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Spend some time at leisure and enjoy superb views of the peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Follow the Brünig Pass to the lakeside town of Lucerne in central Switzerland, where you'll stay for the next two nights. See the Iconic Chapel bridge and the poignant Lion Monument, built in memory of the Swiss Guards who bravely defended Louis XVI during the French Revolution on your orientation tour. The evening is free to spend as you wish, but you could choose to show off your vocal talents and learn how to yodel during an optional fun-packed Swiss folklore show with fondue dinner.

Mountain peaks surround you during a day at leisure in beautiful lakeside Lucerne. Consider an Optional Experience to a nearby mountain peak, explore the medieval streets and shop for delicious Swiss chocolate. There’s also an Optional Experience to ride by carriage through one of Switzerland’s most beautiful mountain villages. Later, enjoy a Be My Guest experience at Küssnachter Alpenhof, where the Meyer family welcomes you onto their farm to round off the trip with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.

Say a fond farewell to Switzerland and newfound friends at the end of a remarkable holiday. Your Travel Director will give you tickets for the short train journey from Lucerne to Zürich Airport, which can be used at your convenience for your onward journey on the final day of your tour. Alternatively, join a coach transfer to Zürich Airport.