Details:
Day 1 Welcome to Switzerland / Zurich / Lucerne lake area
Morning, passengers arrival on own transfer / flight to Zurich airport. Your professional tour manager has long waited for your arrival. A short coach transfer to the centre of Zurich for an orientation drive. This pulsating metropolis is full with recreation and entertainment Stop at the main Railway station of Zurich, opened in 1871, this superb building ranks amongst Europe's most beautiful railway stations. Many extensions have been added over the years to the original building, which now resembles an architectural puzzle of numerous interesting styles. From here, perhaps you like to start off, on to the famous Bahnhofstrasse, the city main shopping zone and ideal for pedestrians. This Bahnhof street is one of the most beautiful shopping area. It is essential to stop here not only for your own lunch hour, deciding what to taste, especially the mouth watering display of menus at the restaurants, it also allows you a first hand experience, browsing at elegant fashions, department stores, boutiques with top quality products, and admire at the unique architectures of the 5 major banks near the Limmat River Quai. Notice also the Rathaus, a baroque construction dating from 1694/98 is full of character. It juts out into the Limmat on the site of an earlier parliament building. This evening we check in at our hotel by Lake Lucerne in the canton or Uri.
(Western Dinner)
Day 2 A day in the Snow mountains
After breakfast, you are ready, hopefully armed to the teeth, for the unique experience you have long anticipated. In the quintessential country that is synonymous with Snow and Ski in winter months, Switzerland embraces the Alps, one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in the world, that straddles from the East to the West. The country fondly named as the Garden Country of Europe, is indeed a holiday destination for all seasons. Our specially selected mountain starts from the foot, at the township of Andermatt.
It prides itself with a 12th century church, being a cross-road junction since the medieval times, it is now health resort, and sports centre and where the world famous St. Gotthard Tunnel runs beneath its village centre. There are numerous sports facilities and possibilities, such as hiking; bike tracking; golfing; rock climbing; fishing; tennis; hand and para-gliding etc. In the height of Summer season, climbers assemble early to catch the first glimpse of sun-rise, and the boisterous groups on outdoor pursuit are ubiquitous.
Come winter season, the number of groups multiply. This morning, we join the crowd. With over 34 car stations and 166 kilometres of ski pistes, it
is indeed one of the most popular resorts. We have chosen the Natschen and Gutsch snow fields, for both intended purposes, the latter being a slopes for ski enthusiasts, where the lower part of it in Natschen is for travellers who comes for the fun of it all, or to dress up as skiers and pose for pictures, most of all, who would prefer less hectic activities. Our specially engaged instructor is at hand for the morning to offer his undivided attention and share his skiing knowledge. Our coach stops firstly at the villages? ski store, where to those who might have forgotten any of the essentials. Here one could hire everything related to ski for a day. There is almost everything conceivable, available here; from ski sun-glasses; ski-boots; ski-jacket; gloves; ski-poles; long or short skis; ski-board; ski-sledge; to ski-helmet and more. Dotting all the stations by the cable cars and chair lifts are the comforting warm cafes; restaurants; shops and souvenirs stores, where you could escape for a moment of two between your fun and sporting pursuits. The day is yours for a fullday of fun on the slopes with one day pass (pay as you arrive); Return to the hotel for a good warm shower and hearty dinner.
(Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 3 Lauterbrunnen / Staubbach Waterfall / Interlaken / Berne
First stop after a breadth-taking scenic drive through the Wassen; Gadmen Rosentaul route for Lauterbrunnen valley. Probably one of the most beautiful of the glacial valleys in the European Alps with scenic attractions include the 4000 meter snow-capped peaks and imposing waterfalls. Located 796 m above sea level - the lively centre at the entrance to the valley, with its famous landmark, the sparkling Staubbach Waterfall. We make a stop for some time in the village, where amazing mountain railways begin their climb through some of Europe's most stunning scenery, namely the Wengen township. Since 1893, Wengen has been easily accessible from Lauterbrunnen with the historic Wengernalp Railway. One is surprised that the town located some 1274 m above sea level is a public car free, traditional yet trendy holiday resort lying on a sheltered, sun-soaked terrace, 400 metres above the picturesque Lauterbrunnen Valley. More fantastic surrounding scenery is dominated by the dramatic Eiger, Mich and Jungfrau massif.
This amazing area like any other mountain resorts in the country, offers family fun, hiking and superb skiing at Mnlichen-Kleine Scheidegg and the Eiger Glacier. Located in between the lakes captivating "capital" of Switzerland's beautiful Bernese Oberland. Interlaken is a delightful destination for memorable holidays and conventions. The town is located between the lakes of Thun and Brienz, you will agree that it is indeed a delight to spend some hours simply wandering on its main streets, lined with exclusive shops and stores amidst enchanting natural settings. In the afternoon, we are in the capital of the country ?Berne. It is a UNESCO Worldheritage, walking with your tour manager from the rail station through arcades of shops and stores, we see a compact mediaeval cityscape, with its unique 12 C Golden clock tower, the Renaissance fountains and largely preserved sandstone facades, to which the romantic Swiss capital owes its charm. Cross the River Aare, we come to the Bear pit, for the glimpse of those cute cuddly animals, the bear is Bern heraldic symbol and therefore, do not forget a memorial snap shot, as a proof that you were here.
(Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 4 Lake Lucerne and city tour / Rhinefalls / Chocolate factory experience
Northbound this morning to the canton bordering Germany and near France, at Schaffhausen. Our main destination is the Rhinefalls. It is the largest Falls in Europe, offer a spectacular showpiece to visitors. As we drive closer, you could hear the thunder-like sound from the cascades. The drops, which are 450 ft ( 150 m) wide and 75 ft (23 m) high is spectacular. If time permits, why not taking a boat trip to the famous rock in the middle of the Falls with a short walk to the top, or across the river below the Falls. Continue to the enchanting township of Lucerne. An essential stop for all travellers to Switzerland, due to its unique setting. Enjoy the scenes around the lake with graceful
swans; the ever green mountains, occasionally snow-capped and the changing vegetation around.
Wander through the cobble stone streets in the old town, spot the ornate fountains in every corners or together with your tour manager, visit the monuments such as the Wounded Lion, memory of the heroic death of the Swiss mercenaries at the Tuileries in 1792; The Kapellbruecke - Chapel Bridge constructed first half of the 14th century as a part of the city's fortifications, the Jesuit Church, built in 1666/67, the first and finest baroque churches in the country and finally the old wall with its medieval watch towers. There are also the Richard Wagner House , Picasso Museum if you care to rush to, rather than shopping for the Swiss cotton materials, watches or folklore souvenirs.
A special visit is arranged later to the century old establishment of Giuseppe Maestrani the manufacture of chocolate that has made its name in the world of "real treats". (Every Maestrani Chocolate factory visit is subject to appointment approved only.)
(Breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 Principality of Liechtenstein / Departure sent-off
Before we drop off at the airport in Zurich, we make a detour to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Vaduz is the seat of government and parliament, with a population of 5,097. Vaduz Castle, towering on a rock formation above the capital, is the residence of the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein. When Prince Johann Adam I of Liechtenstein purchased the County of Vaduz he became the fifth owner of Vaduz Castle, which was originally built during the 14th century. As the Princely family at that time was based in Vienna, the castle was used over the years as barracks, a prison, restaurant and as the seat of administration.
Our stop at the centre of the town allows us to browse around and view the Castle. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the Prince, shopping for bread or riding his bicycle passing right in front of you! We suggest you to visit the stamp museum, one of the main income of the tiny principality, and it is indeed a paradise for stamp enthusiasts around the world. Later, we come to the end of our tour at Zurich airport, where the tour manager bids you "bon voyage" as you flight home.
(Breakfast)
Last update: 14 Aug 2007
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