Best of Switzerland

8 Days | Get your nature (and cheese) fix – Swiss style

4.4 out of 5 based on 16 reviews submitted.
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ZAR  56,896
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An eight-day jaunt through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland is the ideal way to see (and taste) all things Swiss. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Beginning in Zurich, travel in comfort by train to lakeside Lucerne, the stunning Swiss Alps and cheese-obsessed and chocolate-stuffed Bulle before finishing in the nation's quaint capital, Bern. Here, the outdoors has never looked so good and the chocolate has never tasted so smooth, so it’s time to sample it all yourself.

Trip overview

Map of Best Of Switzerland including Switzerland
Start
Zurich, Switzerland
Finish
Bern, Switzerland
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Switzerland
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
AMSS
This trip generates 18 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Choose your own adventure with two free days in the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. You can take these days as relaxed or as thrill-seeking as you want from your hotel homebase surrounded by mountain views.
  • Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both in La Gruyere region.
  • Your locally based group leader will provide expert advice on how to make the most of your free time, as well as giving you orientation walks around each place so you can get your bearings.
  • Take in the breathtaking alpine views from the summit of Mt Pilatus with your small group, reached via the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
  • With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace in Bern, you’ll discover why this city is considered one of the most beautiful and laidback capital cities in the world.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found on walks, which can be quite steep and long. While this trip itself doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. During the trip, you have the option to hike the trails in the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau region.
  • The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. You may need to make exchanges in between to reach your destination. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train and storage space for luggage on trains can be quite limited, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
  • Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

Map of Best Of Switzerland including Switzerland

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts

Transport

Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Activities
  • Lucerne - Boat Cruise & Mt Pilatus Golden Circle Tour
  • Picnic style cheese tasting
  • Chocolate tasting leader led
  • Bern - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Bern - Zytglogge (Clock tower) tour
Add on activities
  • Lucerne - Spreuer Bridge - Free
  • Lucerne - Church of St Leodegar - Free
  • Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF56
  • Interlaken - Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe) - CHF105
  • Interlaken - Schilthorn Mountain - CHF86
  • Interlaken - Trummelbach Falls - CHF12
  • Jungfrau region self-guided hike - Free
  • Bern - Rose Garden - Free
  • Bern - History and Einstein Museum - CHF18
  • Bern - Minster (Cathedral) - Free
  • Bern - Museum of Fine Arts - CHF10

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 based on 16 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Adam · Traveled September 2023
Review submitted 12 Sep 2023

Raymond · Traveled August 2023
Our first time to both Europe and Switzerland was excellent. Our tour guide Luisa was wonderful and brought a lot of enthusiasm to our group. The places we went too were spectacular. It’s a trip we will never forget.
Review submitted 17 Aug 2023

SETHURAMAN · Traveled July 2023
Our trip Leader Luisa was very helpful and knowledgeable. Offered many suggestions on what we can do in our free time. Also planned with us to make it happen. We could have skipped Bulle and instead stayed in Bern did Cheese factory and Chocolate factory tour. Bern offers many things to see
Review submitted 27 Jul 2023

Ella · Traveled June 2023
Fantastic trip. The mountains, Lucerne and Bern are particular highlights
Review submitted 19 Jun 2023

Emma · Traveled June 2023
Really great way to see a lot of Switzerland in a short space of time. Big days, make sure you're well rested before the trip stats. The Bernese Oberland was a particular highlight. The day trip to Gruyere is a delight but if you're not into super touristy experiences maybe skip the chocolate factory and go for a swim instead. Simone our leader was a delight and Switzerland is truly impressive destination.
Review submitted 22 Jun 2023
Best of Switzerland
From
ZAR  56,896