Land Journey

Switzerland: Europe's Crown Jewel

All departures are Small Groups averaging 15 or 24 guests
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Year, Departure Type

Select small group (averaging 24 Tauck guests) or smaller group (averaging 15 Tauck guests) departures and the year you would like to travel.

Days
11
From (per Person)
$20,790 AUD
Journey Type
Land
Passengers
15
Time of Year
Jun - Sep
Cities & Landmarks
Geneva, St. Moritz, Lucerne, Stresa, Lausanne, Bern
Jungfraujoch Train, Switzerland

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Overview

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

 

TAUCK'S YELLOW ROADS – 11 days of in-depth exploration of tiny Alpine villages steeped in charm and glistening lakes radiant with natural beauty

 

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE - A private cocktail reception for Tauck guests only at the Ice Palace on the Jungfraujoch, the "Top of Europe"

 

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Private funicular ride up Harder Kulm for dinner with Alpine views

 

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

   

A two-night stay at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

 

A rail journey to your Alpine resort in Zermatt, where views of the Matterhorn astound

 

Private boat rides on Lake Maggiore to Isola Bella in the beautiful Borromean Islands, and on a wine tasting cruise on Lake Lugano

 

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Activity

3
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Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Pace

3
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Often robust – may include long days, active sightseeing, early starts, evening activities, significant travel times.

View Full Itinerary

Along Europe's Scenic "Yellow Roads"

Snow caps, ice castles and you… One of the world's favorite year-round playgrounds, Switzerland astounds with natural beauty. In summer, sunlight warms wildflower meadows, picturesque mountain villages and glistening lakes to invite in-depth exploration of some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in Europe.

Switzerland takes you from the soaring panoramas of the Alps to the serene beauty of her lakes, chic resorts, and four distinct cultures – plus a glimpse of northern Italy's fashionable lake district... Journey into the Alps... climb mighty mountains by cogwheel train to Gornergrat to view the Matterhorn... stay in historic hotels in the heart of world-famous resort towns like Lausanne, Lugano and St. Moritz, including a two-night stay at Interlaken's Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in guest rooms featuring views of the Jungfrau... cruise aboard a private boat to the Borromean Islands on Lake Maggiore and on a wine-tasting cruise on Lake Lugano... attend a Tauck Exclusive, private reception at the Ice Palace on the Jungfraujoch, and more. Stunning scenery, centuries of rich history and warm, welcoming people await you on Tauck's ultimate Switzerland journey. Read Less

Hotel Schweizerhof, Lucerne

Tauck Exclusive – Reception at the Jungfraujoch Ice Palace

Day 8

Enjoy cocktails and more at the "Top of Europe" with an exclusive private reception at the Jungfraujoch's Ice Palace

As your mountain railway train ascends into the majestic Swiss Alps, you'll arrive at Kleine Scheidegg at the foot of the Eiger, then board a cogwheel train for the scenic climb to Europe's highest railway station, at the Jungfraujoch (perched at 11,333 feet above sea level). Here, at "the Top of Europe," you'll find a restaurant, observatory, research station, a gallery of ice sculpture, and breathtaking views of the glacier-clad Bernese Alps, often called Switzerland's "jewel in the crown." And you'll enjoy a Tauck Exclusive... a private cocktail reception at the Ice Palace… taking time, of course, to savor the astounding views of the lofty peaks of the Eiger, Jungfrau and Mönch surrounding you!

Private observation car on the Glacier Express

Day 7

Take in spectacular Alpine vistas from our private observation car aboard the Glacier Express

Rail travel is one of the best ways to see the Alpine scenery up-close, and the Swiss trains are some of the best in the world. By far the most famous and memorable of these is the Glacier Express, which has connected the major Alpine resort cities of Zermatt and St. Moritz by rail since 1930. Far from being a high-speed train, however, the Glacier Express, due to the sometimes treacherous mountain terrain it has to negotiate, is actually one of the slowest express trains in the world. But you'll travel along silver streams, beneath massive peaks with crystal-blue glaciers and through lush valleys speckled with tiny villages, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look... especially on Tauck's private panoramic observation car aboard this famous train!

Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa

Nights 7 and 8

Experience a unique Grand Hotel ambiance overlooking the Jungfrau in Interlaken

To step into a room or suite at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa is to sense instinctively that this is a place of well-being, where hospitality is genuine. Here, amidst the mountains of the Bernese Highlands overlooking the Jungfrau, you can benefit from all the amenities of a grand hotel while enjoying the ultimate in privacy, comfort and remarkable service.

I was expecting amazing mountain scenery and I was not disappointed. What surprised me though was the beauty of the many lakes we saw.

Tauck Traveler Review

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Your Journey

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About Booking This Tour

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Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally, you will need a passport valid for six months after the completion of your Tauck journey to enter Switzerland and Italy; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally, you should contact an embassy or consulate of Switzerland and of Italy to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

 

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

Deposit & Booking Information

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 1800-962-043 to make a reservation.

Deposit Information:

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan are due at time of booking. Your deposit is AUD $750.

Terms and Conditions:

For additional information pertaining to our Tauck Journeys, including Cancellation Information and Booking Conditions, click here to learn more.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready:
  • Tour Name and Departure Date Desired
  • Traveler Name(s):  Please have first and last names as they appear on the passport or driver's license.
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)
  • Emergency Contact Information: This would be a relative or friend whom we could contact during the tour in the event of an emergency. Please provide their name and phone number(s).
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection product (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares.

Regarding your final payment:

Final Payment is due to the Tauck Australia office 60 days before departure for lands trips, and 120 days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Protect Your Travel Investment

Deposit Protection Plan – Tauck provides a "Deposit Protection Plan" at a cost of AUD $89 per person per tour or cruise. The cost is non-refundable and non-transferable and must be paid at the time of booking with your deposit. It only applies when you cancel your tour or cruise prior to final payment date. The deposit held in credit will exclude fees imposed by third parties in relation to air, rail travel, hotels, transfer or applicable cruise cabins. When booking airfares through Tauck (including when taking advantage of a special offer that includes air travel), standard airline cancellation fees will apply. In some cases, airfares will be non-refundable. In the event of cancellation, these fees will be deducted from the deposit paid, and therefore the credit being held. We will only credit the remainder of deposit to a future tour or cruise booking if you book within 24 months of cancellation of the original Tauck tour or cruise. This offer expires after the 24 months. We will only credit the remainder of the deposit to a future tour or cruise booking Balance Due and it can't be used as a credit for the initial deposit of a future tour or cruise booking. The Tauck "Deposit Protection Plan" only covers a Tauck tour or cruise and it does not replace Travel Insurance, which we recommend at the time of booking.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

 

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in costly penalties and fees from hotels, ship operators and other travel providers. Therefore, the per person fees listed below will apply:

 

Land Tours

 

Cancellation penalties for land tours apply as follows:

60 days or more before departure

Loss of Deposit.

 

8 days before departure

25% total cost of tour

 

7 days or less before departure

50% of total cost of tour

 

Cruises & Train Tours

 

120 days or more before departure

Loss of Deposit.

 

60 days before departure

Loss of 50% of tour cost, not including air (if applicable)

 

59-1 day before departure

Loss of 100% of tour cost, not including air (if applicable)

 

Please note -  Airfares included on On-Tour Flights required with any of Tauck tours may be subject to different cancellation fees not outlined above.

* For services included in your booking that are not provided by Tauck, additional cancellation fees may be incurred

* Travel Professionals may impose their own cancellation fees.

 

Time of cancellation is when notice is received in Tauck's Wilton, CT office.

 

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation terms outlined herein.

 

Tour Interruption Fees: If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of AUD $50 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation: A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

 

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

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Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Checked Luggage – General

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

 

VACCINATIONS 

If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Switzerland or Italy. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, please contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to obtain information about vaccinations that may be required for your journey. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Switzerland and Italy to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

 

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.


MOBILITY

To enjoy this active journey through the mountains of Switzerland you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. Switzerland is home to innumerable historic buildings and sites, many centuries old. Therefore, roads, walkways and architecture will present difficulties for some guests with physical limitations. You will encounter cobblestone streets, narrow passageways, and some steep and winding staircases. For the most part, however, the amount of walking you do at the various sites and towns is at your discretion.

In addition to motor coach travel, this tour itinerary includes several excursions by train, boat and water taxi. Getting on and off these conveyances involves walking and stairs. Also, access to public rest rooms often involves climbing a flight of stairs.

PLEASE NOTE:  We regret that this Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters.  Likewise, we regret that we're unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs.  The responsibility of the Tauck Director who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest.  Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it. While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list here.

Weather

Switzerland has many climactic zones. On this journey, the most temperate weather is found in Geneva and Zürich where the average high temperatures from April through September range from 55 to 75°F (13 to 24°C). The high elevation of Zermatt has lower averages ranging from 45 to 65°F (7 to 18°C). The lake district of Lugano experiences the warmest temperatures ranging from 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C). Rain falls evenly in moderate amounts throughout the year in Geneva and Zürich. Lugano has considerable rainfall averaging twice the amount of either Geneva or Zurich annually.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website by clicking here.


What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site.

The weather in Switzerland is temperate and unpredictable. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire, but a sports jacket is not required. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts to dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable. During your visit to the Jungfraujoch Ice Palace, warm, layered clothing is recommended for your comfort as the establishment is located 11,000 ft. above sea level.

You will find a hair dryer located in your hotel guest room. Irons and ironing boards are not generally available due to local fire safety regulations; however, valet laundry, dry cleaning and pressing services are available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Switzerland:

  • Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
  • An optional jacket and tie for men
  • Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Swimwear
  • Gym wear
  • A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
  • Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
  • Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
  • Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

The Tauck Experience

Why Tauck?

Leave Your Worries At Home

One Upfront Price – No Hidden Costs

Tauck Directors – Simply The Best

Never Settle For Ordinary

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Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

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