Switzerland & France in 16 Days
Amazing Alps, Paris & Charming Chateaux
Itinerary
From cosmopolitan Zurich, discover charming Bern and idyllic Interlaken. Admire the scenery of Zermatt, in the shadow of the Matterhorn, and take the Glacier Express railway to luxurious St. Moritz. Relax in Bad Ragaz and and enjoy the medieval charms of Lucerne. Discover stylish Paris and the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Visit legendary Mont Saint Michel and explore the Normandy Coast.
16 days trip including flights*
16 days and 15 nights in destination
1
LON - ZRH
Zurich
2
Interlaken
3
Zermatt
4
Zermatt
5
St. Moritz
6
Bad Ragaz
7
Zurich
8
ZRH-ORY
Paris
9
Paris
10
Paris
11
Tours
12
Tours
13
Mont Saint Michel
14
Caen
15
Paris
16
PAR - LON
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Switzerland? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Zurich. Touch down in Zurich, famous as a global center of finance on the north shore of beautiful Lake Zurich. Transfer to the hotel, get settled in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Zurich.
After breakfast at the hotel, a 2-hour walking tour of Zurich with a professional guide. Explore the atmospheric Old Town, see the 12th-century Grossmunster cathedral and stroll down bustling Bahnhofstrasse. Discover Paradeplatz, the 11th-century Fraumunster Church and stroll along the river banks at Limmatquai. Afterwards, set off for the Swiss capital of Bern, a small city known for its medieval old town. Upon arrival, enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour with a professional guide. Pass through the old town where you can admire the Zytglogge medieval clock tower, the beautiful Rose Garden and Parliament Square. See the Gothic-style Bern Cathedral and visit Bear Park, named after the brown bear which is the symbol of the city. Later on, pass through Thun before continuing to Interlaken, a traditional resort town in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region. Get settled at the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery and charming alpine architecture. Overnight stay in Interlaken.
Breakfast at the hotel. Take a short panoramic tour with your driver through Interlaken this morning, one of Switzerland's most important resort towns. Later, transfer to Zermatt, in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn mountain! This car-free resort is a natural paradise where you can soak up the tranquillity of the Swiss mountains. Overnight stay in Zermatt.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Zermatt. Admire the majestic silhouette of the Matterhorn or soak up the charming atmosphere of this Alpine town as you wander through its pretty streets, flanked by wooden architecture and chocolate-box style lodgings. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the famous Matterhorn is to take the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway, which reaches a maximum height of 3,100 metres above sea level for spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding scenery!* Overnight stay in Zermatt.
* Tickets for the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway can be purchased at the destination. Timetables for the service are available locally.
Breakfast at the hotel. Prepare for an exciting day ahead as you set off on the famous Glacier Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world! Journey through the inspiring landscapes of the Alps as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz, an unforgettable journey of around 7.5 hours. Pass through 91 tunnels, across 291 bridges and climb as high as 2033 meters as the Glacier Express crosses the Oberalp Pass. The journey includes a three-course meal and the panoramic windows ensure ample opportunities to kick back and take in the views! Arrive in St. Moritz and transfer to the hotel. St. Moritz is the most luxurious alpine resort in Switzerland so be sure to get out and explore the upmarket eateries and glamorous streets. Overnight stay in St. Moritz.
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning to explore St. Moritz at your leisure, famous for hosting the Winter Olympics twice and one of the most prominent ski resorts in Europe. Afterwards, head off to Davos, the highest town in the Swiss Alps. Enjoy this unique town, famous for holding the annual World Economic Forum before heading to Klosters which has a more laid-back atmosphere and boasts plenty of pretty wooden Alpine architecture. Afterwards, head to Bad Ragaz, one of Switzerland's most famous spa resorts. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the Tamina Therme, a spa oasis that harnesses the healing properties of the thermal waters of Bad Ragaz. Overnight stay in Bad Ragaz.
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave beautiful Bad Ragaz behind you today as you depart to Lucerne, an enchanting Swiss city filled with medieval architecture. Take in the views of Lake Lucerne and see St. Peter's Chapel, the Jesuit Church, the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge as you enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour, accompanied by a professional guide. Afterwards, continue your journey back to Zurich. On arrival, get settled at the hotel and enjoy your final evening in Switzerland. Overnight stay in Zurich.
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, transfer to Zurich airport for your flight to Paris. Touch down in Paris and self-transfer to your hotel.** Paris is the capital of France and is well-known for its stylish streets, romantic architecture and captivating cultural sights. Spend the remainder of the day exploring the city at your leisure, exploring its atmospheric streets or strolling along the banks of the River Seine! Overnight stay in Paris.
* Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.
** You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Paris, soaking up the cosmopolitan atmosphere and sightseeing at your own pace. Why not visit the iconic Moulin Rouge for a photo in front of its illuminated windmill or discover the artistic treasures of the Louvre? Overnight stay in Paris.
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Paris' most treasured sights today on a guided half-day sightseeing tour! See Place Vendôme Square, where the fabulous Ritz hotel is located, marvel at the Paris Opera House and head to the Latin Quarter to see the impressive Pantheon. Stroll through the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens and visit the Orsay Museum on the left bank of the River Seine. Other highlights include the Place de la Concorde Square, the Champs-Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe! End the tour at the Les Invalides museum district. Enjoy the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Perhaps go shopping for French couture or enjoy an evening of fine dining. Overnight stay in Paris.
After breakfast, depart Paris by coach, headed towards the Loire Valley and its wonders of the Renaissance period. The first stop is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Orleans. The history of this lovely city on the banks of the Loire River is inseparably bound with the history of Joan of Arc. While exploring the city independently, don't miss the 13th century Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, displaying around 700 artworks. In the afternoon the tour continues with a visit to the Chambord Estate * one of the most emblematic examples of Renaissance architecture in France! Afterwards, transfer to the historic city of Tours. Overnight stay in Tours.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio guide at the destination.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, explore the magnificent Château de Chenonceau*. The two-story castle stands upon a graceful arched bridge on the Cher River, which gives the impression that the castle is floating on water. Also known as "The Ladies’ Castle", it was initially constructed in 1513. Equalling the beauty of the interior, Chateau's French-style gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for horticultural lovers from all over the world. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. In the afternoon, we recommend an optional excursion to the beautiful Château de Valençay.** Overnight stay in Tours
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio guide at the destination.
** Optional Château de Valençay Excursion: Discover through an audio-guided tour the spectacular castle of Valencay. Former property of the Prince of Talleyrand, it was built in 1540 by order of Jacques d'Estampe on an old feudal building. Its construction continued until the 18th century with the addition of the South Tower. Discover its history and enjoy the wonderful gardens. Castle open from 14th of March 2021 to 11th November 2021.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Tours heading towards the world-renowned Mont Saint Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The car park stands approximately 1.5 miles away from the island. On leaving the coach, head for the Place des Navettes, where shuttle buses called 'passeurs' transfer visitors to the rocky island itself. Spend some time exploring this island village, at your leisure, as you admire its captivating medieval architecture and atmospheric streets. Overnight stay in the surrounding area.
After breakfast at the hotel, take a poignant visit to the WWII Allied Forces Landing Beaches and also visit the Memorial de Caen,* a museum and moving war memorial commemorating World War II and the Battle for Caen. This interesting museum is dedicated to the history of the twentieth century, mainly focusing on the fragility of peace. Overnight stay in Caen.
* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audioguide on the spot.
After breakfast, depart Caen and enjoy a panoramic tour of the neighbouring town of Lisieux which is famous for its history as a pilgrimage destination. Next, learn more about the best food and drink that this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer. After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break at your leisure. This small city and harbour date back to the Vikings invasions of the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris. Overnight stay in Paris.
Breakfast at the hotel.* At the indicated time, self-transfer to Paris airport for your return flight back to the UK/Ireland. Arrive in UK/Ireland and end your trip.
* Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
Included activities
Included activity for day 2 in Bern
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Bern City Tour
Enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour with a professional guide. Pass through the old town where you can admire the Zytglogge medieval clock tower, the beautiful Rose Garden and Parliament Square. See the Gothic-style Bern Cathedral and visit Bear Park.
What's included: Professional guide
Included activity for day 2 in Zurich
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Zurich City Tour
Set off on a 2-hour walking tour of Zurich with a professional guide. Explore the atmospheric Old Town, see the 12th-century Grossmunster cathedral and stroll down bustling Bahnhofstrasse. Discover Paradeplatz and the 11th-century Fraumunster Church.
What's included: professional guide
Included activity for day 5 in St. Moritz
Duration 07:30h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Glacier Express
Travel on the famous Glacier Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world! Journey through the inspiring landscapes of the Alps as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz. Three-course meal included. Duration: Approx. 7.5 hours.
What's included: Three-course lunch & Glacier Express Train Ride in 2nd class seats from Zermatt - St. Mortiz. Not included: Drinks not included
Included activity for day 7 in Lucerne
Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination
Physical rating:
Guided Tour of Lucerne
Take in the views of Lake Lucerne and see St. Peter's Chapel, the Jesuit Church, the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge as you enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour, accompanied by a professional guide.
What's included: Professional guide
Available Activities
If you have reduced mobility you can request assistance for these activities by speaking to one of our experts
Suggested activity for day 12
Château de Valençay excursion
Discover through an audio guided tour the spectacular castle of Valencay. Former property of the Prince of Talleyrand, it was built in 1540 by order of Jacques d'Estampe on an old feudal building.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
- International flights: UK/Ireland - Zurich, Paris - UK/Ireland.
- International flights: Zurich - Paris.*more information
- Glacier Express Train Ride.
- 15 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.See hotels included
- 15 breakfasts and three-course lunch* on the Glacier Express.more information
- Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles as indicated in the itinerary. **more information
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- Air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- ATOL Protection.
- English speaking drive in Switzerland and France & local guides during the city tours ***more information
Not included
Airport transfers in France, Tax, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
*Drinks at Glacier Express train are not included.
**Accommodation tax must be paid directly to the hotel.
Please note: Zermatt is a car-free resort. Therefore, on day 4, you will be dropped off at St. Niklaus Station in Zermatt and need to pay 10 CHF in cash per person on arrival for a short transfer in a licensed vehicle to your hotel in Zermatt Village.
* Documentation of the internal flights will either be available in the "My bookings" section in your "Customer Area" 14 days before your trip or delivered to you on arrival at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
** Airport transfers in France are not included. You can book the optional transfer in the next step of the booking process.
*** Important: Please note that you will have an English-speaking driver throughout the trip, but you will not be traveling with a tour leader or guide. A guided tour is included in Paris. The possibility to book an audio guide for the castle visit is available at the destination.
Please note: Zermatt is a car-free resort. Therefore, on day 4, you will be dropped off at St. Niklaus Station in Zermatt and need to pay 10 CHF in cash per person on arrival for a short transfer in a licensed vehicle to the entrance of Zermatt village.
Guide information in Switzerland: To ensure you receive the best local experience and insights, you will have different local drivers in each of the destinations visited during this itinerary. You will not be accompanied by the same driver for the whole trip. Please note: This trip is not fully escorted. Although the included excursions are guided, you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip.
Please note: hotel city tax is not included and must be paid directly at the hotels during the check-out process.
**** New entry requirement in Switzerland: All international travelers before arriving in the country must fill the following form if they do not have a certificate from an EU or EFTA country or a third country connected to the EU Gateway: https://covidcertificate-form.
- Entry requirementsValid passport required.
- VisaNo visa is required to enter the country.
- CurrencySwiss Franc.
- LanguageGerman, French and Italian.
- Electricity220 V. No adapter required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations.
- Time zoneUTC +1
- Other useful informationThe Swiss drive on the right-hand side of the road.
- Tourist Office websitewww.myswitzerland.com/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.
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