Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland 2022
Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland 2022
Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland 2022
10 Days Starting and ending in Zurich
Visiting: Switzerland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEHMVZZ-2
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Photography
Activities:
Tour Overview
Uncover Switzerland's hidden gems, explore remote Alpine valleys, scale mountain slopes along historic railways and stand in awe of breathtaking waterfalls - all the while savouring rich flavours and a fascinating culture laden in time-honoured traditions. Join us as we gain a unique insight into a Swiss way of life while journeying through one of Europe's most scenic countries.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Zurich
Accommodation: Hotel Adler Zürich (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
This evening, we'll meet the group in one of the most impressive cities in the world: Zurich - and have the opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome meal.
Day 2: Zurich – Schaffhausen – Appenzell
Accommodation: Hotel Löwen (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, it’s all aboard the mini-coach as we make tracks to our first stop: Schaffhausen. On an orientation tour with our expert Tour Leader, we’ll explore the quaint Old Town located on the banks of the Rhine river. After, we’ll have time to wander at our own pace and take lunch at a local cafe or restaurant. Then, we’ll move on to our final destination of the day: Appenzell. Here, we’ll learn how to make traditional biberli (gingerbread pastries) at a local bakery – before having the rest of the evening free to explore the fairytale town and indulge in some delicious local fare.
Day 3: Appenzell – St Gallen – Appenzell
Accommodation: Hotel Löwen (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast it’s off to St Gallen – where we’ll spend some time exploring the city’s Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abbey District with our Tour Leader. Bearings set, we’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch at our leisure. Then: a brewery tour awaits us back in Appenzell. After learning all about the brewing process and sampling a taste of the local beer, the evening will be yours to spend as you wish.
Day 4: Appenzell – Lucerne – Weggis
Accommodation: Post Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A day of indulgence awaits us in Lucerne today, where we have an appointment to keep with a local chocolatier. After learning the secrets behind Swiss chocolate making, we’ll take the time to savour a delicious sample (or two). We’ll have some free time to explore the colourful Altstadt (Old Town), visit the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and enjoy lunch at our leisure – before swapping our mini-coach for a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne. Later, we’ll set ashore in Weggis: an idyllically located resort set at the foot of Mt Rigi – and our base for the next two nights.
Day 5: Weggis – Einsiedeln – Mount Rigi – Weggis
Accommodation: Post Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave room at breakfast – this morning we’ll be visiting a local farm in Einsiedeln, where we’ll have the chance to make our own cheeses before indulging in a fondue tasting session. Then, it’s all aboard the cog railway – Europe’s first ever mountain line – as we scale the towering Mt Rigi, taking in some magnificent views of deep blue lakes and snow-capped peaks along the way. Afterwards, we’ll make our way back down to Weggis – where you’ll have an array of local restaurants serving delicious Swiss cuisine to choose from.
Day 6: Weggis – Eggiwil – Bern
Accommodation: Hotel Sternen Muri (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we’ll leave Weggis behind us and make tracks to Eggiwil – where we’ll meet a local alphorn maker. After learning how the traditional instrument is made, we’ll move on to captivating Bern. Here we’ll soak up the picture-perfect scenery and marvel at the medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt on an orientation tour with our knowledgeable Tour Leader. After, we’ll have the evening free to spend exploring Bern at our own pace or relaxing back at our hotel.
Day 7: Bern
Accommodation: Hotel Sternen Muri (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, the day will be yours to visit Bern’s excellent museums and wander the cobbled centre at your leisure. You can choose to visit the home of Albert Einstein – who developed his Theory of Relativity here – or take a fascinating tour of the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and admire the wonderful view from the top. This evening is yours to spend indulging in some delicious local cuisine or relaxing back at the hotel.
Day 8: Bern – Thun – Interlaken – Wengen
Accommodation: Sunstar Alpine Hotel Wengen (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today our path will carry us away from Bern and onwards towards the striking Thun Castle. Built in the 12th-century, this enchanting medieval castle boasts panoramic views over the Bernese Oberland and is a Swiss Heritage Site of National Significance. Then we’ll continue on to Interlaken: gateway to the mesmerising Jungfrau region – and enjoy lunch at our leisure. We’ll traverse the scenic Lauterbrunnen Valley in search of the breathtaking Trümmelbach Falls – a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls hidden within the mountainside. After a day filled with spectacular sights, we’ll climb aboard the train to picture-perfect Wengen, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore as you please.
Day 9: Wengen – Jungfraujoch – Wengen
Accommodation: Sunstar Alpine Hotel Wengen (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’ll be treated to some more intoxicatingly beautiful vistas as we travel to the top of Mt Jungfrau aboard the Jungfrau Railway. Dubbed the ‘Top of Europe’, we’ll revel in views of the Mittelland up to the Vosges – taking in mighty glaciers, thousand metre peaks and otherworldly landscapes. After travelling back down to Wengen, we’ll come together for one last group dinner.
Day 10: Wengen – Lauterbrunnen – Zurich
Meals Included: Breakfast
After bidding a fond farewell to Wengen we’ll take the picturesque cog railway to tranquil Lauterbrunnen; this secluded village is nestled in a valley and surrounded by vast, rocky cliffs. Following this we'll return to Zurich, where our adventure will come to an end. What a trip it’s been!
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Entrance Fees
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Guide
Experienced Back-Roads Tour Leader and Driver
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All Entrance fees listed are included
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on final documentation
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please request at time of booking
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Guests from all over the world could be joining you
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey
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What is the maximum group size?
18 is the maximum on any tour
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Hand Picked and Boutique
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, All guides are English speaking
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
From the Age of 13
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What is the tipping policy?
At the discretion of the guest
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Ample free time due to low drive days
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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