Splendid Switzerland - Lakes & Mountains
with a touch of France
Hotels 3 & 4 Star - Switzerland (Bern & Lausanne)
Visiting: Lausanne, Gruyere, Vevey, Montreux, Interlaken, Thun, Bern, Murten, Geneva & Gstaad
Thursday 06 August
We meet at Malta International Airport at 11:45 for flight KM492 departing at 13:45 to Zurich and arriving at 16:10. Transfer by coach to the capital city of Switzerland, Bern, whose city centre has been recognised as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Check-in at the centrally located Hotel Kreuz Modern City.
Friday 07 August
Breakfast followed by a guided exploration of the beautiful city of Bern with the tour leader. We visit the Bear Park, home to the animals that gave the city its name, the Town Hall, Clock Tower, Einstein House, the 15th-century astronomical clock, and the 15th-century Gothic Cathedral. In the centre of Bern, we find several fountains with statues symbolising the values and traditions of the city. Free time to enjoy the arcaded streets lined with shops. In the afternoon, we head to the Rose Garden, the best spot for views of Bern’s Old Town and the River Aare. We then continue to the picturesque village of Murten on Lake Murten. We stroll through the medieval town admiring the walls and towers surrounding it, the historic buildings, and beautiful views of the town and Lake Murten. Free time before returning to Bern to further enjoy the city.
Saturday 08 August
Breakfast and departure for Lausanne, but first we enjoy a very interesting excursion to Thun, Spiez, and Interlaken in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
We begin in Thun, located in the Canton of Bern. Together with the tour leader, we tour the town seeing places of interest including the 12th-century castle, City Hall, the town church, the wooden bridge “Untere Schleuse” over the River Aare, and views of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps. We continue to Spiez, a small picturesque town on the shores of Lake Thun, offering spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and the lake. Spiez is famous for its medieval castle surrounded by vineyards and gardens overlooking the lake.
We proceed to Interlaken, a world-famous resort surrounded by the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. A walk along the main street takes us to Hohenmatte – the historic part of Interlaken – where we admire the luxury hotels and casinos for which Interlaken is famous. Afterwards, we continue to central Lausanne where we stay at the centrally located 4-star Hotel Agora.
Sunday 09 August
After buffet breakfast, we travel by coach to Geneva where, together with the tour leader, we see the city’s elegant buildings. Geneva is famous for its International Headquarters such as the United Nations, WHO, and the Red Cross. We walk along Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Central Europe, where we see the Jet d’Eau fountain shooting water up to about 140 metres high. We also visit the English Garden, one of the city’s most beautiful parks, where we see the famous flower clock. Free time. We continue to the village of Yvoire, a medieval town built in the early 14th century. It lies on the shores of Lake Geneva on the French side. Yvoire is known as the “Jewel of the Lake” and is classified among the most beautiful villages in France. Our final stop will be Evian, a beautiful town on the shores of Lake Léman in the French Alps, world-famous for its mineral water. Tour of the town and free time.
Monday 10 August
After breakfast, we enjoy a very interesting city tour with a local guide around Lausanne, where we will have the opportunity to see Place de la Palud, the Fountain of Justice, Hôtel de Ville, Lausanne Cathedral, and Escaliers du Marché. Afternoon free for shopping and personal sightseeing in Lausanne.
Tuesday 11 August
After buffet breakfast, prepare your cameras as today’s excursion is filled with breathtaking scenery. We visit the famous Glacier 3000 and the village of Gstaad.
Upon arrival, we take a cable car (extra cost) up the mountain where we enjoy magnificent views of snow-covered peaks. On the mountain there are various activities including the Alpine Coaster (extra charge), the Peak Walk by Tissot – a suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks (weather permitting – free of charge), the Ice Express chairlift and Fun Park (Glacier Walk – free of charge). A truly unforgettable day full of wonderful memories. Afterwards, we visit the famous village of Gstaad, one of Switzerland’s top destinations. Sightseeing and free time before returning to the hotel.
Wednesday 12 August
Full-day excursion visiting various towns along Lake Léman on the Swiss side. After breakfast, we begin our journey to Château de Chillon – a jewel of magnificent architecture set in the most stunning location imaginable on Lake Geneva, at the foot of the Alps. Short photo stop. We continue to Montreux, a beautiful town filled with palm trees and flowers, surrounded by vineyards and the Alps. Walk along the promenade and free time. Next, we visit another gem of the Swiss Riviera – Vevey. Sightseeing with the opportunity to see the monument dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, who once lived here. From here we travel through the heart of the Swiss countryside until we reach Gruyères, located in the Canton of Fribourg, a medieval village with ancient streets and a popular tourist destination. We have the opportunity to visit a Gruyère cheese factory with some cheese tasting included.Our final stop will be at the Nestlé chocolate factory – Maison Cailler – where we have the opportunity to take a tour (extra charge) and taste a wide variety of chocolate at the end of the visit. There will also be time for purchases. Return to the hotel.
Thursday 13 August
Breakfast and departure from Lausanne to Lyon, the third largest city in France. Tour of the city to see its most popular attractions such as Place des Terreaux, the city’s main square, and other places of interest. Free time. Transfer by coach to Lyon Airport for flight KM483 departing at 23:40 and arriving back in Malta at 01:50.
