EUROPE
Swiss Alps Sojourn 13 days from $5,465
Explore four distinct regions of Switzerland on a journey that combines legendary railways, historic resort towns, and Alpine adventures. HIGHLIGHTS �
Ride the Gotthard Panorama Express, a spectacular rail journey combined with a cruise on Lake Lucerne.
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Taste Ticino wines on a walking tour of Lugano, and sample chocolates and cheese in Zürich.
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Take in panoramic mountain views on the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and at the Glacier 3000 alpine park.
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Embark on private cruise on Lake Geneva in a classic wooden Riva boat.
The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1–3 – Lugano, Switzerland Arrive in Lugano and enjoy the rest of the day to relax or stroll along Lake Lugano. Take a private tour of the city’s historic sites and its Italian-influenced culinary traditions, sampling cheeses, charcuterie, and Ticino wines along the way. Spend a day exploring the region as you wish. You could visit Lake Como in Italy, or bike along the lakeshore to nearby fishing villages. Day 4 – Gotthard Panorama Express and Zürich Board the Gotthard Panorama Express for a spectacular journey into the Alps, climbing to mountain passes, zipping through tunnels, and seeing historic villages. The journey continues with a paddle steamer cruise across Lake Lucerne. Arrive in Zürich this afternoon.
WHERE TO STAY Hotel Delfino Lugano Welcoming and informal family-run property set on a hillside overlooking Lake Lugano. Marktgasse Hotel One of Zürich’s first inns in the heart of the Old Town, providing modern accommodation within a 600-year-old building. Hotel Daniela Swiss-chalet-style property in central Zermatt with wooden balconies overflowing with flowers, a cozy lobby with a fireplace, and a stunning spa. Villa Toscane Historic hotel offering a quiet retreat just outside the bustle of Montreux. The Art Nouveau building is located within walking distance of both the lake and main part of town. 16
Days 5 & 6 – Zürich and the Alps Discover the history of this Swiss German-speaking city on a private walking tour of the Old Town today. Stop in at the Fraumünster to see stained-glass windows crafted by Marc Chagall. The afternoon is yours to further explore Zürich. Join a small group the next day to visit local producers for cheese and chocolate tastings, and spend time at an Alpine farm. Soar into the Alps on a scenic cable car ride and enjoy free time this afternoon. Days 7–9 – Zermatt Travel by train to the Alpine ski town of Zermatt, nestled below the twisted peak of the iconic Matterhorn. Set out on a private guided tour of the village that includes a spectacular cable car ride up to the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the highest cable car station in Europe. Spend a leisurely day discovering Zermatt as you wish. Days 10–13 – Montreux Journey west to Montreux, a charming 19th-century resort on the shores of Lake Geneva that was once the haunt of Tolstoy and Byron. Take a scenic route to Gstaad the next day, and continue to Glacier 3000. Enjoy the full day to explore this stunning alpine park, where ski and hiking trails as well as high-altitude suspension bridges offer magnificent views of Switzerland’s most impressive summits. Spend your last day on the shores of Lake Geneva. If you wish, visit the 12th-century island castle of Château de Chillon. Then take a private tour in a vintage wooden Riva boat, hearing local lore as you glide between medieval villages.
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