SIGHTSEEING đ Zurich, GrossmĂźnster Church, Rhine Falls, Heidi’s Village in Mainfeld, three castles of Bellinzona, Castello Visconteo, Madonna del Sasso,  Monte Brè, St. Gotthard Pass and Furka Pass, Zermatt, Valais,
After arrival at Zurich airport, individual transportation (private transfer can be arranged at extra cost) to Hotel Opera for car pick-up. As a âmetropolis of experiencesâ by the water, with a magnificent view of the snow capped Alps on the horizon, ZĂźrich offers a unique mixture of attractions â over 50 museums and more than 100 art galleries, international fashion labels and Zurich designs, and the most flamboyant and lively nightlife in Switzerland. Recreational activities range from a visit to the riverside and lakeside bathing areas in the very heart of the city, to a spectacular hike on the Uetliberg Mountain. One of the recommended Grand Tour attractions is the GrossmĂźnster, which is an Evangelical Protestant church in the Old Town of ZĂźrich, and is one of ZĂźrichâs most famous landmarks. Construction of this Romanesque church was begun in 1100 and it has since been rebuilt and renovated several times. Overnight in ZĂźrich.
After breakfast, drive to St. Gallen with a stopover at the Rhine Falls, Europeâs largest waterfall, feeling the roar and vibration of the water over oneâs entire body - this can be experienced at the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen. Continue to St. Gallen. The compact metropolis of eastern Switzerland between Lake Constance and Appenzellerland has a charming, traffic-free old town. Colourfully-painted oriel windows are a town feature. The Abbey precinct with the cathedral and Abbey Library has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage listing and belongs to the top attractions along the Grand Tour. On your way you will pass the village of Appenzell that is situated in a singularly beautiful landscape of rolling hills. The Appenzell region is known for rural customs and traditions such as the ceremonial descent of the cattle in autumn and cultural events such as folk music and rustic dances, as well as hiking tours in the Alpstein region. Drive to Bad Ragaz and visit the Highlights along the route. Overnight in Bad Ragaz
Today you will drive from Bad Ragaz to St. Moritz. Continue your drive and have a stopover at `Heidi`s Village` in Maienfeld. The town lies in the distinctive BĂźndner Herrschaft region of GraubĂźnden which inspired the poetess Johanna Spyri to write her novel Heidi. In the Heidi village, the story of this cheerful, nature-loving little orphan girl comes to life at the original locales of the story. Continue your drive to Davos. After enjoying lunch in Davos, continue your journey to St. Moritz. Overnight in St. Moritz. (B)
After Breakfast, proceed on your way to Lugano. This route in particular will create the magic of Switzerland to you. You will drive through Thusis, you can visit the three castles of Bellinzona are a group of fortifications located around the town of Bellinzona, the capital of the Swiss canton of Ticino. Situated on the Alpine foothills, the group is composed of fortified walls and three castles named Castelgrande, Montebello and Sasso Corbaro. Later, continue towards Lugano, you will pass through the famous town Locarno which is famous for a Lago Maggiore & the heart of the city is the Piazza Grande, well-known for its annual film festival. The narrow lanes of the Old Town all lead to the Piazza. Castello Visconteo, a castle dating back to the 12th century, lies at the edge of the Old Town. About a fifth of the castle has been preserved in its original state. And also on your way you can visit beautiful Bellinzona. With its castles, walls, towers, battlements and gates, this impressive fortress has been a source of wonder and amazement and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. The pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso is located above Locarno, in Orselina. The church is said to have been established as a result of an appearance of the Virgin Mary. It is the most notable sight in Locarno, and boasts an extraordinary view of the city, the lake and the mountains. On arrival at Lugano, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Lugano (B)
Leaving Lugano to Zermatt one must visit Monte Brè. Since 1912 a funicular rail has been making its way from Cassarate by Lugano to the scenic mountain above Lake Lugano. Trips up there are worthwhile if just for the views! The romantic little Brè village with its grottos has succeeded in maintaining its original character of country settlement â further embellished by numerous works of art. Later by car on your way and just a footstep away lies Ascona. The city is famous for its mild climate, its Old Town and a lake promenade which is dotted with street cafĂŠs and boasts a Latin ambience. Depart Mediterranean Ticino, heading north to cross the famous St. Gotthard Pass and Furka Pass and continue into the region Valais. Here lies the Aletsch Glacier - the biggest glacier in the Alps, with a length of 23 km. To explore the Aletsch Glacier is a magnificent journey into a stunning world of ice and rocks, Alpine flowers and forests. Continue moving down to Täsch, last stop for your car before you continue by train on to Zermatt. Overnight in Zermatt (B)
After Breakfast, check out - Take time this morning to walk through Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn: traditional shops and wooden clad houses creating a charming place to explore. A morning trip up the exhilarating open air Gornergrat railway is not to be missed, for unrivalled views over the 4000m peaks surrounding Zermatt. After making your way back down to Täsch to collect your car, your route begins with a stunning drive up through the Valais, views dominated by amazing peaks. The river and forests accompany you as you enter French speaking Switzerland, heading through Sierre and Sion. After travelling through Martigny, your final leg takes you up through Aigle and along the shores of Lake Geneva to Montreux, one of the most popular holiday resorts in the Lake Geneva region. One must not miss a visit to the famous Castle Chillon. The castle is located on a rock on the banks of Lake Geneva. The water castle is the most visited historic building in Switzerland. For nearly four centuries Chillon was the residence and profitable toll station of the Counts of Savoy. After visiting the castle continue to the surrounding orchards and terraced vineyards of the Lavaux and further to Lausanne, the second-largest city on Lake Geneva. Sports and culture are given a high profile in the Olympic capital. Make sure you visit the Olympic Museum. Overnight in Lausanne (B)
Today you have one of your longest drives but also a very fascinating one with interesting sights to see along your way to Interlaken. Continue your drive to Freiburg, which is nestled on a rock promontory and surrounded on three sides by the Saane River. It is one of the largest medieval towns in Ăechtland. Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century impart incomparable medieval charm to the Old Town. Drinking a cup of coffee in a leisurely fashion, admiring the old facades and beautiful fountains, listening to two local languages or gazing from the 74-metre spire of the Cathedral far into the countryside - this is an experience enjoyed in Fribourg. Further on your way you will pass the Greyerzer (Gruyère) region, with its rolling green landscape, its peaks of the Fribourg Pre-Alps and which is home to the world-famous Gruyère cheese. The picture-book little medieval town of Gruyères is perched atop a small hill. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the chalet village Gstaad, which attracts countless stars and starlets. Continue your drive to Interlaken. From Interlaken you can experience the majestic Eiger, MĂśnch and Jungfrau summits, together with close-up views of the longest glacial flow. The Jungfrau railway travels from the heart of the mountains to Europeâs highest lying mountain station at 3454 metres altitude. Overnight in Interlaken (B)
After Breakfast, check out & then If you have some time left before you head to Lucerne, spend some time on the lake and visit Bern. Enjoy a lake cruise on the turquoise Lake Brienz and neighbouring Lake Thun that are situated in the spectacular mountain setting of the Bernese Oberland. The city of Bern has managed to retain their historic features quite as successfully as Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The old town of Bern is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and thanks to its 6 kilometres of arcades - the locals refer to them as Laubenâ - boasts one of the longest weather-sheltered shopping promenades in Europe. Overnight in Lucerne (B)
You will spend your last day in one of the nicest cities in Switzerland. Lucerne is the gateway to central Switzerland at Lake Lucerne and it is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Thanks to its attractions, its souvenir and watch shops, the beautiful lakeside setting and the nearby Excursion Mountains of Rigi, Pilatus and Stanserhorn, the town is a destination for many travel groups and individuals on their journey through central Switzerland. One of the highlights along the Grand Tour lies in Lucerne - the Chapel Bridge. The covered, wooden pedestrian walkway on the Chapel Bridge was built in the 14th century. In 1993, the bridge burned down but it was reconstructed true to the original. This large fire hit the international headlines. Do visit this landmark bridge. Return to Zurich for car drop-off at Hotel Opera. Individual transportation to Zurich airport (private transfer can be arranged at extra cost)
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