Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks - 2024
Overview
Highlights
- Savor lunch at a family-owned restaurant followed by a wine tasting at a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Dine at Mount Rigi during a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
- Discover the sweetest parts of Bern during a historic chocolate tour of the old town center.
- Discover Neuchâtel’s historic quarter and the treasures of the Belle Époque period.
- Visit the 13th-century Château de Boudry, where you’ll tour the Museum of Vine and Wine with a tasting.
- Equipped with a Swiss Travel Pass, travel entirely by train.
- Visit the charming village of Zermatt and marvel at views of the Matterhorn.
- Experience the splendor of the Swiss Riviera in Vevey.
- Soak in the best views of the Alps and the Swiss Riviera.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Itinerary
You’re on your way to a journey through the breathtaking country of Switzerland. Explore this country entirely by train, getting the most panoramic view of the Alps and the villages of the Swiss Riviera.
Willkkommen! Bienvenue! Climb aboard a Swiss Rail train to Neuchâtel. This medieval waterfront city stands out with its Gothic landmarks and sandstone grandeur. With Lake Neuchâtel as your backdrop, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Have you heard of the Belle Époque period? Learn all about it on a walking tour of Neuchâtel’s historic quarter. Your day continues at Château de Boudry. This 13th-century castle houses the Museum of Vine and Wine where an expert insider guides you as you wander its galleries. The best part: before you leave, get a taste of the local favorites.
Take off today for the walled town of Murten, the language border between French and German. With free time to explore this medieval town, walk the rampart walls to take in views of the lake below. If you prefer, a full day at leisure in Neuchâtel is also an option.
All aboard! We’re traveling by train from Neuchâtel to the Swiss capital city of Bern. Take on the day by exploring the sweetest parts of Bern alongside your expert guide. Retrace and taste the history of chocolate makers in Bern’s old town center. Complete your day by settling into the resort village of Zermatt, nestled against the backdrop of the Matterhorn.
Rise and shine and begin your morning getting familiar with Zermatt alongside your Tour Manager. Then, it’s your choice! Ascend more than 10,000 feet on Europe’s highest mountain railway – the Gornergrat. Maybe you’ll even decide to hike a portion of the way down -OR-...
Head to the north shore of Lake Geneva to Vevey, known as one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera,” with awe-inspiring views of the Alps. Take in a breath of fresh mountain air on a walking tour before exploring nature independently during an afternoon at leisure.
A relaxing morning in Vevey before traveling to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux is a perfect start to the day. Enjoy a local lunch at a family-owned restaurant before visiting with our friends, Jacques and Aurelia, for a wine tasting. Wander the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) on foot before enjoying a second round of tastings from the region’s finest varieties.
Today, head to Montreux with your Tour Manager and visit the legendary Château de Chillon for a guided tour. This princely residence faces the lake and portrays the image of an imposing fortress from the mountains. Enjoy free time taking in Montreux’s postcard landsca...
Board the train to Lucerne to find out why this destination is called the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Make your way through Altstadt (Old Town) with your Tour Manager, uncovering the town’s 800-year-old secrets and history. Stroll along the famous covered Chapel Bri...
Enjoy the first half of your day at leisure to explore Lucerne on your own. Depart for Rigi — also known as Queen of the Mountains — on an afternoon cruise through Lake Lucerne. All aboard the cogwheel train for a journey from Vitznau to Rigi Klum. On your ascent, a l...
Depart for home, dreaming of snowy Alps and captivating cultures.
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- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Collette Reviews & Ratings
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It was a wonderful trip and experience! We are still sorting all the pictures and memories about it, and some of them I would like to share with you - read my diary ...
we had an absolute wonderful time
My wife & I just returned from your National Parks tour and we had an absolute wonderful time. Great itinerary, tour director (Merrin) and driver (John). First c...
Do not travel with Collette They area subpar company
This is worst tour I have ever taken. Poorly planned and not worth the money. Collette brought you to Lisbon where we sat for three days because NO TOURS or sited w...
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Since 1918, we have been sharing our love of travel. Today our worldwide travel collection features comprehensive land tours, river cruises, rail journeys, small group tours, family trips, garden holidays and more. With Collette, wake each morning on tour with a new experience in front of you, and when your head hits the pillow, you will know it has been an amazing day. Best of all - we seamlessly handle the details. All you have to do is enjoy the adventure.
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5 Reasons to Go Guided:
Go Tour Managers!
On Day 1 of your trip, you’ll meet a friendly person who sure does know a lot about your tour and the destinations you’re visiting. This highly skilled professional is your tour manage and from the moment you meet this key player on your tour, you’ll know you’re in good hands. With their rich travel backgrounds, as well as their useful information about language, currency, and all things local, you can relax and enjoy the ride.
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Visiting a destination gives you a taste of the local culture. But imagine actually becoming part of that culture. Staying overnight in an Irish castle like Old-World royalty…feeling the cool waters of the Great Barrier Reef envelop you as you snorkel in its turquoise paradise…or rolling dough with an Italian chef to make the perfect pizza. It’s not just about all the iconic spots that will make for the best photos, it’s about diving into another world that makes for the best memories.
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Our product experts are probably on the road right now — scoping out the best of our worldwide destinations. They go, take it all in, and find the moments they love best. Those are the moments they create for you. Those experiences and sights comprise each itinerary and make each one extra-special. Best of all, you don’t have to plan a thing. You just need to choose which itinerary best suits you.
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Travel is social by nature. Guided travel is extra social. Meet a cast of characters: your fellow travelers, tour manager, driver, local guides and more. The social aspect of guided travel is one of the best parts! Many travelers on our tours have forged lasting friendships. Think of all the wonderful people waiting to meet you out in the world.
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Your peace of mind is the most important thing to us. And that starts with our roundtrip home to airport sedan service. Forget taxis, airport fees, or public transportation. We will get you there...and back. And if for any reason you need to cancel your tour, you can do so — right up until the day before departure — and receive a full refund (thanks to our travel protection plan).
There are many ways to experience the world:
Among Collette’s worldwide collection of tours we offer a variety of guided travel choices. No matter where (or how) you want to go, Collette can take you there.
Small Groups, Big Experiences
From vibrant cities to remote villages, immerse yourself in other worlds. As part of a small group, enjoy accommodations chosen to capture the spirit of the destination, savor spectacular local cuisine, and take the time to explore on your own. Along the way Explorations sets the stage for the unexpected moments that make travel so special. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today’s cultural explorers dream about.
Amazing Family Moments Included
Collette's Family tours bring travelers of all ages together to experience the world’s greatest destinations. There’s no better classroom than the world, no better education than taking a walk through history. Today’s parents — and grandparents — want to share the riches of travel with their children and grandchildren. Each tour in our family line is specially crafted with the best local experiences, iconic must-see's, family-oriented hotels and immersive cultural activities. Children ages 14 and under enjoy substantially discounted rates.
Collette's Cancel for Any Reason Travel Protection Plan
The Traveling Well Experience
Our Commitment to Your Well-being and Enjoyment
There’s no denying that life and travel will likely look a little different for the foreseeable future, which is why we worked with our partners all over the world to create enhanced protective measures for our guests. These measures are intended to help safeguard guests’ health and well-being, while allowing for an enjoyable travel experience.
From flexible booking to more open space on the coach and much more – all aspects of travel have been considered. This is The Traveling Well Experience.
- Travel Protection Plan – cancel for any reason up until 24 hours before departure, plus provides numerous on-tour protections
- More Physical Space – on the coach, in restaurants, and more
- Wellness Protocols – for partners like motor coach operators, hotels, restaurants, and airlines
- Enhanced Tour Manager Training – our tour managers are destination experts and highly equipped to handle a variety of unexpected situations – including illnesses and emergencies
Before Your Tour
Cancel for Any Reason Waiver
Our Travel Protection Plan financially protects you in the event you need to cancel or move your trip to a different date. Learn more here
Pre-Tour Health Screenings
We will ask all travellers to complete a wellness declaration form before joining their tour.
Private Sedan Service
Your ride to and from the airport will be stocked with fresh water for every pickup and all surfaces will be disinfected daily and after every passenger.
Air Travel
Specific details will vary by airline, but standard operations typically include flight attendants wearing masks, sanitizing all surfaces between flights and physical distancing. For links to major airlines, head to the bottom of the page, or visit your airline’s website for specific information.
On Your Tour
Smaller Groups
Tours will operate with a number of empty seats to allow guests to space out for a more comfortable experience.
Your Tour Manager
We have employed new and enhanced hygiene & physical distancing protocols for tour managers. They are local experts and highly trained to handle a variety of unexpected situations — including illnesses and emergencies. They are also available 24/7 for guests throughout the tour should any situation arise.
Use of Face Coverings
Face coverings will be included with your pre-tour documents and will be required throughout many experiences on tour including the motor coach and air travel.
Motor Coach
All surfaces will be sanitized often, including regular cleaning of high-touch areas with disinfecting wipes. Hand sanitizer will be available at all times and drivers will wear protective gear when appropriate.
On-Tour Experiences
We work closely with our local partners to ensure adequate physical distancing during meals, experiences, and sightseeing. Guests may be rotated in smaller sub-groups when necessary.
On-Tour Insurance Coverages
When you purchase our Travel Protection Plan, you’ll have access to telehealth services should you need it, plus you’re covered on tour for emergency assistance, baggage loss, trip interruption, medical expenses, and more. Learn more here
Self-Screening
We will ask all travellers to monitor their health throughout their tour, with protocols in place in the event someone becomes ill.
Hotels
Specific protocols will vary from destination to destination, hotel to hotel. Overall, rooms and areas like restaurants, fitness centres, etc. will be deep-cleaned regularly, with rooms disinfected thoroughly between guests. High-traffic areas like lobbies and elevators will be cleaned hourly.
After Your Tour
Post-Tour Survey
After you get home, you’ll be able to share your opinions of your tour experience, allowing us to constantly improve for the benefit of future guests.
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- The land price does not include air travel, airline fees, airport or departure taxes, transfers, visas, customary end-of-trip gratuities for your Tour Manager, driver, local guides, hotel housekeepers, cruise ship waitstaff, and any incidental charges.
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