Group Tour Operator for Holidays to Switzerland

Depart the UK

Travel to Dover and take the short sea ferry crossing over to France.  Continue through Northern France and make an overnight stop.  Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.

Travel to Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Continue after breakfast through France and into Switzerland and on to the resort of Vevey for the next 2 nights  After check-in, there may be time to explore the hotel and surroundings before dinner together this evening.

Note:  All hotel guests will be given a free Montreux Riviera Travel Card which enables you to travel on public transport in the Montreux/Vevey region and many discounts on local attractions.

At Leisure – Lake Cruise and Montreux (driver’s rest day)

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel.  Using your free Travel Card, take the local tram which departs from outside the hotel to the quayside in Vevey and take a leisurely cruise along the lake to Montreux, probably most famous for it annual Jazz Festival.  There is the option to visit the new ‘Queen Studio Experience’ (free entrance) which is located in the former recording studios owned by the group.  Maybe wander along the lakeside promenade to see the statue of Freddie Mercury proudly overlooking the lake or stroll around the old town before returning by boat to Vevey.  Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Note:  There is the option to use your cruise ticket to continue to Chateau Chilon and either disembark to look around the castle (entrance not included) or return to Vevey.

For fans of Charlie Chaplin, why not make a visit and tour of Chaplin’s World which is located in Vevey.  This former home is now a museum dedicated to the life of this legendary artist and his cinematographic genius.  The gardens are also worth exploring if the weather permits. (Reduced entrance cost with free Travel Card). There is also a bronze statue of him as ‘The Tramp’ sitting at the quayside.

HIGHLIGHT – Glacier Express Train

Today is the highlight of the tour, a ride on the famous Glacier Express with its panoramic windows.  We will board either the 10.14 am or the 11.14 am train from Brig for a 4 hour unforgettable journey through the stunning Swiss Alps to the medieval town of Chur or Tiefencastel.  Scenic highlights also include the Rhine Gorge and the Oberalp Pass, making it one of the most memorable, slow-paced luxury experiences in the world.  Sit back and enjoy and don’t forget your camera!

On arrival at the destination station the coach will be waiting to drive us to Davos, for the next 2 nights.  After check-in there may be time to explore the hotel and surroundings before sitting down to dinner at the hotel.

Note:  Glacier Express is subject to availability and confirmation of times/routes/schedules and may incur a deposit/reservation fee to secure seats.  Optional upgrades to first class and lunch on board are also available, again subject to availability and a supplement

Davos at leisure

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel.  Davos is the highest city in Europe and originally owes its importance to its healing climate for over 150 years.  All guests staying at a Davos hotel will be given a Davos Klosters Premium Card which allows free use of public transport in the town and reduced prices on some of the scenic cable cars and trains.  Maybe use the pass to travel up the little Schatzalp mountain train,  at a reduced price, to get some superb views from the summit or even take the local train for free to the famous resort of Klosters, a favourite of the Royal Family.

Dinner will be in the hotel this evening.

Depart Switzerland

Make the return journey through Switzerland and on to Northern France for an overnight stop.  Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

Return to the UK

Depart after breakfast for the ferry port and take the short sea crossing over to the UK and home with fond memories of the beautiful peaks and lakes of the Swiss Alps.

Gruyères Cheese and Cailler Chocolate – a culinary experience

Drive to the medieval town of Gruyeres and to the Maison de Gruyères where we will see a demonstration and presentation of the famous cheese making process on an audio-guided tour.   From here we will drive the short distance to the old town to get some lunch (not included).  The views from the town are stunning and there are plenty of nice cafes and restaurants and shops. (Note: there is a coach parking charge in the old town – payable locally).

In the afternoon we will visit the wonderful world of Cailler Chocolate, the oldest existing Swiss chocolate brand.  An interactive tour will highlight the history of cocoa and its manufacture.  At the end of the visit, enjoy a tasting of Cailler chocolates with the option to make some purchases.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Historic Chur and the Arosa Line Railway

Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland with beautiful cobblestoned pedestrianised streets to stroll around. Explore the medieval architecture and see St. Martin’s Church and the 600 year old Gothic Cathedral.  There will be time to explore and get some lunch before making an unforgettable journey on the 100 year old Arosa Line Railway.

The 1 hour journey gets off to a leisurely start from Chur with a sedate trundle through the historic streets.  Minutes later, the train is wending its way through unspoilt nature and mountains across 19 bridges and through 52 tunnels to its destination, Arosa.

The coach will be waiting in Arosa to drive back to the hotel for dinner and evening at leisure.