Alpine Resorts and Rails
Switzerland, France and Italy
Tour #280927
September 24 – October 4, 2008 – 11 Days
$3,999.00 Per Person – Double Occupancy
Includes:
9 Breakfasts & 5 Dinners
WEDNESDAY – SEPTEMBER 24 – DAY
1
Heading to the history, culture and scenic wonders of Switzerland,
France and Italy, we meet at Louisville
International Airport to check in for our flight.
THURSDAY – SEPTEMBER 25 – DAY 2
Arrive in Geneva, meet your Tour Director and transfer
to the resort city of Chamonix, France for
a two-night stay. Chamonix is situated at the
base of Mt. Blanc and hosted the first
Winter Olympics in 1924. This evening enjoy a Welcome
Dinner. Overnight in Chamonix. Meals:
(D)
FRIDAY – SEPTEMBER 26 – DAY 3
Today, travel to Annecy, France, one
of the most charming towns in the Alps. Upon arrival enjoy an Annecy
Tour featuring a visit to the Palais de L’Isle,
a 12th century prison in the middle of the Thiou Canal. Enjoy
time to explore on your own before returning to Chamonix. Overnight
in Chamonix. Meals: (B)
SATURDAY – SEPTEMBER 27 – DAY 4
Enjoy an exciting day of sightseeing en route to Zermatt. Stop
in Martigny to visit the Roman Ampitheater. Continue
to Sion for some leisure time in this 2,000 year old
town. Later arrive in Tasch and board a cogwheel
railway for a short ride to the famous car-free Alpine resort of Zermatt. Check
in for a two-night stay and enjoy dinner at your hotel. Overnight
in Zermatt. Meals: (B, D)
SUNDAY – SEPTEMBER 28 – DAY 5
Zermattt is situated at the foot of the majestic Matterhorn,
one of the world’s most famous mountain peaks. Today enjoy a Zermatt
Walking Tour to see the splendors of this quaint village. Enjoy
the afternoon at leisure to explore Zermatt on your own. Perhaps
peruse the luxury boutiques and shops or enjoy a meal in a ski lodge. Maybe
ride up to the Gornergrat (weather permitting – 10,130 ft.) offering
incredible views of the Matterhorn and 29 of the highest peaks in Europe. Zermatt
is truly a unique Alpine experience. Overnight in Zermatt. Meals:
(B)
MONDAY – SEPTEMBER 29 – DAY 6
Return by train to Tasch and board your motorcoach. Travel
to the beautiful lake-side resort town of Stresa,
Italy. Situated on the banks of Lake Maggiore,
Stresa is full of beautiful villas and verdant gardens. Upon arrival
enjoy the remainder of your evening at leisure before joining your traveling
companions for dinner. Overnight in Stresa. Meals:
(B, D)
TUESDAY – SEPTEMBER 30 – DAY 7
Enjoy the full day at leisure. Stroll through the quaint town
or take a boat ride to the Borromean Islands. These islands are
like jewels in the middle of the lake, full of beautiful palaces and
gardens. Overnight in Stresa. Meals:
(B)
WEDNESDAY – OCTOBER 1 – DAY 8
Today return to Switzerland by rail. Travel to Tirano and board
the Bernina Express Train featuring a breathtaking climb
and offering a striking contrast between external ice and picturesque
palms. Arrive in the resort playground of the rich and famous, St.
Moritz. The city features one of the most famous ski resorts
in the world and has a name synonymous with quality and elegance. This
evening dinner is included. Be sure to wander around the St. Moritz
city center before or after dinner. Overnight in St. Moritz. Meals:
(B, D)
THURSDAY – OCTOBER 2 – DAY 9
This morning travel via one of the most famous train journeys in the
world, the Glacier Express Train from St. Moritz to
Andermatt. The rail experience ascends through spiral tunnels of
the Albula Pass, crosses the Landwasser Viaduct and then down through
the Oberalp Valley. Reboard your coach in Andermatt and travel
to the great city of Lucerne for a two night stay. Lucerne
is situated in the geographical heart of Switzerland and poetically described
by Alexandre Dumas as “a pearl in the world’s most beautiful
oyster.” Enjoy the evening at leisure in this magical city. Overnight
in Lucerne. Meal: (B)
FRIDAY – OCTOBER 3 – DAY 10
This morning, enjoy a walking Lucerne City Tour. Walk
along the shores of beautiful Lake Lucerne,
cross the famous wooden Chapel Bridge, see the Lion
Monument and much more. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore
on your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Swiss Folklore
Show & Farewell Dinner featuring traditional Swiss costumes
and instruments including alphorns and cowbells. Overnight
in Lucerne, Switzerland. Meals: (B, D)
SATURDAY – OCTOBER 4 – DAY 11
Transfer to the Zurich Airport filled with wonderful memories of your
Alpine Resorts & Rails Tour.
Meals: (B)
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