Paris to the Swiss Alps

Depart Zürich for a scenic drive through Switzerland. In Chur, board the famed Glacier Express. You will pass over countless trestles, through dramatic mountain tunnels, and up and down alpine slopes. Enjoy this spectacular ride through breathtaking vistas of soaring peaks, plunging gorges and wide green valleys dotted with alpine villages. Arrive this afternoon in Zermatt, nestled high in the Alps at the foot of the renowned Matterhorn, and check in to your hotel.

After breakfast, board a cogwheel train to the summit of Gornergrat, taking in the sweeping views of soaring peaks and wide valleys. Following lunch on your own, explore the alpine charms of Zermatt, where cars are not permitted and the mountain air is clear and clean. Stroll its narrow lanes lined with chalet-style buildings and perhaps venture into the surrounding countryside, with its high meadows and breathtaking views. (B)

Today, head to Lausanne to discover more about the home of the International Olympic Committee at the Olympic Museum. Afterward, continue to the impressive Lavaux Vineyard Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These daringly planted vines comprise the largest continuous vineyard in Switzerland. Taste some Chasselas wine here and stop for lunch before traveling to Geneva and checking in to your hotel for a two-night stay. (B, L)

This morning, enjoy a fascinating tour of Geneva, stopping to view its picturesque parks, the famous Jet d’Eau fountain in the lake, the Flower Clock, St. Pierre Cathedral and the Reformation Monument. The rest of the day is yours to continue exploring on your own. Perhaps wander the charming streets lined with upscale boutiques, or head to the lake to enjoy a stroll along its shores. Return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and board your motor coach for a panoramic journey to Milan. Along the way, stop in the picturesque lakeside city of Lugano, where you will enjoy free time to explore independently. Upon arrival in Milan, check in to your hotel, then enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

This morning, embark on a guided walking tour of Milan. The capital of the Lombardy region is renowned for its impressive architecture. Highlights include the monumental facade of its cathedral, or Duomo—the largest Gothic-style church in the world, which took several centuries to complete construction—and the Teatro alla Scala, the impressive 18th-century neoclassical opera house. This evening, you may choose to dine in a local restaurant and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife. (B)

Today, continue to explore this iconic Italian city at your leisure. Milan is home to many galleries and museums that showcase famous works spanning the centuries. You may choose to visit the Museo del Novecentro and view its important collection of 20th-century art, or admire Leonardo da Vinci’s famous The Last Supper in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. Alternatively, browse the upscale boutiques that line the glass-covered arcade of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. (B)

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Check out of your hotel in Zürich and enjoy a scenic drive to Lucerne. Upon arrival, join a guided walking tour of the city, or take a stroll around the lake on your own. This afternoon, a delight for the senses awaits you at one of Lucerne’s renowned Swiss chocolatiers. Here, you will discover the love and care taken to produce each box of these handmade delicacies as you enjoy a tasting and make your own chocolate.

Glide over the pristine waters of Lake Lucerne as you embark on a scenic cruise and admire the breathtaking mountain panorama that surrounds you. After your cruise, ascend one of the region’s spectacular peaks on a cogwheel train, passing alpine meadows as you climb. At the top, enjoy free time to explore; perhaps take a stroll along one of the walking trails, or soak up the beautiful views over lunch. Return to your hotel for an evening at your leisure. (B)

Today, enjoy a scenic drive to the Einsiedeln Benedictine Abbey and step inside the Chapel of Our Lady to see its Black Madonna pilgrimage shrine. Meet a dairy farmer and hear about the production of the farm’s finest mountain milk. Afterward, visit the Milchmanufaktur, a processing plant that supports more than 60 alpine farmers. Try your hand at producing your own bergmutschli, or cheese, then savor a delicious fondue lunch. Return to Lucerne and spend the rest of your day at leisure. (B, L)

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)