Original
Explorer
Rail
Best of Switzerland
8 days • 4.6
4.5
Excellent
22 reviews
8 days
Start
Zurich, Switzerland
Finish
Bern, Switzerland
Trip Code
AMSS
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
From £2,358(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Choose your own adventure with two free days in the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. You can take these days as relaxed or as thrill-seeking as you want from your hotel homebase surrounded by mountain views.
Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both in La Gruyere region.
Your locally based group leader will provide expert advice on how to make the most of your free time, as well as giving you orientation walks around each place so you can get your bearings.
Take in the breathtaking alpine views from the summit of Mt Pilatus with your small group, reached via the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace in Bern, you’ll discover why this city is considered one of the most beautiful and laidback capital cities in the world.
Is this trip right for you?
Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found on walks, which can be quite steep and long. While this trip itself doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. During the trip, you have the option to hike the trails in the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau region.
The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. You may need to make exchanges in between to reach your destination. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train and storage space for luggage on trains can be quite limited, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Itinerary
Get your nature (and cheese) fix – Swiss style
An eight-day jaunt through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland is the ideal way to see (and taste) all things Swiss. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Beginning in Zurich, travel in comfort by train to lakeside Lucerne, the stunning Swiss Alps and cheese-obsessed and chocolate-stuffed Bulle before finishing in the nation's quaint capital, Bern. Here, the outdoors has never looked so good and the chocolate has never tasted so smooth, so it’s time to sample it all yourself.
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts
Transport
Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Included activities
Zurich - Orientation walk
Lucerne - Orientation Walk
Lucerne - Boat Cruise & Mt Pilatus Golden Circle Tour
Bulle - Cheese tasting in a local fromagerie
Bulle - Chocolate tasting in local chocolate shop
Bern: Orientation Walk
Bern: Zytgoggle Guided Tour
Optional activities
Lucerne - Spreuer Bridge - Free
Lucerne - Church of St Leodegar - Free
Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF62
Lauterbrunnen - Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe) - CHF250
Lauterbrunnen - Schilthorn Mountain - CHF86
Lauterbrunnen - Trummelbach Falls - CHF12
Jungfrau region self-guided hike - Free
Bern - Rose Garden - Free
Bern - History and Einstein Museum - CHF18
Bern - Minster (Cathedral) - Free
Bern - Museum of Fine Arts - CHF10
Dates and availability
Starting
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Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.
Reviews (22)
5 stars
15
4 stars
6
2 stars
1
Janice
Oct 07, 2024
The Intrepid trip was great because of the knowledgeable and fun Tour Guide. Everything was just as described in the brochure and the trip was particularly enjoyable because we travelled with a small group allowing us to get to know each member of the group better. I would definitely use Intrepid for my next tour group
Nicole
Sep 29, 2024
We found the Best of Switzerland tour exceeded our expectations in every way. The scenery was stunning, the activities were excellent as was our tour leader Serena and we had a fantastic group from far and wide. I would highly recommend it!!
Michael
Aug 26, 2024
Great trip , saw a lot of Swiss , Irene was a great tour leader
yushan
Aug 25, 2024
I feel very fortunate to have joined this journey. Everything was unexpected and full of new experiences. This was my first time coming to Switzerland with Intrepid, and also my first time joining an English-speaking tour group. I felt that everyone was very accepting of me. We went to restaurants together, danced, and drank. Everything was full of life. I shared a room with Eva, and we had many conversations. The different cultural backgrounds and life experiences made our exchange incredibly interesting. In addition, there was a lot of free time, and we had plenty of time to do what we wanted. I think this is the essence of Intrepid: it leads us into a new world and allows us to explore it on our own.
Alex Alfie
Aug 12, 2024
A really enjoyable trip getting to know the different regions of Switzerland and its local history. The towns and cities are beautiful and the natural landscape outstanding.
Sofia
Jul 04, 2024
This was a trip to remember for several reasons. Firstly, our guide Silvia was very pleasant and organized. The views in Switzerland were unparalleled. My favorite activities include Mt. Pilatus (impeccable views and a fun slide down the mountain), Jungfraujoch - top of Europe (great views, ice museum, other activities at the top), roaming the charming town of Grindelwald, and Trummelbach falls (more amazing views and you're able to get up close to the waterfalls). Additionally, the train rides to our destinations were also enjoyable due to the amazing views. Our group got along very well which only added to the experience. A few things to note: I went during the end of May to the beginning of June and we had some rainy and cloudy days. It was raining during a few days of our trip and our scheduled picnic was cancelled, but it was accomodated with chocolate and cheese tasting. Unfortunately, we had zero visibility at the very top of Mt. Pilatus. Luckily, we still got amazing views as we made our way down. The last two days were my least favorite on the itinerary, although I still had a great time. Also, the food scene was expensive and not all that exciting for me. Overall, I would 10/10 recommend this trip!
Adam
Sep 12, 2023
Raymond
Aug 17, 2023
Our first time to both Europe and Switzerland was excellent. Our tour guide Luisa was wonderful and brought a lot of enthusiasm to our group. The places we went too were spectacular. It’s a trip we will never forget.
Neil
Jun 24, 2023
An excellent introduction to Switzerland and the Swiss people. We have experienced scenery which we will never forget. Well balanced in that the tour took in major cities and regional towns. Thank you so much to our tour leader Simone who was very informative and extremely accommodating making the tour a very memorable experience.
Emma
Jun 22, 2023
Really great way to see a lot of Switzerland in a short space of time. Big days, make sure you're well rested before the trip stats. The Bernese Oberland was a particular highlight. The day trip to Gruyere is a delight but if you're not into super touristy experiences maybe skip the chocolate factory and go for a swim instead. Simone our leader was a delight and Switzerland is truly impressive destination.
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