10 day Independent Tour — Popular!
This Independent tour offered by European Travel Advisors is for the adventurous traveler that wants to combine Switzerland and Italy, experience their alpine mountains and lakes, their sharp contrasting cultures and fabulous cuisine.
Itinerary
DAY 1 — USA / ZURICH
Departure from USA to Zurich by scheduled service (airfare not included in package).
DAY 2 — ZURICH-LUCERNE
Upon arrival at the Zurich airport, you will collect your luggage and take the escalators down to the train station and board your train to Lucerne. Transfer to your selected hotel and the remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure to rest or explore on your own in Lucerne.
DAY 3 — LUCERNE
Breakfast will be served daily at your hotels. Today you will join a 2‑hour scheduled morning walking tour of Lucerne. On the walk, you will learn interesting and humorous facts about Lucerne’s history and architecture, including the city’s trademark Chapel Bridge. Following the tour, you might explore some of the restaurants along the lake for a sample of local cuisine. The remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure for shopping or exploring on your own. (Nov 1‑Mar 31 walking tour operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays only).
DAY 4 — LUCERNE
You will receive a one-day card for unlimited cruises on Lake Lucerne. The lake is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland, and boats depart every hour to a variety of destinations. We suggest a four-hour cruise to Flüelen and enjoy lunch in the lovely restaurant on board while you admire the scenery and small villages along the lake. For those interested in seeing the 360 degree panoramic view of the area, including six lakes surrounded by mountains, take the boat to Vitznau where you can board the oldest cogwheel train to Mount Rigi. Or, venture to Alpnachstad and board the steepest cogwheel to Mount Pilatus (Mid May-October only).
DAY 5 — LUCERNE / LUGANO
This morning you will board the train to Lugano passing through valleys dotted with waterfalls and cross the famous St. Gotthard Train Tunnel until you reach Lugano. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel with the remainder of the day and evening is at your leisure to explore on your own. We suggest a stroll along the lakeside promenade and the historical city center.
DAY 6 — LUGANO
With your provided day pass, today is yours to spend on Lake Lugano, exploring the small and picturesque villages such as Gandria and Morcote. Do not forget your passport you may want to cruise over into Italy.
DAY 7 — LUGANO
Today you’ll embark on an excursion to Bellinzona, a nearby city at the foot of the Alps. Tour the three famous Castles, assisted by the Bellinzona Artkey audioguide. The castles are a world heritage UNESCO site.
DAY 8 — LUGANO / VENICE
This morning you will transfer on your own to the Lugano train station in time to board your train for Chiasso, Italy. Benvenuto in Italia! Continue by train until you reach the “City of Canals”, Venice. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel and begin exploring on your own. This evening, you’ll celebrate your arrival with a gondola serenade on the Grand Canal.
DAY 9 — VENICE
This morning you’ll join a walking tour of the artistic and historical center of Venice, including Saint Mark’s square and the Doge’s Palace. This afternoon stroll the city and shop or ask us about an optional tour to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
DAY 10 — VENICE / USA
Farewell! Transfer on your own to the Venice airport in time to board your flight back to USA.
Pricing
Price per person based on double occupancy
| 11/15/2023 — 3/15/2024 | |
| 3 Star Hotels and Second Class Rail and/or Boat | $2,399 (Single supplement: $549) |
| 4 Star Hotels and First Class Rail and/or Boat | $2,999 (Single supplement: $949) |
| 4/1/2024 — 10/31/2024 | |
| 3 Star Hotels and Second Class Rail and/or Boat | $2,999 (Single supplement: $899) |
| 4 Star Hotels and First Class Rail and/or Boat | $3,750 (Single supplement: $949) |
Tour Includes
- 8 nights accommodations at selected hotels: Lucerne (3 nights) 3 star Waldstatterhof; 4 star Casada, Lugano (3 nights) 3 star Aquarello; 4 star Dante, Venice (2 nights) 3 star Violino d’Oro; 4 star Cavaletto & Doge
- Train transfers from Zurich airport/Lucerne, Lucerne/Lugano, Lugano/Venice
- Scheduled walking tour of Lucerne and Venice
- Day ticket for Lake Lucerne and Lake Lugano
- Roundtrip train ticket from Lugano to Bellinzona
- Entrance fees to 3 castles of Bellinzona with audio guide
- Gondola serenade on the Grand Canal
- Breakfast daily at the hotels