Switzerland’s Lakes and Mountains Lugano, Bellinzona Castles, Lake Lucerne, Interlaken, Stanserhorn
Saturday 13th May – Saturday 20th May 2017
From the Channel Islands
8 day / 7 night, fully escorted tour.
Day 1: Flight to Zurich and train to Lugano Jersey clients will be met in departures at Jersey Airport by their Bontour Tour Manager who will escort the tour throughout. (Departure to Zurich via Guernsey 09:35 – 13:10. You will remain on the plane in Guernsey for approx. 15 minutes). Guernsey clients will board the flight direct at Guernsey Airport at 10:10 joining the rest of the group on-board for arrival into Zurich at 13:10 with FlyBe. From Zurich you will board the train to Lugano – Switzerland’s Monte Carlo. Relax during the picturesque 3 hour journey admiring your first spectacular views of the Alps en route to the Ticino region, the Italian speaking Mediterranean heart of Switzerland. Lugano’s neoclassical buildings line the sparkling glacial lake and departing the train you reach the city centre directly by funicular, a dazzling experience for a first day! Stretch your legs as you walk to the classically refined Hotel International Au Lac (10 – 15 minutes) along the tree lined boulevard where a welcoming glass of Prosecco awaits you after check-in. Please note that for your convenience, your luggage will be transported from Lugano station to the hotel. Dinner will be served at the hotel this evening.
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Day 2: Lugano Guided Tour and Cooking Class
After breakfast at the hotel you will be met by your local guide to start a two hour walking tour of Lugano’s historical centre. A sophisticated city with the Alps as a background and the lake’s glacial waters at its feet, Lugano offers a fascinating mix of architecture, testimony to its rich cultural heritage. You will marvel at the Renaissance Churches and their adorning frescos and enjoy strolling through the town’s historical square and the inviting shopping arcades.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore further afield at your leisure. You will have been issued a Tailormade Rail Ticket which gives you up to 50% off on some mountain trains and lake cruises and your Ticino Card entitles you to free travel on the region’s public trains and buses. Make the most of the region and head towards Locarno in the Upper Lake Maggiore region. Alternatively you could visit the small lakeside village of Morcote and its botanical Scherrer Park or, for the wine lovers, plan a trip to the wine region of Mendrisiotto, both destinations reachable within ½ hour.
In the early evening, you will walk from the hotel (10 minutes) to board a private boat to Grotto San Rocco lakeside restaurant and have the opportunity to master the skills of risotto cooking to accompany your lakeside dinner. You will enjoy a glass of wine on arrival and experience the best of local produce. Wine is also included with dinner. You will return to the hotel for the night after another day packed full of new experiences.
Day 3: Castles of Bellinzona Following breakfast you will travel by train (30 minutes) with your Bontour escort to Bellinzona, the small and mighty capital of the canton Ticino. Set at the foot of the Alps, Bellinzona is home to three medieval castles, all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Upon arrival, you will be joined by your local guide for a walking tour of Bellinzona historical centre and Castlegrande, the largest of the castles. Impressively located above the heart of town, Castlegrande is an impressive sight. The original settlement dates back as far as the 4th century A.D and evolved over time to now stand as a beautiful medieval fortress. Admire the large, green and stunning inner courtyard and take a moment to let the panoramic views of the mountain setting soak in.
You will then take the small ‘Trenito Artu’ train to Montebello Castle also perched on a rocky hilltop to the east of the town centre. Despite being easily accessible from all sides, Montebello is nonetheless another fantastic example of a strong defensive fortress set in mountainous surroundings.
The third castle, Sasso Corbaro Castle, stands south west of the town atop the highest rocky hill in Bellinzona. From its dominant position you will be amazed by the strength of its builders as well as by the beauty of the lush scenery around you.
Please note the castles have uneven surfaces and some steps to be negotiated.
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You then have an evening at leisure, returning by train to Lugano in good time to choose from one of the many local restaurants for dinner.
Day 4: Lake Lucerne Today you will change hotel with, for your convenience, your luggage being transferred directly there for you. After breakfast, you will take a morning train from Lugano to Flüelen, on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Enjoy the calm beauty of the ride with mountains views to keep you company along the way. The station in Flüelen is located next to the pier where you will transfer to your boat and begin a magical 3 hour cruise towards Lucerne. You can enjoy a delicious local lunch (not included) served to your table on board whilst gliding your way peacefully through the emerald blue waters of the lake. This is Switzerland as you have dreamt of it with stunning backdrops of high peaks and wooden chalets dotting the panorama. Once in Lucerne, you will only have to walk a few minutes to reach the beautiful Hotel Wilden Mann where you will be served dinner later in the evening.
Day 5: Morning tour of Lucerne Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before joining your local guide on a walking tour of the historical and medieval parts of the city. It is a joy to get around Lucerne on foot as the Old Town is tiny with most sites within a short distance of each other. Marvel at Chapel Bridge said to be the oldest wooden bridge in Europe and one of Lucerne’s most iconic landmarks. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace and leisure. As a visitor you will be entitled to use the city public buses for free. Remember that your Tailormade Rail Ticket entitles you to up to 50% off a number of trains and cruises.
If you are interested in using these transport facilities to explore further afield we suggest that you board one of the spectacular mountain railways heading for Mount Rigi. On your way you will be passing colourful Swiss meadows, pine forests and grazing cows. Once at the top, lose yourself in the immense landscape of Lake Lucerne below.
Located only 8 minutes by train from Lucerne centre, you could also choose to visit the Swiss Museum of Transport. The museum presents a fascinating insight in all aspects of rail and road transport, navigation, cableways, aviation and more. If you prefer to stay in Lucerne itself why not visit Wagner’s former residence around the lake and the Richard Wagner Museum or the Sammlung Rosengart Collection of modern masters.
Enjoy an evening at leisure and soak in the atmosphere of the town and choose from one of the many traditional restaurants.
Day 6: The Bernese Oberland After breakfast you will board the Luzern-Interlaken Express train headed to Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland region, home to the Jungfrau summit standing proud at an impressive 1,458m.
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The two-hour ride will take you along the shores of five crystal-clear lakes, past ferocious waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass. The dramatic panorama includes snow covered peaks, lush lakelands, green valleys and breathtaking views of a nature beautifully unspoiled.
Once in Interlaken, take the short walk to the Harder Kulm Funicular (10 minute ride) taking you even higher to contemplate the incredible views of Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and of the Jungfrau mountain range. Enjoy lunch (included) in the panoramic restaurant before riding back down to Interlaken where you will have some free time before returning by train to Lucerne in the late afternoon.
Tonight, dinner is not included and you have free time again to enjoy the sights and sounds of pretty Lucerne.
Day 7: The Stanserhorn and glass workshop Today after breakfast at the hotel, you will take a short train ride to Hergiswil, a small village on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Hergiswil has been famous for its glass work since 1817 and continues the tradition of glass blowing albeit some of it in a very modern way. You will be pleased to be equipped with gloves and slippers before wandering in! You will also be amazed by the skills of the traditional glass-blowers working at the side of the furnace.
Your next destination today is Stans, only a very short train journey from Hergiswil. Stans is set at the foot of Mount Stanserhorn which you will reach by first taking a funicular then the incredible double-decker cable car complete with an open roof, convertible-style. The unique open air viewing platform provides a fantastic photo opportunity of lush lands below. To further enjoy the 360 panorama, from the revolving self-service restaurant accompanied by distracting views then take a walk on the outside path where a ‘ranger’ might be at hand with some Alpine facts and secrets. You might even spot a shy marmot! You will return to Lucerne by train late afternoon.
Tonight is your last evening in Switzerland and you will be treated to an evening at the Stadtkeller, one of Lucerne’s oldest restaurants. On the menu, Fondues and Swiss cheese are of course a great choice and you will be entertained during your meal with a Folklore Show and musical performances of yodelling and alphorn playing.
Day 8: Return to the Channel Islands After breakfast at the hotel, you will board the train to Zurich Airport (approx. 1 hour). Your luggage will be transported directly to the airport for you. Your direct flight for Jersey departs Zurich Airport at 13:40 arriving at 14:40 with FlyBe The connecting FlyBe flight to Guernsey departs Jersey at 17:50 arriving at 18:10.
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What’s included in the tour:
Accommodation Please be advised that double beds are unusual in Swiss hotels and double rooms will mostly have 2 single beds. Single occupancy supplements are based on single rooms with one single bed.
3 nights at the Hotel International Au Lac (Lugano) in standard room including porterage and a welcome drink (Prosecco) 4 nights at the Hotel Wilden Mann (Lucerne) in standard room including porterage.
Meals Daily Breakfast (x7) Dinner at the hotel (3-course set menu) on days 1 and 4 Risotto cooking experience (includes aperitif and local wine) on day 2 4-course dinner (including cheese fondue as one of the courses and 1 drink) on day 7 Lunch (3-course set menu) on day 6
Transport 2nd class tailor-made rail ticket within Switzerland Ticino Card Seat reservations throughout (where possible) Luggage transfer (1 piece per person) from Zurich Airport to Lugano, Lugano to Lucerne and Lucerne to Zurich Airport
Excursions Guided tour of Lugano on arrival Day trip to Bellinzona including guided tours of the city and the 3 castles (entrance fee included) Walking city tour (2 hours) of Lucerne Day trip to Interlaken and the Harder Kulm including lunch Day trip to the Glass Workshop and the Stanserhorn
Tour Manager Bontour Tour Manager throughout
Not included: Meals not mentioned including dinner on days 3, 5 and 6 No drinks included with any meals unless otherwise specified Personal expenses Entrance fees unless stated
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Please note: The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc Please bring suitable clothing and footwear as the mountain summits may be cold and wet We advise that you should be able to walk for up to two hours at a leisurely pace to be able to enjoy this tour to the full. There may be some steady inclines / declines especially at Bellinzona.
This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice.
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