Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips. Flexible Deposit We prepay deposits for services so we can access the top guides, the best drivers and maintain preferred partnerships with our partner hotels. Our deposit to confirm services is 25% of the total trip cost. We want you to feel confident to book but also know that we are sensitive to current circumstances. Therefore, 15% of this deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to departure if you are unable to travel for any reason. 10% of the deposit will be retained as a future travel credit for up to 3 years. Future travel will be priced at prevailing rates. If it is determined that you are unable to travel within 31 days of the start of services, all deposits paid will be converted to a future travel credit, less nonrefundable funds committed on your behalf and tickets such as train or theater tickets. This credit may also be applied to our sister travel companies: Almaz Journeys and Exeter Safari Company. Financial Stability We are proud to be recognized by Allianz Insurance on their list of covered travel suppliers to give you additional peace of mind. Arrival into Zurich, where you will be met by your driver for your transfer to Grindelwald, located about 2 hours away. En route, we recommend you stop in Lucerne, the most populous town in Central Switzerland and the nexus for trade and culture for the region since its founding in the 9th Century. Straddling the Reuss as it drains into Lake Lucerne, the city is famous for its bridges and mountainous panoramas. Frescoed homes line the car-free old town, spreading out around the lakeside and Weinmarkt square. You will enjoy an overview panoramic tour ending at one of the chocolate ateliers in the city. Learn about the process of creating this delicacy and taste the different kinds of chocolate produced by the Swiss master chocolatiers. Afterwards, you will have some time at leisure for lunch and then continue to Grindelwald. Grindelwald is one of the most popular destinations in the area that has been attracting visitors since the end of the 18th century. Alpinism developed in the region in the mid-19th century when local mountain guides climbed the peaks with mostly English tourists. Walking trails, ski resorts, mountain climbing, and lookout points are all easily accessible thanks to the extensive rail and cable car system. Arrival Transfer Zurich – Grindelwald via Lucerne Guide in Lucerne (2 Hours) Boutique Hotel Glacier Today you will enjoy a day of exploration in the Jungfrau region. You will first meet your guide and head to the train station to begin your journey. The “Top of Europe” can be accessed from Grindelwald via the Bernese Oberland Railway. The panoramic ride will take you to Europe’s highest train station, located at 11,300 feet. Here visitors can access the observation deck to admire the surrounding mountains – Jungfrau and Mönch, and the glaciers; visit the Ice Palace, the Alpine Sensation moving walkway, and even the highest chocolate store in Europe! You will return to your hotel in the afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Guide (6 Hours) Boutique Hotel Glacier Meet your hiking guide in the lobby of your hotel. You will be using public transportation today, which will be paid locally. Your destination will be the Glacier Canyon – a natural masterpiece formed by the lower Grindelwald glacier. You will walk through the exposed rock tunnels and galleries and see the numerous water cascades from the mountains. There is also a comprehensive exhibition to learn about this phenomenon and the history of the area. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant (payable locally) and continue with a 1-hour long hike around the glacier. This afternoon, if you are interested, you may take the train independently and head to Lauterbrunnen. Ideally located in one of the most picturesque valleys, between mountain peaks and rock faces, this town boasts over 70 waterfalls and it’s surrounded by smaller valleys and meadows. Lauterbrunnen is actually one of the largest nature conservation areas in the country. The Staubbach Falls, one of the highest free-falling waterfalls in Europe, plunges from almost 1,000 feet high. Guide (4 Hours) Boutique Hotel Glacier Meet your driver for your transfer to Gstaad, which will about 2 hours. Gstaad is the epitome of a luxury retreat. With its picturesque wooden chalets with flowers cascading over the balconies, it looks incredibly charming, and the resorts exude luxury. Spend a few days relaxing here and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Gstaad is also a good base to explore the Lake Leman towns, such as Lausanne and Montreux, or to visit Glacier 3000, where exciting activities are offered year-round. Upon arrival and after checking in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. We recommend you take advantage of wonderful facilities of your hotel, like the outdoor pool, the indoor swimming area and the spa. Transfer Alpina Gstaad Meet your guide in the lobby for an exploration of the area surrounding Gstaad. Today you will first visit Glacier 3000, one of the highlights of the area. After two exciting cable car rides, you will have ascended to 3000 meters, or nearly 10,000 feet. Many activities are offered at Glacier 3000. The Peak Walk by Tissot is a 350-foot-long suspension bridge that connects the two peaks. You are sure to enjoy spectacular views of the Alps on a clear day. For the more adventurous guests, toboggan down the exhilarating Alpine Coaster! The Ice Express Chairlift leisurely transports you down to the glacier, where you can engage in a range of other activities, such as a ride on the Snow Bus, sledding down a hill in the Fun Park, doing the Glacier Walk, or going on a thrilling dogsled ride through the snow. In the afternoon, head back towards Gstaad where you will visit a local Alpenhorn artist. This tool has historically been used for communication in the isolated mountain regions of the Alps, especially by shepherds calling the cows from the pastures. They are now considered musical instruments and are made of a several-meter-long horn made of wood. You will learn about the production process and if you want, you can also try to play it! Guide, Vehicle & Driver (7 Hours) Alpina Gstaad This morning, meet your guide and driver to explore the region close to Lake Geneva. You will first be transferred to the medieval town of Gruyères to get a taste of the beautiful countryside and its traditions. You will first visit an artisanal cheese producer in the mountains, to learn about the cheese-making process and taste some of the products. Please note that Swiss law is very strict in terms of respecting the production schedule during visits to artisanal manufacturers, and the visit is subject to changes. Later, enjoy some free time for lunch and to walk through the charming cobblestoned streets of Gruyères. You will see the imposing castle, which has stood upon its hill since the 13th century offering unparalleled views over the valley and nearby mountains. After lunch, head to the beautiful Lavaux wine region, which has been UNESCO protected since 2007 and it is the largest contiguous vineyard region in Switzerland. The lake’s sunny and warm shores produce small and artisanal batches of fantastic white wines, which are consumed entirely within the country. The hillside terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake Leman, and today you will be enjoying a tasting at one of the local producers. Next, you will transfer to Montreux and board the Golden Pass Panoramic Train that will take you up the mountains and through the beautiful scenery, ending in Gstaad. Guide (9 Hours); Vehicle & Driver (8 Hours) Alpina Gstaad This morning, you will be met and transferred to the airport to board your flight onward. Departure Transfer Cost of the Program • Based on two (2) guests traveling together: From $9,825 per person • Based on four (4) guests traveling together: From $6,650 per person Accommodations Grindelwald One Eiger View Suite for Three (3) nights at Boutique Glacier Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.