8 day Independent Tour
European Travel Advisors suggests this Independent tour focusing on the cultural aspects of the cities of Lucerne, Bern and Interlaken and allows you to ascend to Jungfraujoch to see the Aletsch Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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
This morning join a 2‑hour scheduled morning walking tour of Lucerne. On the walk, you will learn important, humorous and interesting facts about Lucerne’s history, churches, bridges, narrow streets, towers, squares and, of course, Lucerne’s trademark, the Chapel Bridge with the Water Tower. 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
Today, 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 4‑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 / BERN
This morning board the train to Bern, the medieval historical city on the River Aare. In 1983, Bern was included on the prestigious list of UNESCO’s world heritage sites, due largely to the historic preservation of the city that dates back to the Middle Ages. Check-in to your selected hotel. This afternoon, join the Clock Tower Tour and take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to visit the interior of Bern’s famous landmark. Your guide will explain the mechanism of this 16th century clock and you will enjoy a spectacular view of the medieval streets and rooftops. The evening is at leisure.
DAY 6 — BERN
Today is at your leisure and you will have a one-day Bern Card for admission to the permanent exhibitions in any of Bern’s 27 museums, unlimited travel on public transportation for the city and the surrounding region. The possibilities are endless!
DAY 7 — BERN / INTERLAKEN / BERN
This morning board your train to Interlaken for a full day of leisure activities. If you are adventurous, you may want to take the train to Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe” at 3,454 meters. See the high alpine world, the ice palace and the Aletsch Glacier, listed as an UNESCO World Heritage site. Another option is to visit the quaint town of Grindelwald, a 20-minute bus ride up the mountain. Return to Bern for the night.
DAY 8 — BERN / ZURICH / USA
Following breakfast at your hotel, board your train for the Zurich airport in time for your flight back to USA.
Pricing
Price per person based on double occupancy
| 11/01/2024 — 12/16/2024 + 01/06/2025 — 3/31/2025 | |
| 3 Star Hotels and Second Class Rail and/or Boat | $1,899 (Single supplement: $399) |
| 4 Star Hotels and First Class Rail and/or Boat | $2,199 (Single supplement: $499) |
| 4/1/2025 — 10/31/2025 | |
| 3 Star Hotels and Second Class Rail and/or Boat | $2,899 (Single supplement: $599) |
| 4 Star Hotels and First Class Rail and/or Boat | $3,199 (Single supplement: $799) |
| Estimated pricing for all dates (Optional Excursions) | |
| Interlaken to Grindelwald and return (2nd class) | $70 |
| Interlaken Ost to Grindelwald and return (1st class) | $95 |
| Cogwheel train from Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm and return | $130 |
| Cogwheel train from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm and return | $140 |
| Interlaken to Jungfraujoch and return (2nd class) | $220 |
| Interlaken Ost to Jungfraujoch and return (1st class) | $315 |
Tour Includes
- 6 nights accommodation in selected hotels: Lucerne (3), 3 star Hotel Waldstätterhof; 4 star Cascada, Bern (3) 3 star Hotel Astoria; 4 star Hotel Bern
- Train from Zurich airport to Lucerne
- Regularly scheduled walking tour of Lucerne
- Day ticket for Lake Lucerne
- Train from Lucerne to Bern
- Regularly scheduled Clocktower Tour (May 1‑November 11 only)
- Bern Card valid for 24 hours (48 hours November 12-April 30)
- Train from Bern to Interlaken and return to Bern
- Train from Bern to Zurich airport
- Breakfast daily at the hotels