Chocolates & Cheese Swiss Self-Drive: Interlaken & Zurich
- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,049
FIRST-CLASS | SELF-DRIVE: Sample the visual and culinary delights of the Alps on this delicious Switzerland tour. Arrive in Zurich, then explore the charming cities of Bern and Lucerne, and spend most of your time at picturesque Interlaken, in the heart of the Alps all while travelling at your own pace.
This 8-day Switzerland journey is an easy round trip from the country’s largest city, Zurich. It combines the country’s most delightful cities and mountain regions with tastings of its best cheese, chocolate and more.
Zurich is too often bypassed by Europe travellers intimidated by its expensive reputation as a ‘banker’ city. Some of its best attractions though, such as a walk along Lake Zurich, are completely free. A night here will offer you at least a glimpse of what modern Switzerland is about before going on to Bern. With its UNESCO heritage listed Old Town, Switzerland’s capital is not only a very attractive city, but an unexpected shopping hub with six kilometres of indoor shopping arcades.
Beautiful Interlaken is your base for most of your stay, surrounded by two lakes and a comprehensive network of cable cars, chair and ski lifts and railways, allowing you to make the most of its impressive location. Spend a day at leisure, then board the Jungfrau Railway, which takes you to Europe’s highest train station and some astonishing glacier views.
Then choose between two different foodie trips, one to the cheese producing town of Gruyere and Maison Caillier chocolate factory, or the other, to the Kambly biscuit factory and Emmentaler show dairy, known for its wonderful cream cheese. Then spend a thrilling day at Grindelwald and First Mountain. Ascend the slopes by scenic gondola, then enjoy the thrills and spectacle of the ZipRider as you fly down the mountain.
Bid Interlaken farewell and make your way to Lucerne. This somewhat more traditional city offers not just amazing mountain views, but a superb concert hall and impressive Picasso collection. Return to Zurich for your departure.
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- Duration
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 3,049
Itinerary View Trip Map
Arrival in Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland! Upon arrival, pick up your car from the airport, then make your way to Zurich. The most populated city in the country, Zurich is a beautiful city built on either side of the Limmat River. Host to incredible architecture, outstanding shops, fine dining options and a range of contemporary museums, it's the perfect place to begin your exploration of Switzerland.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zurich
Bern and Interlaken via Bern
This morning, hop in your car and begin the drive to Interlaken, stopping at UNESCO-listed Bern along the way. Approximately two hours southwest of Zurich, Bern dates back to the 12th century. Often referred to as the 'city of fountains' there are more than 100 of them dotting the city. Looking for an outstanding panoramic view of the city? Be sure to visit the Rosengarten. After exploring Bern, drive another 45 minutes to reach Interlaken, your base of operations for the next few nights. Should you wish to take a more scenic route to Interlaken, consider traveling to Interlaken via Trubschachen. In addition to the idyllic countryside, you may want to stop at Kambly. Here you can learn all about Switzerland's most famous (and delicious!) biscuits while participating the in Kambly Experience.
Accommodation: Hotel in Interlaken
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
Situated between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, Interlaken offers an amazing diversity of adventure sports, outdoor activities, shopping, dining and is also a simply beautiful place to enjoy a quiet day at leisure. Overlooking Interlaken is Harder Kulm, some 1,322 meters (4,337 feet) above the picturesque resort town. To reach Harder Kulm, hop on the funicular (not included) to reach the impressive viewing platform. You may even want to have a bite at the on-site restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel in Interlaken
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Jungfraujoch
The indomitable Jungfraujoch offers unbelievable views of the mountain giants Eiger (Ogre), Monch (Monk) and Jungfrau (Young Woman), and of the Aletsch glacier. Today, travel from Interlaken Ost railway station to nearby Grindewald. Upon arrival, begin your cable car ascent to reach the Jungfraujoch, "the Top of Europe". Here you are welcome to head out on an alpine hike along a marked route, or to take some of the most impressive photos imaginable (weather pending!). After a day on the mountain, descend the mountain by cable car and return to Interlaken by train.
Accommodation: Hotel in Interlaken
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Interlaken and the Emmental Valley
Today, the choice is yours. You are invited to visit Maison Cailler, which offers world-famous chocolate, and Gruyere or attend the Emmentaler Show Dairy, which focuses on appreciating the valley's most famous export, Emmental Cheese. Either way, your taste buds are sure to be impressed. While exploring the Emmental Valley, consider visiting Kambly if you have not already done so on Day 2.
Accommodation: Hotel in Interlaken
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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First Mountain
Having visited the "Top of Europe" you may be interested in visiting another nearby peak; First Mountain. Though not quite as elevated as the mighty Jungfraujoch, First Mountain offers a wide range of exhilarating adventures. Zip-lining, mountain carting, cliff walks and a range of other activities (in addition to outstanding hiking options) are all possibilities depending on the time of your visit. To reach First Mountain, you will travel by train from Interlaken to Grindewald by train, and upon return to Interlaken enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel in Interlaken
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Interlaken to Zurich via Lucerne
En route back to Zurich you're encouraged to travel via Lucerne. A gorgeous lake-side town with mountains overlooking the city center, it is another post-card perfect setting. Time permitting, you may wish to participate in a cruise of Lake Lucerne. Be sure to cross the famed wooden bridge, Chapel Bridge, which spans the Reuss River and includes a range of paintings that tell some of Lucerne's history. After exploring Lucerne, make your way onward to Zurich for your final night in Switzerland.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zurich
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Departure
All good things come to an end! After breakfast and ahead of your return flight home, drive to the airport to drop-off your vehicle. Bon voyage!
| Meal Plan | Breakfast |
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Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily from April 1 to October 31
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 8 day car rental category C (VW Golf manual or similar) with airport pick-up and drop-off
- 5 nights in moderate accommodations in Interlaken
- 2 nights in moderate accommodations in Zurich
- Non-guided excursions to:
- Jungfraujoch
- First Mountain
- First Flyer
- "Maison Cailler and Gruyere" or "Emmentaler Showdairy and Kambly" Experience
- Swiss Coupon Pass
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1)
PRICE EXLUDES:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.
23 Oct 2023
