Day 1Arrive in Zürich, Switzerland

Check into your hotel in Zürich. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this exciting city. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2Zürich–Appenzell–Liechtenstein–St. Moritz

A sensational drive today through some of Switzerland’s most famed cantons. By way of the market town of Herisau, stop in Appenzell to see the Old Town center with its Town Hall. Further east to the minute Principality of Liechtenstein for a visit to its tiny capital Vaduz. A scenic drive through “Heidiland” to the Rhine Valley before starting the ascent of mighty Julier Pass. Soon you’ll be in the heart of Switzerland’s largest canton, the Grisons. Here, see some of the world’s best Alpine views before arriving in St. Moritz. (B)

Day 3St. Moritz–Bernina Express Train to Tirano, Italy–Lugano, Switzerland

Enjoy the highlight of the whole tour and a wonderful way of crossing the Alps. One of Europe’s most spectacular train rides begins in St. Moritz and takes you across the lofty Bernina Pass via the Swiss Poschiavo area to Tirano in the Italian Valtellina. Here, rejoin your coach for the journey to the shores of Lake Lugano. (B)

Day 4Lugano–Lake Maggiore–Täsch

Morning break in sub-tropical Lugano. Afterwards, return to Italy to savor the luminous atmosphere of Lake Maggiore. Time for an optional visit to Isola Bella, a magnificently located palace and garden island. Then, back into Switzerland via scenic Simplon Pass. Overnight in the village of Täsch. (B,D)

Day 5Täsch–Zermatt–Lausanne Area

This morning, an excursion by train to Zermatt, the famous resort beneath the Matterhorn. In the afternoon, motor through the vineyards and apricot groves of the lower Rhône Valley to Lake Geneva before arriving in the Lausanne area on its northern shore. (B)

Day 6Lausanne Area–Gruyère–Berne–Lucerne

Stop awhile in Gruyère to visit a local cheese factory. Then, on to Switzerland’s beautiful capital, Berne, a charming town with arcaded shops, carved fountains, and towers. The visit features the Bear Park and the monumental Federal Palace. Then, by way of the shores of Lake Thun, to Interlaken. After a visit, continue over Brünig Pass to Lucerne. Time for an optional folklore evening in Lucerne. (B)

Day 7Lucerne–Zürich

Today, visit Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s finest cities, nestled amid its snowcapped Alps, surrounded by its lake, and embellished by the clear mountain waters of the River Reuss. Your visit takes in the main highlights. A grand selection of optional activities completes the day. The most popular option is an excursion to the Stanserhorn. In the late afternoon, an easy drive back to Zürich for an overnight. (B)

Day 8Zürich

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Transportation:
Scheduled transatlantic flights and airport transfers in Zürich if Cosmos issues the air tickets. Touring by private first-class air-conditioned motorcoach. The Bernina Express train, Mountain Train Täsch-Zermatt

Buffet breakfasts; 2 dinners