ABOUT SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is a landlocked alpine country of roughly 7.6 million people in Western Europe. Switzerland is a federal republic consisting of 26 states called cantons. Berne is the seat of the federal authorities, while the country's economic centres are its three global cities, Geneva, Basel and especially Zurich. Switzerland is one of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product. Zurich and Geneva have respectively been ranked as having the first and second highest quality of life in the world. It is bordered by Germany to the north, France to the west, Italy to the south and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland has a long history of neutrality - it has not been at war since 1815 - and hosts many international organizations, including the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and one of the U.N.'s two European offices.

CLIMATE

The temperature is moderate with no extremes of hot and cold, so Switzerland can be visited at any time of year. Summer is warm to hot lasting from about June to September, and although good for outdoor activities, it is the most crowded time for a holiday. Ski resorts open in late November and remain so until the snow begins to melt in April.

Average Temperatures

Time Difference:
4½ hours behind IST (OCT – MAR)
3½ hours behind IST (APR – SEP)

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 01: Interlaken
Arrival at Zurich or Geneva airports, transfer directly by train to Interlaken - a Mecca for visitors with its spectacular scenery. Rest of the day is at leisure to exploit Interlaken’s Hoheweg - an inviting 700meter long boulevard with hotels, cosy cafes, fashion boutiques, watch and jewellery stores. Overnight in Interlaken.

Day 02: Jungfraujoch excursion
Today after breakfast at the hotel depart on an excursion from Interlaken up to Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe. This memorable train trip from Interlaken Ost takes you via Lauterbrunnen and Wengen to the Kleine Scheidegg, at the foot of the famous Eiger North Wall. Then ascent by the Jungfrau Railway to the magnificent mountain world of eternal ice and snow, Jungfraujoch – at 3454m, the highest railway station in Europe. Visit the Ice Palace and Sphinx Terraces offering breathtaking views of the Aletsch Glacier, the longest glacier in the Alps. Overnight in Interlaken.

Day 03: Interlaken – Lucerne
After breakfast at the hotel travel from Interlaken to the city of lights - Lucerne. . Explore Lucerne on your own, visit the Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument, Swiss transport museum, old city squares or take a boat trip on Lake Lucerne. Overnight in Lucerne.

Day 04: Mt. Pilatus excursion
Today after breakfast at the hotel another great experience awaits you - board the lake Lucerne cruise from Lucerne to Alpnachstad, then up to Pilatus by the steepest cogwheel railway in the world (from mid May to mid November). During winter you take the bus from Lucerne to Kriens and further, a panoramic gondola from Kriens to Pilatus. Overnight in Lucerne

Day 05 – Depart Lucerne
This morning after breakfast at the hotel depart to a Swiss border or airport or continue your stay in Switzerland on your own.