Introduction to Switzerland
(6 Days – Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Zurich, Lucerne, Lausanne
This private luxury tour of Switzerland is an ideal combination of classic Swiss experiences, including the top luxury hotels and resorts.
Begin in Zurich, one of Europe’s most sophisticated cities. During flexible private touring, see the highlights of the Old Town. Stroll its medieval backstreets, broad shopping boulevards and lakefront promenades, and see highlights such as churches with stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall and Sigmar Polke. Enjoy tastings at favorite confectioners and gourmet shops, and walk up the Lindenhof for panoramic views over the city. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional experiences according to your interests, such as exploring gallery districts and up-and-coming neighborhoods, touring top museums such as the Kunsthaus and Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum), or a private cruise on Lake Zurich.
Continue to Lucerne, a picture-perfect Swiss town on the shore of Lake Lucerne. Stay at one of Switzerland’s most impressive hotels in a room offering expansive views of the lake and nearby mountains. During private touring with your own guide, explore the highlights of the Old Town. Cross Chapel Bridge, a landmark covered wooden bridge containing paintings of the city history, and walk the cobblestone streets to see the city’s tiny squares and painted facades. Also learn about the city’s history at the Musegg Wall, a portion of the old city walls, and walk along the tree-lined waterfront. Upon request, also visit museums such as the Kunstmuseum, Rosengart Collection or the Swiss Museum of Transport. One day, enjoy a privately guided scenic excursion in the region. Cruise across beautiful Lake Lucerne, passing lakeside farmhouses and small villages clustered below high peaks. Ride a cog railway up iconic Mount Pilatus for panoramic views over the lake and mountains. Perhaps opt for a lunch of Swiss cuisine at a restaurant on the mountain, take a toboggan run down the slopes, or go for a hike in the fresh mountain air.
Next, you will be transferred to Lausanne. Stop en route in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, for a private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Explore the historic architecture and backstreets, and take in views over the rooftops of the historic center from a scenic spot in the hills. Walk along Bern’s famous arcaded streets, and opt to stop in upscale shops selling local products. Also visit the Bear Park to see the brown bears that are the symbol of the city. In the summer, perhaps see locals floating down the Aare River, an activity Artisans of Leisure can arrange, upon request. Also stop in Gruyeres, an atmospheric medieval hill town. Tour a cheese-making workshop and taste local cheeses, including the region’s renowned Gruyere cheese, and enjoy reservations for a fondue or raclette lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants. Also visit Gruyeres’s medieval castle.
Continue with your private driver to Lausanne and the beautiful Lake Geneva region for a stay at the elegant Beau-Rivage Palace—one of the best luxury hotels in Switzerland—among lush parkland on the lakeshore. One day, take a private excursion in the surrounding region to visit Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland’s most interesting castle, and the Lavaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 800-year-old terraced vineyards that skirt the edge of Lake Geneva and offer dramatic views of the Alps. Artisans of Leisure will arrange for you to enjoy exclusive activities such as private wine tasting and a private chocolate-making experience at a local confectioner. Other nearby options include touring a renowned chocolate factory; visiting Chaplin’s World, the former house and estate of Charlie Chaplin; exploring the Olympic Museum or the historic center of Lausanne; or spending time at the hotel’s excellent spa, restaurants and leisure facilities.
| Itinerary Overview |
| Day 1Arrive ZurichPrivate arrival transfer to hotel for 1 night. Afternoon private walking tourDay 2Zurich – LucernePrivate transfer to Lucerne for private city tour. Private transfer to hotel for 2 nightsDay 3Lucerne & Mount PilatusFull-day private excursionDay 4Lucerne – Bern – Gruyeres – LausannePrivate transfer to hotel for 2 nights, with touring en routeDay 5Lausanne & environsFull-day private excursionDay 6Lausanne – Depart GenevaPrivate airport transfer |
| Hotels |
| Zurich:Baur au Lac or The Dolder GrandLucerne:Mandarin Oriental Palace, Luzern or Burgenstock ResortLausanne:Beau-Rivage Palace |
| Cost |
| $14,500Per person (based on double occupancy) |
Booking Information >
All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.
Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.
The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:
- Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
- Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
- Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
- Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
- Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
- A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
- Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
- Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world