Fri, July 10: Fly overnight to Zurich, Switzerland. 

Sat, July 11: Welcome to Zurich, Switzerland’s financial capital and largest city. Settled by the Romans over 2,000 years ago under the name Turicum, Zurich is an affluent alpine city located on beautiful Lake Zurich. The city is known for its high-end shops, luxury hotels, and sophisticated style. Surrounded by lush forests and towering mountains, the city’s scenic location, upscale fashion, and charming architecture lend to its grand reputation among travelers. Meet your local guide, then hop on a modern SBB train—capable of reaching speeds up to 155 mph—to Lucerne. Renowned for its picturesque beauty and preserved medieval architecture, Lucerne rests on captivating Lake Lucerne. Its charming Old Town, Chapel Bridge, Jesuit Church, Lion Monument, and Musegg Wall are some of the most visited sights for travelers. Check into the hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy the afternoon at leisure—stroll around the Old Town, relax at a café, or take a scenic boat trip on Lake Lucerne. In the evening, join the group for a Welcome Dinner with a traditional Swiss folklore performance. (Meals: Dinner) 

Sun, July 12: After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour with your local guide, stopping at many of Lucerne’s top attractions. Enjoy free time for lunch on your own, then in the afternoon, take a half-day excursion to Mount Pilatus—dress warmly and don’t forget your sunglasses, this towering mountain’s highest peak extends almost 7,000 feet above sea level! Cruise across crystal-blue Lake Lucerne, then ride the funicular train—the steepest cogwheel railway in the world—to the top of the mountain and back down the other side by cable car. Return to the hotel and enjoy the evening free. (B)

Mon, July 13: Today, take a stroll over to the nearby railway station and board the train from Lucerne to Lake Brienz—the turquoise gem of Switzerland. Throughout the tour, when you are traveling by train, your luggage will travel from hotel to hotel via a luggage service for your convenience. Ride the Brienzer Rothorn steam train up Rothorn Mountain—towering 10,184 feet at its peak. Change trains and proceed to Grindelwald, a charming Swiss village with traditional Swiss architecture and a lively atmosphere. Surrounded by the majestic Bernese Alps, Grindelwald is a popular destination for winter sport enthusiasts and avid hikers. Check into the hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy an included dinner this evening. (B,D)

Tue, July 14: The highlight of every Swiss adventure, the Jungfraujoch cog railway, is a must do! This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the highest cog railway station in Europe—11,371 feet above sea level, where a high-alpine wonderland of ice, snow, and rock awaits you. Depart in the morning and two hours later arrive at the highest altitude railway station at the “Top of Europe”, surrounded by glaciers. Ascend via elevator to the top of the weather station. On a sunny day, you may see the whole of Switzerland and even the Black Forest in the far distance. Enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure. (B) 

Wed, July 15: After breakfast, board a train to Zermatt, changing trains along the way. This charming Swiss Alps village is located at the southern end of the Matter Valley and at the foot of the famous Matterhorn. Best known for its ski resort, countless hiking trails, and mountaineering culture, Zermatt’s car-free policy also lends to its charm, a quiet respite from the craziness of modern life—don’t worry though, the village allows electric buses and vehicles to help escort visitors. Check in for three nights here and spend the day enjoying activities in and around Zermatt. (B,D)

Thu, July 16: Virtually every region has its “must” and in Zermatt, it’s an excursion to the Gornergrat. Summit. Experience the 360-degree breathtaking panoramic views over 29 of Switzerland’s 34 “four-thousand-meter mountains” within a radius of over 9 miles, from an altitude of 10,000 feet above sea level. Admire the powerful majesty of rock faces, the silver glitter of eternal snow, and the sheen of icefalls and glaciers and of course, the Matterhorn with its crown princes, the Monte Rosa and Weisshorn. Return to the hotel following the excursion and spend the evening as you wish. (B)

Fri, July 17: Enjoy a free day in Zermatt to explore at your own leisure. (B)

Sat, July 18: After breakfast, board the Glacier Express train on a panoramic journey to beautiful St. Moritz. July is the perfect time to visit the luxurious Alpine resort town, which has twice hosted the Winter Olympics—the Alpine flowers are in bloom, the sunshine is glittering off the snow-cap mountain tops, and the lakes reflect the marvelous surrounding scenery. Continue to the idyllic beauty of Pontresina, with its breathtaking mountain landscape and surrounding glaciers. Check into the Grand Hotel Kronenhof for two nights and enjoy a dinner included at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Sun, July 19: Explore more of Pontresina on your own today. Choose to board the Bernina Express for another scenic rail journey, hop on a local trail for a stunning hike, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Roseg Valley, sip coffee at a local café, or treat yourself to a spa day the hotel. If you’re interested in the natural scenery surrounding the village, the Engadin Valley, Diavolezza Glacier, and the Piz Nair Mountain are top destinations. (B) 

Mon, July 20: Take the train from Pontresina to Zurich. Your local guide will then lead you on a sightseeing tour around Zurich, stopping at some of the city’s top sights. See the baroque architecture of the Town Hall; the Neumarkt, a picturesque medieval alley in the old town; the Grossmünster, Zurich’s city symbol; and St. Peter, whose steeple clock face measures the largest in Europe. Share your favorite moments from the trip during a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D) 

Tue, July 21: Transfer to the airport for your flights home.