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The best of Switzerland – Mountains, Lakes, Glaciers & Waterfalls
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Swiss Lakes and Mountains; relax on lake cruises, travel the world’s steepest cog railway and marvel at amazing scenery as this tour takes you through the heart of Switzerland and the very best of its Alpine scenery.
Our first Campsite in Switzerland is situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Here you are within walking distance of the city, which ranks amongst the world’s prettiest and is rich in sights and attractions. The Lake forms a complex shape reaching from the center of Lucerne into the mountains.
From here we travel on the dramatic journey towards Lugano via the Gottard Tunnel, or if you prefer, travel over the Pass. Lake Lugano is a glacial lake at the southernmost tip of Switzerland, in the Ticino holiday region sitting south of the Alps ridge.
Moving on to the upper Rhone Valley we spend time in Raron and from our campsite we have numerous sightseeing possibilities, including an opportunity to visit the Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps. Continuing along the River Rhone we arrive to Martigny, nestled in an elbow on the river among vineyards and orchards. The cultural capital of the Valais Canton, Martigny is home to the Museum of St Bernard Hospice and the legendary dogs. During our stay, we travel on the Mont Blanc Express train for an amazing journey through the Trient Gorge.
Le Landeron in the Three-Lake region close to the Jura Mountains is our next destination. Here, whilst exploring the wonderful scenery of the area, you also have the opportunity to visit the old town of Neuchatel, take a boat trip across Lake Neuchatel and visit the Watch Museum in Le Locle.
Our final destination sees us reach Lauterbrunnen, in the Bernese Oberland. Our campsite lies below the Staubbach waterfall in the Valley of the 72 Waterfalls and within sight of the Eiger and the Mönch. Here we travel on the iconic train journey through the Bernese Alps to the Jungfraujoch, the highest train station in Europe, stopping off at the North Face of the Eiger, to take in the spectacular views of the High-Alpine wonderland of ice, snow and rock.
Rosemary and Alister Watt – Swiss Magic 2023
‘A very enjoyable and well organised tour led by Sue and Dave. The tour included many excellent trips that had been well researched and enabled us to explore the beautiful and fascinating country of Switzerland.’
Ted and Susanna Brooking – Swiss Magic 2023
‘A tour enjoying the best of Switzerland. Ascending mountains, driving beautiful mountain passes, lake trips and even seeing the traditional cows descend from the mountains. Well done Sue and Dave for a well put together tour. We would do it all again.’
Day One – Monday 1st September
The tour starts in the charming Swiss town of Lucerne and our campsite is located close to the center and borders the famous Lake of the same name. Just a two-minute walk from our site can be found the sandy “Lido Beach” offering superb views of the Lake and Mount Pilatus. Later today we meet at the Tour Director’s van for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.
Day Two – Tuesday 2nd September
Today we will have a 90min Guided Walking Tour of Lucerne Old Town. The Town Centre can be reached by a level walk along the Lakeside with your Tour Directors or use your complementary Travel Pass to travel by local Bus.
Day Three – Wednesday 3rd September
This morning we will board our boat at the ferry terminal, located adjacent to our campsite, for a full day’s excursion to Mount Pilatus. We start with a ninety-minute cruise on Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, from where we board the worlds “Steepest Cog Railway” to be transported to the top of Mount Pilatus. Reaching the summit, we have a group lunch with “Panoramic Views” and free time to admire the amazing scenery before descending by cable car.
Day Four – Thursday 4th September
Free day to relax or you may decide to visit the amazing “Museum of Transport” located adjacent to the campsite or take a boat from the jetty for another cruise on the lake.
Day Five – Friday 5th September
We move on today to our next campsite near Lugano. En-Route you will have the opportunity to travel through the Gotthard Tunnel or drive over the famous Pass. 107 Miles
Day Six – Saturday 6th September
Free day. There are numerous opportunities for sightseeing direct from our campsite and the local railway station is just a short stroll away.
Day Seven – Sunday 7th September
This morning we travel into the Town Centre of Lugano, here we will take a local Ferry to travel across the Lake. We will enjoy a relaxed Lunch in a local Restaurant, and there will be some free time to explore independently.
Day Eight – Monday 8th September
A spectacular drive today takes us on the lovely route along the north shore of Lake Maggiore and over the Simplon Pass with wonderful views from the parking area at the top. Our destination is the Rhone Valley campsite at Raron, which is surrounded by superb mountain views with shops & restaurants just a fifteen-minute walk away. 109 miles
Day Nine – Tuesday 9th September
Day of leisure in Raron where there are many opportunities for independent excursions.
Day Ten – Wednesday 10th September
An excursion travelling by Train and Cable Car, to the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps and a UNESCO protected site. Covering an area of about 46 square miles, at its thickest it is estimated to be around 3,300 feet deep. Surrounded by high Alpine flora and fauna the glacier is renowned for its natural beauty.
Day Eleven – Thursday 11th September
A Free day, you may choose today to explore some more of the amazing local scenery. There are excellent cycle paths and walking opportunities
Day Twelve – Friday 12th September
Today we have just a short drive to our next campsite at Martigny. There will be time to visit some local vineyards en-route if you wish. Group dinner this evening. 42 miles
Day Thirteen – Saturday 13th September
A free day. Maybe visit the “Foundation Pierre Gianadda” with its interesting range of exhibits including Vintage Cars, Roman Artifacts, and a range of Sculptures in the beautiful garden. You could also visit the “St Bernard Dog” museum and learn the history of this great breed.
Day Fourteen – Sunday 14th September
Fifteen-minute walk takes us to Martigny railway station and the Mont Blanc Express for a ride through the breathtaking heights of the Trient Gorge. You will see waterfalls, majestic peaks, and the wonderful glacier of Mont Blanc.
Day Fifteen – Monday 15th September
Our next Campsite is in Le Landeron, on the shore of the Lake Bienne, close to the Morat Lake and the Neuchâtel Lake. Here you can enjoy the idyllic Three-Lake Region, the village of Le Landeron and the nearby Town of Neuchatel. 96 miles
Day Sixteen – Tuesday 16th September
The Neuchâtel Tourist Card provides you with free travel on public transport (train, funicular & bus) so you can visit the surrounding Towns and villages. You can also take a boat across Lake Neuchâtel or Lac des Brenets. Group dinner this evening.
Day Seventeen – Wednesday 17th September
Leaving Le Landeron today we drive to our final Swiss campsite at Lauterbrunnen. Located on the edge of the village, beneath the Staubbach waterfall, our campsite nestles in the Jungfrau Mountains; the towering peaks of the Eiger and the Mönch are clearly visible. 68 miles
Day Eighteen to Day Twenty-One – Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st September
You will have a Four Day “Bernese Oberland Regional Pass” provided to you.
We will have a Group Excursion on a spectacular train journey through the Bernese Alps to the Jungfraujoch. This is the highest railway station in Europe, at an elevation of 3,454 m. On the way up the train will stop at the Eiger north face, the Eiger glacier and the Sea of Ice where observation windows offer spectacular views and photo opportunities. Once at the summit we have ample free time for sightseeing and to make your own lunch arrangements before we return to Lauterbrunnen. It would be wise to ensure that you have warm clothing and comfortable shoes today and don’t forget your camera!
Over the course of the next three days, you can make full use of your Regional Pass. This Pass entitles you to unlimited travel by Train, Bus, Boat, Cable Cars, and numerous Mountain Railways in the entire Bernese Oberland. This Pass will enable you to explore this wonderful area independently and at your own pace.
The following are a few examples of the many possibilities available:
- Travel by Train to Interlaken and take a Lake Cruise to visit Brienz. From Brienz it is also possible to continue by Steam Train to Rothorn. Alternatively, you may choose to return to Interlaken by Train or Boat. These Journeys will all be covered by your Regional Pass.
- Make a round trip to Grindlewald, travelling via Wengen and Zweilutschinen.
- Take a Cable Car to First and take a stroll along the Cliff Walk.
- Explore the Valley of the 72 Waterfalls or to a make a visit to the stunning Trummelbach Falls, featuring 10 glacier waterfalls inside a mountain.
Alternatively travel to the summit of the Schilthorn at 2970 meters above sea level and marvel at the spectacular panorama (this journey is not covered by the Bernese Oberland Pass). As part of the Schilthorn experience, visit the interactive “James Bond” exhibition and the “Piz Gloria” rotating restaurant.
In the evening on Sunday 21st we all get together for our Farewell Dinner, an opportunity to reflect on our time in wonderful Switzerland.
Day Twenty-Two – Monday 22nd September
The tour ends this morning.
PRICE TOUR DEPOSIT £500
Motorhome with 2 people – £2249 per person
Motorhome with 1 person – £3149
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- 22 Campsite nights with hook-up
- Transport for Excursions/Events as per the Itinerary
- Entrance Fees as per the itinerary
- Tour information pack with suggested routes + GPS Co-ordinates
- Services of Tour Director’s travelling in their own motorhome
- Michelin National Map
- DK Guidebook
Excursions, Events & Meals
- Welcome Drinks Reception, Introductions & Tour Briefing
- Luzerne Walking Tour
- Lake Lucerne and Mount Pilatus “Golden Trip” excursion including Lake Cruise, Cog Railway, Cable Car, including Lunch
- Lake Lugano Cruise including Lunch
- Excursion to Aletsch Glacier
- Group Dinner at Martigny
- Excursion on the famous “Mont Blanc Express”
- Group Dinner at Le Landeron
- Neuchâtel Tourist Card
- Group Drinks Reception at Lauterbrunnen
- Four Day Bernese Oberland Regional Pass
- Excursion to Jungfraujoch Europe’s “Highest Railway Station”
- Farewell Dinner with Wine
This tour starts in Lucerne Switzerland, but if you would like to travel from the UK at the same time as the Tour Director on the outward journey, please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf
OPTIONAL EXTRA PACKAGE
- Return Dover/Calais Ferry with Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
- 4 x additional Campsites with electric hook-up starting in Kent on Thursday 28th August followed by 1 x Belgium, 1 x Germany and 1 x Lake Lucerne, Switzerland
- Group dinner on one of the evenings
- Tour information pack with suggested routes + GPS Co-ordinates
- Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome
OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE
Motorhome with 2 People @ £415 per person
Motorhome with 1 Person @ £669