What can you expect
Boat cruises on some of the most pristine lakes
Panoramic train rides
Stay in the heart of the Bernese Oberland
Prepare to fill the camera roll up as you join Solos on a memorable and scenic journey to Switzerland. When you think of Switzerland you think of peaceful green hills, mountain scenery of the Alps, crystal clear alpine lakes and scenic train journeys, we will be diving deep into all these on this tour! From lake cruises, a train ride running alongside the lakes to Jungfraujoch, and a train that will take us through the picture postcard Grindelwald, all the way to the top of Europe.
Extras
Today we take our flight and arrive into the beautiful country that is Switzerland. We will transfer from Zurich Airport to Interlaken which will be our base for the week. Interlaken is ideally located between two picturesque lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, surrounded by Swiss mountain ranges.
This morning after breakfast at the hotel, we will board the Interlaken-Lucerne Express which will take us to the centre of Lucerne. Aboard this two-hour train journey passing through the heart of Switzerland, the journey will take us along crystal clear lakes, waterfalls and over the Brünig mountain pass. After experiencing some magnificent views of the Swiss Alps on the train, we will have a guided tour of the beautiful city of Lucerne. Known for its stunning location on the edge of Lake Lucerne and amid snow capped mountains, Lucerne is also known for its medieval architecture, and its most popular feature, the wooden bridge that that spans the width of the river. We will also board a boat for a boat cruise along the coast of the lake. We then return to the hotel via the scenic train we arrived on.
Today after breakfast, we will head to Andermatt by coach to board the Glacier Express. The train will slowly snake its way through the mountains tight valleys and turns, passing through many tunnels and over numerous bridges, offering spectacular views. We will disembark at Zermatt, the car free mountain resort which lies below the iconic symbol of Switzerland, the pyramid shaped Matterhorn mountain peak. We will have free time here to explore the boutique shops down the main street or for those wanting to get a closer look at the Matterhorn, we can catch the funicular up to Gornergrat.
This morning we will not have to travel to far to witness today’s natural beauty as we head to Lake Thun. The Lake’s shoreline is dotted with picturesque towns, including the town of Thun, castles, churches, all with the magnificent backdrop of the mountains. Whilst here we can make use of our Swiss Pass and take a relaxing cruise upon the lake, one of the best ways to explore the lake, or we could even take a walk along one of the many walking routes.
After breakfast this morning we will board the coach and head to Lausanne, located on Lake Geneva. We will explore the old town, which goes back to the Middle Ages, it’s a labyrinth of cobbled streets and squares with a Gothic Cathedral to admire. We will then take the boat across Lake Geneva to Montreux where the Golden Pass Express starts and will take us back to Interlaken passing through lush green Swiss countryside.
Passing through the Bernese Oberland over the past few days we will have seen Jungfraujoch, today is the day we make our way up there to what is known as the ‘Top of Europe’ as it is the highest accessible point in Europe, which is a staggering 3,454m high. We will begin this journey to the top by boarding a train from Interlaken to the picture postcard town of Grindelwald. From here we will continue on with our journey and board another train to Kleine Scheidegg, where we will then step onto the funicular for our final destination of Jungfraujoch. To get to the very highest point, take the escalator to the Sphinx. Here we will have free time to take in just how high we are, breathe in the crisp mountain air, witness the magnificent glacier and mountain peaks that we have seen from only below previously. We will then return down the mountain via the funicular and gondola, finally boarding the train back to Interlaken.
Our last day in Switzerland will be a little more relaxed as we visit the Lake Brienz. Just like Lake Thun, we can make the most of the Swiss Pass, using the boats as many times as we wish. Lake Brienz is one of Switzerland’s best known lakes due its crystal clear, greenish blue waters and its picturesque villages. We can take in the scenery on the lake shores, or we can take a hike up the mountains that surround the lake for a panoramic view.
After experiencing the tranquil setting of the lake, tonight at the hotel, they will serve a classic cheese fondue farewell dinner as we share stories and pictures from the week in this unique place.
This morning we will have our final breakfast as a group at the hotel before transferring back to the airport for our return flight back to the UK.
The Carlton Europe Hotel is located in the picturesque town of Interlaken in the Bernese Oberland. It is centrally located with it being on the famous Höheweg street and a short walk to the train station. The central location makes it a perfect base for us.
The hotel offers breakfast daily of a Swiss buffet, and boasts two restaurants on site, which are separately managed. The hotel also has saunas and treatment rooms.
Our rooms are the single rooms which have a private bathroom, flat screen tv, hairdryer, tea and coffee and Wi-Fi.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Zurich Airport to the hotel will be approximately two hours.
Casual daytime light-weight “layers” are recommended. Comfortable shoes are a “must” for sightseeing. Dressing in layers to allow for changes in temperature is recommended due to being at altitude. Smart, casual wear for the evenings.
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % to add on. If you choose to have ski lessons, you may also like to thank your ski instructor at the end of the week with a token of appreciation.
A full 10-year passport is required, valid for 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
A visa is not required by holders of passports endorsed “British Citizen” for stays of upto 90 days in any 180-day period.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct visa, a valid passport and any other travel documents for your holiday. All information provided relates to British citizens who hold or are entitled to apply for a British passport. For the most up-to-date visa information please visit; Switzerland Foreign Advice
If you are not a British citizen and do not hold a British passport, you must make your own enquiries as to the applicable requirements. Alternatively, you can apply for your Visa with our preferred partner the Travel Visa company by selecting the following link; Travel Visa Company.
The order of the itinerary could change due to weather and other circumstances.
There will be guided walking tours on this trip in cities and old towns, so we advise a level of fitness where this is comfortable. There will be altitude changes on this tour so you need to be of good health to visit the places of altitude.
Swiss Franc
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”
“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
