Switzerland & the Lakes of Northern Italy | September 8 – 17

Sep 8 | US to Switzerland

Today, board your overnight flight bound for Switzerland.

Sep 9 | Arrival in Switzerland

Launch your love affair with Switzerland and the Italian Lakes in the sophisticated lakeside city of Geneva, an international city with all the charm of its Swiss traditions. Upon arrival, you will be met and assisted by a Universal Travel representative. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a brief panoramic city tour of Geneva before checking in to your hotel. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in Switzerland.

Overnight: Geneva                                                             (D)

Sep 10 | Geneva to Zermatt

This morning, after breakfast, you will travel by train to the resort town of Zermatt, located at the foothills of the imposing Matterhorn. The scenic train ride runs along Lake Geneva, through the Rhone Valley, and into the Matter Valley where Zermatt is situated. The journey takes approximately 4 hours, with a train change in Visp. Located at an elevation of 5,250 feet, the village of Zermatt lies below the iconic, pyramid-shaped Matterhorn peak. Upon arrival at the Zermatt train station, your tour director will take you on an orientation walk of the village. Its main street, Bahnhofstrasse, is lined with boutique shops, hotels, and restaurants. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a wonderful dinner at a typical chalet-style restaurant, where you’ll have the opportunity to try the world-famous raclette and fondue.

Overnight: Zermatt                                                       (B, D)

Sep 11 | Klein Matterhorn – On Top of the World!!!

This morning, depart for an unforgettable panoramic  experience – Zermatt’s highest and most spectacular mountain ride to the top of the world! Take in stunning views of 38 peaks and 14 glaciers as you ascend via gondola to Furi station, followed by a cable car ride to the Trockener Steg station, and then Europe’s highest cable car (12,740 feet) to view the magnificent snow-capped top of the world. During your journey, take in stunning views. One of the main reasons to visit Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the unparalleled 360° view of Switzerland, France, and Italy from the highest viewing platform in the Alps! Further, at Glacier Paradise, you will find the world’s highest mountain restaurant with tall panoramic windows, a gift shop, and Europe’s highest cinema house -the Cinema Lounge. Relax in cozy shell-seats to watch short films on mountaineering, the local fauna and flora, and the history of the cable car. Visit the world’s highest Glacier Palace (optional), home to meticulously crafted ice sculptures and centuries-old ice formations, transporting you to a fascinating realm of ice. Soft lighting effects and relaxing music elevate the calm ambiance, creating a soothing experience. This afternoon, return to Zermatt with the remainder of the day at leisure to shop, relax, and enjoy the village.

Overnight: Zermatt                                                       (B, L)

Sep 12 | Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz

Today, embrace the glamour and romance of a bygone era as you watch the epic alpine landscapes drift past from the comfort of the world-famous Glacier Express! From the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, the eight-hour panoramic journey takes you over 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels into the high Alpine Valley of the Engadine Lakeland near St. Moritz. A truly unforgettable journey full of highlights, passing through the heart of the Swiss Alps! Lunch is included onboard the Glacier Express. Upon arrival, enjoy a brief orientation tour of St. Moritz before checking into your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure to explore the sun-drenched, glamorous resort town on your own.

Overnight: St. Moritz                                                     (B, L)

(The Glacier Express is subject to availability and is bookable only 93 days in advance; railway tickets are based on 2nd class tickets.)

Sep 13 | St. Moritz to Lugano

This morning, board your luxury motor coach and journey to Lugano, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and considered to be one of the sunniest spots in Switzerland! Upon arrival, head to the Monte Brè funicular station and take a leisurely 10-minute ride up to the summit of Monte Brè at 3,061 feet. Here, enjoy breathtaking views of Lugano, the lake, and the surrounding Swiss Alps. The funicular has been part of Lugano’s history since 1908. The late afternoon and evening are yours to explore Lugano’s historic city center and the Piazza della Riforma, with its shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Overnight: Lugano                                                             (B)

Sep 14 | Lake Como and Lake Maggiore

This morning, travel a short distance to the glistening blue waters of Lake Como, a bucket-list destination known for its scenic shores, exclusive luxury villas, and frequent celebrity sightings! While Lake Como is a playground for the rich and famous, the natural beauty and culture of the area are surprisingly accessible. Enjoy some free time to explore the lakeside lifestyle and beautiful scenery that has enchanted visitors for centuries. Later, enjoy the views of elegant villas and gardens as you cruise on Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the  Italian Lake District. Continue to Lake Maggiore, where Baveno beckons. Tonight, dinner will be served in the hotel’s dining room.

Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore                             (B, D)

Sep 15 | Discover Milan

In search of spires that reach the sky, you leave your tranquil lakeside setting behind and travel to the chic northern capital of Milan. Wander through the sophisticated streets, joining your Local Guide on a tour that will reveal the city’s iconic and unexpected highlights. See the Gothic Cathedral, glass-domed Galleria, and La Scala Opera House, one of the finest opera houses in the world. Later, visit the Armani Silos, a cultural space and museum dedicated to the legacy of renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani. Gain a unique insight into the artistry and vision of one of fashion’s most influential  figures. Enjoy free time to jostle with the glamorous Milanese before returning to Baveno.

Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore                                  (B)

Sep 16 | Leisure Day at Lake Maggiore

Relish a full day to relax and enjoy this popular resort and beautiful lake. Napoleon came here to plan his Italian Campaign, and Mussolini and Chamberlain met here before World War II to sign the Treaty of Stresa. This evening, escape to the charming and tranquil island of Isola dei Pescatori. A short boat ride from the shores of Lake Maggiore, this fisherman’s island is inhabited year-round by only 50 permanent residents. Stroll through the small piazza, surrounded by tight and winding alleys, and indulge in a Farewell Dinner at one of the island’s restaurants.

Overnight: Baveno, Lake Maggiore                             (B, D)

Sep 17 | Farewell Italy

Say arrivederci to Italy and transfer to the Milan airport for your flight home. Fond memories of the Swiss Alps and the Lakes of northern Italy will last forever!          (B)

*Itinerary is subject to change  

Inclusions: 

• Air from FSM or XNA to Geneva, and from Milan to FSM or XNA (excludes airline baggage fees)
• 8-nights in 4-star accommodation’s (1-night Geneva, 2-nights Zermatt, 1-night St. Moritz , 1-night Lugano, 3-nights Lake Maggiore)
• 9-days private and luxury motor coach
• 8-Breakfasts, 2-Lunches, 4-Dinners
• 2 glass of wine/beer or soft drink with included dinners
• Gondola/Cable Car ticket to Klein Matterhorn Peak
• Lugano-Monte Brè Funicular ticket
• Lake Como boat cruise
• Milan panoramic city tour, including admission to the Armani Silos cultural space and museum
• Lake Maggiore short boat ride transfer round trip to island of Isola dei Pescatori
• Train ticket in 2nd class from Geneva to Zermatt
• Glacier Express tickets in 2nd class from Zermatt to St. Moritz are subject to availability. (If these tickets are unavailable, train travel will be provided in regional trains, which do not feature panoramic windows or onboard dining services)
• All resort, service, and government fees and meal gratuities included
• Porterage of one bag per person
• Service of a Tour Director
• All gratuities for drivers & guides

$1,000.00 deposit is due to confirm the reservation

Final payment due April 1, 2026, No penalties until April 4, 2026

50% non-refundable April 5, 2026

100% non-refundable June 1, 2026