The Alps offer some of Europe's most glorious and majestic landscapes. On this walking tour, you will traverse gentle slopes while absorbing the beauty of crystal blue lakes and glacial torrents. You will also see the Matterhorn up close.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Lausanne

Begin your Alpine walking tour with an overnight flight to Geneva.

Day 2 - Lausanne

Your Go Ahead representative will greet you at Geneva Airport and escort you to your hotel in Lausanne, where you can start exploring the city. Join your group tonight for a welcome dinner. (B, D)

Day 3 - Lausanne

Begin with a guided tour of Lausanne, a city nestled between Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps. Continue with a visit to the Chateau de Chillon followed by a walk through the winegrowing region of Montreux. (B)

Day 4 - Lausanne

Enjoy a free day in Lausanne or opt for a guided tour of the lovely town of Annecy. Crossing into France, begin by exploring Annecy’s cobblestone streets and scenic canal. Then enjoy lunch with your group and indulge in a restorative lake cruise. (B, L)

$85 USD

Annecy The magical town of Annecy, located in the French Alps, is often called the Venice of Savoie. Embark on a guided tour of the town, from the Château to the Palais de l’Ile, a tiny idyllic 12th-century fort, before enjoying an included lunch and a scenic cruise on Lake Annecy.

Day 5 - Zermatt

Transfer to Zermatt, your gateway to the Matterhorn. In Taesch, board a mountain train that brings you to the town of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. Stretch your legs on this afternoon’s walk as your tour director introduces you to this famed ski resort. Dinner is included this evening. (B, D)

Day 6 - Zermatt

Take in Matterhorn’s peaks and grandeur today with an alpine walk and a gondola ride. Lunch is included. (B, L)

Day 7 - Interlaken

Enjoy the scenic splendor of the Alps as you continue on to Interlaken, a resort in the heart of the Swiss Alps. Enjoy dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 8 - Interlaken

Embark on a full-day excursion to Grindelwald, a Swiss mountain village with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. Take in the views on a gondola ride and a walk. Then continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jungfraujoch, a windswept mountain pass known as the “Top of Europe.” (B)

Day 9 - Lake Lucerne Region

Head north to the Lake Lucerne region. On a guided tour, visit the Löwendenkmal (Lion Monument), a sandstone tribute to fallen Swiss Guards; and stroll across the Kapellbrücke, a medieval covered bridge—the murals lining the ceiling are nearly identical to those painted in the 14th century. This evening, partake in a savory tradition at an optional Swiss Folklore Dinner, featuring specialties such as fondue and live entertainment. (B)

$79 USD

Swiss Folklore Evening Take part in a long-standing Swiss tradition at a festive dinner and show, featuring local Lucerne delicacies and fondue.

Day 10 - Lake Lucerne Region

Enjoy a cruise around Lake Lucerne today, followed by a walk through the city’s alpine splendor. Join your group tonight for a Farewell Dinner. (B, D)

Day 11 - Lake Lucerne Region

Transfer to the Zurich airport to board your flight home or extend your stay with a trip to Munich. (B)

Protect your investment with affordable travel protection

Basic Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage
Protect yourself in the event you need to cancel your trip or leave your tour unexpectedly due to an emergency. Or choose one of the comprehensive packages below, and receive a discounted rate!

TravelSafe Plus — For one low price, you’ll receive:

• Trip cancellation & interruption protection
• Medical & accident protection
• Baggage & property protection

TravelSafe Gold with Flight Cancellation Protection
Take advantage of the best possible deal for your investment dollar. For $60 USD more, you’ll get all of the above plus additional coverage (up to $1,000 USD) if the flight to your tour is cancelled due to reasons beyond your control.

Purchase your travel protection package early and receive an added benefit!
Purchase one of the above TravelSafe packages within 14 days of reserving your tour, and you’ll automatically receive AnyTime Travel Protection at no additional charge. This means you can cancel for any reason up to 72 hours prior to the departure of your initial flight and still protect your investment. You will be provided with a credit voucher towards your next Go Ahead tour.

What’s unique about these protection plans?

• Most primary travel protection companies don’t cover international travel.
• Under the AnyTime Travel Protection Plan, you can cancel for any reason and your investment is protected in the form of a credit voucher.
• Efekta travel protection covers lost or stolen cash while on tour.
• Efekta travel protection covers the cost towards replacement of valuable documents—such as passports, airline tickets and visas while on tour.
• In the event that your roommate cancels for a reason covered under the policy, you will be reimbursed for the single supplement fee, should you still choose to travel.
• The following policies are also available to be purchased separately:
  • Medical & Accident: $70 USD
  • Baggage & Property: $60 USD

Extended Protection Plan
The Extended Protection Plan allows you to purchase extended coverage for any travel you do before or after meeting up with your Go Ahead Tours tour group (with flights arranged by Go Ahead Tours).

For more detailed descriptions of the benefits available under Efekta Insurance International LTD's Travel Protection Plans please call 1-800-597-0350 or download a PDF copy of the Efekta Travel Protection booklet here.

Passport & Visa

In order to enter Switzerland, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home.

No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens.

If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact the Italian consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Health

There are no major health risks when traveling to Switzerland.

Travelers should be in reasonable health to take our scheduled walks, although we will make every effort to accommodate those who chose to stay behind.

Travelers should also be aware of high-altitude conditions in this region. Some bus transfers may also pass through high altitudes. Consult your doctor or health-care provider for specific recommendations and up-to-date overseas travel requirements.

Transportation / Walking on tour

Round-trip flights arrive in Geneva and depart from Lucerne. When you first arrive at the airport in Switzerland, a Go Ahead representative will meet you after clearing customs and will escort you you via private motorcoach to Lausanne. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.

All other included transportation on “A Walking Tour of Switzerland” is by private motorcoach.

In your free time, you may wish to explore the major cities of Lausanne and Lucerne by public transportation. Both cities are walkable, although frequent local buses are also available. Purchase tickets at tobacconists or at vending machines.

This is a physically demanding walking tour. Travelers should be able to walk comfortably over hilly or uneven terrain for a few hours at a time. Travelers should be prepared for some steep inclines and difficult hikes. Hiking boots are a must. If you don’t have them, sturdy, comfortable athletic shoes are highly recommended. Walking sticks are also recommended.

Clothing & Packing Tips

Shorts are comfortable to walk in, but they might deny you access to churches. Hiking boots are recommended. If you don’t have them, then sturdy, comfortable athletic shoes will do. A change of footwear is also essential.

A plastic water bottle is handy for staying hydrated on your walking tours, and a pair of binoculars enhances your enjoyment of the scenery. Insect repellent, a sun hat, sunscreen, bandages, lip balm and a flashlight are also a good idea.

It’s always key to be prepared for any eventuality—so a lightweight sports
jacket, rainwear and light, loose-fitting clothing that can be layered are advised.

If you plan to visit an especially elegant restaurant or attend the opera or theater, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear.

Also, remember that bare legs and shoulders are officially not allowed in churches or other religious sites. Entrance may be denied on this basis.

Be sure to visit www.travelsmith.com, official outfitter for Go Ahead Tours. Please enter JY9220 in the field for Catalog Key Code when creating your account!

Currency

The Swiss franc is the currency you will be using on your tour. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Switzerland rather than in the United States, although it is worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.

We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to access cash at local banks, as needed. You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.

We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.

Please note: With the conversion to the Swiss franc, it has been increasingly difficult to exchange traveler’s checks outside of Europe’s major cities—both at banks and shops—and they often attract higher fees.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour it is customary to offer your Go Ahead Tour Director and driver a gratuity.

We recommend €2 per person per day for your driver and €4 to €6 per person for your tour director. If applicable, we also recommend €1 per local guide.

Tips may only be paid in cash.