Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks- Small Group Exploration

Included Features

• Free parking with roundtrip transfers to the Philadelphia International Airport
• Roundtrip airfare Philadelphia/Zurich
• Roundtrip transfers - airport/hotel
• Services of a AAA Member Choice Vacations Tour Director
• Sightseeing as stated in itinerary 
• 10-night hotel accommodations
• Meals: 10 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches & 3 Dinners
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person
• Services of a Discoveries Journey Manager

Highlights

• Swiss Travel Pass
• Neuchâtel 
• Walking Tour of Neuchâtel’s Historic Quarter
• Museum of Vine and Wine
• Bern
• Zermatt
• Lake Geneva
• Vevey
• Lavaux Terraced Vineyards
• Lucerne
• Mount Stanserhorn

Itinerary

Friday, September 8: Overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland

Transfer by motorcoach from Central, PA to the Philadelphia International Airport for an overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland

Saturday, September 9: Tour Begins - Neuchâtel, Switzerland 

Welcome to Switzerland! After you collect your luggage at the airport, board a Swiss Rail train to Neuchâtel, where Gothic landmarks and sandstone grandeur beckon you to discover the abundant history of this medieval waterfront city. This evening, look out over Lake Neuchâtel at dinner with your fellow travelers before retiring to your lakefront room. Hotel: Best Western Premier Hotel Beaulac, Neuchatel (Dinner)

Sunday, September 10: Neuchâtel - Boudry 

Start your morning on a walking tour and discover the treasures of Neuchâtel’s historic quarter, taking in its unique architecture and structures from the Belle Époque period. Your day continues at Château de Boudry, a 13th-century castle, home to the Museum of Vine and Wine. Wander through the museum with an expert insider, ending with a taste of the local favorites and a sample of 4 different wines. (Breakfast)

Monday, September 11: Neuchâtel

Enjoy a day at leisure in Neuchâtel to explore as you please, taking full advantage of your Swiss Travel Pass. Perhaps you’ll stroll along Lake Neuchâtel and enjoy the views from a waterfront café or travel to the walled town of Morat by boat. (Breakfast)

Tuesday, September 12:  Neuchâtel - Bern - Zermatt

From Neuchâtel, travel via train to Bern, the Swiss capital city. Enjoy time at leisure to discover Bern’s enthralling blend of influences - old and new. Then it’s on to the resort village of Zermatt, nestled against the backdrop of the Matterhorn. This evening, join a resident expert for a discussion on how climate change is affecting the Alps and learn how villages like Zermatt are acting to create a sustainable future. Hotel: Hotel Monte Rosa, Zermatt (Breakfast, Dinner)

Wednesday, September 13:  Zermatt

This morning, scale the Alps on a funicular ride to the mountain paradise of Sunnegga to take in breathtaking views of the famed Matterhorn. The remainder of the day is yours to explore all that Zermatt has to offer. Consider joining an optional tour with a local Alpinist and ascend more than 10,000 feet on Europe’s highest mountain railway - the Gornergrat. Set out on a leisurely hike and learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the mountain landscape. (Breakfast)

Thursday, September 14:  Zermatt - Vevey

Head to the north shore of Lake Geneva to Vevey, one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera,” with awe-inspiring views of the Alps. Enjoy a walking tour before exploring the sights and sounds independently during an afternoon at leisure. Hotel: Astra Hotel Vevey, Vevey (Breakfast)

Friday, September 15:  Vevey - Lavaux 

Spend a relaing morning in Vevey before heading to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. Begin with lunch at a family-owned restaurant before visiting with our friends, Jacques and Aurelia, for a wine tasting nestled amongst the vines. Traipse the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) on foot before enjoying another tasting of the region’s finest varieties. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Saturday, September 16:  Vevey

Today, it’s your choice! Enjoy free time, perhaps taking advantage of your Swiss Travel Pass to discover the city’s museums, including the Swiss Camera Museum, Charlie Chaplin Museum, and the Nestle Foundation’s Nest -OR- discover Montreux and Château de Chillon, before ferrying back to Vevey on Lake Geneva. Join your travel companions for dinner this evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Sunday, September 17:  Vevey - Lucerne

Travel by train to Lucerne, known as the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Amble through Altstadt (Old Town) with your guide, uncovering the town’s 800-year-old secrets and history. You’ll walk along the famous covered Chapel Bridge, built in the early 14th century and stretching its way across the River Reuss. The remainder of the day is yours to explore however you’d like. Hotel: Hotel Astoria Lucerne, Lucerne (Breakfast)

Monday, September 18:  Lucerne

Make the most of a relaxing morning on your last full day in Switzerland.  Wish Switzerland goodbye at a farewell lunch, taking an open-air cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn and dining at its revolving restaurant. Enjoy your meal as you take in stunning 360-degree views. The evening is yours to soak up Lucerne’s inviting ambience. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Tuesday, September 19: Depart Switzerland 

Transfer to the airport for your flight and transportation back to Central, PA. (Breakfast)

Tour Activity Level:4

To truly experience the program and destination, you will need to be able to participate in physical activities such as longer walking tours, walking over uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and periods of standing. Some of the touring days may be longer with selective included activities occurring later in the evening. 

General Information

Travel Documents:

Original, signed passport valid for 6 months beyond stay, and with at least one blank visa page for visa stamp(s) is required for this trip.  

Additional vaccinations and travel requirements may be required. As travel policies are rapidly changing as a result of COVID-19, final requirements will be communicated prior to departure. Please see your Travel Advisor for additional information.

Payment:

A deposit of $600 per person will confirm your reservation. Final payment is due to AAA by  June 26, 2023.

Cancellation Penalties:

Deposit date to date of departure                                                $25 per person plus...

From February 09, 2023 to July 9, 2023                                     $600 per person; plus any additional suppliers' fees

From July 10, 2023 to August 23, 2023                                       40% of total price per person; plus any additional suppliers' fees

From August 24, 2023 to September 7, 2023                             75% of total price per person; plus any additional suppliers' fees

After September 7, 2023                                                             100% of total price per person
*Airfare is non-refundable after final payment

Flight:

Air arrangements are handled by the tour operator. Seat assignments cannot be confirmed until the tour operator releases names to the airline(s) 30 days prior to departure. Specific seat requests cannot be guaranteed. Some flights may contain code share agreements.

Insurance:

For your protection, AAA recommends travel insurance. Pre-existing medical conditions may be waived with proper coverage if travel insurance is purchased within 14 days of initial deposit only. Other conditions may apply; ask your travel agent. AAA recommends Allianz.

Clothing/Climate:

Temperatures for Switzerland in September can vary from highs in the mid 60s to lows down into the 40s at night. Pack for a variety of temperatures. Casual clothes that can be layered will work best. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Baggage:

One suitcase per person will be allowed. you may also bring a carry-on bag small enough to fit under your seat. Baggage fees are not included in the price of the trip. Baggage fees and other charges may be directly assessed by airlines or the airport.

Travel Assistance:

For personal comfort, group participants who need assistance are required to have a traveling companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing those needing assistance.

GRP8123

Consumer Disclosure Notice - Part of Contract of Service.

Please read this notice, it constitutes part of your contract for travel-related services.
AAA TRAVEL is acting as a mere agent for SUPPLIERS in selling travel-related services, or in accepting reservations or bookings for services that are not directly supplied by this travel agency (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). This agency, therefore, shall not be responsible for breach of contract or any intentional or careless actions or omissions on part of such suppliers, which result in any loss, damage, delay or injury to you or your travel companions or group members. Unless the term "guaranteed" is specifically stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee any of such suppliers’ rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects. Travel agent shall not be responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, climatic conditions, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or conditions outside the travel agent’s control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases the agent from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information, call the Public Health Service. By embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby warned of such risks, and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage against them. Traveler’s acceptance and retention of tickets, reservations, or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent of the above, and an agreement on his/her part to convey the contents hereto to his/her travel companions or group members.