2021 & 2022 Globus Guided Tours - Globus® Vacation Packages

Swiss Escape (KHAX)

8 Day Tour from Zurich to Lugano

2027 Tour Details View 2026 Tour Details »

Your escape to Switzerland begins in the dynamic city of Zürich, where you’ll meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner served at your hotel. Your stay in Zürich includes an orientation of the Old Town. Take a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel with its impressive castle and medieval cathedral, time to stroll along its lake promenade. Lake Geneva, situated at the foot of the Alps, is your spectacular base for 2 nights.

Your Swiss Escape includes a visit to the stately capital of Bern. Enjoy a guided tour of the city to see Bear Park, a panoramic view from the Rose Garden, the Old Town’s Clock Tower with its painted figures, and the flowered-adorned fountains. In lovely Lucerne, be captivated by the Lion Monument, dedicated to the fallen Swiss Guards of the French Revolution, as well as the ornate patrician houses of the Old Town. Cross the famous covered Chapel Bridge to Lucerne’s Jesuit church. Drive through the magnificent Swiss Alps via the famous St. Gotthard tunnel to the Italian-speaking area of Switzerland, home to the lakeside town of Lugano. Enjoy a full day to relax or explore this beautiful setting, before a farewell dinner on your last night in Switzerland. The wonderful memories of your Swiss Escape are made all the sweeter by the absence of high-season crowds on your stunning Switzerland escorted vacation.

Small-Group Discovery Dates Available

Globus offers Small-Group Discoveries on select dates. A Small-Group Discovery is limited to an average of just 24 guests per departure. There’s always room to roam with extra space between you and other travelers—while still getting up close and personal to the experiences you’ve been dreaming of. Small-Group Discoveries include all the features of a traditional Globus escorted tour, complete with expert Tour Director, Driver, and Local Guides who ensure that your health and safety is our top priority. A Small-Group Discovery trip is the perfectly sized tour—without the crowds.

Special Features Included in this Tour:
• Orientation walk in Zurich’s Old Town
• Visit to Neuchâtel, Lake Geneva, and Lugano
• Guided visit to Chillon Castle
• Guided walking tour in Bern
• Walking tour in Lucerne includes the Lion Monument, the Old Town, and the Chapel Bridge
• Scenic drive through the Swiss alps

Dates & Prices Book Online
800.268.3636
Single supplement waived for select 2026/2027 Globus Escapes Europe vacations.*
Swiss Escape map
Escapes by Globus

 Photo Highlights

 Meals

 Meals & Itinerary

7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners

 Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Welcome to Zurich! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel.


ZURICH-ESCAPES-CITY-CENTER.jpg

DinnerDinner

Day 2 ZURICH–NEUCHÂTEL–LAKE GENEVA

Swiss History This morning, join an orientation walk of Zurich’s Old Town and see the Fraumünsterkirche. Depart Zurich and arrive in the picturesque town of Neuchâtel. Enjoy some free time to explore the historic center, stroll along the promenade, and admire the medieval castle and cathedral. Later, arrive at your hotel on Lake Geneva and enjoy a leisurely evening. 174 mi / 280 km

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CITY SIGHTS Fall in love with Zurich with a walk through the Altstadt – its Old Town, in the historic heart of the city. See the guild houses and historic squares that span both sides of the Limmat River. Gracing the shore is the famous Fraumünsterkirche, with its signature green steeple marking the skyline above stained-glass windows designed by masters Chagall and Giacometti.

NEUCHATEL.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 3 LAKE GENEVA

Grandeur in Geneva Today, enjoy an included excursion to Chillon Castle. Be captivated by anecdotal accounts and historical background during a guided tour of the castle. Take advantage of some free time this afternoon and evening to explore more of Lake Geneva.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
HISTORIC SPOT Located in a strategic position on the banks of Lake Geneva, Chillon Castle has been a toll station for ships sailing on the lake. Learn about these fascinating stories while strolling through this serene location and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

LAKE-GENEVA-CHILLON-CASTLE-ESCAPES.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 4 LAKE GENEVA–BERN–LUCERNE

Alpine Attraction Arrive in beautiful Bern, capital city of Switzerland. Join your Local Guide for a sightseeing tour; see some of Bern’s most famous inhabitants at the Bear Park, stop at the Rose Garden for a panoramic view of the city, and stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town with its ornate fountains and entertaining Zytglogge (clock tower). Continue to Lucerne and enjoy free time late afternoon and evening to get acquainted with this alpine gem.
155 mi / 250 km

LOCAL FAVORITE
CITY SIGHTS BärenPark (Bear Park) is home to Pyrenean brown bears (after which the town is named). This hillside habitat in Bern differs greatly from the bear pit of 1191 when Duke Berthold V vowed to name the town after the first animal his hunt found in the nearby woods. The first records of bears being kept in the city date back to 1513 when soldiers brought live bears home as spoils of war. Fast forward to the modern day as the inhumane bear pit of the 16th century has evolved into a 6,000 square-meter natural habitat alongside the Aar River.

BERNE-ESCAPES.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 5 LUCERNE

Bridging History This morning, join a walking tour to see the highlights of Lucerne. Stop to admire the Lion Monument, a moving rock relief that Mark Twain called the “saddest sculpture in the world,” and the 14th century Chapel Bridge that crosses the River Reuss from the Altstadt (old town). Enjoy free time this afternoon to get better acquainted with this alpine gem before Globus Local FavoriteGlobus Local Favorite enjoying dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BRIDGING HISTORY See the symbol of Lucerne at the famous Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), the oldest wooden covered bridge in Europe. Originally built in 1365, the bridge includes the Wasserturm (water tower) that once served as a prison. Today, this world-famous timber bridge is Lucerne’s most photographed landmark.

LUCERNE-ESCAPES.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 6 LUCERNE–LUGANO

Sights & Delights of Switzerland This morning, leave Lucerne for a scenic drive through the stunning mountain scenery of the Swiss Alps, interrupted only by the St. Gotthard Road tunnel. Arrive at the elegant lakefront city of Lugano and enjoy a leisurely evening.
112mi/180 km

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano to see its mix of Italian and Swiss style and culture reflected in its architecture and cuisine. Standing on the Lake’s northern shore, the city is surrounded by mountain peaks. Lugano’s Piazza della Riforma and pastel palazzos share the ambience of this lovely Swiss city with impressive architecture and bold and innovative street art.

LUGANO-ESCAPES.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

Day 7 LUGANO

Swiss Celebration Take advantage of free time this morning and afternoon to explore more of Lugano; admire the buildings, browse the stores in the pedestrian center, try some local specialties, or stroll along the lakeside promenade. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to discover further afield. This evening, join your travel companions for a farewell dinner.

ENHANCE FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Lugano with an optional excursion to Bellinzona Castle. Ride the elevator to the Courtyard of Castelgrande, high on the hills above Bellinzona. Part of the fortification dates back to the Middle Ages, and it is today a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and try out local specialties and the delicious Merlot wine for which the area is famous.

LUGANO-BELLINZONA-CASTLE-ESCAPES.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast
DinnerDinner

Day 8 LUGANO

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (The nearest airport is Milan, Italy.)


LUGANO-FLAG.jpg

Breakfast Breakfast

 Tour Director

With GLOBUS, there’s no better way to get to know your destination than through the eyes of a Tour Director. We’d like you to meet one of our Tour Directors, who average over a decade of experience and are representative of the type of expert that will be with you on your vacation.

SHERYL EVANS

Escorting tours for more than 20 years

“I truly believe that being a Tour Director is the most fulfilling role in the world. Travel is my greatest passion, and I feel honored to be able to share my knowledge and personal experiences with my fellow travelers. One of my aims is to give guests a 'behind-the-scenes' glimpse of each destination. I particularly love the opportunities to go 'off the beaten track' and reveal the hidden treasures to experience the real country, to meet the real people, to hear their real stories. True to my Celtic roots, I am a passionate storyteller and I strive to make each place come alive. My tenet is to always deliver more than expected and I try to ensure that each guest goes home enriched with vivid memories that will last a lifetime and eager to come back for another European adventure.”

Tour Director - SHERYL EVANS

 Accommodations

 Optional Excursions

No matter what you’re into: food, wine, history, art, music or anything else, we give you the freedom to personalize your vacation with optional excursions that speak to your interests.

When you book your excursions with us, you can be assured that every optional excursion that we offer coordinates with the free time that you'll have in your destination, so you'll never have conflicts between included and optional activities. Our team of travel experts carefully selects each optional excursion that we offer to ensure that you receive the highest quality at a great value. Our tried-and-true partners have a finger on the pulse of the city in which they operate so they deliver the very best experiences. We offer experiences you cannot create on your own and because you’re booking with us, we coordinate all your transportation and timing needs.

The following optional excursions are examples only for this vacation. These may or may not be offered, and availability is subject to days of operation and seasonality. Please select a departure date to view optional excursions and pricing for a specific date (due to currency fluctuation, pricing shown is subject to change until purchased). Optional excursions are available for purchase on our MyGlobus site 90 days prior to the tour start date.

Price Ranges

$ ($50 CAD and under)
$$ ($51 - $100 CAD)
$$$ ($101 - $150 CAD)
$$$$ (Over $150)


Lucerne
Lugano

Lucerne

Mount Pilatus

Mount Pilatus

Grab your camera and prepare for indescribable panoramic views on this thrilling ascent up Mount Pilatus.

Price Range: $$$$

Lugano

Lake Lugano Cruise with Meal

Lake Lugano Cruise with Meal

Embark your private boat for a relaxing cruise on breathtaking Lake Lugano and learn about the local traditions and dishes for dinner.

Price Range: $$$$

Italian Lake Como with Pizza Lunch

Italian Lake Como with Pizza Lunch

Enjoy a full-day escape to Lake Como, where you'll explore the charming lakeside town on a guided walk. Savor a traditional Italian pizza lunch with dessert, then relax on a scenic drive back to Switzerland, following the shores of Lake Como and taking in stunning alpine views along the way.

Price Range: $$$$

 Private Touring

Private Touring: Globus European Private Touring enables you to experience all of the attractions, sights and highlights of your selected Globus tour as a private experience - delivered just for you and your traveling party. With Private Touring, you'll have your own dedicated Tour Director, your own private transportation and driver, and your own professional local guides. All with greater flexibility in pace and your experience.

For your selected tour, there will be additional per-person cost for the size of your party - from 1 to 24. This additional supplement is reduced with each traveler you add to your party.

Here's a sample of the additional cost:

6 guests in a party: $2,630*
18 guests in a party: $717*

Contact Globus or your preferred travel agent for pricing for your specific party size as well as any other information on Globus Private Touring.

* Supplement pricing is per person (CA) and will be added to the standard published price for your given departure date and is based on availability. Supplement price is valid for 2020 and 2021 travel years. Occasionally some included and optional activities & excursions may be operated with other guests. Additional restrictions may apply. Not applicable for custom groups. No Group allowances or promotions are available on Private Touring. Published itineraries only. Note that blackout dates may exist where the Private Touring option is not available.



The “Starting at” or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on twin occupancy and any applicable port charges, non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes a limited time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.