Panorama of Switzerland – New Year's Day in the Alps (from Thessaloniki)

After breakfast, we begin our comprehensive tour of Geneva, one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan and international cities. Built where the Rhône River meets Lake Geneva, Geneva has been one of the most important centers of international diplomacy for decades. We’ll first head to the International Organizations district. We’ll see the imposing Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, the International Red Cross complex, and the Place des Nations, featuring the famous “Broken Chair” sculpture. We’ll then head back toward the city center and the lakefront. We’ll see the famous Jet d’Eau, visit the Flower Clock, and stroll through the historic Vieille Ville. Along the cobblestone streets, we’ll come across the Place du Bourg-de-Four and the imposing St. Peter’s Cathedral. We’ll leave Geneva behind and follow the northern shore of Lake Geneva. Arrival in Lausanne, built amphitheatrically above the lake and offering a unique view of the Alps across the water. We’ll stroll through the historic center and see the imposing Gothic cathedral, City Hall, and the beautiful Place de la Palud. We’ll continue through one of the country’s most picturesque regions. The famous vineyards of Lavaux form successive terraces above Lake Geneva, creating a unique setting with the lake below and the Alps across from it. We arrive in the elegant city of Montreux, one of the most famous resorts on the Swiss Riviera. We’ll stroll along the beautiful lakeside promenade, past historic Belle Époque hotels and elegant buildings, and see the iconic statue of Freddie Mercury. Time for coffee, lunch, and a stroll along the lake. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Geneva for our second night’s stay.

After breakfast, we’ll set out on one of the most beautiful and well-rounded days of our trip. Today we’ll discover two different facets of authentic Switzerland: medieval Bern and romantic Lucerne. Our first destination is Bern, the country’s federal capital. The city is built on a striking bend in the Aare River, and its historic center is one of the best-preserved medieval ensembles in Europe. Bern doesn’t impress with skyscrapers or the hustle and bustle of a big city. Its charm lies in its atmosphere, its architecture, and the sense that its historic center has retained its character over the centuries. We’ll start in the Bear Quarter, home to the city’s timeless symbol, and enjoy the panoramic view of the old town across the Aare River. Crossing the bridge, we’ll enter the heart of Bern. We’ll walk beneath the distinctive covered arcades, among historic buildings and ornate fountains. We’ll arrive at the famous Zytglogge, the medieval Clock Tower, one of the city’s most important landmarks. We’ll see the imposing Cathedral, the house where Albert Einstein lived for a time, and of course the Bundeshaus, the Federal Palace, seat of the government and the Swiss Parliament. Time for a leisurely stroll, coffee, and photos. We continue on to the enchanting city of Lucerne. And here, the scenery changes completely. Before us lies Lake Lucerne, while the peaks of the Alps rise around the city, creating one of Switzerland’s most iconic landscapes. We’ll visit the famous Lion Monument, carved directly into the natural rock, one of the country’s most moving and recognizable landmarks. Next, we’ll head to the old town. We’ll stroll among historic buildings with painted facades, small squares, and picturesque alleys, and of course we’ll arrive at Lucerne’s most iconic landmark: the famous Kapellbrücke, the covered wooden Chapel Bridge, which spans the Reuss River next to the distinctive water tower. We’ll have free time to stroll along the lake, enjoy a coffee or a Swiss pastry, and take photos of the unique Alpine scenery. In the afternoon, we’ll depart for our return to Zurich. Arrival at the hotel and overnight stay.

The last day of 2026 is initially dedicated to the city that will host our New Year’s celebration. After breakfast, we’ll begin our full exploration of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and one of Europe’s most elegant metropolises. Zurich is not only one of the world’s most important financial and banking centers. It is a beautiful lakeside city with an exceptionally well-preserved historic center, the Limmat River, medieval alleyways, and impressive churches. We’ll start by walking along the lake, passing the elegant Opera House and the beautiful lakeside neighborhoods. Then our walking tour of the old town begins. We’ll see the imposing Grossmünster, with its distinctive twin towers, the famous Fraumünster, and St. Peter’s Church. We’ll walk through the picturesque Niederdorf district, along the Limmat River, and arrive at Lindenhof, where we’ll enjoy a beautiful view of the historic center. Our tour concludes on the famous Bahnhofstrasse and at the elegant Paradeplatz. For those who wish to enrich their trip even further, we’ll depart at noon for a special optional excursion to one of Europe’s smallest countries. Following a scenic route through the Swiss countryside and along the Rhine Valley, we cross into the Principality of Liechtenstein, the tiny Alpine country nestled between Switzerland and Austria. Our destination is Vaduz, the small but exceptionally elegant capital of the Principality. Towering over the city is the iconic Vaduz Castle, a symbol of the country and the residence of the princely family. We’ll stroll through the Städtle, the capital’s main pedestrian street, and see Peter-Kaiser-Platz, the Government Palace, the modern Parliament building, and St. Florin’s Cathedral. We’ll explore the famous Museum Mile area and have time for photos, coffee, and a short stroll on our own. The unique feeling of getting to know yet another independent European country in just a single afternoon makes the excursion to Liechtenstein an excellent addition to our Panorama tour. Early in the afternoon, we set off on our return to Zurich so that we’ll have plenty of time to rest and get ready before the big night. At night, Zurich takes on a whole new look. Thousands of people gather around the lake and in the historic center for the famous Silvesterzauber, the city’s big open-air celebration. Music, street food, bars, and various entertainment zones create a unique atmosphere around the lake. Shortly before midnight, the bells of the historic churches mark the final moments of 2026. And shortly after the New Year, the sky above the lake is lit up by a spectacular festive fireworks display.

The first day of the new year is dedicated to one of the most impressive experiences a winter trip to Switzerland has to offer. For those who choose the optional excursion, we’ll depart in the morning from Zurich, heading to Chur, the capital of the canton of Graubünden and one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. From here, we board the Rhaetian Railway’s Alpine train. And this is where a true journey into the heart of the Alps begins. The historic Rhätische Bahn line takes us through a landscape of constant change: snow-covered forests, deep valleys, rushing rivers, small Alpine villages, majestic mountains, and impressive bridges and tunnels. The Albula Line, along which the route to the Engadin runs, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Bernina Line. Through the train’s large windows, the journey unfolds as a continuous winter panorama. Arrival in the renowned St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous winter resorts. St. Moritz has become synonymous with cosmopolitan life, luxury, winter sports, and the international jet set. Perched at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters, overlooking Lake Engadin and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, it sets the perfect scene for the first day of the new year. We’ll stroll through the elegant town center, past historic hotels, traditional buildings, and boutiques of renowned international brands. We’ll enjoy the magnificent view of the lake and the Engadin peaks and have free time for lunch, a hot drink, and photos. In the afternoon, we’ll board our bus and begin our return journey to Zurich. The first day of 2027 comes to a close amidst the snow-covered Swiss Alps.