Switzerland – Alpine Train (from Thessaloniki)

After breakfast, we depart for Bern, the historic capital of the Swiss Confederation and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The old town is built on a peninsula formed by the Aare River and is known for its distinctive arches, cobblestone streets, colorful fountains, and historic sandstone buildings. We’ll begin our tour in the Bear Pond area, named after the animal that serves as the city’s symbol. From this vantage point, we’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Old Bern, with the Aare River winding through the historic center. Crossing the bridge, we’ll head toward the Old Town. We’ll see the imposing Cathedral, City Hall, the house where Albert Einstein lived, and the famous Zytglogge Clock Tower, one of Bern’s most important landmarks. We’ll walk beneath the characteristic covered arcades, which stretch across much of the historic center, and end up at the Federal Palace, the seat of the Swiss government and parliament. There will be free time for coffee, lunch, and shopping in the historic center. We’ll then depart for enchanting Lucerne, one of Switzerland’s most beautiful and most photographed cities. The city is built on the shores of Lake Lucerne, with the peaks of the Alps creating a unique natural backdrop. We’ll visit the famous Lion Monument, which is carved into the natural rock and dedicated to the Swiss guards who lost their lives during the French Revolution. Next, we’ll stroll through the historic center, with its painted facades, squares, and well-preserved buildings. We’ll cross the famous Chapel Bridge (Kapellbrücke), with its distinctive water tower, and enjoy the view of the lake and the surrounding mountain peaks. There will be free time to stroll along the lakeside promenade, have lunch, shop, or, if the schedule allows, take a short cruise on the lake. Late in the afternoon, we’ll depart for Zurich. We’ll arrive in the evening and have some free time.

Today is a free day for you to enjoy Zurich however you’d like. We’ve also organized a unique optional excursion for you, which is one of the highlights of our trip: a breathtaking train ride through the heart of the Swiss Alps. Early in the morning, we’ll depart from Zurich and head to Chur, the capital of the canton of Graubünden and one of Switzerland’s oldest cities. From there, we’ll board the Rhaetian Railway’s Alpine train and embark on an unforgettable journey to the Engadin region and the cosmopolitan town of St. Moritz. As the train climbs toward the Alps, the landscape changes constantly. Green valleys, rushing rivers, dense forests, traditional villages, and Alpine peaks alternate outside the train windows. The Rhaetian Railways traverse one of Europe’s most spectacular mountainous regions, following routes that have become world-renowned for their engineering feats and natural surroundings. Arrival in St. Moritz, one of the world’s most famous and cosmopolitan mountain resorts. The town is situated in a prime location, overlooking the lake of the same name and nestled within a stunning Alpine landscape. We’ll stroll through the elegant town center, with its luxury hotels, international shops, and traditional buildings, and enjoy the panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding peaks. There will be free time for lunch, coffee, and shopping. In the afternoon, we’ll depart by bus for Zurich, taking a different mountain route through the Engadin region and the Swiss Alps. We’ll arrive in the evening, our minds filled with unforgettable sights from one of the most beautiful routes of our trip. Those who choose to stay in Zurich will have the day free for shopping, visiting museums, strolling through the old town, or taking a cruise on the lake. You can also visit the Swiss National Museum, the Kunsthaus Art Museum, or the Lindt Home of Chocolate.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our full exploration of Zurich. Switzerland’s largest city is situated on the northern shore of Lake Zurich and is traversed by the Limmat River, around which its beautiful historic center has developed. During our panoramic tour, we’ll explore the modern neighborhoods, the university, the business districts, and the most important public buildings. We’ll pass by the lakeside boulevard, the Opera House, and the elegant residences lining both sides of the lake. Then we’ll begin our walking tour of the Old Town. We’ll walk along the Limmat River and see the imposing Grossmünster church with its distinctive twin towers, one of Zurich’s most important landmarks. We’ll continue on to the Fraumünster Church, known for its stunning stained-glass windows, and St. Peter’s Church, which features one of the largest church tower clocks in Europe. We’ll stroll through the picturesque Niederdorf district, with its narrow alleys, small squares, shops, cafés, and traditional restaurants. Our tour will conclude on the famous Bahnhofstrasse, one of Europe’s best-known shopping boulevards, which connects the central train station to the lake. Here you’ll find luxury shops, Swiss watches, jewelry, and famous chocolate brands. After the tour, you’ll have free time for dining, shopping, and personal activities. Those who wish can stay in Zurich and enjoy a lake cruise, visit one of the major museums, or take a walk along the lakeshore. At the same time, we offer you the opportunity to join an optional afternoon excursion to the Principality of Liechtenstein and its capital, Vaduz. Leaving Zurich, we’ll head toward eastern Switzerland, passing through lakes, valleys, and the first Alpine peaks. Soon we’ll cross the border and enter one of Europe’s smallest independent states. Vaduz is a small, elegant, and peaceful capital, built in the Rhine Valley and surrounded by mountains. Towering above the city is Vaduz Castle, the official residence of the princely family. We’ll stroll along the main pedestrian street, the Städtle, and see the Parliament, City Hall, St. Florin’s Cathedral, and the modern cultural buildings. There will be free time for coffee, souvenir shopping, and taking photos. Late in the afternoon, we’ll depart for our return to Zurich. We’ll arrive in the evening, and you’ll have free time for your last outing in the city.

Early in the morning, after breakfast and checking out of our rooms, we will depart from Zurich for historic St. Gallen. The city developed around the famous Abbey of St. Gall and for centuries was one of Europe’s most important religious, intellectual, and educational centers. The monastic complex, along with its library and historical archives, has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Upon our arrival, we’ll begin a walking tour of the picturesque historic center. We’ll see the imposing Baroque Cathedral, with its distinctive twin towers, and the famous Abbey Library, one of the oldest and most beautiful historic libraries in Europe. We’ll stroll through the narrow alleys of the old town and admire the characteristic houses with their ornate wooden windowsand balconies, which are a distinctive feature of St. Gallen’s architecture. We’ll pass through the central squares and pedestrian streets, where there will be some free time for coffee and last-minute shopping. We will then depart for Germany and Memmingen Airport. Upon arrival, we’ll go through security and collect our luggage. We’ll then board our return flight, filled with wonderful experiences and unforgettable sights from the Swiss cities, lakes, waterfalls, the Alps, and the tiny Principality of Liechtenstein.

Note: The order of the itinerary may vary depending on circumstances, without omitting any stops.