Friday, August 1st
We meet at Malta International Airport at 11:45 for flight KM492, which departs at 13:45 for Zurich, arriving at 16:10. Transfer by coach to the Swiss capital city of Bern, where the city center is recognized as a UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Check-in at the Hotel Kreuz Modern City, in the city center.
Saturday, August 2nd
Breakfast, followed by a tour of the beautiful city of Bern with the tour leader. We will visit Bear Park, the place where you can see the animals that gave the city its name, the town hall, Clock Tower, Einstein House, the astronomical clock dating back to the 15th century, and the Gothic Cathedral of the 15th century. In the center of Bern, there are several fountains with statues symbolizing the values and traditions of the city. Free time to enjoy the entire arcaded street filled with shops.
The afternoon excursion takes us to Rose Garden, the best place to view the old town of Bern and the Aare River. We continue our journey to the picturesque village of Murten on Lake Murten. We take a walk around the medieval town where we can admire the city walls and towers that once surrounded it, the historic buildings, and also enjoy the beautiful views of the town and Lake Murten. Free time before returning to Bern to continue enjoying the city.
Sunday, August 3rd
Breakfast, then departure for Lausanne, but before that, we will have an interesting excursion to Thun, Spiez, and Interlaken, located in the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Our journey begins in Thun, in the Canton of Bern. Together with the tour leader, we will tour the town and visit places of interest, including the 12th-century castle, city hall, the town church, the Wooden Bridge ‘Untere Schleuse’ on the Aare River, and views of Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps. We continue to Spiez, a small picturesque town on the shores of Lake Thun, where we can enjoy spectacular views of the Swiss Alps and the lake. Spiez is famous for its medieval castle surrounded by vineyards and gardens with views of the lake. We continue to Interlaken, a world-famous resort surrounded by the mountains Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. A walk through the main street takes us to Hohenmatte, the historic part of Interlaken, where we admire luxurious hotels and casinos for which Interlaken is famous. We then continue to the center of Lausanne, where we will stay at the central Hotel Agora 4 Stars.
Monday, August 4th
After a buffet breakfast, we depart by coach to Geneva, where together with the tour leader, we will see the luxurious buildings of Geneva, famous for international headquarters such as the United Nations, WHO, and Red Cross. We will walk along Lake Geneva, the largest lake in Central Europe, where we will see the Jet D’Eau fountain, which shoots water to a height of about 140 meters. We will also visit the English Garden, one of the most beautiful parks in the city, where we will see the flower clock. Free time will be provided. We will continue the journey to the village of Yvoire, located on the shores of Lake Geneva on the French side. Yvoire is known as the "Pearl of the Lake" and is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. Our last stop will be in Evian, a beautiful town at the edge of Lake Leman in the French Alps, known for its globally popular water. A tour of this town and free time to explore.
Tuesday, August 5th
After breakfast, today we will have a city tour of Lausanne with a local guide, where we will have the opportunity to see Place De La Palud, the Fountain of Justice, Hotel De Ville, the Lausanne Cathedral, and Escaliers du Marche. In the afternoon, free time for shopping and personal sightseeing in the city of Lausanne.
Wednesday, August 6th
After buffet breakfast, prepare your cameras for today's excursion, which is filled with the most beautiful scenery as we visit the famous Glacier 3000 and the village of Gstaad. Upon arrival, we take the cable car (extra cost), ascend the mountain, and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains. On the mountain, there are various activities to do, including the alpine coaster (extra cost), the Peak Walk by Tissot, a walk on a bridge connecting two mountain peaks (weather permitting – free), the Ice Express chairlift Fun Park (Glacier Walk – free), making it a wonderful day filled with unforgettable memories. Afterward, we will visit the famous village of Gstaad, one of the best-known destinations in Switzerland. We will stop for sightseeing and free time before returning to the hotel.
Thursday, August 7th
A full-day excursion visiting several towns by Lake Léman on the Swiss side. After breakfast, we begin our journey to Château de Chillon, a stunning architectural gem located in the most picturesque spot imaginable, on Lake Geneva, right at the foot of the Alps. We will make a short stop for photographs. We continue to Montreux, a beautiful town filled with palm trees and flowers, with views of the Alps. We take a tour along the promenade and have free time. Departure towards the Swiss Riviera in Vevey. We will stop for sightseeing and have the opportunity to see the monument dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, who lived here for some time. We continue through the heart of the Swiss countryside until we arrive in Gruyères, a medieval village with its old streets. We will have the opportunity to visit a Gruyère cheese factory and enjoy some cheese tasting. Our last stop will be at the Nestlé chocolate factory – Maison Cailler – where we will have the chance to take a tour (extra charge) of the factory and taste a variety of chocolates at the end of the tour. We return to the hotel.
Friday, August 8th
After breakfast, we leave Lausanne and head to Lyon, the third-largest city in France. We will tour the city to see its most popular attractions, including Place des Terreaux, the main square, and other places of interest. Free time will be provided. Transfer to Lyon Airport for flight KM483, departing at 23:40, arriving back in Malta at 01:50.
