10-Day Alpine Splendor Small Group Custom Tour Switzerland and the Italian Lakes May 13-23, 2021 $4875.00 Per Person
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10-Day Alpine Splendor Small Group Custom Tour
Switzerland and the Italian Lakes
May 13-23, 2021 $4875.00 Per Person
DAY 1: 14 May 2021 (Depart USA 13 May)
Welcome to Switzerland! Your British Airways flight arrives the Geneva Airport at 4:25pm. You are met as a group
at the airport and transferred to the chic town of Montreux, situated at the foot of the alps. Enjoy dinner this
evening with your traveling companions and tour director. Meal: Dinner with Wine
Hotel: Grand Hotel Suisse-Majestic Montreaux (1 Night)
DAY 2: 15 May 2021
Montreux – Gruyeres -and the Matterhorn Village of Zermatt
Begin with a city tour that will showcase the highlights. Journey around the Lake Geneva arc to the medieval
Chillon Castle where a Local Expert will show you through the former home of the Counts of Savoy that was
immortalized by Byron’s ‘Prisoner of Chillon.’ Continue through the Rhone Valley to the medieval walled village of
Gruyeres – also named Canton of Fribourg, this hillside town is a majestic manicured landscape with amazing
fairytale storybook features. Visit a cheesemaker and learn about the world-famous cheese that shares the town’s
name. Enjoy free time wandering the cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, or relaxing at one of the many
restaurants. Continue to Täsch for the final stage of your journey via cogwheel train to climb the last few miles up
to the traffic-free Alpine resort of Zermatt. During your orientation with your Travel Director, feast your eyes on
the distinctive triangular silhouette of the Matterhorn, Europe’s most famous mountain. Enjoy your official
Welcome Dinner tonight. Meal: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Hotel: Resort Hotel Alex Zermatt (2 Nights)
DAY 3: 16 May 2021
Relaxed Start - Free Time in Zermatt
Lying in the shadow of the Matterhorn, the resort town of Zermatt offers many leisure possibilities: swimming or
hiking or spend the entire day exploring the town and the surrounding mountain. Stroll along the main street,
Bahnhofstrasse. Perhaps take a ride on Europe’s highest cable car to the snow-capped roof of the world for a
magnificent panorama of the highest peaks in Switzerland, Italy and France. At night, enjoy a stroll in the clean,
mountain air to your chosen restaurant for your Dine-Around Evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
DAY 4: 17 May 2021
Lake Como & Elegant Baveno
Descend to Täsch and rejoin the coach. Follow in Napoleon’s footsteps as you ascend the Simplon Pass, taking in
magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,000-metre summit. Relish in a gradual change of scenery as you
continue towards the gentle shores of Italy’s Lake Como. Upon arrival you’ll have views of elegant villas and
gardens as you cruise with your Local Specialist along Lake Como, one of the most beautiful spots in the Italian
Lake District. Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Hotel Simplon Baveno (2 Nights)
DAY 5: 18 May 2021
Relaxed Start - Discover Lake Maggiore
A short hop on our private motor launch brings us to the world-renowned Isola Bella with its magnificent
Baroque palace and terraced gardens that slope to the lake. In the Borromean Palace, our local expert reveals the
grottoes and masterpieces lovingly nurtured by this wealthy Italian dynasty. Next head to Isola Madre, the largest
and perhaps most characteristic of the three islands in the Borromean Gulf. The atmosphere of this enchanting
place is magical; its immense garden of rare trees and exotic flowers, where peacocks and pheasants wander and
budgerigars fly in freedom, has something of the fascination of a tropical land. Visit the breathtaking botanical
gardens and historical Palazzo with a Local Expert. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with WineDAY 6: 19 May 2021 Relaxed Start - Grison Alps to Chic St. Moritz Head north back into the high mountain country of the Grison Alps. Ascend the 7,504 foot Julier Pass, an important Alpine road since Roman times, to arrive in the sparkling Engadine Valley. This valley is considered by many as the most beautiful mountain area in the world, with deep-blue lakes, mountain peaks exceeding 12,000 feet, and quaint villages with massive white stone houses in the characteristic Grisons style. This afternoon, arrive in the cosmopolitan resort of St. Moritz, the host of two Winter Olympics. A brief orientation with your Travel Director will show you the spa quarter and the brilliantly sparkling glacial lake before there is time to explore further on your own. In the evening, you are treated to a delicious fondue dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Dinner with Wine Hotel: Reine Victoria St. Moritz (1 Night) DAY 7: 20 May 2021 Glacier Express, Liechtenstein and Lucerne Begin the morning with a spectacular scenic train ride along part of the route of the Glacier Express, across the Grison Mountains and through unforgettable scenes of ice-capped mountains, stone-built villages and lush meadows. At Chur, re-board your coach and travel along the valley of the Upper Rhine to spend some time in Vaduz, the tiny capital of the Principality of Liechtenstein, clutched between Switzerland and Austria with a surface of just 62 square miles. Enjoy views of the castle, the official residence of the prince, perched hillside above the city. Continue to Lucerne, the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake”. This beautiful city surrounded by an alpine panorama retains much of its old-world charm and a strong sense of its history. You'll be witness to this on an orientation tour with included photo stops to top attractions such as the Chapel Bridge and Lion Monument along with a pleasant stroll in Old Town. Enjoy the remainder of the afternoon exploring the hidden treasures that dot the city. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Astoria Hotel Lucerne (2 Nights) DAY 8: 21 May 2021 To the Summit of Stanserhorn Commence from the town of Stans as you embark on an awe-inspiring journey to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Board the funicular railway for the first leg of the trip up to the viewing platform at 6300 feet, taking in the amazing views of the receding town. Continue your journey to the summit via the Cabrio-Bahn, the world’s first double decker cable car with an open upper deck. Upon arrival, you will meet with one of the 16 Swiss Rangers who will be happy to show you where the eagle flies its circles, where the most beautiful flowers grow or tell you fascinating anecdotes from the history of the Stanserhorn. Enjoy free time to stroll around and capture some breathtaking photos of the glorious lakes and mountain peaks before your celebration lunch at the revolving mountaintop restaurant, Rondorama. Return to Lucerne late afternoon. Meals: Breakfast + Celebration lunch at the Drehe Restaurant Rondorama DAY 9: 22 May 2021 Lucerne- Rhine Falls - Zurich Journey northward from Lucerne to see the Rhine Falls and historical Stein am Rhein. Travel through vine-coated hills to the Swiss-German border and arrive at the 15th-century Laufen Castle, set on a clifftop facing the southern banks of the Rhine Falls. Take in the 450-foot wide and 75-foot high falls, Europe’s biggest. Admire panoramic views from the glass elevator or walk to the viewpoints above and around the falls to thrill at their roar and power. Then drive by the 16th-century Munot Fortress in Schaffhausen, before continuing to the charming town of Stein am Rhein, famous for its well-preserved Old Town featuring painted facades and half-timbered houses. A delightful town to walk around enjoying the gorgeous houses, cafes, restaurants and small shops. Following leisure time here, your journey will end in Zurich. Meals: Breakfast Hotel: Garden Inn Zurich Limmattal (1 Night) DAY 10: 23 May 2021 Zurich - Depart After breakfast, you will have one group transfer to the Zürich airport. Your British Airways flight departs at 1:10pm. Meals: Breakfast
The SMALL GROUP TOUR DIFFERENCE – Traveling with a Insight’s luxury coaches have fewer seats and twice
smaller group makes it easier to maintain a comfortable physical the legroom of a standard coach, as well as
distance. Smaller groups also allow for more time to enjoy the panoramic views, Wi-Fi and personal air conditioning.
destination, reduced wait times at hotels and attractions, and The maximum allowance for our group is 30 guests.
the opportunity to get to know your fellow travelers.
Group Tour Inclusions:
• Roundtrip Airfare from Charleston via British Airways
• Exclusive use of a luxury motor coach with a maximum of 30 guests
• Travel Insurance
(Travel insurance is mandatory. If you are purchasing your own plan, you may deduct $319 from the package cost.)
• 4 Star Accommodations:
1-nt Montreux; 2-nts Zermatt; 2-nts Baveno on Lake Maggiore; 1-nt St Moritz; 2-nts Lucerne; 1-nt Zurich
• Breakfast each morning, 5 dinners, plus a farewell lunch at the summit of Mt. Stanserhorn
• Wine or beer and coffee, tea, or soft drinks included with lunch and dinners
• All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Meal gratuities, service charges, and local taxes
• Luggage porterage in and out of hotels
• Audio headsets when applicable
• 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on
• Services of a professional Travel Director throughout
• A Thomas Hogan Representative
Not Included
• Meals and sightseeing not detailed on the itinerary
• Gratuities to Travel Director, Coach Driver, and Local City Guides
(Travel Director: 6€ per day per guest; Coach Driver: 3€ per day per guest; Local Guide: 2€ per guest)
• Excess baggage fees
A nonrefundable deposit of $300.00 per person is required at the time of booking by check payment only.
Final payment is due by Feb. 11, 2021. Travel Insurance must be purchased within 14 days of deposit.
Tour price is per person based on 2 people sharing a room. Single supplement is $635.00 + insurance cost difference of $34.00.
Program will operate with a maximum of 30 guests/minimum of 25 guests.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the return date.
The physical activity of this tour is considered moderate. In order to fully enjoy this experience, you should be in good physical
condition, be able to navigate steps, inclines and uneven terrain.
Every endeavor is made to ensure all services are included as per your itinerary. Although rare, please be aware that public
holidays, events, conferences or trade fairs could interfere with the scheduled itinerary. Any information herein this brochure
is subject to change or alteration at the discretion of the airline and/or land tour suppliers. The hotels listed on the itinerary are
intended to be used; however, Insight Vacations reserves the right to substitute other hotels than those listed. If a change
becomes necessary, the hotel(s) substituted will be of equivalent quality.
For any new reservations not previously booked on this tour - if by February 11, 2021, conditions do not permit travel and
we are forced to cancel the trip, you will receive a refund equal to the value of the amount paid to date. If the tour is not
suspended and we elect to continue with the trip as scheduled, then the following cancellation fees will apply:
CANCELLATION SCHEDULE CANCELLATION AMOUNT DATE
More than 90 days prior to departure Loss of deposit
Between 90 & 65 days prior to departure 30% per guest Feb. 12 – Mar. 09, 2021
Between 64 & 31 days prior to departure 50% per guest Mar. 10 – Apr. 12, 2021
30 days or less prior to departure 100% per guest Apr. 13, 2021INSIGHT VACATIONS COVID-19 TRAVEL PROTOCOLS PRE-TRIP HEALTH DECLARATION All team members and guests will complete a personal well-being declaration before joining their trip. If a guest has tested positive for COVID-19 (or is traveling with someone who has), they will not be able to join the trip until cleared as “fit for travel” by a medical professional. AIR FILTERS - Our coaches are equipped with air filters that are inspected and cleaned daily and replaced regularly. The on-board filters help purify the air as you travel. HYGIENE EQUIPMENT - Hand sanitizer is accessible and freely available. We ask that you bring your own face mask and gloves, but in the case of emergency, personal protective equipment will be distributed to you. PRIORITY ACCESS - With priority access at landmark sites, you skip the queues and have greater opportunity to maintain your physical distance while sightseeing. SANITIZED SURFACES - This ranges from the frequent disinfecting of high touched surfaces including and not exhaustive of hand rails, door handles, tables, on board toilet, air-conditioning filters and overhead lockers to overnight treatment and fumigation of coaches between trips using products recommended by EPA, IATA and WHO. PHYSICAL DISTANCING - Our professionally and highly trained teams will always do their best to ensure physical distancing and other hygiene protocols are practiced by all of our guests while still working as passionately as ever to ensure you have a wonderful vacation. Your cooperation in following these protocols while traveling or staying with us is also important and needed. EXPERTLY TRAINED TRAVEL DIRECTOR - All travel directors are first aid trained and have undergone enhanced training in hygiene protocols. Appropriate welcomes and hello’s will be encouraged such as a warm smile or a wave to avoid hand shaking and hugging. Any concerns guests may have, their Travel Director is there for them every step of the way. DILIGENT DRIVER - Your driver has been trained to ensure your transportation and luggage is hygienically managed, so you can travel hassle-free. They’ll get you from one destination to the next with ease and sanitize all coach surfaces throughout your trip. Our highest priority is our guest’s health and well-being. These additional sanitization protocols will be implemented on all of our custom and scheduled groups for 2021. We will continue to follow government guidelines regarding seating and social distancing on the coach. People traveling together will be seated together and depending on government guidelines there may be open seats to distance travelers. Face coverings will be required in places where mandated or desired. We already have well established and rigorous cleaning regimes for our coaches and we will continue to enhance the measures we have in place in response to federal, state and industry guidelines as well as an agreed disinfecting schedule for the vehicles. Our transport suppliers and drivers are equipped and trained on the latest hygiene protocols and cleaning procedures. Sanitizer is conveniently placed at the front and rear entrance of the coach. We will be following the local guidelines as to group sizing for sightseeing in the destinations we visit. We will adapt our operations and make changes as necessary. Rest assured our Local Specialist and Experts will have also received training as to physical distancing/hygiene protocol and we will have worked with all of our venues as to understanding in advance their own policies and procedures to ensure visits and sightseeing run smoothly. We will only work with suppliers who follow hygiene protocols and are like minded and care about the health and well-being of our guests. This extends to our ground handlers, transport providers, dining venues, hotels and sightseeing specialists. We are here to take away the pressure and ensure enjoyment and ease.
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