A Swiss Christmas in Grindelwald Tour
11 Captivating Days
- Leisurely 5 night stay in the Swiss Alps
- Stay in authentic, character style hotels
- Genuinely inclusive, no additional on tour costs
- Guaranteed 'My Time'
- Designed for Australians & New Zealanders
- Personal group sizes up to 40
Tour Overview
Imagine celebrating Christmas in a first class spa hotel in the stunning Swiss Alpine village of Grindelwald. Shop at Christmas Markets, explore the gorgeous Swiss Riviera town of Montreux, visit Château de Chillon, the amazing hilltop town of Gruyères and enjoy an exhilarating Alpine ride on the Golden Pass train.
Highlights
- Celebrate Christmas over 5 nights in the first class Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, in snow drenched Grindelwald, surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Bernese Oberland
- Spend 2 nights in Zurich, and visit the Christmas markets to admire the 50-ft-tall Christmas tree
- Stay 2 nights in the Swiss Riviera town of Montreux, follow the dramatic Lavaux wine road along Lake Geneva and visit Charlie Chaplin’s town of Vevey
- Visit Byron’s Chateau de Chillon, the amazing hilltop town of Gruyères and the chic ski resort of Gstaad
- Enjoy the excellent Christmas markets scattered along the foreshore of Montreux and in the medieval cobbled stone streets and squares of Bern
- Explore Thun and Interlaken
- Savour special dinners including a Christmas Eve themed dinner, Christmas Day Turkey lunch, Christmas Day themed dinner, and Farewell dinner in Luzern
- Take a Christmas Eve ride on a horse drawn carriage, sip red wine punch and pamper yourself in the wellness centre of your delightful Christmas hotel
The A Swiss Christmas in Grindelwald Tour is just one of many you can enjoy in France and Switzerland. Visit each destination page for more information for our other amazing tours!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Zurich
Your tour commences this evening in Zürich. Tonight a welcome drink and dinner are included. This is an ideal opportunity to meet your fellow travellers.
Meals:
D
Hotel:
Hotel Glockenhof
Day 2: Zurich sightseeing, ‘My Time’ and Christmas markets
This morning we enjoy a guided panoramic tour which will bring alive the city.
Your afternoon is free to explore and visit Zürich’s Christmas market in the main train station. Featuring 150 stalls it is one of the largest indoor Christmas markets in Europe. The absolute highlight of the Christkindlimarkt is a 50-ft-tall Christmas tree decorated with thousands of sparkling Swarovski crystals. The rest of your day is at leisure in this picturesque lake side city.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Hotel Glockenhof
Day 3: Medieval Bern, Christmas Markets, charming Gruyeres and Montreux
On our way to Montreux today we explore the medieval cobblestoned streets of Bern with a local guide. A UNESCO World Heritage landmark, this capital city is set on a spectacular bend above the River Aare. In addition to kilometres of sheltered arcaded shopping ways, an intriguing clock tower and the famous ‘Bärengraben’ bear pits, there are several sets of excellent Christmas markets scattered around the old town. Continuing on, our afternoon stop is in the unique village of Gruyères. Rising out of the flat valley floor, Gruyères village and castle are perched on top of a steep rocky hill. The broad cobblestoned main street, flanked by centuries old houses, is an astounding time capsule and one of the great sights of Europe. Arriving in Montreux, we are now on the exclusive Swiss Riviera, where we will stay two nights.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic
Day 4: Château Chillon, Vevey, ‘My Time’ in Montreux and Christmas Markets
This morning we have included entrance and a guided tour through the beautifully preserved Château de Chillon. Made famous in Byron’s poem ‘The Prisoner of Chillon’, this 13th century fortress juts out imposingly into Lake Geneva. Later we visit Charlie Chaplin’s hometown of Vevey. Make sure you walk along the lake foreshore to see the statue of the ‘little man with baggy pants’. We also visit Chaplin World, a museum dedicated to Charlie Chaplin, the legendary artist and man, that retraces the extraordinary life of this cinematographic genius. Returning to Montreux the rest of the day is at leisure. Make sure you explore the excellent Christmas markets that stretch along the grand lakeside promenade and foreshore.
Meals:
B
Hotel:
Grand Hotel Suisse Majestic
Day 5: Golden Pass panoramic train to Grindelwald
An adventure today as we board the Golden Pass panoramic train which will take us across the Alps, past the chic ski resort of Gstaad and Château-d’Oex, to Zweisimmen. Our seats are pre-booked in the special panoramic carriages and the views throughout the journey are spectacular. (Your luggage will travel separately, making this an easy and relaxing day). At Zweisimmen, we change trains and continue to Interlaken, and then deep into the heart of the Bernese Oberland to Grindelwald where we stay the next five nights. Grindelwald is known the world over for its dramatic setting surrounded by massive snow covered peaks and meadows and the views directly onto the north face of the Eiger are exceptional. Justifiably famous for its skiing, the village is full of restaurants, cafés and shops. Throughout your stay we have included buffet breakfasts and four course dinners. Highlight of your stay will be a Christmas Eve celebration dinner and a Christmas Day dinner.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof
Day 6: Jungfrau mountain ride & ‘My Time’ in Grindelwald
Boarding a local train we climb high into the mountains to Kleine Scheidegg. Changing on to the Jungfrau Railway we travel into a tunnel which takes us through the inside of the north face of the Eiger, and up to the Jungfraujoch – the highest rail station in Europe. At 3,454 metres (11,332 ft) the views down onto the Aletsch Glacier are magnificent. You will find several restaurants, an Ice Palace and the Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven display. You can also take a lift another 100 metres higher to the dramatic Sphinx lookout point. This afternoon enjoy ‘My Time’ to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery which surrounds you. Use your Swiss Travel card to take advantage of reductions on trains and cable cars around the Grindelwald area. Perhaps try your hand at a winter sport or take a trip up one of the mountains?
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof
Day 7: Historic Thun, cruise on Lake Thunersee, ‘My Time’ in Interlaken
Following an enjoyable train ride along the lakeside of Thunersee, we spend time exploring the old town of historic Thun. Later we board a boat for a relaxing cruise down the length of Lake Thunersee to Interlaken. Nestled between two lakes, and surrounded by soaring peaks, Interlaken makes a great place for some last minute Christmas shopping. This evening before dinner we will enjoy a glass of red wine punch in the hotel lobby.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof
Day 8: Christmas Eve – ‘My Time’ in Grindelwald and a horse drawn carriage ride
Christmas! Your next two days are free to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery which surrounds you, and do as much, or as little, as you want! Again, you are able to use your Swiss Travel Card to take advantage of reductions on trains and cable cars around the Grindelwald area.
Whether you are a ‘super active snow sports’ person or a ‘take it easy and relax’ person there are numerous activities you can enjoy, and your Tour Manager will be at hand to assist and advise you. You will be in the heart of the Bernese Oberland – home to the mighty peaks of the Jungfrau, Mönch, Eiger (of ‘The Eiger Sanction’ fame), the Breithorn, Männlichen and the Schilthorn, as well as internationally known winter resorts like Wengen and Mürren.
The skiing is of course fantastic! Non skiers can easily access all the main peaks by funicular trains, cable cars and chair lifts. At all ‘drop off’ points there are restaurants, cafés and restroom facilities – usually with extraordinary panoramic views spanning the jagged Alps. All around Grindelwald there are hundreds of kilometres of winter footpaths which often double as Nordic or Cross Country ski paths, as well as numerous toboggan runs – one of which is the longest in the Alps. Snowshoes can also be hired and you can take one of the well signed snowshoe trails. An evening snowshoeing tour is a very different experience! Paragliding is also available for the adventurous. For those wanting to just relax, you will have free use of the pool and spa facilities in your Grindelwald hotel. The highlight of today will be a ride on a horse drawn carriage through the picturesque local countryside. This evening will be special as we enjoy a four course themed Christmas Eve dinner.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof
Day 9: Christmas Day in a winter paradise
Christmas Day at leisure in a stunning location. There is so much to see and do. A Christmas Turkey lunch will be enjoyed and later in the evening there is a themed Christmas Day dinner. Apparently, at some point Santa Claus will make an appearance!
Meals:
B
L
D
Hotel:
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof
Day 10: Panoramic train ride along Lake Brienz, ‘My Time’ in Luzern
This morning we take the train along the shores of picturesque Lake Brienz and on to Luzern, with its covered wooden bridges (again, no hassles with your luggage as it will travel separately and be delivered to your hotel). On this two hour train ride you experience some of the most spectacular views the Swiss Alps have to offer, through large panoramic windows. The journey will take you along the shores of crystal-clear lakes (no less than five!), past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig mountain pass. Arriving around midday, the afternoon is at leisure to explore this charming lakeside town. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.
Meals:
B
D
Hotel:
Hotel Schweizerhof
Day 11: Luzern
Your Christmas tour comes to a close and it is time to say farewell. For those of you joining one of our wonderful New Year Tours that begin in Munich or Milan, the good news is, we have arranged complimentary Group transfers on 28 December.
Meals:
B
Incredible Value Inclusions
- All excursions, scenic drives, sightseeing and entrances as described
- Fully escorted by our experienced Tour Manager
- Travel by coach & scenic trains as described
- 10 nights authentic, specially selected hotel accommodation
- Hotel porterage (1 suitcase pp)
- Free use of pool and spa facilities in Grindelwald hotel
- Welcome drink in Zürich
- 19 Meals – Buffet breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L) and 8 evening dinners (D)
- A complimentary wine, beer or soft drink with all included dinners
- Tea and coffee with all included dinners
- Local guides as described
- Personal audio system whilst on tour
- Free WiFi available at most hotels
- End of tour tips to Tour Manager and Driver, tips for local guides
- Albatross Tours Travel App
Your Hotels
Hotel Glockenhof, Zurich - 2 Nights
Perfectly located in the heart of the city, this modern 4 star hotel is within easy walking distance of Zürcher Bahnhofstrasse (main shopping street), the train station and the waterfront of Lake Zürich.
Grand Suisse Majestic, Montreux - 2 Nights
This 4 star hotel is located in the heart of Montreux, on the shore of stunning Lake Geneva. All guestrooms are air-conditioned and have minibar, safe, flat-screen TV, direct-dial phone and hairdryer.
Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof, Grindelwald - 5 Nights
This superior 5 star hotel is a three minute walk from the centre of Grindelwald and has an imposing backdrop of the world-famous Eiger and Lauberhorn Mountains. The atmosphere is charming with traditional Swiss wooden décor, and the dining is excellent! This delightful hotel also offers an excellent wellness centre complete with a spa, steam room, sauna and indoor pool.
Tour Reviews
The highlight for me was the 5 nights we spent at Grindelwald - just wonderful! A beautiful hotel, wonderful staff and fantastic food!
I have had a truly wonderful trip and really cannot fault it in any way. Our tour manager was wonderful - so patient, knowledgeable and always greeted everyone with a smile.
Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful tour!
Suzanne, travelled December 2015
Our tour manager, Gilberto, was so professional, very obliging, a great people's person and fun to be with. His knowledge was second to none and his guidance and advice was excellent. The tour has been amazing, but of course Gilberto's presence and professionalism has made the difference for me.
Garry
Dates and Prices
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