SWISS PRE TRIP
August 31 – Monday
Arrival at Zurich Airport
Meet English speaking assistant inside customs after passport control
Porter service
Transfer by private deluxe motor coach and with English speaking guide to Interlaken
A stop will be made at the woodcarving village of Brienz
Brienz
Interlaken dates to 1133 and lies between two glacial lakes - Thun and Brienz - hence its name. It is a charming, rustic village with a population of about 15'000. Interlaken is the gateway to the Bernese Oberland, a major touring area and has been developed in the last 125 years to become a major European health resort.
Interlaken
Grand Hotel Victoria Jungfrau and Spa
Built in 1864, the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa embodies the ultimate in first-class amenities. Indeed, the Victoria-Jungfrau was instrumental in making Interlaken one of the world’s most attractive destinations for those seeking rest and repose. Its unique quiet and central location offers an unobstructed view of the famous Jungfrau mountain range.
September 1 – Tuesday [B,L]
Breakfast at Hotel
Full day excursion to Jungfraujoch
This excursion takes you to the very heart of the Bernese Alps - from the green valleys to the glistening, eternal snow fields and glaciers encircling the mighty "Eiger" (13'026 ft/ 3970m), "Mönch" (13'449 ft/ 4099m) and "Jungfrau" (13'643 ft/ 4158m), which form an imposing nucleus of the Alpine Region.
Drive into the Waterfall Valley of Lauterbrunnen to see the cascading falls of Staubbach. At Lauterbrunnen board the train to Jungfraujoch. The railway of the Jungfrau Region are under unified management and comprise an electrified, highly efficient transport system. For those technically interested: there are different gauges, also gradients up to 25%. The highlight, of course, is the spectacular ride through the tunnel (4.4 miles long) cut into the rocks of the "Eiger".
At Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, you can visit the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Terraces - reached by lift affording breathtaking view of the Aletsch Glacier, the largest river of ice in Europe. Refreshment or a meal can be obtained at the Jungfraujoch Restaurant "Top of Europe".
After approx. 2-3 hours you will return to the mountaineering village of Grindelwald, the winter sports and mountaineering centre. Enjoy the view on the mighty mountains, before returning to Interlaken.
Important: In view of the altitude we recommend warm clothing, robust footwear and sunglasses.
September 2 – Wednesday [B]
Breakfast at Hotel
Scenic transfer by private motor coach to Zermatt via Lötschberg road tunnel
Shuttle train from Täsch to Zermatt
Private luggage transfer from Täsch to Zermatt
Later afternoon village walk
Visit to Matterhorn Museum
Wine and cheese tasting at local deli shop
Zermatt & Mt. Matterhorn
Zermatt, the car-free world-class resort at the foot of the Matterhorn, is situated at 1620 m/5300 ft. above sea-level. Well-known because of the famous Matterhorn, its magnificent mountain and glacier scenery and its unique climate, Zermatt is an international meeting place in both summer and winter. 245 km/150 mi. of ski pistes in the international ski area even entice the skier across the border to Italy. Things to do include 400 km/250 mi. of hiking paths, skiing all year or climbing one of the 36 four-thousand-metre peaks in the southernmost Valais Alps. Excellent cuisine in the village of Zermatt and in the mountain restaurants are an invitation to linger. A touch of chic mixed with the idyllic atmosphere of a mountain village give Zermatt that special feeling.
Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
The Grand Hotel Zermatterhof has welcomed guests with traditional Swiss hospitality since 1879. This five-star hotel upholds a long tradition of elegance, but recent renovations added the finest modern conveniences. We proudly present our hotel, steeped in a long tradition, as your ideal destination. Our team is at your entire disposal for the planning of your stay, so that your "personalized" program can become reality. Comfort and well-being are the trademarks of the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof.
September 3 – Thursday [B,L]
Breakfast at Hotel
Mid-day excursion to Gornergrat by cogwheel train
Virtually every region has its “must” - and in the Alps, it’s the Gornergrat. Experience the breathtaking circular panorama over 29 of Switzerland’s 34 four-thousand meter mountains (12'000 feet) within a radius of over 9 miles, from an altitude of 10'000 feet above sea level. Admire the powerful majesty of rock faces, the silver glitter of eternal snow, and the sheen of ice falls and glaciers - and naturally the very king of the mountains - the Matterhorn with its crown princes the Monte Rosa and Weisshorn.
The Gornergrat railway became Switzerland’s highest-altitude train to run in the open air, and at the same time its first electric rack and pinion line. It wasn’t the first of this kind in the world, however, as the railway to Mont Salève in France, near Geneva, had just been completed. at the same time, 7'000 horses were still pulling trams in Berlin.
September 4 – Friday [B,L]
Breakfast at Hotel
Walk to train station
Luggage transfer to hotel via separate luggage truck
First class Glacier Express train from Zermatt to Chur
Transfer by private motor coach from Chur to Zurich Hotel
Take the famous Swiss mountain trains „Glacier Express“ from Zermatt to Chur, from the Matterhorn to the Grisons. A journey lasting over 5 hours over numerous bridges, through many tunnels, crossing the 2033 m high Oberalp pass. A panorama trip through the alpine heartland of Switzerland. Glacier-Express – the most memorable way of travelling to and from numerous noteworthy holiday spots – the rugged Grisons, central Switzerland with the town and Lake of Lucerne, the sunny canton Valais with its magic world of glaciers and the gay and colorful southern regions. A comfortable train takes you through untouched nature, through fragrant and unspoilt mountain forests, tranquil alpine pastures, foaming mountain torrents, through mountain valleys steeped in century-old tradition and culture.
FARE
$3,290* USD per person, based on double occupancy. A deposit of $2,000.00 per person with the final payment due 3/15/09.
Fare includes two nights' Deluxe room accommodation w/ breakfast at the Grand Hotel Victoria Jungfrau and Spa; two nights’ Deluxe room accommodation w/ breakfast at Grand Hotel Zermatterhof; Meet & Assist on arrival; private transfers, admissions, tours and services of an English-speaking guide per itinerary; meals and activities per itinerary.
Per person fare does not include international airfare; travel insurance; gratuities to service staff; alcoholic beverages; spa services, incidentals and items of a personal nature.
*Due to the currency fluctuation of the Euro - rate may increase.
A minimum of 20 travelers required for ATG escort.
4 NIGHT BELGIUM TRIP EXTENSION
Day 1: Monday, September 14th 2009 [B/L]
9:30am Departure from the Hotel Duin and Kruidberg with private coach and local tourguide to Antwerp. A direct transfer will take approx 2 hours. We suggest to make a stop in Delft.
Delft is the city where Vermeer lived and painted. Walk at leisure through the beautiful old centre of the town along the canals and many almshouses and visit The Royal Dutch Delftware. Enjoy a refreshment or coffee with a Dutch waffle in a local traditional backery (Bill Clinton also tasted this when he visited Delft).Manufactory De Porceleyne Fles. The manufactory was established in 1653 and is the last remaining Delftware factory from the 17th century. The world famous Royal Delftware is still entirely hand-painted according to centuries old tradition. During the tour you will get an insight in the process of making Delftware by the old techniques and you will see the talented artists paint the Royal Delftware. After this stop continue to Antwerp.
Estimate arrival in Antwerp and enjoy a 3 course lunch in a local restaurant (drinks excluded)
During lunch your luggage will be delivered to the hotel.After lunch transfer from the restaurant to the Hilton Hotel, located right in the centre of Antwerp
Antwerp Hilton Hotel
The 211 room Hilton Antwerp is the city centre's only deluxe prime location hotel, just a 35 minute drive from the International Airport. Situated behind a listed Baroque facade, the Hilton forms an integral part of the Grand Bazaar, a modern shopping centre on the Groenplaats, located in the main business and leisure district. The hotel's ballroom, with a capacity of 1000, incorporates a restored, domed ceiling. Other features include a health club, in-house security and High Speed Wireless Internet available throughout the hotel.
Check in and time at leisure to freshen up
Afternoon walking tour the the historic centre of Antwerp. Antwerp is Belgium's second largest city and Europe's second largest harbour which has kept many memories of its rich past. Above all, it is the city of the painter Peter Paul Rubens, world famous master of the 17th century. All mayor museums are closed on Mondays in Belgium, but we can arrange a visit to Antwerp is also the world's diamond centre, combined with a visit to the Market Square with its ancient houses and Our Lady's Cathedral (entrance fee included).This cathedral contains, amongst other treasures, two of Rubens' masterworks: "The Elevation of the cross" and " The descent from the cross"
5pm End of the walkingtour at the Hotel again
Evening dinner at leisure
Day 2: Tuesday, September 15th 2009 [B/L]
Morning visit to the Rubenshuis museum (10 minutes walk from the Hilton Hotel). The artist Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), lived and worked in this residence. Rubens amassed a tidy fortune from his paintings that allowed him to build this impressive mansion in 1610, along what was then a canal, when he was 33. Today you can stroll past the baroque portico into its reconstructed period rooms and through a Renaissance garden, and come away with a good idea of the lifestyle of a patrician Flemish gentleman of that era. Examples of Rubens's works, and others by master painters who were his contemporaries, are scattered throughout. In the dining room, look for a self-portrait painted when he was 47 years old, and in another room a portrait of Anthony Van Dyck as a boy. Rubens collected Roman sculpture, and some of the pieces in his sculpture gallery appear -- reproduced in amazing detail -- in his paintings. Don't just stay inside the house: The superb, restored ornamental garden from 1615 is well worth a stroll around, and a nice place to take a breather in spring and summer
Leave Antwerp by coach and drive to the city of Ghent. After a 40 minutes drive, we arrive in Ghent where will enjoy a 3 course lunch in a local restaurant (drinks excluded)
After Lunch we visit the St. Bavo's Cathedral, home of the world famous 'Mystic Lamb' painting. During the city tour you will see all the important buildings from the Middle Ages, such as the Belfry, the St. Nicholas Church and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders.
End of the afternoon, continue to Bruges the Flemish countryside,
Arrive in Bruges, also called : 'the Venice of the North'. This splendid medieval city is one of Belgium's crown jewels. In no other European city the feel and the look of medieval times are so present as here in this city close to the North Sea.
Check in at your Hotel in Bruges
Hotel Die Swaene
Die Swaene is a sanctuary overlooking one of the most picturesque canals in Bruges. Considered one of the most romantic and peaceful hotels in Europe, it has 32 elegantly furnished rooms, all individually decorated. Public rooms have an atmosphere of times past. The impressive lounge, with its fine painted ceiling, is the restored meeting room of the Guild of Tailors, dating from 1779. It's the perfect place to have an appetizer, a drink before dinner or to enjoy one of the many exclusive cognacs later in the evening. The restaurant, located in a 17th century vaulted room, offers some of the finest food in Bruges. A magnificent new wing, The Canal House, has just opened with eight rooms and two suites at water level. Its sunny terrace follows the canal to provide an entrancing view of the ceaseless water-borne activity. Die Swaene has everything to make your visit unforgettable.
Dinner at Leisure
Day 3: Wednesday, September 16th 2009 [B]
Enjoy a walking tour through the city of Bruges and discover the Our Lady's Church, with the Madonna statue by Michelangelo, the Market Square with the Belfry and the Town Hall square (Burg) with the Chapel of the Holy Blood. We visit to the Groeninge musem. This museum offers a rich and fascinating survey of the history of the visual arts, especially in Belgium. The museum’s highlights include the world-famous collection of ‘Flemish Primitive’ art, works by a wide range of Renaissance and Baroque masters. Don't forget your walking shoes! we conclude the 2 hours walking tour with a 20 minutes boat tour along the canals (open boats).
Lunch and afternoon at leisure to enjoy Bruges. a great place for shopping of lace and chocolates
Dinner at leisure in Bruges which offers a great number of gourmet restaurants
Day 4: Thursday, September 17th 2009 [B/L/D]
10am Leave Bruges and drive to Brussels (approx 1 ½ hours drive). Upon arrival in the city of Brussels pass by the beautiful St. Michael's cathedral, the Congress column and the Heysel district with the world famous Atomium. We marvel at the sight of the Chinese Pavillion and the Japanese Tower. Passing the Royal Residence we return into the city centre and see the Sablon district with countless antique dealer shops. Brussels lace is world famous. We therefore make a short stop visiting a lace workshop where we can learn about this age-old local craft. Our visit continues: we drive in front of the magnificent Palace of Justice and see the fashionable Louise Square. Passing the stately Royal Square, the Royal Palace and the Houses of Parliament we arrive in the Cinquantenaire district, the Triumphal Arch, exceptional museums and splendid Art Nouveau houses are the highlights of this part of Brussels.
Lunch will be served in a local Belgium restaurant in the surroundings of the famous GRAND'PLACE, where you find the remarkable city hall and quaint guild houses.
After lunch some time at leisure or visit one of the famous houses of the Belgium architect Victor Horta. (1861-1947), like the Hôtel Tassel and the Hôtel Solvay. (Hôtels means in these cases “town houses”). Horta designed over 40 buildings including his own beautiful decorated house and studio, which houses now the Horta Museum (closed on Mondays). Victor Horta was one of the foremost creators of the Art Nouveau style (1893) and professor at the University of Brussels and the Academy of Beaux Arts. Horta received the title of Baron in 1932
Hotel Amigo Brussels
The Amigo is a deluxe facility and part of the Rocco Forte collection hotels. All rooms have 16-channel color, multi-lingual TV and the hotel provides 24-hour room service. A fax line and facility for connecting personal computers are available. The hotel prides itself on its highly-personalized service and gives guests the feeling of being "home away from home." All of the guest rooms are comfortable and nicely equipped to give a feeling of being home while away from home. The Amigo is a great mansion off world famous "Grand Place.
Evening farewell dinner at the Famous Restaurant La Maison du Cygne, located around the corner from the Amigo Hotel with a view over the Grand Place.
In the restaurant the art of ‘Well receiving’ is far more than a slogan. This House is a real gastronomic and cultural discovery where guests enjoy a unique atmosphere. This elegant room decorated with panelling where numerous celebrities honoured us with their visit. La Maison du Cygne will welcome you for a business lunch or for an intimate dinner with a view on one of the most beautiful squares in the world. You will savour an authentic cuisine with great respect to the French tradition. The wine cellar of la Maison du Cygne, counts more than 20 000 bottles of which some grands crus and prestigious wines that can be served with your meals.
Farewell dinner in restaurant La Maison du Cygne including welcome drink, 3 course menu mineral water and wines
Day 5: Friday, September 18th 2009 [B]
At leisure after breakfast. Individual departures either by train to Amsterdam or Paris or depart from Brussels Zaventem airport. (under own arrangement)
FARE
$2,950* per person, based on double occupancy. A deposit of $2,000.00 per person with the final payment due 3/15/09.
Fare includes one night Deluxe room accommodation w/ breakfast at the Antwerp Hilton Hotel; two nights’ Deluxe room accommodation w/ breakfast at Hotel Die Swaene; one night Deluxe room accomodation w/breakfast at the Hotel Amigo Brussels; Meet & Assist on arrival; private transfers, admissions, tours and services of an English-speaking guide per itinerary; meals and activities per itinerary.
Per person fare does not include international airfare; travel insurance; gratuities to service staff; alcoholic beverages; spa services, incidentals and items of a personal nature.
*Due to the currency fluctuation of the Euro - rate may increase.
A minimum of 20 travelers required for ATG escort.
