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Swiss Express

5 Days Tour

Germany | Switzerland

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Tour Overview

05 Days - Swiss Express (Code:SWEX)

 

 

Tour Highlights

 

• Mt Titlis with entrance

• Rhine Falls The largest plain waterfalls in Europe

• Zurich City Tour Free time to explore

• Lucerne City Tour view the Lion Monument & Chapel Bridge

• Interlaken Free time to explore & shop

 

Price Includes

 

  • Return transportation by deluxe AC coach from Nationwide pick up points

  • Return channel crossing via Eurotunnel or Ferry

  • 3 nights accommodation in a 3/4* hotels with breakfast

  • 3 Indian dinners

  • Entrances and sightseeing as mentioned in Tour Highlights

  • All tips and service charges

  • Premium service of a Star Tours’ Representative

  • ABTA Legal Protection

 

 

Hotels

 

• 2 nights at H+ Hotel & Spa Engelberg or similar

• 1 night at 7Hotels & Fitness Strasbourg or similar

 

The Star Difference

 

  • Excursion to Mt. Titlis included in your price

  • Tips and service charges included

  • ABTA Protection

 

Additional Excursions

 

Excursions

Adult

Child

(6- 15 years)

Mt. Jungfrau

145 GBP

170 Euros

170 CHF

85 GBP

100 Euros

100 CHF

Ice Flyer

12 Euros

6 Euros

 

 

Tour Itinerary


Day 1
London - Calais - Overnight Drive (Distance: 850 Kms - Overnight)

Today evening join up with your coach and depart towards Dover or Folkestone for your crossing to Calais; you will require your passports at hand as we will cross the UK and French immigration, as well as security. The crossing on the ferry will last approx. 90 Minutes; 40 minutes if the crossing is from the Euro Tunnel train.

Once we are in mainland Europe, we make our way directly towards Switzerland. We will be crossing through France, Belgium and possibly Luxembourg whilst we make our way towards Switzerland.

We will be covering quite a distance tonight and be driving throughout the night. We highly recommend you carry any essentials you require with you in person including a small wash bag with key toiletries.




Day 2
Rhine Falls - Central Switzerland (Distance: 250 Kms)

In the morning we will stop to freshen up at services after the overnight drive, you can purchase your own breakfast from the services.

We continue our journey heading through the Black Forest region of Germany and into Schaffhausen a city in north-eastern Switzerland on the river Rhine, next to the German border. On arrival why not take the time to admire the prime tourist attraction of the Rhine Falls, Europe's largest open-plain waterfalls. You have the time to enjoy a quick trip to the centre of falls on the erosion resistant rock or simply bide the short time we have here admiring the beauty from the banks of the River Rhine with the Wörth Castle in the backdrop.

We continue our journey from the Rhine falls toward Central Switzerland. We have our Indian meal either at the restaurant or the hotel before we settle in for our two nights at the hotel. We anticipate to be at the Hotel by 18:00 today, so you may have some time to freshen up in your rooms before we make our way for dinner.
D

Day 3
Central Switzerland - Interlaken (Mt Jungfrau) - Central Switzerland (Distance: 180 Kms)

We have an early breakfast today and head out on the coach towards Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen.

Today spend time in Interlaken, a small town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The Höheweg is Interlaken's main street which runs between Interlaken West and Interlaken Ost Railway Stations, spend the time shopping away for souvenirs along the high street or simply admire the rich views of the Bernese Alps. Why not wander through the Kursaal Garden, where you can see a 350 Kg statue of the renowned Indian filmmaker, the late Yash Chopra.

For those of you not doing the Mt Jungfrau optional, you will have the full day in Interlaken. We recommend that you have activities or a day plan as Interlaken is a small town, so without any activities or day plan, you may find that there is little to do unless you explore the activities on offer.

Today you also have the opportunity to take an optional tour that your tour rep will present to you. You can choose to do Mt Jungfrau, which is located in the Lauterbrunnen valley. You will still have some time in Interlaken if you choose to do these optional tours.

If you choose the Mt Jungfrau optional you will head towards Lauterbrunnen Valley, the deepest U-shaped valley in the world with either side rising a sheer 1000 meters. We have a jaw-dropping train journey on a cogwheel that takes us up to the top of Mt. Jungfrau at 3454 meters above sea level. At the top, have free time to explore the Ice Palace to view life-sized ice sculptures carved from the Glacier, visit the Sphinx observation tower for spectacular views of the Aletsch glacier and surrounding peaks, often said you could see as far as Italy on a clear day. Then spend your remaining time buying souvenirs and chocolates before we meet up at our meeting point at the top and making your way back down.

This is a payable optional, so please speak your tour rep if you have any concerns regarding the optional.

After a jam-packed day in Interlaken and Lauterbrunnen, we make our way back for our Indian meal and hotel. With a day full of memories get in a good night sleep for another adventurous day tomorrow.
B, D

Day 4
Mt Titlis - Lucerne - Zurich City - Strasbourg Region (Distance: 350 Kms)

After breakfast today we ascend 10,000ft to the summit of Mt. Titlis. We take a small cable car or funicular depending on the time of the year before we take the world’s first revolving cable car, the Titlis Rotair. The Rotair makes one full revolution whilst we ascend to the top of Mt Titlis giving you a 360-degree view of the Uri Alps. Once we reach the top you can not only enjoy the breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding Swiss landscapes, but you will have ample time to take pictures in traditional Swiss outfits, buy souvenirs and walk the highest Cliff Walk, a suspended pedestrian bridge along the cliff of Mount Titlis 3,000 m above sea level, it is believed to be the highest elevation suspension bridge in Europe (subject to operation). Spend the morning playing in the snow and visit the ice caves.

On Mt Titlis, you can also enjoy the optional Ice Flyer (subject to operation). The Ice Flyer chairlift sweeps you smoothly and safely over crisp, virgin snowfields and icy depths. Some of the crevasses are up to twenty metres deep. Only on Mt Titlis can you expect such a fantastic glacier experience, and don’t forget to smile as you can purchase a perfect souvenir of your picture from the photo studio shop.

We make our way down in the early afternoon, and board our coach and make our way down from Engelberg to the beautiful city of Luzern (Lucerne).

In Lucerne spend the time admiring Lake Luzern, the fourth largest lake in Switzerland, with Mt Pilatus, Mt Rigi and the Swiss Alps in the background, or take a wonderful walk around the Old Town and shop to your heart content in the pretty cobbled streets with top high street fashion names. Don’t forget to walk and view the Chapel Bridge also known as Kapellbrücke, the famous 204 meters long wooden covered bridge originally built in 1333, regarded as the oldest covered bridge in Europe. We later visit the Lion Monument, or the Lion of Lucerne, a rock relief, designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen. It commemorates the Swiss Guards who were massacred in 1792 during the French Revolution when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace in Paris. The carving has often been heralded as "the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world".

We then drive heading North towards the commercial capital of Zurich. On arrival in Zurich spend the one-hour free time that your tour representative gives you in the city centre to discover Zurich city by foot, with the main highlights including - The Fraumünster Church, renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows created by Chagall. The Grossmunster evangelical protestant church in the mediaeval old town, or simply admire the beautiful lake of Zurich. The free-time given to you to check out a snapshot of Zurich city centre.

We board back onto the coach after another fun filled day heading for our evening Indian meal and hotel located in Strasbourg.
B, D

Day 5
Strasbourg Region - Calais - London (Distance: 850 Kms)

Today morning we depart very early from the Hotel, depending on the location we may be given a packed breakfast. We then check out of the hotel and depart towards Calais for your crossing to Dover or Folkestone.

We will be covering quite a distance today to reach London, so ensure you carry your key essentials and devices for your entertainment for the journey.

The journey back we say goodbye to friends we have made along the way as we drop off those getting off on the route.
Once we reach Calais, we cross over back into Dover or Folkestone depending on our crossing schedule for the tour on the day. We continue our journey towards Wembley and dropping passengers off at their respective drop-offs.

We arrive back at Wembley late in the evening.
B

Important Notes
On occasions, due to large events, traffic, logistics and availability of reservations, it may be necessary to change the above itinerary. However, all aspects of the itinerary will be covered.

This tour involves overnight travel on a coach.



B=Breakfast, D=Dinner

Other Information

2025 USD Dates & Prices

DEPARTURE DATES

ADULT/CHILD

from

CHILD (2-11 YRS)

from

Apr - 17, 23

$820.00

$680.00

May - 01, 23

$820.00

$680.00

Jun - 25

$820.00

$680.00

Jul - 09, 18, 25

$820.00

$680.00

Aug - 01, 06, 15, 21, 27

$820.00

$680.00

Sep - 03

$780.00

$640.00

Oct - 24

$780.00

$640.00

Nov - 12

$780.00

$640.00

Dec - 24

$780.00

$640.00


Price per person based on 2/3 adults sharing a room

Child 2 - 11 years must share a room with 2/3 adults

Infants 0 - 23 months price is from $345 for a seat in coach only

Max occupancy per room is 3 person (excluding infants)

$90 reduction will apply for 2nd child without a bed

Single supplement will be an additional $245

Discover general information about our tours by clicking here . Additionally, should you have any questions, our Frequently Asked Questions page may already contain the answers to your questions.

Country Details

Country

Capital

Currency

Visa Required

Time

Zone

Electricity

Country

Code

Switzerland

Berne

CHF (Euro accepted

at many places*)

Schengen

UTC + 1

230V,

50Hz

+41

*Change will be given back in local currency

Currency

In most of Western Europe, the currency you will require will be Euros. However, you will need Swiss Francs (CHF) when travelling in Switzerland. It is possible to make purchases in Euros at selected establishments in Switzerland, but please note that change will typically be given in CHF.

 

We advise passengers to exchange any spending money before they travel. Whilst on tour, exchanging currency can be very inconvenient, and not all places we visit will have ATMs or accept credit/debit cards.

 

We also recommend passengers keep some change in coins on hand, as using toilets in many parts of Europe is not free.

 

Please note that USD, GBP, or travellers’ cheques are not widely accepted at locations on this tour.

Distances

An important point to note whilst on a touring holiday is that some long journeys are unavoidable especially when travelling from city to city.

It is advisable for passengers to carry necessities that they may need for the day such as water, dry snacks, cameras etc. with them in their hand luggage.

For this tour, it should be noted that the travel times are extensive on this tour.

Please see a summary of the distances you will be covering below:

From

To

Distance in kms

(Approx)

Travelling time

(Approx)

Wembley

Dover

159

2hrs 30mins

Calais

Rhine falls

800

10hrs 15mins

Overnight Journey

Rhine falls

Engelberg

144

2hrs

Engelberg

Interlaken

86

1hr 20mins

Interlaken

Grindelwald (Jungfraujoch)

20

30mins

Engelberg

Lucerne

35

45mins

Lucerne

Zurich

52

1hr 10mins

Zurich

Strasbourg

223

3hrs

Strasbourg

Calais

621

7hrs 15mins

Above is for indication purposes only

Major Attractions

Interlaken

Nestled between two lakes and surrounded by the Swiss Alps, Interlaken is a hub for outdoor activities like hiking and paragliding. While on tour, explore the picturesque town, and don’t miss the views of the surrounding Jungfrau Region.

 

Mt. Titlis

A visit to Mt. Titlis offers a thrilling cable car ride to the summit, where you’ll experience the Glacier Cave and Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Prepare for cold temperatures, even in summer, and wear sturdy footwear for exploring snowy areas.

 

Rhine Falls

As Europe’s largest waterfall, Rhine Falls provides awe-inspiring views. You can take a boat ride close to the falls or enjoy the view from various platforms. The pathways near the falls can be slippery, so non-slip footwear is recommended. Explore surrounding trails and viewing points for a complete experience.

Additional Excursions

Ice Flyer - The Ice Flyer chairlift sweeps you smoothly and safely over crisp, virgin snowfields and icy depths. Some of the crevasses are up to twenty metres deep. Only on Mt Titlis can you expect such a fantastic glacier experience.

 

Mt Jungfrau - We have a jaw-dropping train journey on a cogwheel that takes us up to the top of Mt. Jungfrau at 3454 meters above sea level. At the top, have free time to explore the Ice Palace to view life-sized ice sculptures carved from the Glacier, visit the Sphinx observation tower for spectacular views of the Aletsch glacier and surrounding peaks.

Hotels

Please note that not all hotels on this tour will have air conditioning or kettles. If you require warm milk for a baby, we recommend bringing your bottle warmer and milk supply. Passengers may also want to carry a small travel iron and hairdryer, as these amenities may not be available in all hotel rooms.

 

In some European hotels, double occupancy rooms may consist of two single beds pushed together. We work with such hotels, so please be prepared for this arrangement.

 

If you use additional services such as the phone, minibar, or pay-per-view TV in your room, these costs are not included in the tour package and must be settled directly with the hotel upon checkout.

Meals

Passengers can choose from various meal options, including vegetarian, Jain, or non-vegetarian. Please note that Jain and Halal meals may not always be available. We ask that passengers inform the tour manager of their preferred diet on the first day of the tour. Meals are served as pre-set buffets, and menu choices are not available. Only tap water will be provided with meals. On some days, a pre-set continental meal may be served.

 

Breakfast will be provided at the hotels, usually in a designated dining area, and typically consists of a continental selection including tea, coffee, bread, cereals, fruit, and yoghurt.

 

Lunches are generally vegetarian, though there may be occasions when a non-vegetarian dish is offered. Dinners are typically served in a separate dining area within the hotel or at a restaurant. If you have any concerns about the ingredients in a dish, please consult your tour manager.

 

If you require specific allergen information, please get in touch with us in advance so we can assist you accordingly.

 

The maximum occupancy per room on this tour is three people. However, from March to May, some hotels may only accommodate a maximum of two people per room.

Pick up and Drop off points & Times

Passengers are advised to arrive at their designated pick-up point no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Your invoice will clearly state the exact pick-up location, address, and time. If you have selected a pick-up point outside of Wembley, Southall, or East Ham, your precise pick-up time will be confirmed closer to your departure.

 

On the return journey from the continent, we are scheduled to arrive at Dover or Folkestone between 20:00 and 21:00 hours, after which we will proceed to the original London pick-up points. The anticipated arrival time in London is between 22:30 and 00:30 hours (the following day).

 

For passengers using our pick-up points services outside of London, transportation may be arranged via private car, minibus, or alternative coach for your journey to and from London. In rare cases, you may experience a wait of up to an hour for a connecting transfer upon your return. Passengers will receive a confirmation call from Star Tours the day before departure to finalise details.

 

Please note that Star Tours reserves the right to adjust pick-up times up to 12 hours before departure if needed.

 

For a comprehensive list of available pick-up points, please get in touch with us directly for more details.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click on the link below to get Country specific details

For a full list of the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office click here

UK Residents

USA Residents

France

France

Germany

Germany

Switzerland

Switzerland

Visa & Passport

When travelling to Europe, it’s crucial to ensure your passport and visa requirements are in order before departure.

 

Passport Requirements:

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Europe. It should also have been issued within the last ten years and�have sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

 

Visa Requirements:

If you are a national of India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, you must obtain a Schengen visa before travelling. This visa allows entry into any of the 27 Schengen countries for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days).

 

Ensure you apply for your Schengen visa well in advance, as processing times may vary.

 

Nationals of British, American, Australian, Canadian, and other visa-exempt countries currently do not require a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days). However, starting in 2025, all visa-exempt travellers (including British and American citizens) must apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering the Schengen Area.

 

The ETIAS application is a simple online process that requires travellers to provide personal information and pay a small fee (€7). Once approved, the authorisation will be valid for three years or until your passport expires.

 

Entry/Exit System (EES):

From Early 2025, the EES will be introduced across Schengen countries. This system will electronically record the entry and exit of all non-EU travellers, replacing manual passport stamping. Travelers’ biometric data (fingerprints and facial images) will be recorded during their first entry into the Schengen Area.

Schengen Visa Details

Visa Details & Document Required

Embassy to Apply

Reason

Port of Entry/Exit

Applying from UK (Click Here)  

French

Entry/Exit & Max Stay

Calais, France/Calais, France

Applying from India (Click Here)

Swiss

Entry/Exit & Max Stay

Calais, France/Calais, France

Weather

The weather across much of Western and Central Europe, including France, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Austria, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, can be variable and unpredictable, like in�England. Regardless of the time of year, carrying an umbrella and preparing for sudden weather changes is always advisable.

 

Temperature Variations:

France, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany: In these countries, the weather can fluctuate widely depending on the season. Summers can bring temperatures around 25-30°C, while winters are much colder, often dropping below 5°C.

 

Spain, Portugal, and Italy: Southern European countries, particularly Spain and Portugal, tend to have warmer temperatures, especially in summer, when temperatures can reach 30-40°C. Coastal areas tend to be more temperate.

 

Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein: Temperatures can vary dramatically in alpine regions, particularly in Austria and Switzerland. During high-altitude excursions, temperatures can range between 0°C and 2°C on mountaintops, even in summer, while lowland areas could simultaneously experience temperatures exceeding 30°C.

 

It’s a good idea to check the specific forecast for each destination before your trip, especially on a multi-destination tour, as you may encounter different weather conditions in each country.

 

Preparation Tips:

Layered Clothing: Bring a variety of clothing layers to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Winter Months: If travelling in winter, be aware that daylight hours are short, and sightseeing often happens in the dark. It gets dark in Northern Europe and the Alps, sometimes as early as 16:00 hrs.

 

Footwear & Accessories: Comfortable shoes, waterproof jackets, and cold-weather gear (for alpine regions) are highly recommended.

 

By preparing for various conditions, travellers can comfortably enjoy their time across these beautiful European destinations, regardless of season.

 

If you need more information or assistance with your visa or ETIAS requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Wheelchair Accessibility, Child Seats and Passenger Information

We welcome passengers using lightweight manual wheelchairs on our tours, provided the wheelchair can be stowed in the coach’s luggage hold. Passengers are encouraged to contact us in advance to ensure we can meet their specific mobility needs. Our staff will try to assist passengers with reduced mobility in compliance with the Regulations.Please note, however, that a family member or companion will need to be present to assist with pushing the wheelchair throughout the tour.

 

We will request accessible hotel rooms for wheelchair users wherever possible, but this depends on availability and cannot be guaranteed. We advise passengers to inform us of their requirements in advance so we can make the necessary requests.

 

Please be aware that specific destinations, such as Mt. Titlis and the Eiffel Tower, are inaccessible to wheelchair users. Additionally, locations like Brussels, Lucerne, Lion Monument, Pisa, Rome, Venice, and Florence have cobbled streets, which may make it difficult for wheelchairs to navigate. Passengers should take these factors into account when planning their trip.

Child Seat Requirements:

In most European countries, it is mandatory for children under the age of 12 years or shorter than 150 cm to use appropriate child restraints while travelling in a coach.

Children under seven years old or under 125 cm tall must use a child seat with a harness or�appropriate restraint system.

 

Children aged 7 to 12 years or between 125 cm and 150 cm tall must use a booster seat or a seat cushion.

 

The parent or guardian is responsible for providing a suitable child seat for their child. Passengers should ensure they bring the appropriate child restraint system that complies with local laws in the visited countries, as there may be minor variations in regulations across European nations.

Other Advisories

Baggage and Packing

Due to limited storage space on coaches, checking the baggage allowance for your tour before departure is essential. Ensure your luggage meets the size and weight requirements in your tour documents. Excess baggage may not be permitted.

Pack a small day bag for personal items, medications, snacks, and travel documents to keep with you during the journey, as accessing the main luggage may not be possible until designated stops.

 

Punctuality

Respect timings during stops; there will be scheduled comfort breaks and sightseeing stops throughout the tour. Be sure to return to the coach on time after each stop to avoid delays and respect the entire group's schedule. Coaches operate on a strict timetable to ensure that all scheduled visits and activities are completed on time. Passengers who arrive late at any point may risk missing the coach, as drivers cannot wait beyond the allocated time for each stop.

 

The tour may sometimes involve changes in coaches or representatives, particularly when merging with other groups. Please adhere to the instructed times for these transitions to ensure smooth coordination.

 

Coach Facilities

While most coaches are equipped with WC facilities, they may be limited in availability. Using restroom facilities during scheduled breaks at rest stops is recommended to avoid discomfort.

 

Seating and Safety:

By law, passengers must wear seat belts where fitted. Seats are pre-assigned and given to you on the departure date. Seat requests are not taken under any circumstance.

 

Personal Health and Medication

Bring any necessary medications with you in your day bag. If you are prone to motion sickness, carry appropriate remedies or medications to ensure a comfortable journey.

If your tour includes high-altitude destinations, ensure you are medically fit to travel at such heights. Those with heart or lung conditions should consult a doctor beforehand. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and warm clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly at high altitudes.

 

Cultural and Local Etiquette

Be mindful of the local customs and etiquette, especially when visiting religious or historical sites. Dress modestly where required, and be respectful of local customs and traditions.

 

Electronics and Connectivity

Some coaches are equipped with USB charging ports, but this is not guaranteed. Ensure your devices are charged beforehand, and consider bringing a portable charger/power bank.

WiFi is unavailable on the coach, so bring along books, headphones, or downloaded movies and music to enjoy during long journey stretches.

 

Environmental Awareness

Be conscious of the environment during your tour. Carry a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste, fill up at restaurants and hotels, and dispose of trash properly at rest stops.

Home Pick-Ups

The map below can be used to check the price of a home pick-up. The map shows the price bands for each area we service.

Home Pick-up Pricing Key:

Pick-Up points

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.


Early Bird Offers

  • Book 6 weeks in advance and get £10 / $15 OFF per adult and child

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