DAY 1: FLIGHT TO MUNICH – CITY TOUR – ST GALLEN – ZURICH
We meet at ‘Macedonia’ Airport at 06:10 and take a direct flight to Munich. Upon arrival, we’ll begin our tour of the Bavarian capital, a city that, during the Christmas season, is transformed into one of Europe’s most atmospheric festive destinations. Our tour begins in the historic centre and at the famous Marienplatz, the city’s main square, dominated by the impressive New Town Hall. During the festive season, the area is filled with lights, decorated stalls, music, and the scents of cinnamon, mulled wine, chocolate and traditional Bavarian delicacies. We’ll see the New Town Hall, the Old Town Hall, St Peter’s Church and other landmarks of the old town. There will be free time for a stroll, a coffee, a meal or some shopping at Munich’s Christmas market, one of the best known and most loved in Germany. We then set off for Switzerland and the beautiful city of St Gallen, known for its rich cultural heritage and its internationally renowned university. During our tour, we will see the historic Abbey, the impressive Cathedral and the famous Abbey Library, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town of St Gallen, with its carved wooden balconies, colourful façades and picturesque alleyways, takes on a special festive atmosphere. We’ll have time for a short stroll through the historic centre. Late in the afternoon, we’ll continue on to Zurich. Before arriving at the hotel, we’ll get a first glimpse of Switzerland’s largest city, decked out and illuminated in festive style. Check-in. Overnight stay.
DAY 2: LUCERNE – BERNE
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on a wonderful excursion to two of Switzerland’s most beautiful cities: Lucerne and Bern. Today is dedicated to authentic Swiss beauty, to winter landscapes featuring lakes, rivers, mountains and historic centres that seem even more magical during the festive season. Our first stop is Lucerne, one of the country’s most romantic and frequently photographed cities. Built on the shores of the lake of the same name and surrounded by Alpine scenery. We’ll stroll through the Old Town with its colourful façades, picturesque alleyways and historic squares. We’ll see the famous wooden Chapel Bridge, the Town Hall, St Peter’s Church, the medieval wine market, the Franciscan and Jesuit churches, as well as the Hofkirche. There will be free time for a stroll, a coffee, a hot chocolate or some shopping in the festive city centre. We will then continue along a magnificent winter route to Bern, the federal capital of Switzerland. Built on a striking bend in the River Aare, against the backdrop of the Alps, Bern is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Its Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour begins in the Bärenplatz area and continues towards Bundesplatz and the imposing Swiss Federal Parliament. We will walk through the city’s historic streets, amongst arcades and traditional shops. We’ll see the Cathedral, the Käfigturm, Marktgasse and Kramgasse, with their characteristic arcades, stone buildings, historic fountains and sculptures. We won’t miss the famous Tower with its astronomical clock, nor the area around the Nydeggbrücke bridge, near the well-known Bear Park. After the tour, there will be time for a stroll through the historic centre of Bern. Return to our hotel in Zurich in the afternoon. Overnight stay.
DAY 3: KOUR – JOURNEY ON THE ALPINE TRAIN – ST MORITZ
Today is dedicated to one of the most impressive experiences of the trip: the journey on the famous Alpine Express to St Moritz. Those who wish can enjoy some free time in festive Zurich, with the option of a stroll through the city centre, along the Bahnhofstrasse and by the lake. For those taking part in the optional full-day excursion, we set off in the morning for Chur, Switzerland’s oldest town and the starting point of our Alpine adventure. From there, we board the traditional Alpine train and set off on a journey of unique beauty. In winter, the landscape becomes even more spectacular: Alpine villages, bridges, valleys, lakes, forests and mountains create a scene that looks as though it has been taken straight from a festive postcard. This is one of the most beautiful rail journeys in Europe, ideal for those who want to experience Switzerland at its most authentic, wintry and atmospheric. Arrival in cosmopolitan St Moritz, one of the world’s most famous winter resorts. Set at an altitude of around 1,580 metres, with luxury hotels, picturesque chalets, elegant boutiques and a sophisticated Alpine atmosphere, St Moritz fully lives up to its reputation as the ‘top of the world’. We’ll have some free time to stroll around the town, have a meal, a coffee or do some shopping. We recommend enjoying a hot chocolate in one of the famous cafés, whilst taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Zurich by coach. Overnight stay.
DAY 4: ZURICH CITY TOUR – TRI-BORDER AREA – BASEL
After breakfast, we set off for the centre of Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and one of the most elegant, well-organised and high-quality cities in Europe. During the festive season, Zurich becomes even more impressive. The main streets are festively lit, the shop windows are decorated, the squares come alive, and the city takes on a special sense of elegance and warmth. Our tour begins in the area around the main railway station and continues along the banks of the River Limmat, which flows through the heart of the city. We’ll see the Town Hall, the historic guild houses, St Peter’s Church with its famous clock, the Grossmünster Cathedral, and the Fraumünster Church, known for its impressive stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall. We will then see the Opera House and end up at Lake Zurich, one of the city’s most beautiful and beloved spots. There will be free time for a stroll, a coffee or a meal. We then set off for Basel, which is situated at the point known as the ‘Tri-Border Area’, on the border with France and Germany. Basel is one of Switzerland’s most elegant and cultured cities. Our tour begins with a panoramic drive through the city and continues into the Old Town, one of the best-preserved in Europe, full of cobbled streets, Renaissance buildings and romantic squares. Basel Cathedral stands out, with its twin towers and distinctive red stone – a landmark of the city – from where we enjoy a panoramic view of the Rhine. We continue with a stroll along the banks of the Rhine, walking as far as the city’s oldest bridge, the Mittlere Brücke. We head towards the central Marktplatz square, dominated by the impressive Town Hall with its red façade and ornate details. There will be free time in Basel’s festive city centre to stroll through the market, do some shopping, have a coffee or a meal. In the afternoon, we return to our hotel in Zurich. Overnight stay.
DAY 5: ZURICH – RHINE FALLS – STEIN AM RHEIN – RETURN FLIGHT
After breakfast, we set off from Zurich for a day full of stunning views, natural beauty, a medieval atmosphere and authentic Swiss charm. Our first stop is one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Switzerland and indeed the whole of Europe: the famous Rhine Falls, known as the Rheinfall. During the winter months, the landscape around the falls takes on a special, awe-inspiring atmosphere, with the power of the water and the natural beauty of the area offering a spectacular sight. The Rhine Falls are considered the largest waterfalls in Europe and offer a unique experience. We’ll have time to enjoy the scenery, take photos at the designated viewing points and experience the power of nature up close. We then continue on to the beautiful Stein am Rhein, one of Switzerland’s most picturesque medieval villages, built on the banks of the Rhine. The well-preserved houses, the painted façades, the timber-framed features and the cobbled streets create an atmosphere of old Europe. Our tour of the historic centre will transport us to another era. The heart of the city beats in the central Rathausplatz, dominated by the impressive Town Hall building. With its architecture and the painted murals adorning its façade, it is a real gem of the city. We’ll have time for a stroll, some photos and one last festive experience in the Swiss countryside. With our minds full of images, beautiful memories and the feeling that we have discovered some of Switzerland’s most special corners, we set off for Zurich Airport. We board the afternoon direct Aegean flight for our return to Thessaloniki, bringing to a close a journey filled with Alpine landscapes, historic towns, light, nature and unique experiences.
Notes: The order of the programme may vary depending on circumstances, without any activities being omitted.
Note: For departures on 24 December and 31 December, the visit to the Rhine Falls on the final day is omitted.
