4/15/2026     by Sofia Lust

A Journey Across Lakes, Cities and Alpine Landscapes

A group of travel advisors toured Switzerland in February on a Globus itinerary designed to simplify movement between regions. What stood out was not just where they went, but how easily the entire experience unfolded. Keep reading to find out more and picture yourself experiencing the world with Globus.

A Journey That Holds Together

There is a difference between moving through a country and experiencing it. Over the course of eight days, this Globus journey through Switzerland traced a route that was well planned from the start — linking cities, lakes and alpine landscapes in a way that didn’t require constant decision-making.

It began in Zürich, with a welcome dinner that brought the group together. The following morning, a walk through the Altstadt introduced the essentials — historic squares, narrow streets, the Fraumünster Church — before moving on toward the quieter lakeside town of Neuchâtel. There, some explored the castle and cathedral while others stopped for lunch at a small creperie. Next the group checked into the Mona Montreux, set directly on Lake Geneva (Lac Léman).

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Zurich, Switzerland

Behind the Scenes: Professional Coordination

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Bern, Switzerland

What makes for a smoother journey?

  • Hotel check-ins were handled in advance, with keys distributed on arrival
  • Luggage was delivered directly to each room within minutes
  • Each day began with a clear, practical overview from the Tour Director
  • Local recommendations — from restaurants to hidden spots — were built into the experience

Marco, the Tour Director, added a layer of access that would be difficult to replicate independently.

One travel agent put it:

“All you have to do is be on time where, they tell you to be, and the rest is taken care of for you.”

Chillon Castle and The Freedom to Choose

Along Lake Geneva, the visit to Chillon Castle could have felt predictable, but it didn’t. A guide in character — as a 16th-century duchess — led the group, bringing context to the experience. A small wine tasting followed, featuring bottles only available at the castle itself.

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Chillon Castle, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Afterward, some continued to Gruyères, where they had a fondue lunch followed by a visit to Maison Cailler for a tour and all-you-can-eat chocolate. Others accepted free tickets for public transportation from the Tour Director and set off to explore at their own pace.

 “We hopped on a public bus and had an awesome time in a town called Vevey. You can use your free time as you wish.”

That flexibility — being able to step away from the itinerary — became one of the defining aspects of the trip.

From Bern to Lucerne

In Bern, a local guide led the group through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, weaving in details about Einstein’s apartment, the Zytglogge clock tower and views from the Rose Garden.

In Lucerne, the walking tour covered the essentials — the Lion Monument, the Chapel Bridge, the painted facades — before the group got the afternoon off.

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Chapel Bridge, Lucerne, Switzerland

Another travel agent described it:

“There’s the balance of the busy-ness, but they also allow so much free time for us to just decompress or go explore on our own.”

Into the Alps and Down to Lugano

The journey up Mount Pilatus — first by a panoramic gondola, then via the Dragon Ride cableway — opened into a snow-covered landscape, with views stretching across the Alps. At the top, the group was greeted with colder air and hot chocolate.

Next was St. Gotthard Tunnel, emerging into Lugano, where the group welcomed warmer weather, softer architecture and a noticeable Italian influence.

The day ended with time by the lake and drinks in a lakeside igloo before the group settled into the city.

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Dragon Ride cableway, Mt. Pilatus, Lucerne
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Mt. Pilatus, Switzerland
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Lugano, Switzerland

A Way of Traveling That Simplifies Everything

The value of the experience was clear:

One travel agent said:

“It’s a really great opportunity because Globus takes all the guesswork out of it. Every hotel, every restaurant, every experience — it’s all been vetted for you.”

And still, the trip never felt rigid.

“There’s lots of time to relax, but you still get to do everything you want to see and do,” she added.

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Luxury Coach

What stood out to the group on their final evening in Lugano wasn’t just the places themselves — Zürich, Lake Geneva, Bern, Lucerne, the Alps, Lugano — but how the journey provided a clear sense of continuity, and logistics never got in the way of the experience.

Working with a travel advisor adds another layer to that experience. Beyond the itinerary itself, it means having someone who understands how to match the right tour, handle the details before departure and provide support along the way. Our travel agents often experience tours, resorts and cruise lines firsthand, gaining unique insights about the vacations travelers want most. That's why their advice is so useful.

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