Featuring
cruises on Lake Como & Lake Maggiore and scenic trains in
Switzerland & Italy
Cruise Lake Como on a traditional open-air
commuter ferry.
Stroll the lakeside
boulevards of Lucerne, St. Moritz and Como.
Journey through the Bernina
Pass on one of the world’s most scenic railways.
Experience the benefits of
Whisper headsets, designed for better communication between you and
your guides.
Specially-priced
Air Rates
Available:YES
Charming Villages in the Heart of Europe
Experience the enchanting Alpine
cultures of Switzerland and Italy as you journey through spectacular
mountain scenery and picturesque towns. Ride aboard three of the
legendary Alpine railways – the Golden Pass Panoramic Train from Gstaad
to Montreux; the Glacier Express from Zermatt to St. Moritz; and the
Bernina Pass Train, which takes you into Italy. Cruise across two of
the most scenic lakes in the world, Lake Como and Maggiore. Relax in
some of Europe’s most stunning and exclusive resort villages, including
Zermatt, St Moritz and Lago Maggoire, Italy. Explore Lucerne, the
"Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Spend time at a family-owned farm where
you sample their handmade cheeses paired with wine. Enjoy traditional
regional cuisine and Italian delicacies. Savor a traditional Italian
dinner on the Isola dei Pescatori.
THIS
TOUR
INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TRANSPORTATION MODES:
Ride
in Comfort
Each
Collette motorcoach has upholstered, reclining seats with headrests and
individual air-conditioning vents. A high-fidelity sound system
broadcasts professional Tour Director's commentary to every seat. Our
custom of daily seat rotation gives everyone a variety of vantage
points to see the passing countryside and city scenes.
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS Airport
transfers
may be included when you make your flight arrangements.
LUCERNE Hotel Astoria Lucerne (F) ZERMATTHotel Albana Real (F) ST. MORITZHotel Steffani (F) LAGO MAGGIORE Zacchera Hotels (F)
DINING
HIGHLIGHTS
11
Meals
7 Breakfasts
1 Lunches
3 Dinners
Day 1
OVERNIGHT
FLIGHT
Breathtaking
Alpine vistas await as you travel through Switzerland and Italy.
Experience dramatic views while aboard railways and lake cruises, and
enjoy cultural experiences in charming villages in the heart of Europe.
Day2
Lucerne, Switzerland
- Tour Begins
Arrive
in Lucerne and take some free time to explore this lakeside town on
your own. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in
the city.
Day
3
Lucerne
Today,
explore this “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy an Altstadt (Old Town)
walking tour that follows the ancient pathways of the city. See the
covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower that once served
as a prison; the watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town
Hall; the Baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from
sandstone to commemorate the heroic soldiers who were protecting King
Louis XVI in 1792.
This
morning, travel to Gstaad and climb aboard the GoldenPass panoramic
train to enjoy breathtaking Alpine views along the route to Montreux.
Upon arrival, enjoy some free time in this legendary town on the shores
of Lake Geneva. Then continue on to the pedestrian village of Zermatt.
Day
5
Zermatt
Today,
Zermatt is at your fingertips. It’s your choice! Explore on foot during
a guided walking tour -OR- experience Zermatt independently before
visiting the Matterhorn Museum; learn more about the triumph and
tragedy behind the first ascent of this imposing peak. The remainder of
your day is at leisure.
Day6
Zermatt - Glacier
Express Train - St. Moritz
Traverse
bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge
Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy
the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep
valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. Relax and enjoy a
three-course lunch while onboard. Arrive in St. Moritz and enjoy the
evening at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.
Day 7
St. Moritz - Bernina
Pass Train - Lake Como, Italy - Lago Maggiore
Embark
on a journey through the Bernina Pass while traveling along one of the
most scenic railway lines in the world en route to Tirano, Italy. Take
in striking views of the Swiss and Italian Alps throughout your
adventure, including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Then drive along
the picturesque shores to the town of Como. You will have free time to
explore this famous resort and take in the magnificent views of Lake
Como before continuing to Lago Maggiore, a tranquil resort area with
crystal clear waters against the backdrop of the Alps.
DAY8
Lago
Maggiore
Travel
to an ancient village nestled in the mountains. Stop at a family farm
where you will learn about the artisan cheeses they produce. Then
sample their delicious creations and learn how to pair them with the
region’s local wines. Return to your hotel for a free afternoon. Your
evening begins with a wine tasting before boarding a lake boat for a
cruise to Isola dei Pescatori, the most beautiful of the Borromean
Islands. There you savor a traditional farewell dinner.
Day
9
Lago Maggiore - Tour
Ends
Your
thrilling Alpine journey ends today in Lago Maggiore.
Alpine
Lakes and Scenic Trains
8 Day Tour
9 Days
w/Air
From
$3199USD
(Less
applicable COLLETTE and GARDNER TRAVEL Promotional Discounts) NOTE:
Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy.
Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and
inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of
booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are
guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid
upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Tour-based Airfare is available to coordinate with
this tour
through Collette Vacations at attractive rates.
REQUEST RATES, AVAILABILITY AND OTHER INFORMATION HERE
Request ourLOW
UNPUBLISHED RATEand
availability for this tour: We
will provide our competitive rate to you by email
response or phone
call
as you prefer it.
PLEASE NOTE: We have
access
to the
U.S./Canada reservations only for this tour. If
you reside outside of the U.S./Canada please contact the closest
Collette Vacations travel agent in your country of origin.
Guided
by Travel!
Prices
are
per person based on double occupancy and are land only. We also offer
competitive group-based airfares from your home city airport that fit
with this particular touring program.
Save today on EVERY Collette Vacation!
Toll Free Call
1-877-510-4653 USA and Canada
We
provide an additional "Thank You!"for
all Collette
tour programs. Call or Email us for details about our "Thank You!"
Promotion for all first-time tour
clients. Offer subject
to availability and change without notice.
TALK
TO AN EXPERIENCED Collette Vacation
Specialist
As a
full-service travel provider we
can
help
you in finding your
perfect tour at the best price available today. We've been
representing COLLETTE
VACATIONS for
over 35 years. We
can take you all the way from your own hometown to
some of the most beautiful touring experiences in Europe and then back
again - all with the expertise of a seasoned COLLETTE professional travel counselor.
When it is important to get it right, you can trust the services of our
own professional COLLETTE Certified travel specialists.
Please
feel free
to call us or email us or we would be happy to provide your information
via email
on the tour form, below.
Requesting Availability We will check your requested tour
program and accommodations for the date range that you may specify in
the boxes below and reply back to you as soon as possible. Of course
the more information that you can provide us, the closer we will be in
matching your needs and preferences. We will not knowingly sell or pass
along your information that you provide to any third party for any
reason (see Liabilities
and Privacy Policy). And we use SSL Technology to safeguard your
information on our tour request forms that we have posted throughout
our website.
We are available to answer your inquiries in person Monday - Friday
(except holidays) from 8:30am until 5:30pm CST (1-877-510-4653 |
817-788-5210). We are available from time to time on the weekends via
email to answer your questions. Our typical response time for your
email request ranges from 3 hours to as many as 72 depending upon the
availability of onsite resources and those of the tour companies and
resorts/lodging establishments, as well as any variations you may
request from our listed programs. We will respond to your
requests as quickly as possible and as soon as we have all components
of your package confirmable. All tour program rates are based upon
double occupancy unless otherwise specified.
Thank
you for
your interest in this quality tour by COLLETTE Vacations!
Randy
C.
Gardner President Gardner Travel
Service,
Inc.
PASSPORT
& VISA INFORMATION
Certain countries
require a minimum of 6 months passport validity. You are strongly urged
to contact the appropriate consulate for details. Visit www.travel.state.gov for the
U.S. State Department for the latest details about passports and visa
requirements.
IMPORTANT: We recommend that our
clients traveling abroad take a photocopy of their passport and
applicable visas. It should be packed separately from your actual
passport and visa. We also recommend leaving a copy at home with your
emergency contact.
DESTINATION FACTS &
STATS
Time Zone Italy is 6 hours ahead of
Eastern Standard Time.
The currency in these countries is the Euro.
Electricity
Voltage in Italy is 220V. An
adaptor (which changes the
physical plug) and/or converter (which changes the electric current)
are necessary if you plan to use an appliance with voltage different
from the standard within the country you are visiting. Please note, if
your appliance has dual voltage you may still need an adaptor for the
plug. When packing your electronic items for travel, please review the
converter electric current level to make sure it is the same or greater
than the items you are planning on using. If you plan on utilizing or
transporting a sleep apnea machine, please remember to pack an
extension cord and adapter plug to ensure proper function.
Elevation
The highest elevation on this tour is 6,000 feet above sea level.
Optional Excursions
for
Alpine Lakes and Scenic Trains
Plan Ahead, Reserve
Now!
Add
a
touch of
personalization to your vacation by selecting from our well-researched
list of options. While Collette is known for our many inclusions, we
also want to be sure you have adequate free time and options to enhance
your vacation – your way. And now, you can reserve your options in
advance of your tour!
Availability
is
limited
and reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. Payment must
be received no later than 15 days prior to departure. Prices are
subject to change. Children under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by
an adult.
Mount Pilatus - $80 City: Lucerne
Duration: 3 Hours
Your transportation is included
Enjoy the splendor of pure nature while gliding over a clear landscape
in panoramic gondolas and spectacular cable cars. Ascend Pilatus via a
unique excursion on the steepest railway of the world with a gradient
of 48%. Upon arrival at the top, soak in the magnificent Alpine view
from 7,000 ft. above sea level. During leisure time at the summit,
stroll the walkway for views from a different vantage point, or enjoy
Swiss culinary delights on your own in one of the various restaurants
(lunch is not included). Return back down the mountain by panoramic
gondola for yet another bird’s eye view.
This option is available during the months of May - September only. On
occasion, this option may not be available due to inclement weather.
Highest elevation: 7,000 feet.
Collette
Vacations
is a global
leader of
world travel and Escorted Tours, offering 150 vacation choices on all
seven continents. We are a family-owned business, now in our third
generation of Sullivan-family ownership.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our whole purpose at Collette Vacations is to fulfill vacation dreams.
Our daily goal is to deliver to our family of travelers the highest
quality, best value and exceptional service, every time, everywhere. We
strive to create extraordinary vacation experiences on all 7
continents. Our greatest reward is planning our clients’ next trip.
The
Collette
Difference
IT'S
IN
THE DETAILS
Our NO
WORRIES cancellation waver means you can cancel anytime prior to
the day of departure and receive a full
cash refund.
Add up the cost of hotels, transportation, meals, sightseeing and
entertainment and you'll find what an incredible savings
a tour offers.
On a tour, you'll find yourself saying, "I never would have thought to
try that!" We work everyday to uncover those gems that make your
vacation special. Let our experience
work for yours.
Don't
worry about
planning the details, getting directions, picking great hotels,
or purchasing sightseeing tickets - we do that!
Our tour
managers are with you from start to finish, taking care of every
detail - and brightening your vacation with history and anecdotes that
bring the destination to life. A Collette Tour means less time planning
and more time enjoying.
You pack the bags - we'll lug them around! That's right - when you're
on tour with us, we take care of all
luggage handling... including the tip!
The Difference Starts at Your Door
You’ve worked hard. You’ve earned a
trip somewhere wonderful in the
world. You’re here, on this page, because you are already thinking
about it.
We believe
travel should be easy and convenient, from start to finish.
That’s why we have introduced our
Included
Sedan Service:
Collette’s roundtrip sedan service takes
you from your home to the
airport.
It’s included with all air-inclusive
journeys to anywhere in the world.
It’s yet another reason to travel even more.
Not
valid on group travel. Included in many U.S.
cities within a 50 mile radius of more than 90 airport gateways.
Service is available between 51 and 75 miles for a small fee. One
transfer per room booking. Additional stops are not permitted on route.
For parties of 3 or more alternate vehicles may be used. Other
restrictions may apply; call for details.
Why Travel on an Escorted Tour?
We
take the hassle out of travel, so you have all the fun. Here's how.
Our buying power gets you unbeatable value. Our tours
include
your sightseeing, entertainment, admissions to museums and parks, great
hotels and many meals, making it a hassle free experience for you from
start to finish. Our hotels are centrally located, so you won't waste a
second of your free time in buses or cabs. Even your luggage is managed
for you.
We planned ahead, so Europe with us is still a
bargain. We can
provide a
vacation to Europe, for example, at 15% less than you would pay if you
planned it on your own. There is no better time than now to buy a
packaged vacation.
Imagine seeing Thailand for less than $90 a day, and
that includes your hotel. On our
Thailand -
Ancient Capitals and Countryside tour, you'll ride an elephant and
cruise the Mekong River into Laos, just two unforgettable included
experiences among 14 days worth of discoveries You'll also enjoy 26
meals on tour, including a dinner cruise on a rice barge. See the
Golden Buddha, the ruins of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai, the colorful
pageantry of a Hill Tribe cultural show - it's all included!
It's like traveling with a friend who knows the area. Your tour
manager
will be with you every step of the way, handling the tedious details of
travel, while you relax and enjoy the trip. They are seasoned
professionals with in-depth knowledge about your destination and a
passion for sharing it.
Our tour developers personally scout out the best for
you. They search
for
accommodations, restaurants, attractions and entertainment to assemble
not only a fantastic trip, but create an entire experience that
captures the spirit of your destination. Learn the secrets of Tuscan
cuisine from a Florentine chef in Italy. Fly a kite in China. Feed a
kangaroo in Australia. Our tour developers love creating those
unforgettable moments that make your trip uniquely yours.
We've got something for everyone, from Branson to
Beijing. Collette
Vacations travels to more than 150 destinations on all seven
continents. We also offer Explorations by Collette, small-group tours
with a maximum of only 16 - 24 passengers that wander off the beaten
path. Explorations tours feature boutique hotels, outdoor activities
and interaction with local people.
No Worries Protection Plan
What exactly is your cancellation waiver? We have the
best
cancellation waiver in the industry-period. You can cancel your trip up
until the day prior to departure for any reason - sickness, change of
heart or any reason whatsoever-and you will receive a full refund,
minus the small cost of the insurance. That's a cash refund, not a
voucher or certificate. There's no risk when you book with Collette.
But isn't
it
expensive? Not at all!
Let's
say you were planning to take our Italian Vistas tour for 13 days. The
land-only waiver is just $170 per person. That breaks down to about
$13.07 a day-just a little over eight euros! The land and air waiver is
only $30 more. That's airplane peanuts compared to the peace of mind
you'll enjoy.
Plus,
you're
covered on tour. Our
cancellation
waiver and insurance plan covers you on tour. If you have to stop your
trip or return home early, need medical assistance or evacuation,
suffer a baggage loss or delay; or are delayed on tour for 12 hours or
more, you're covered.
Testimonials: My
husband had an
accident in New Zealand…He subsequently had to be transferred by
ambulance to Invercargill (Southland Hospital) to have surgery on his
leg. He spent one week in the hospital. I am so glad we always take out
the insurance. This is our third trip with Collette and we always take
out the insurance…In spite of the accident, we had a wonderful time in
Australia and New Zealand up to Queenstown and we are very glad we took
the trip. Genevieve Gallagher, Clifton Park, NY
We
had one
unfortunate problem; one traveler broke her ankle…Thank goodness I
insist that my passengers take the insurance. Virginia Gratton,
Greenport, NY
CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN
Exception: If
you originally purchased non-refundable airline tickets, the Waiver
does not provide a refund for the airline tickets, taxes or fees in the
event of a cancellation or a return transportation benefit if you must
return home early. The air waiver does not cover medical evacuation or
additional expenses associated with a medical emergency.
The Waiver Fee does not cover any single supplement charges which arise
from an individual’s traveling companion electing to cancel for any
reason prior to departure. In this case, the single supplement will be
deducted from the refund of the person who cancels. Division of this
charge between the two passengers involved is solely their
responsibility. If insufficient funds are deducted from the canceling
client, the traveling client will be charged the remaining portion of
the single supplement.
Payment of the Waiver Fee (if chosen) must be received by Collette
Vacations with your Deposit. The Waiver is non-transferable and valid
for each applicant only.
Collette Vacations can assume no responsibility for and cannot be held
liable for any wrongful, negligent or unauthorized acts or omissions of
any travel agent or travel agency other than that of Collette Travel
Service, Inc. itself, and its own employees.
PART
B – Benefits Provided by the Insurance Company Listed Below
Accidental
Death & Dismemberment
$25,000
Accident
& Sickness Medical Expense
$25,000
Emergency
Evacuation & Repatriation
$50,000
Travel
Delay (Maximum of $100 per Day)
$1,500
Baggage
and Personal Effects
$2,000
Baggage
Delay
$200
PART B CONDITIONS &
LIMITATIONS Certain exclusions and limitations apply and are
detailed in the Certificate of Coverage. For example, coverage does not
apply to: any sickness or condition of you, a Traveling Companion or an
Immediate Family Member traveling with you that existed during the 60
days prior to the effective date of the coverages (this exclusion is
waived if your plan payment is received by Collette Vacations within 7
days of your initial deposit/payment for your trip and you are not
disabled from travel at the time your plan payment is received),
suicide, normal pregnancy, war or any act of war, mental or nervous
disorders. A Traveling Companion is defined as a person booked to share
accommodations in the same room with you during your trip. Sickness or
injury must require care by a Physician and must commence while the
Travel Protection Plan is in effect for you. This plan does not cover a
loss that results from an illness, disease, or other condition (of you,
an Immediate Family Member, Traveling Companion or Business Partner),
event or circumstance which occurs at a time when this plan is not in
effect for you.
Part B of this plan is underwritten by: Stonebridge Casualty Insurance
Company, Columbus, Ohio 464-03
Where to Present Part A
Claims
To request a refund under the Cancellation Fee and Unused Services
Waiver, please send any unused
airlines tickets (only if purchased from Collette Vacations), a
doctor’s note or medical documentation and a written request to:
Collette
Vacations
ATTN: Customer Service Department
162 Middle Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
If cancellation
occurs
prior to departure, contact the Collette Vacations Reservations
Department.
When a client cancels prior to departure any due refunds are processed
through the booking agent. Agent commissions are not protected if
cancellation occurs prior to departure.
All Inquiries and Claims under Part B should be reported to the Plan
Administrator:
Trip Mate*
9225 Ward Parkway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64114
Tel: 800-888-7292
*In CA, dba Trip Mate Insurance Agency
CANCELLATION
WAIVER & INSURANCE PLAN PRICING (Per Person)
Land Only Clients
$30 for all
domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
$110 for all
domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
$110 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$170 for
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$195 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
$205 for all
cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
When
purchasing pre and post night
accommodations, including optional extensions, the number of days will
be added to the total number of tour days, and may subsequently alter
your waiver fees. Please confirm with your reservation agent at time of
booking.
Air
Inclusive Clients (air is
purchased through Collette Vacations)
$60 for all
domestic
escorted tours under 6 days
$140 for all
domestic
escorted tours of 6 days or more
$150 for all
international tours 9 days or under (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$200 for all
international tours 10 days or more (except cruises, Canadian Rockies
Train Tours, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt)
$225 for all
Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa & Egypt
$235 for all
cruises
and Canadian Rockies Train Tours
The
Cancellation Waiver fee with air can
only be purchased by individuals who have purchased air through
Collette Vacations.
Collette Tours is a
NON-FEE buy!
We will not charge a
fee for any/all tour
planning for Collette Vacations. Our services are absolutely
free when servicing this quality program. Rest assured, you will
receive the quality that you expect and the unique value of a
well-designed tour program from the beginning and planning stage to the
culmination of this exceptional journey.
Experience
the Collette Difference with Gardner Travel! IT'S CALLED
WORRY-FREE TRAVEL AND
IT MEANS OUR PEOPLE TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO!
If
you like the above tour program you
may also want to view the following tour programs for
comparison:
Today,
explore this “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Enjoy an Altstadt (Old Town)
walking tour that follows the ancient pathways of the city. See the
covered Chapel Bridge (1333); the famous Water Tower that once served
as a prison; the watchtower and treasury; the Renaissance-style Town
Hall; the Baroque Jesuit Church; and the Lion Monument, carved from
sandstone to commemorate the heroic soldiers who were protecting King
Louis XVI in 1792.
Traverse
bridges and tunnels while aboard the world-renowned narrow gauge
Glacier Express, the most charming express train in the world. Enjoy
the natural beauty of this route through the heart of the Swiss Alps.
Filled with forests, fragrant meadows, gurgling streams and deep
valleys, it’s a mountain dream come to life. Relax and enjoy a
three-course lunch while onboard. Arrive in St. Moritz and enjoy the
evening at leisure to relax or stroll the lakeside boulevard.
Embark
on a journey through the Bernina Pass while traveling along one of the
most scenic railway lines in the world en route to Tirano, Italy. Take
in striking views of the Swiss and Italian Alps throughout your
adventure, including the famed Morteratsch Glacier. Then drive along
the picturesque shores to the town of Como. You will have free time to
explore this famous resort and take in the magnificent views of Lake
Como before continuing to Lago Maggiore, a tranquil resort area with
crystal clear waters against the backdrop of the Alps.
Your
thrilling Alpine journey ends today in Lago Maggiore. 
