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Destination – Switzerland! Journey by high class rail

Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries with it’s shimmering lakes, scenic mountains, medieval villages, and high peaks of the Alps.  With bordering neighbors like France, Germany, Austria, and Italy, Switzerland can often be overlooked.  But it shouldn’t be!

There’s a new itinerary offered by Cox & King, Switzerland & Snow-Capped Alps.  The full itinerary is below.

Highlights of this wonderful itinerary include:

  • High Class rail trip through Switzerland
  • Horse drawn carriage ride in the Val Fex valley
  • Exploring Chillon Castle
  • A medieval fortress on an island in Lake Geneva
  • A private sledding ride crosses alpine meadows and frozen waterfalls ending at a small local restaurant for dinner
  • A chocolate making workshop and tasting traditional fondue
  • Much more!

Switzerland & Snow – Capped Alps

12 DAYS & 11 NIGHTS, PRIVATE JOURNEY 

PRICING FROM: $9,599

Zurich, Sils Maria, Zermatt, Vevey, Interlaken & Lucerne

Enjoy sublime views of mountains and glaciers and take in the local culture as you travel by train through Switzerland on this journey. Begin your journey with a tour of life in Zermatt. Ride into the idyllic Fex Valley on horse-drawn carriage. Rise above 29 peaks on the Gornergrat Railway and revel in the breathtaking views. Learn to make chocolate in the Swiss Alps. In Lucerne, discover hidden valley and town squares. Travel through the country at ease with high class rail.

  • Day 1

    Arrive Zurich

    Welcome to Zurich! This afternoon, meet your private guide and embark on a highlights walking tour of Zurich. During your exploration of old town, you will uncover the secrets of Bahnhofstrasse, find out what a “procession axis” is, and visit a church with a clock that has a minute-hand that jumps a record-breaking half meter every minute.

    Unique Hotel Post

  • Day 2

    Sils-Maria

    Enjoy a scenic first class train ride to St. Moritz. Upon arrival, you will be assisted to your elegant hotel.
    This afternoon, you can choose to book an optional scenic helicopter flight with a culinary stopover, or explore on your own. Spend the night in Sils-Maria.

    Hotel Waldhaus – 2 Nights (B)

  • Day 3

    Sils-Maria

    A trip by horse-drawn carriage into the Val Fex is one of the most romantic experiences far and wide. Enjoy your ride, and then try fondue in the area around the beautiful Fex Valley. Later on relax by taking advantage of the hotel’s spa facilities.

    Hotel Waldhaus (B)

  • Day 4

    Sils-Maria to Zermatt

    After breakfast, meet with your driver who will take you to St. Moritz train station. There, you will board the famous Glacier Express. Enjoy a 3-course meal while taking in the breath-taking sights. Spend the night in your elegant hotel in Zermatt.

    Grand Hotel Zermatterhof – 2 Nights (B, L)

  • Day 5

    Zermatt

    Enjoy a stroll through Zermatt before taking the Gornergrat Railway to an altitude of 10135 above sea level, with a breath-taking mountain panorama overlooking 29 peaks over 4,000m high. This afternoon, take some time to explore Zermatt or relax in the hotel spa.

    Grand Hotel Zermatterhof (B)

  • Day 6

    Zermatt to Vevey

    Take the train from Zermatt to Vevey. Upon arrival, we suggest to either enjoy a private tour of the world famous Charlie Chaplin Museum. Another option is to explore the wine region Laveaux which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

    Grand Hotel Du Lac – 2 Nights (B)

  • Day 7

    Vevey

    Explore Chillon Castle, a medieval fortress on an island in Lake Geneva. Listed as “Switzerland’s most visited historic monument,” this is a stop you cannot miss on your journey through this beautiful and mountainous country.

    Grand Hotel Du Lac (B)

  • Day 8

    Vevey to Interlaken

    Take the train to Interlaken and enjoy the beautiful snow covered mountain resort which is presided over by the three mighty mountains of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau. Upon arrival, participate in a Chocolate Workshop, in which you will produce your own masterpiece of 400 g chocolate. After the chocolate workshop, you have the option to book a private sledding night in the Swiss Alps.

    Along the way the trail winds through the woods, crosses alpine meadows and passes majestic frozen waterfalls. The sled run finishes at a small local restaurant where you can enjoy a traditional Swiss cheese fondue dinner.

    Victoria Jungfrau – 2 Nights (B)

  • Day 9

    Interlaken

    Visit Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe, on a self-guided tour. Enjoy breath-taking views of the Aletsch Glacier as you travel.

    Victoria Jungfrau (B)

  • Day 10

    Interlaken to Lucerne

    Travel by train over the Brunigpass, towards picturesque Lucerne, on the famous Golden Pass Line. The afternoon is at your leisure, spend it exploring the city, or else enjoying your hotel spa.

    Grand Hotel National – 2 Nights (B)

  • Day 11

    Lucerne

    Lucerne is the gateway of central Switzerland. Situated on Lake Lucerne, it is embedded within an impressive mountainous panorama. Today, enjoy a private walking city tour as well as an excursion to Mount Pilatus. On the tour you will learn important and humorous facts about the history of Lucerne and the everyday life of its residents. You will discover hidden alleys, visit town squares teeming with activity and even catch a glimpse of the city’s “crown,” the Musegg Wall.

    Grand Hotel National (B)

  • Day 12

    Depart

    Travel by train back to Zurich or Geneva for your onward journey or your return flight home.

    (B)

    Interested in more information?  Please feel free to call me at 305-814-8184 or send me a note here!

     

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Tauck Family Christmas River Cruise 2019 – Limited Availability!

So, how many people were excited that Hallmark Channel just recently announced that they will play Hallmark Christmas movies year-round!  I know several members of my family were super excited for that. 

It may be a bit early in the year to get excited for Christmas, but Tauck is giving you and your family a bigger reason to start that countdown!  By the way, it’s 316 as of today… 

Tauck has announced a family river cruises for 2019 on the Danube river.  It’s the Holiday Magic Danube Family River Cruise.  The itinerary starts in Munich and sails eastbound to Budapest on an 8-day river cruise. 

Your family will discover Europe’s 700-year-old holiday markets tradition in historic town centers, decorated, lit up, and brimming with the sights, flavors, scents, and music of the season.  

Magic’s in the air along with the aromas of roasting sausages, gingerbread, cinnamon, hot gluhwein, crackling fires, and evergreens.  

Sightseeing is designed for all generations to enjoy together – in Oberndorf, home of “Silent Night”… at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna and magnificent Melk Abbey… in Old Town Bratislava with medieval games and a scavenger hunt… and in Budapest, “the Pearl of the Danube.”  

Your family will toast the season during a Tauck Exclusive evening at a private palace in Vienna with dinner, a performance, and a waltzing lesson!

River Cruise Includes: 

  • Gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors, and Tauck Cruise Director 
  • Tauck’s private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,115  
  • A Tauck Exclusive evening at a private Viennese palace – with dinner, entertainment, and a waltzing lesson 
  • Visit to Oberndorf, birthplace of the carol “Silent Night”  
  • A visit to Baroque Salzburg and, weather permitting, a funicular ride up to the city’s hilltop fortress  
  • In Passau, a choice of a walking tour of Old Town and a sweets-making workshop at a local café; a guided geo-caching game in Old Town; or a guided hike with a holiday theme and storytelling 
  • In the Wachau Valley, a choice between a guided visit to Melk Abbey or a walking tour of Old Town Krems; and a choice between a wine tasting or a hike to Kuenringer Castle in Dürnstein (weather permitting) 
  • Visits to Schönbrunn Palace and the Prater amusement park in Vienna 
  • Medieval games, a walking tour, and a scavenger hunt in Old Town Bratislava 
  • A tour of Budapest taking in the castle district, Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes Square, and more  
  • Traditional European holiday dinner and events aboard the riverboat 
  • Unlimited complimentary beverages aboard ship include regional wine, beer and premium spirits in addition to specialty coffee, water and soft drinks  
  • Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted 
  • 20 meals (7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners); service charges, admission fees, taxes, porterage, and applicable fuel surcharges 

There are only 2 family sailings and they will book up quickly!  Call or email us for a quote or if you have questions!

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U by Uniworld back for 2019 PLUS Camping on the Top Deck!

U by Uniworld river cruise line is back for 2019, and expanding!

U by Uniworld’s inaugural 2018 season was a success.  And they have awards to prove it!

They’re back in 2019 on the Seine, Main, Rhine and Danube rivers.  

There’s a new itinerary for 2019 and it’s the “Northern France at a Glance” on the Seine River.

This cruise starts on a Sunday in Paris but returns back to Paris on Friday so that you get Friday and Saturday day and night in the city of lights.  

This itinerary will be in demand as 2019 marks the 75th anniversary of D-Day.  Lot’s of river cruise lines have sold out many of their Seine cruises. If not sold out, there’s limited availability.

U by Uniworld visits some amazing iconic cities and small villages.  But they’re also about having fun on board.

So they’re bringing back the Painting & Wine, Silent Disco, Mixology Classes and Yoga on the Top Deck.  They’ll be adding a rooftop BBQ, Karaoke, Giant Board Games, Themed Parties, Romance Packages, and much more!

  

And in my opinion, one of the coolest new things they’re going to be doing is Rooftop Camping.  You’ll spend the night under the stars with a nightcap and a breakfast picnic in the morning for 2!  How awesome is that?

In 2020 they’ll be adding a 3rd ship sailing on the Mekong river.  Stay tuned for information on that.

If any of that sounds fun to you, well then, U by Uniworld is perfect option for you!

If you have any questions about the le laperouse or the cruise line Ponant, please feel free to call us or send us a message here.

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Uniworld River Cruises new Super Ship – Bon Voyage

Uniworld River Cruises converting the River Royale to a super ship!

The River Royale currently sails the Bordeaux region in France.  The ship will be renamed the S.S. Bon Voyage and will be launching next April 2019.

The Bordeaux region is a fantastic region to cruise if you’re a food and wine lover.  Food and beverage will be a main focal point in the transformation of the river ship.

In addition to the main dining area, there’s a new bistro inspired by the restaurant Bouillon Pigalle in Paris added at the bow of the ship.  

The top deck will be redesigned to include a swimming pool and lounge area.

Four new gorgeous suites will be introduced for those looking for larger river ship staterooms. All bathrooms on board will be redone in marble.

There will be less guests on this ship while Uniworld is increasing the number of crew members for a higher crew-to-guest ratio.  Uniworld already offers some of the best service on the rivers and it looks like it could even get better. Oh, and don’t forget that Uniworld is one of the limited number of river cruise lines that includes room service in all their staterooms.  

Uniworld is a boutique river cruise line that’s Ultra-Luxury and All-Inclusive!

Call us or submit a question here if you have any questions about the ship or the itineraries that this new river ship will be sailing on.

Exciting new explorer ship with underwater observation lounge joining Ponant fleet

Ponant is coming out with a brand new explorer class ship this month, the Le Laperouse.  

Ponant is a small ship luxury cruise line with a French touch.  They offer cultural and relaxation cruises all over the world, including expedition sailings to some of the most remote locations including the Arctic & Antarctic.

The Le Laperouse is the first of 6 Explorer Class expedition ships that Ponant will be introducing to it’s fleet.  Named after French explorer Jean-Francois de La Perouse, Ponant is the only cruise line that flies the French flag.  

The ship is able to sail to the Polar Regions as well as all over the world.  The le laperouse gets you to places that larger ships cannot.

Expedition sailings don’t just mean the polar regions.  You’ll be able to take an expedition type cruise through tropical regions as well.  And you’ll see it in a totally different way.

Sailing on the Le Laperouse is like sailing on your own “private yacht” with only 92 staterooms.  All with private balconies. Rooms range from 205 sq ft for the Deluxe Staterooms to 485 sq ft. for the Owners Suite.

There are 2 restaurants on board featuring French-inspired cuisine.  Ponant has partnered with world-renowned superchef Alain Ducasse to add liveliness to its culinary offerings.

Prepare for spectacular service as there are 110 crew members on each sailing.

The interior of the ship is elegant in design with many areas that open to the outdoors.

Certified “clean ship” with zero impact wastewater treatment, and low emission engines.

A unique feature of the ship is a multi-sensorial underwater lounge called the Blue Eye.  Located beneath the water line, here you’ll be able to lounge while seeing and hearing the passing marine life.  This is a world’s first and it looks totally amazing!

There’s an infinity pool at the back of the ship with a multi use Modulable marina which can be used for sunbathing, a water sports platform, or other uses.

This is 5 star luxury expedition sailing to all corners of the world.

If you have any questions about the le laperouse or the cruise line Ponant, please feel free to call us or send us a message here.

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