Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the...

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Transcript of Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the...

Page 1: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest
Page 2: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest
Page 3: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest

Our Knowledge & Experience

At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years.

We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of

our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving

us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same

destinations many times, honing our experience over the years.

Hand-Selected Guides

We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only

use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are

extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable

aspects of any of our trips.

Authentic & Extraordinary Experiences

Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and not something easily googled. We also know how

important it is to remain authentic. Going beyond the obvious is becoming increasingly important to our guests,

and we focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance both head and heart. We also recognize that

the obvious sights are still popular, and we make every effort to skip lines whenever possible, therefore

maximizing time in each destination.

Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned

Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial,

honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and offer smooth and

effortless touring in each destination. Our planning is detailed, and we think of everything, including restaurant

reservations. You will also have complete peace of mind on the ground with 24-hour local support.

Quality Vehicles

We use late-model luxury vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the

vehicle you need. The only exception to this is in some Central Asian countries that use vehicles predominantly

from Japan.

Page 4: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest

Arrival into Zurich, where you will be met by your driver for your transfer west to your hotel in Lucerne. Upon

arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Lucerne is the gateway to Central Switzerland. Founded on the banks of Lake Lucerne in the 6th century, the

city grew up around the Sankt Leodgar Abbey, initially built in 840, The city first gained prominence as a stop

along the Gotthard trade route and then eventually, as a seat in the Swiss Confederacy. Today, as the most

populous city in Central Switzerland, the city is a nexus of business and culture for the region, with several

world-class museums and theaters for its residents to enjoy.

Arrival Transfer Zurich – Lucerne

Bürgenstock

Page 5: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest

Today, meet your guide for an overview tour of the city. Your walk will take you through some of the beautiful

town squares, lined with historic homes decorated with frescoes.

Make your way to the water, where you will cross the medieval Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge). The bridge,

centerpiece of the city, spans the River Reuss where it meets the lake. Initially built in 1365, it is the oldest

surviving truss bridge in the world. Your guide will show you some of the 158 paintings that decorate the interior

frames of the bridge. Painted by local artist Heinrich Wägmann in the 17th Century, they depict events from

Lucerne’s storied history. Halfway across stands the Wassertum (Water Tower), which predates the bridge by

about 30 years. Throughout the years, the tower has served as a prison, a library, and now as home to the local

artillery association.

From there, walk through the medieval cobblestone streets up to the Musegg Wall, also known as “Nine

Towers”. As part of the rampart walls built in 1386, the Musegg and its nine towers soar high above the city, providing some of the best panoramic views of Lucerne, The Reuss and the lake. Today, four of the towers are

open to guests, including Zytturm, home to the city’s oldest clock.

End the day with a walk to the Lion of Lucerne, a moving monument to Swiss Soldiers who were massacred

when revolutionaries stormed the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution. Hewn out of a cliffside by

Lukas Ahorn in 1821, it depicts a mortally wounded lion impaled by a spear, covering a shield bearing the fleur-

de-lis. Mark Twain immortalized the monument in ‘A Tramp Abroad’, calling it “the most mournful and moving

piece of stone in the world”.

Guide (4 Hours)

Bürgenstock

Page 6: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest

This morning, meet your driver and guide for your transfer to Lausanne. Along the way, you will stop in Bern

to explore the charming capital of Switzerland.

Your guide will show you the late Gothic Bern Minster, a Swiss Reformed Cathedral, constructed in the 1400s,

and to the Clock Tower, which is the most famous landmark of the city. You will enjoy a private visit to the top

of the clock tower (Zytglogge), where you will have a chance to see the inner workings of the clock mechanism,

as well as a beautiful view over the Old Town of Bern. Please note, the stairs up the Clock Tower are very narrow

and steep. Afterwards, you may wish to stroll to the Bear Park to see the famous bears of Bern, or head uphill

to visit the Rose Garden.

After some time for lunch, continue your drive to Lausanne. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel,

and you may enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Transfer Lucerne to Lausanne via Bern; Guide in Bern (3 Hours)

Beau-Rivage Palace

Page 7: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest

This morning, your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel for your day trip to Montreux, Vevey and the

Lavaux wine region.

Upon arrival in Montreux, you will first be transferred to Chillon Castle in Veytaux. Chillon Castle, located on

the banks for Lake Geneva, is one of the main sights in the region and the setting provide a wonderful view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Chillon served as the summer residence, as well as fortress and prison,

of the Counts of Savoy for almost four centuries. This place also inspired popular culture, such as the poem

‘The Prisoner of Chillon’ written by Lord Byron. Guests may visit the dungeons, courtyards, and rooms and

halls of the castle. The Castle also features a permanent exhibition and varying temporary exhibitions.

After, you will head to Chaplin’s World, an adventure dedicated to Charlie Chaplin – the man and artist. Start

off at the Manoir, where Charlie and his wife, Oona, lived. You will walk through the house and see things as

they were when he was there. Next, head to the interactive studio before ending with a stroll in his impressive

parks with unobstructed views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Before making your way back to Lausanne, you will stop in the beautiful Lavaux wine region. This area has been

UNESCO protected since 2007 and it is the largest contiguous vineyard region in Switzerland. The lake’s sunny

and warm shores produce small and artisanal batches of fantastic white wines, which are consumed entirely

within the country. The hillside terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Lake Leman – from St.

Saphorin to Lutry, we select the most exclusive vineyards for you to taste these beautiful varieties while enjoying

the picturesque scenery.

Afterwards, your driver will transport you back to your hotel in Lausanne.

Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Beau-Rivage Palace

Page 8: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest

This morning, meet your guide and driver to explore the region inland. You will be transferred to the medieval

town of Gruyères to get a taste of the beautiful countryside and its traditions.

If you are interested, your guide will take you to visit La Maison du Gruyère in Pringy, which presents the famous

Gruyère AOP cheese, and where visitors can observe the process of cheese making. Depending on the season

and time of the day, we might be able to arrange a visit to an artisanal cheese producer in the mountains. Please

note that Swiss law is very strict in terms of respecting the production schedule during visits to artisanal manufacturers.

Later, head to the town of Gruyères and enjoy a tour through the charming cobblestoned streets. You will visit

the imposing castle, which has stood upon its hill since the 13th century offering unparalleled views over the

valley an nearby mountains. Listed as a Swiss heritage site of national significance, it was opened to the public in

1938, and it features pieces of antique furniture, precious stained-glass windows and a collection of landscapes

painted by Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot.

Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the

town, this museum contains the largest collection of Swiss artist Hans Ruedi Giger’s works. Giger designed the

“Alien” thematic and as part of the movie’s special effects team, he won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. Take

this fascinating journey through his exhibition, which comprises paintings, drawings, sculptures and even film

sets. Do not miss the Giger Bar, located opposite the museum.

Afterwards, return to Lausanne, where you will visit the Olympic Museum. This interactive and interesting

museum comprises three floors, each one featuring an exhibit on a different aspect of the Olympics.

Note: This day could also be at leisure.

Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Beau-Rivage Palace

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This morning, you will be met and transferred to the airport to board your flight onward.

Departure Transfer

Page 10: Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the St. Germain Castle in the center of the town, this museum contains the largest

Cost of the Program

Based on two (2) guests traveling together: From $9,250 per person

Based on four (4) guests traveling together: From $6,100 per person

Accommodations Lucerne

One Deluxe Lake View Room for Two (2) nights at the Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa; Tax and Buffet

Breakfast included daily.

Arguably the most impressive of the hotels in Lucerne, the Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa is a newly built 5-

star luxury property. It is located on the piazza in the center of the Bürgenstock Resort and is situated at

approximately 1,475 feet above Lake Lucerne. Its 102 stunning, modern, and contemporary rooms and suites

boast spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss mountains surrounding the lake.

It offers an on-site restaurant, The Spices Kitchen & Terrace, that features Asian cuisine prepared in an open

show kitchen, as well as a Lake View Cigar Lounge. Guests also have the option of dining at one of the six other

restaurants on the property of the Bürgenstock Resort.

The beautiful, expansive Alpine Spa includes one indoor pool and two outdoor pools, as well as private spa

rooms and fitness rooms.

Deluxe Lake View Room: Featuring 452 square feet, this luxurious room accommodates a king bed. Guests

will be enthralled by the spectacular view over Lake Lucerne and the rolling hills from the panoramic windows.

Lausanne

One Superior Lake & Alps View for Three (3) nights at the Beau-Rivage Palace Lausanne; Tax and Buffet

Breakfast included daily.

This 5-star luxury hotel situated on Lake Leman boasts stunning architecture. It is conveniently located close to

the city center of Lausanne. The 168 rooms and suites are divided among two buildings and have been recently

renovated and are lavishly decorated.

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Beau-Rivage Palace features seven on-site restaurants offering a variety of cuisines, including Japanese and Italian.

One of the restaurants has even received two Michelin stars. In the outdoor Lobby Lounge guests can relax and

enjoy smaller dishes. For a unique experience, embark on a gourmet evening cruise on steamboat Le Montreux

during the summer months.

The hotel also offers an expansive spa and wellness center, including two heated pools.

Superior Lake & Alps View: Featuring approximately 345 square feet, these rooms boast views of the lake

or Ouchy Harbor and accommodate a king bed. The rooms with a lake view feature a balcony as well.

Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top

recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.

Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. The timing for each day is noted in your program.

Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our

local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum

tickets at your request.

Transportation

Transportation is included as noted. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Timing for each day is noted in your program.

Guides

Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in

your itinerary.

Tickets

All entrance tickets as described in the program.

Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE

The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you

intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may

be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus

for parties of five or more.

SIGHTSEEING

Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at

your disposal as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, you are free to modify

your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request

and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.

Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to

visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours

of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit,

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your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected

events.

OPTIONAL EXPENSES

Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary

are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.

GRATUITIES

Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15-

$20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or

station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are

all accepted.

DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE

On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so

but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her

meal.

Booking Conditions

PAYMENTS

Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your

independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No

reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change

until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.

CANCELLATION

Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour

cost

• 59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost

• 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost

REFUNDS

We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your

tour has begun.

INSURANCE

Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You

will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking

packet.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS

Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary

is changed.

The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current

rate of exchange and tariff as of 2020. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover

increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a

foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown

costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.

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All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary.

Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.

Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com

111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606

Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685