Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the...
Transcript of Our Knowledge & Experience...Another interesting visit is the unique HR Giger Museum. Located in the...
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.
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
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
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
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
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
This morning, you will be met and transferred to the airport to board your flight onward.
Departure Transfer
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.
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,
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.
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