Advertorial – Let Craig Travel whisk you away to one of the most scenic countries in the world: Switzerland! Discover the awe-inspiring Alps as we journey through the Swiss cities of Zurich, Lucerne, Berne, and Zermatt. Enjoy the snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes, and quaint countryside villages before taking in the highlight of the trip: the Passion Play in Oberammergau! Choose from two departure dates in either July or September and see the Swiss Alps in all of their glory this summer.
What do Einstein, James Joyce, and Wagner have in common? All three were once residents of Zurich! Located on the Northern Shore of Lake Zurich, this beautiful city is the largest in Switzerland. We’ll begin our adventure here and take in the sights of the picturesque Old Town. Located on both sides of the Limmat River, Zurich’s Old Town is the city’s historic heart. During our tour, we’ll see old guild houses, extraordinary churches, and the historic town hall dating back to the 17th century.
Considered the gateway to central Switzerland, Lucerne is surrounded by an impressive mountainous panorama. Everywhere you look boasts idyllic views! During our walking tour of the city, we will admire Thorwaldsen’s impressive Lion Monument, dedicated to the Swiss Guards who were killed during the French Revolution. We’ll also have the chance to traverse the famous Chapel Bridge, which is the oldest covered bridge in Europe and the world’s oldest surviving Truss bridge.
Next up is Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. Bern was originally established as a military post in the 12th century and was built around a narrow loop in the Aare River. After a devastating fire in 1405, most of the once wooden buildings were replaced by sandstone, and while much of the metropolis is modernized, Bern’s Old Town maintains its medieval architecture. During our tour, we’ll stop by the Rose Garden, witness the hourly parade of painted figures at the Clock Tower and visit Bear Park, after which the town is named.
Moving on from the big city of Bern, we’ll travel to the charming resort town of Zermatt. World-renowned for skiing, climbing and hiking, this adventure-seeker’s paradise is a designated car-free zone, making it perfect for pedestrians. With an elevation of 1,600 meters, Zermatt lies at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn peak. The mountain’s triangular shape and jagged tooth-like appearance remains unceasingly fascinating for both locals and visitors alike. With a free day for you to explore, opt to take either a cable car or the nearby cogwheel rail up for some spectacular views of the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps.
The highlight of our journey is the Passion Play in Oberammergau, which has been a tradition since 1633. Every 10 years, this unique theatrical reenactment is performed, depicting the Passion of Christ from His entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection. When stricken by the plague in 1633, the people of Oberammergau made a plea to God to spare them and pledged to act out the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ once every decade. The play’s home is within a theatre built in 1930, which features an open-air stage that uses the natural grandeur of the region as the backdrop while the 4,800 seat audience is covered. The environs of Oberammergau are renowned not only for the Passion Play and the great scenic beauty, but for exterior house painting depicting religious scenes and adding great charm to the area.
Now is your chance to see why the Swiss are some of the happiest people in the world, with these cities regularly topping the list for the best in quality of life. Join us on this incredible Swiss adventure, with departure dates in either July or September. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience this remarkable journey through the Swiss Alps; seats are filling up fast! Contact one of Craig Travel’s Tour Specialists today to reserve your spots, or call us at 1-800-387-8890 for more information.
