Mountains, Valleys and Lakes of Switzerland 2024

This morning, it’s all aboard the mini-coach as we make tracks to our first stop: Schaffhausen. On an orientation tour with our expert Tour Leader, we’ll explore the quaint Old Town located on the banks of the Rhine River. Afterwards, we’ll have time to wander at our own pace and take lunch at a local cafe or restaurant. Then, we’ll move on to our final destination of the day: Appenzell. Here, we’ll learn how to make traditional biberli (gingerbread pastries) at a local bakery – before having the rest of the evening free to explore the fairytale town and indulge in some delicious local fare. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Löwen (or similar)

After breakfast it’s off to St Gallen – where we’ll spend some time exploring the city’s Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abbey District with our Tour Leader. Bearings set, we’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy lunch at our leisure. Then: a brewery tour awaits us back in Appenzell. After learning all about the brewing process and sampling a taste of the local beer, the evening will be yours to spend as you wish. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Löwen (or similar)

A day of indulgence awaits us in Lucerne today, where we have an appointment to keep with a local chocolatier. After learning the secrets behind Swiss chocolate making, we’ll take the time to savour a delicious sample (or two). We’ll have some free time to explore the colourful Altstadt (Old Town), visit the Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge) and enjoy lunch at our leisure – before swapping our mini-coach for a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne. Later, we’ll set ashore in Weggis: an idyllically located resort set at the foot of Mt Rigi. (B,D)

Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Beau Rivage (or similar)

Leave room at breakfast – this morning we’ll be visiting a local farm in Einsiedeln, where we’ll have the chance to make our own cheeses before indulging in a fondue tasting session. Then, it’s all aboard the cog railway – Europe’s first ever mountain line – as we scale the towering Mt Rigi, taking in some magnificent views of deep blue lakes and snow-capped peaks along the way. Afterwards, you’ll have an array of local restaurants serving delicious Swiss cuisine to choose from for dinner. (B)

Accommodation: Romantik Hotel Beau Rivage (or similar)

Today we’ll make tracks to Eggiwil – where we’ll meet a local alphorn maker. After learning how the traditional instrument is made, we’ll move on to captivating Bern. Here we’ll soak up the picture-perfect scenery and marvel at the medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt on an orientation tour with our knowledgeable Tour Leader. After, we’ll have the evening free to spend exploring Bern at our own pace or relaxing back at our hotel. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (or similar)

Today, the day will be yours to visit Bern’s excellent museums and wander the cobbled centre at your leisure. You can choose to visit the home of Albert Einstein – who developed his Theory of Relativity here – or take a fascinating tour of the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) and admire the wonderful view from the top. This evening is yours to spend indulging in some delicious local cuisine or relaxing back at the hotel. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa (or similar)

Today our path will carry us away from Bern and onwards towards the striking Thun Castle. Built in the 12th century, this enchanting medieval castle boasts panoramic views over the Bernese Oberland and is a Swiss Heritage Site of National Significance. Then we’ll continue on to Interlaken –gateway to the mesmerising Jungfrau region – and enjoy lunch at our leisure. We’ll traverse the scenic Lauterbrunnen Valley in search of the breathtaking Trümmelbach Falls – a series of ten glacier-fed waterfalls hidden within the mountainside. After a day filled with spectacular sights, we’ll climb aboard the train to picture-perfect Wengen, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore as you please. (B)

Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Lauberhorn (or similar)

Today we’ll be treated to some more intoxicatingly beautiful vistas as we travel to the top of Mt Jungfrau aboard the Jungfrau Railway. Dubbed the ‘Top of Europe’, we’ll revel in views of the Mittelland up to the Vosges – taking in mighty glaciers, thousand-metre peaks and otherworldly landscapes. This evening we’ll come together for one last group dinner and toast to our superb Swiss adventure! (B,D)

Accommodation: Hotel Victoria Lauberhorn (or similar)

After our final breakfast as a group, we’ll take the picturesque cog railway to tranquil Lauterbrunnen: a secluded village nestled in a valley and surrounded by vast, rocky cliffs. Following this we’ll return to Zurich, where our adventure will come to an end. What a trip it’s been! (B)