Exploring the Landscapes of Switzerland
6 day tour

Day 1

• Feel like a local and soak up Swiss history in the beautiful town of Lucerne 
• Lose yourself (figurately) in the labyrinth of St. Beatus Caves 
• Cosy up in the charming resort town of Interlaken

We hope you’ve had a fun time in Zürich so far, because it’s time to depart and explore some of Switzerland’s best scenery and history. Our first stop just a short drive south: the historic city of Lucerne. You’ll have several hours here this morning to explore and grab a bite to eat for lunch. 

If you’re a fan of bridges, history, or art... then make sure you check out Kapellbrücke (also known as Chapel Bridge). This striking landmark is Europe’s oldest covered bridge. Built back in the 14th century, it was originally part of the city’s fortifications. Stroll along this stunning wooden bridge adorned in beautiful paintings that depict scenes of Swiss history as well as the Lucerne's. 

But what else? Seek out the Lion Monument, ride the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus, or get to know German composer, conductor, and theater director Richard Wagner a little better at the museum. 

All of this is yours to explore as you wander cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and charming squares... all the while basking in the beauty of Lake Lucerne and the majestic Swiss Alps.  

We carry on further down south to the shores of Lake Thunersee. Why? Well, let’s not forget that some of the world’s beauty is somewhat hidden from the eye and we must look a little deeper to find it. Which is why we’re treating you to the beauty of St. Beatus Caves.  

Upon first arrival, you’ll be wowed as it is with the thunderous waterfall spewing out from under striking Swiss buildings with one of the most enviable views imaginable. But here’s where we look deeper. A short 5-minute walk past these waterfalls brings you to a 14-kilometre labyrinth of caves, cracked and bursting with stalagmites and stalactites, grottos and gorges, mysteries and history.  

Now that you’re well and truly in awe, we head for our final destination of the day and our home for the next two nights: Interlaken. This charming resort town is nestled in the Bernese Oberland region, known for its stunning natural beauty. But this is Switzerland... is anyone truly surprised by just how much beauty there is here?  

Interlaken may be known as the adventure capital of Switzerland, but if all you want to do tonight is sit and eat and drink... we fully support this. Breathe deep that crisp mountain air you’ve only ever read about in guidebooks as you settle in for the night and reminisce on an adventure-filled first day. 

Optional Activities

• Entrance to St. Beatus Caves

Accommodation 

Hotel Weisses Kreuz, Interlaken 3* (or equivelant)

Day 2

• Hike, explore, indulge... the mountain-surrounded town of Grindlewald awaits 

Today we’re going to leave you in the trusted hands of a babysitter... her name is the Eiger Mountain. She’s a 3,967-metre giant living in the Bernese Alps and she looks out for villages such as Grindelwald... so she’s well equipped to mind you for a few hours. 

We’ll drop you in Grindelwald in the morning and you have the entire day here to explore and adventure as you see fit. This green hollow has one of the most striking mountainscapes you can imagine, with towering peaks, lush meadows, and powerful glaciers on display.

Just looking at Grindelwald and its surrounds, it will come as no surprise that many are drawn here to climb the epic peaks and take in the fantastical landscapes. It’s almost like being in a Tolkien novel. Though instead of Hobbit houses, you’ll find traditional Swiss chalets with their distinctive wooden architecture and charming flowery balconies. Cameras at the ready! James Bond fans might even recongise the village from the 1969 instalment On Her Majesty's Secret Service. 

So, what does one do on their free day in Grindelwald? Today would be a fantastic day to bring your hiking boots along. The Eiger Trail goes from Grindelwald to the nearby village of Alpiglen, only taking about 3 or so hours for a roundtrip... though it will take far longer if you keep stopping every two seconds for photos of the Eiger North Face, which we’d definitely do. Make sure to leave yourself enough time. Or there are plenty of other walks in the area to keep your feet sore but accomplished – even a ‘simple’ walk around the village itself! 

Perhaps you’ll jump aboard the Jungfraujoch Excursion, a scenic train ride on the Jungfrau Railway to the Jungfraujoch, also known as the “Top of Europe”. Get ready for panoramic views of peaks and glaciers... basically the stuff of dreams.  

Or instead of going high, maybe you’ll go low... into the Gletscherschlucht. Mother Nature spent 250 million years forming this unfathomable canyon, so make sure you marvel at her effort.  

However you choose to spend your day, you’ll spend it right – because there really is no wrong way to experience Grindelwald.  

And as the day comes to a close, we head back to Interlaken for the night where you have some free time to reminisce on the day or soak up even more Swiss experiences. 

Accommodation

Hotel Weisses Kreuz, Interlaken 3* (or equivelant)

Day 3

• Explore the panoramic path of the Rigi Kaltbad 

Today is a day of wonder. Wonderful views, wonderful experiences, and just sheer wonder at the enormous beauty of Switzerland. How the day begins is a pretty big testament to what the rest will be like – with a photo stop at the stunning viewpoint of Chälrütirank. This is just the first of many wow-moments for today, so brace yourself.

Our direction today is towards the Rigi mountain – as we explore the panoramic path of the Rigi Kaltbad. The scenery is the star of the show today and you'll be lucky enough to see the views from the cogwheel train starting in Vitznau and heading to Rigi Kulm. Timings today depend on the train, but once you arrive in Rigi Kulm, there is plenty of free time to explore. Perhaps you'll hike to one of its viewpoints, grab some lunch, enjoy the scenery. The options are endless.

You then jump back on the train and head to Arth-Goldau, where you will meet the bus.

Eyes dazzled by the incredible sites, we’ll take you to your overnight stop in the city of Chur. This is the oldest city in Switzerland, history dating back over 5,000 years. Chur is famous for its medieval fortifications, Roman ruins and artefacts, underground church, and beautiful surroundings.  

Included Activities

• Cogwheel train from Vitznau to Rigi Kulm and Rigi Kuln to Arth-Goldau

Accommodation

Hotel Sommerau, Chur 3* (or equivelant)

Day 4

• Hop aboard Switzerland’s famous train, the Bernina Express 
• Indulge in the spa resort town of St. Moritz

What is a trip to Switzerland without an iconic train ride through awe-inspiring scenery? Today is the day to tick that off your bucket list.  

Our journey today takes us through a striking UNESCO landscape, and we'll make several small stops along the way. But first up is hopping aboard the Bernina Express, one of the world’s most famous rail journeys, which will likely be one of the most incredible train journeys of your life. 

Your train journey coasts through some of Switzerland’s most spectacular landscapes before reaching the mountain village of Pontresina. Flanked by the incredible Bernina Mountain range, it's known for its Belle Epoque hotels and traditional Engadine stone houses. You’ll stay goodbye to the Bernina Express now and enjoy your little wander before jumping back on a regional train and heading for the town of Morteratsch. Wonder and awe: two words that come to mind when we think of the Morteratsch Glacier. This is one of the largest glaciers in the region and you'll have some free time here to explore and grab some photos. 

The bus will meet you here and take you onwards to your next magical stop of the day: St. Moritz. This holiday resort destination is known as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism and has already hosted the Winter Olympics twice. But before people were paid to ski really fast down hills (scaring the rest of us), a plethora of beautiful mineral springs were discovered in St. Moritz over 3,000 years ago, establishing the town as a summer spa resort. And thanks to its high altitude of 1,856m, St. Mortiz is no stranger to the sun... making it the perfect balance of snow and sunshine for that ideal winter getaway. While you’re there, see how many celebrities you can spot or visit the oldest bobsleigh run in the world. Not to mention the range of fun things to keep your attention, from cable cars and gondolas to museums and feasting on delicious local cuisines. 

Now it's time to meet back up with the bus and head to Chur for your another night in this lovely town.

Included Activities

• Bernina Express

Accommodation

Hotel Sommerau, Chur 3* (or equivelant)

Day 5

• Embrace traditional Switzerland in the alpine village of Maienfeld 
• Indulge in your love of cheese in Appenzell 
• Explore the UNESCO site and picturesque old town of St. Gallen 

Things have been pretty Swiss so far but today we experience our traditional Swiss day as we visit the alpine village of Maienfeld (also known as Heididorf). Book lovers may be thrilled to know that this is the village which inspired Johanna Spyri’s children’s book ‘Heidi’. You’ll have a couple of hours here to explore, from the open-air museum dedicated to Heidi, the replica of the fictional character’s home, or the traditional village... there’s plenty to see and do. 

Now something we know you’re going to love... cheese. We head for Appenzell, the home of cheese, where your time is yours for lunch, exploration, shopping and, of course... eating lots of cheese. That last part is up to you, but we highly recommend.

Our final stop of today is striking town of St. Gallen. With its picturesque old town, twin-towered cathedral, and library brimming with ancient books, it’s a popular destination. However, what we’d really love to show you is its UNESCO heritage monastery. Famous for its various architectural styles, this renowned Benedictine monastery was founded in the 8th century by St. Othmar, a nobleman who established a hermitage and monastic community in the area. Under the leadership of an Irish monk known as St. Gall, the monastery flourished and, over the centuries, became one of the most important religious and cultural centers in Europe. 

After exploring these ruins, you head back into the town of St. Gallen where you remain for the night.  

Accommodation

Hotel B&B, St. Gallen 3* (or equivelant)

Day 6

• Feel all-powerful as you explore the feudal Kyburg Castle 
• Indulge in your love of science and art in the city of Winterhur 
• Be swept away by the power of Rhine Falls 

You know those iconic shots of proudly perched castles surrounded by mountains and greenery, whispering of fairytales and secrets? That’s Kyburg Castle, our first stop on our final day.  

High above the River Töss sits this 14th century feudal castle. Once designed for fortification, the castle is now home to an international award-winning museum which offers rich insight into the castle’s 800 years of history. Which room will be your favourite? The court of justice? The kitchen? The torture chamber? *gulp* 

Museum-and-art-lovers today is your day! For our next stop is the city of Winterhur where we have a couple of hours to explore and grab a bite to eat. From photography exhibits to the Swiss Science Center Technorama, there’s something for every interest here. 

We may be approaching the final stop of the tour, but that’s nothing to be sad about... not where we’re going. Rhine Falls are the strongest waterfalls in Europe. Crashing down around you, you have the choice to jump on an optional boat ride and feel the thunderous power of this incredible landmark before we return to Zurich in the evening. 

Optional Activities

• Entrance to Kyburg Castle