A ten-day jaunt through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland is the ideal way to see (and taste) all things Swiss. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Beginning in Zurich, head to historic St Gallen, lakeside Lucerne, adrenaline-filled Interlaken and cheese-obsessed Gruyeres before finishing in the nation’s quaint capital, Bern. Here, the outdoors has never looked so good and chocolate has never tasted so smooth, so it’s time to test it out yourself.
Zurich, Switzerland – Bern, Switzerland
Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with visits to producers of both in La Gruyere region.
Your local group leader will provide expert advice on how to make the most of your free time, as well as giving you orientation walks around each place so you can get your bearings.
Discover the Top of Europe in the Jungfrau region. With a free day to choose your own adventure, you can take the day as relaxed or as thrill-seeking as you want to explore this highland haven.
Take in the breathtaking alpine views from the summit of Pilatus Mountain with your small group, reached via the steepiest cogwheel railway in the world.
With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace in Bern, you’ll discover why this city is considered as one of the most beautiful and laidback capital cities in the world.
Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found on walks, which can be quite steep and long. While this trip itself doesn’t require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. During the trip, you have the option to hike the trails in the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau region.
You will take part in a cycling trip around Bern. It will be possible to choose an e-bike, but you must be able to keep your balance and be comfortable cycling in light traffic. Bern is the most cycling-friendly city in the whole world, so don’t worry too much.
Less time spent travelling; more time to explore each destination. The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. Please note that you’ll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! If you’d prefer not to share, a single supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels in Europe often don’t have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Please note that our accommodation in St Gallen does not offer ensuite facilities. Bathrooms are shared among guests occupying one floor.
Please note that our accommodation in Lucerne does not offer ensuite facilities. Bathrooms are shared among guests occupying one floor.
On today’s excursion you will take a steep cogwheel railway up Mt Pilatus. There will be some exposure on the sides, so a good head for heights will help. The views are unparalleled.
If you would like to visit Jungfraujoch, the Top of Europe, we advise you book your tickets in advance. As you will be travelling from Lucerne this morning, please book your tickets leaving Interlaken Ost railway station no earlier than 12.35 pm. Please make sure you book return tickets. For more information and timetable, please visit sbb.ch/en. For more information, feel free to speak to your group leader earlier on in your trip.
In winter season, enjoy a guided tour of Zytglogge tower when the biking tour is not available.
Please note that Bern doesn’t have an international airport. Your best bets are Zurich, Basel and Geneva International Airports, all of which are under 2 hours by train. We do not offer any departure transfers on this trip as public transport is very efficient and the cost for private transfers would have been excessive.
