“The guides were great. I liked that they tweaked the itinerary for the group abilities and desires as the tour progressed.” - Cheese, Chocolate & the Alps guest
Upon arrival in Zurich, you will use your provided 1st Class rail pass to board the train that will take you on a picturesque 3-hour ride along the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman) and arrive in the lakeside city of Montreux. The tour group will meet at 2:00 pm in the hotel lobby. We will ride the bus to the well-preserved 12th-century Chillon Castle. This remarkable citadel, set against the stunning backdrop of the lake, was made famous by Lord Byron. Following our visit to the castle, we will take a tranquil 45-minute walk along the lakeshore promenade to return to Montreux. (D)
Distance: just over 2 miles | Walking Time: 1 hour (may vary)
Today, we’ll visit the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory for a guided tour, followed by a stop at the Gruyère Cheese Factory with the option to enjoy some local cheeses and lunch. Just up the hill lies the medieval walled village of Gruyères, perfectly perched on a hilltop overlooking the rolling pre-Alpine countryside. The cows grazing in the tranquil Sarine River valley provide the milk used to create both Gruyère cheese and Switzerland’s renowned milk chocolate. We’ll have time to explore this charming village and its 13th-century castle, once home to the Counts of Gruyères. To end the day, we’ll savor a traditional cheese fondue—made, of course, with the finest Gruyère—before returning by train to Montreux. (BD)
Today, we'll head off to explore the sun-kissed terraced vineyards of the Lavaux UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will wind through the vineyards, comprised of 14 wine villages, nestled among the vines and reflecting the region’s 1000-year winemaking heritage. We will then arrive at the Vinorama, which includes an explanation of winemaking, followed by a wine tasting. We will learn about the cultural traditions of the region and the complexity and terroir of the wine. (B) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own in Montreux tonight.
Distance: 2.75-3.75 miles | Walking Time: 1.5-2 hours | Mostly walking downhill (may vary)
This morning, we’ll board the panoramic GoldenPass Express, traveling through the picturesque pre-Alpine villages of Gstaad and Château-d’Oex on our way to Interlaken—the gateway to the Jungfrau region in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. In the afternoon, we’ll ascend by cable car to Männlichen, where we can enjoy the scenic “Royal Walk” to Kleine Scheidegg before continuing by train to Grindelwald. (BD)
Distance: 3 miles | Waking Time: 2 hours | Hike is on dirt trails that are mostly level or slight descent (may vary)
This morning, we'll learn the process of cheese-making in the Alps and gain insight into the age-old customs of being an Alpine farmer and cheesemaker. Perched in the high meadows above Grindelwald, the mountainside farm offers stunning views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a journey into the heart of the Jungfrau region on a classic railway trip to the Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe." Our adventure begins with a ride on the Eiger Express cable car from Grindelwald to Eigergletscher, followed by a cogwheel train journey through the tunnel inside the Eiger mountain, which leads us to the Jungfraujoch. This is the highest railway station in Europe, offering views of the longest glacier in the Alps. (BD)
Today, we’ll travel together by train to Lugano, a picturesque city in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region of Ticino. Nestled between majestic mountains and the sparkling shores of Lake Lugano, the city is celebrated for its stunning scenery and mild, Mediterranean-style climate. After settling into our hotel, we’ll embark on a scenic boat ride across Lake Lugano, ending the evening at a cozy grotto restaurant for a hands-on risotto workshop and dinner. (BD)
We’ll take a train to Bellinzona to visit the iconic Castelgrande, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No trip to Switzerland would be complete without experiencing one of its renowned Saturday markets! The Bellinzona market bursts with local flavor, featuring regional vendors offering artisanal goods and fresh, locally produced foods—cheese, bread, sausages, preserves, and vibrant seasonal produce. In the afternoon, you can join an optional activity or take the opportunity to explore Lugano at your own pace. (B) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own in Lugano tonight.
This morning, we head back to the German-speaking city of Zürich. In the afternoon, we will visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory and experience the "Home of Chocolate." The hotel we will be staying in is near the famous Bahnhofstrasse, home to one of the most exclusive shopping avenues in the world. We will also be within walking distance of Old-town Zürich, which you will be free to discover. (BD)
After your final breakfast, you are free to leave for your onward departure from Zürich. It is only a 10-minute train ride to get to Zürich airport, however, we recommend not booking a flight before 8 am if possible. The first train departs downtown Zürich at 4:30 am, and the next one is at 5:02 am, when they start running every 10-15 minutes. (B)
We rate this trip as easy to moderate since there are some easier hikes on this tour and a fair amount of walking. You should be in good physical condition and capable of walking 2-4 miles per day, either on well-maintained and graded walking paths or cobblestone streets, with a vertical elevation gain of up to 500 feet per day, at an elevation up to 10,000 feet above sea level. There will be times when stairs can not be avoided, so guests will need the ability to go up and down stairs. During some workshops, you should also be able to stand for up to one hour at a time, without assistance.
