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Everyone will make their way by train from Zürich to Lucerne (1 hr). Our exploration kicks off in Lucerne, situated in the heart of central Switzerland renowned for the Chapel Bridge and the Lion Monument. Today's tour begins at 12:00 in the Lucerne hotel lobby, marking the beginning of an afternoon excursion to Basel. Basel, with its rich history, stands as a hub of European art and is home to the most museums in Switzerland. Positioned at the convergence of Switzerland, France, and Germany, the city is graced by the Rhine River. The Münster Church offers breathtaking views spanning all three countries. Notably, Basel also hosts Switzerland's oldest Christmas Market. Overnight in Lucerne. (D)
We'll travel by train to Switzerland's Italian-speaking region, where we'll arrive at the Mediterranean city of Lugano, often celebrated as the place where Italian flair meets Swiss precision. Our group will participate in a Risotto-making workshop for lunch. In the afternoon, a funicular ride will take us up to Monte Brè, offering splendid views of the lake and city. A delightful lakeside walk back to Lugano awaits, with the city center decorated with lights and hosting an Italian-inspired Christmas market. (Lunch will be included today instead of dinner) Overnight in Lucerne. (BL)
Today we leave Lucerne by train, tracing the shores of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun in the picturesque heartland of Switzerland's Bernese Oberland. A brief stop in the charming town of Interlaken offers a stunning view of the Jungfrau. Next, we embark on the panoramic GoldenPass Express train, meandering through the scenic pre-alp villages of Gstaad and Chateau d'Oex, ultimately reaching Montreux on the shores of Lake Geneva. Nestled in Switzerland's French-speaking region, Montreux hosts the country's largest Christmas market. Overnight in Montreux. (BD)
Today, there will be time to explore the 12th-century Chillon Castle, once owned by the influential Counts of Savoy and now the most visited castle in Switzerland. In Montreux, the highlight awaits at the enchanting lakeside Marché de Noël Christmas market. Transforming into a winter wonderland, this market boasts over 150 chalet-style stalls along the lakeside promenade, offering unique gifts, as well as traditional Christmas food and drinks. Overnight in Montreux. (B) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own in Montreux tonight.
Today, enjoy the scenic train journey through the Rhone Valley, Switzerland's largest wine region. Our destination is the Swiss resort village of Zermatt, an essential stop when exploring Switzerland. Nestled in the embrace of the stunning Matterhorn, the town is adorned with festive Christmas decorations. Take the opportunity to wander through the car-free village, immersing yourself in its historic and legendary past. Overnight in Zermatt. (BD)
We wll embark on one of Switzerland's most picturesque train journeys to reach the summit of Gornergrat. The 33-minute ride includes a vertical climb of over 4800 feet, traversing dramatic bridges, tunnels, and Swiss pine and larch forests, offering panoramic views of snow-capped mountain peaks. At the summit, behold the majestic Monte Rosa massif, featuring a total of 29 mountains above 4,000 m, including the iconic Matterhorn in all its glory. Spend the afternoon indulging in relaxation at your Zermatt hotel's spa, sauna, and heated indoor/outdoor pools. Overnight in Zermatt. (B) Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy dinner on their own in Zermatt tonight.
The fastest 8-hour train ride you will ever experience! This morning, we'll set off on the scenic panoramic Glacier Express, traversing one of the world's most beautiful stretches of railway amidst the stunning mountain landscapes of the Swiss Alps. As we marvel at the breathtaking scenery, engage with audio information to gain insights into the surroundings. Witness the remarkable engineering accomplishments of this 1930 inaugural route, crossing 291 bridges and passing through 91 tunnels, while navigating a 500m/1660ft ascent and descent through diverse and culturally rich mountain valleys.
Concluding our scenic train adventure, we arrive in the picturesque lake town of St. Moritz. The expansive Engadine valley, surrounded by snowcapped peaks of the Bernina Mountain range, offers awe-inspiring vistas. In a single view, you can admire the majesty of the mountains and the St. Moritz ski slopes, making this valley one of the most scenic in all of Switzerland. Overnight in St. Moritz. (BD)
On our last day of the tour in Switzerland, we return to Zürich, where the festive spirit of Christmas fills the air. We'll have time to explore the shops along Bahnhofstrasse and wander through the charming, illuminated streets of the Old Town. Zürich hosts Europe's largest indoor Christmas Market at the main train station, and if we're lucky we'll also be favored with Christmas carols at the singing Christmas tree on Werdmühleplatz. As the day concludes, we'll gather for our final dinner, reflecting on the numerous delightful memories we've shared.Overnight at a hotel in the heart of downtown Zürich. (BD)
Auf Wiedersehen and good-bye. Today you can depart Zürich to catch your flights back home.(B)
Alpenwild Adventures are designed for people who are energetic, active, and filled with a spirit of adventure. We rate this trip as easy to moderate and ACTIVE. You should be capable of walking 1-2 miles per day and at least 1/2 mile in one stretch (about 1500 steps and may be uphill). You should be capable of walking about 2 to 4 miles per day, often on cobblestone streets and with potential compacted snow and ice (so be careful). There will be times where stairs can not be avoided, so guests will need the ability to go up and down stairs. On one day, a mountain railway will take you to an elevation of 10,200 feet.
