Itinerary Snapshot
Day 1 – September 14
Welcome to Switzerland! Land at Geneva International Airport, where your private transfer awaits to escort you to your lakefront hotel. After settling into your accommodations, join your group this evening for a walking tour through Geneva’s enchanting Old Town. Wander cobblestone streets past St. Peter’s Cathedral, through hidden passageways, and along the lakefront promenade as the Jet d’Eau fountain illuminates the evening sky. Gather for a welcome dinner featuring Swiss specialties before retiring for the night.
Overnight: Hotel d’Angleterre or Equivalent
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – September 15
This morning, discover Geneva at your own pace. Stroll the elegant lakeside gardens, explore the International Red Cross Museum, or browse the boutiques of the Old Town. Around midday, board a scenic train along Lake Geneva’s northern shore to Montreux, often called the Swiss Riviera. This relaxed journey reveals vineyard-covered hillsides tumbling toward the shimmering lake, with the Alps rising dramatically beyond. Arrive in Montreux by late afternoon and check into your hotel along the famous flower-lined promenade. Spend the evening exploring this elegant resort town, perhaps visiting the Freddie Mercury statue or simply savoring dinner with views across the water.
Overnight: Fairmont Le Montreux Palace or Equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 – September 16
After breakfast, explore the fairytale Château de Chillon, Switzerland’s most-visited historic monument, perched on a rocky island just minutes from town. Wander through medieval halls, towers, and courtyards where Lord Byron once carved his name. This afternoon, board the renowned GoldenPass Express for one of Switzerland’s most spectacular train journeys. Settle into panoramic coaches as the train climbs through terraced Lavaux vineyards, crosses the alpine pass, and descends into the Bernese Oberland. Watch as lakeside elegance gives way to mountain drama, arriving in Interlaken by early evening. Nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz with views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, Interlaken serves as your base for the next three nights.
Overnight: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa or Equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 – September 17
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Interlaken at your own pace. Stroll the Höhematte promenade with its perfect mountain views, browse chocolate shops and Swiss watch boutiques, or relax at a lakeside café with a cappuccino. This afternoon, board a short train to Lauterbrunnen, the stunning valley of 72 waterfalls where sheer rock walls rise 1,000 feet on either side. September brings a special treat: Alpabzug, the traditional cow descent from alpine pastures. Watch for festively decorated cows adorned with flower crowns and massive bells, led by farmers in traditional dress as they parade through the valley after months grazing high in the mountains. This centuries-old tradition celebrates a successful summer season without accidents. Explore the village, marvel at Staubbach Falls plummeting from the cliffs above, and gather this evening for a traditional Swiss fondue dinner in a local restaurant, the perfect way to experience authentic alpine culture.
Overnight: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa or Equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 – September 18
This morning, journey to the charming alpine village of Grindelwald, nestled beneath the dramatic North Face of the Eiger. Board the state-of-the-art Eiger Express, a tricable gondola that whisks you from the valley floor to the Eiger Glacier station in just 15 minutes, replacing the historic cogwheel railway with thrilling views of the mountain’s legendary north wall. Continue upward to the Jungfraujoch, the “Top of Europe,” at 11,332 feet. Step out onto snow and ice surrounded by the longest glacier in the Alps, where viewing platforms reveal a sea of peaks stretching to the horizon. Explore the Ice Palace carved within the glacier itself before descending back to Grindelwald for lunch at a local restaurant, savoring views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Return to Interlaken by late afternoon with free time to relax, explore the lakes, or enjoy your hotel’s amenities.
Overnight: Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa or Equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 – September 19
This morning, board the Luzern-Interlaken Express, a panoramic train showcasing Central Switzerland’s beauty. Large windows frame views of crystalline Lake Brienz, where waterfalls tumble from forested cliffs into turquoise waters below. The train climbs over the Brünig Pass through alpine meadows before descending into Lucerne. Arrive by midday at this picturesque city on the shore of Lake Lucerne, where mountains meet medieval architecture. After checking into your hotel, meet your guide for a walking tour of this city’s highlights. Cross the iconic 14th-century Chapel Bridge adorned with painted panels, discover the poignant Lion Monument carved into living rock, or wander the colorful Old Town with its frescoed guild houses and fountains.
Overnight: Hotel Schweizerhof Luzern or Equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – September 20
Savor a leisurely morning in Lucerne and free time. Around mid-afternoon, catch the express train to Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city. The swift 42-minute journey passes Lake Zug and rolling countryside before arriving in this cosmopolitan cultural capital. After settling into your hotel, explore Zurich’s historic Altstadt, where cobblestone lanes wind past the twin towers of Grossmünster church and the Chagall windows of Fraumünster. This evening, gather with your group for a farewell dinner celebrating your Swiss journey, sharing stories of alpine peaks, scenic railways, and lakeside villages.
Overnight: Storchen Zürich or Equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 – September 21
After breakfast, private transfers escort you to Zurich Airport for departures throughout the day. Return home with memories of Switzerland’s mountain grandeur, lakeside elegance, and the rhythmic beauty of travel by train.
Please note, the arrival and departure airports are different. You’ll arrive to Geneva (GVA) Airport and depart from Zurich (ZRH) Airport.
*Please note that this is a tentative itinerary and it is subject to change.
Highlights
Incredible Nature
Luxury Accomodations
Culture & History
Pricing & Inclusions
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
7 nights boutique hotel accommodations
Single Occupancy Room
Daily breakfast, 4 dinners, 3 lunches
Private airport transfers (arrival Geneva, departure Zurich)
All train travel in 1st class with reserved seats
Geneva Old Town evening walking tour with local guide
Lauterbrunnen afternoon excursion with traditional fondue dinner
Grindelwald excursion with Jungfraujoch "Top of Europe" visit
Château de Chillon entrance
Guided walking tour of Lucerne
All taxes, tips, and fees for group activities and guides
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:
International airfare to Geneva / from Zurich
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETAZUS form for US citizens)
Lunches and dinners not specified above
Alcoholic beverages not included in group meals
Optional activities and excursions
Items of personal nature
Is This Tour For Me?

Travel Style: Culture & Nature
Dive into a destination’s culture through visits local guided tours and monument visits and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of a destination exploring National Parks and breathtaking landscapes.
Physical Rating: 4
- Distance/Pace: Capable of covering up to 4-5 miles during a full-day tour.
- Terrain: Includes varied terrain with moderate challenges (e.g., mixed surfaces, inclines, stairs).
- Duration: Extended periods of activity with fewer scheduled breaks, suitable for active travelers.
- Additional: Designed for those with good overall fitness who are comfortable with sustained activity.
Age requirement: 18+

Alice West


















