Each day, we discover a different aspect of Switzerland. We travel by public transportation on trains, buses, boats, cable cars, and cog wheel trains. A large part of the trip is spent walking, averaging approximately 12,000 steps a day, allowing us to take in Switzerland’s beauty close up.
Each day, we are typically leaving the hotel around 8:30 am and return to the hotel around 6 pm for dinner.
Sites visited (not in order, based on weather)
Ballenberg – a large outdoor museum that celebrates Swiss heritage and culture
Montreux – on Lake Geneva, we explore a the Medieval castle Chillon made memorable by Lord Byron’s poem.
Bern – a walking tour of the capital city of Switzerland, home of the bears, led by a local guide (if available)
Grindelwald – from here we take a 4 mile ride by cable car to the Männlichen, followed by a 2-hour walk along the Kleine-Scheidegg (a mountain-top), and finish off with a trip past Wengen
Lucerne – the transportation museum, a famous wooden bridge, and the wounded lion memorial are seen after travel over the Bruenig Pass
Rothorn Mountain – atop Brienz, a cog wheel steam train takes us for a 5 mile ride to see 360 degree breathtaking views
Post Bus Mountain Pass – The full day journey by mail bus transports you over the four most impressive Alpine passes in Switzerland – past imposing glaciers, glittering mountain lakes, deep gorges and romantic villages. The four-pass route begins in Meiringen in the morning and travels over the Grimsel, the Nufenen, the Gotthard and the Susten. You will climb an altitude of more than 10,366 metres and cross four cantonal borders.
Zermatt – located at the base of the Matterhorn, Zermatt is one of the best days of the trip. Catch the best view of the Matterhorn from the top of the Gonergratt.
Schilthorn – travel by cable car and foot via Lauterbrunnen and Mürren, we reach the Schilthorn, made famous by a James Bond Movie. Enjoy a gorgeous view of the Jungfrau Mountain range while eating lunch in a revolving restaurant.
Emmental – travel by a chartered bus, tour an old-fashioned cheese factory as well as the modern day production of Emmental cheese. The day finishes with a special dessert at Kemmeriboden.
Swiss National Day – August 1 is Switzerland’s independence day. Celebrations begin early in the morning with music, food, a parade, and games; festivities last all day
Special expedition day – one unscheduled day for special local celebrations that are not known to us at the time we plan the trip