Country Roads of Switzerland

Day 1  Lucerne  
Arrive in Zurich and transfer to Lucerne. Meet your Travel Director and travel companions for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 2  Lucerne
Ascend to the top of Mount Stanserhorn on an open-top cable car powered by solar panels and admire unrivalled views of the surrounding mountains. Walk along beautiful scenic pathways, keeping an eye out for marmots and other native animals, with the chance to hear a conservation talk by a Swiss ranger, to learn about local wildlife and flora.  Return to the beautiful 14th Century city of Lucerne to see its storybook wooden bridges, baroque church and sorrowful Lion Monument. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to walk along the lake or perhaps shop for a special timepiece or chocolate.

Day 3  Lucerne to Montreux
In Bern, your Local Expert, a local English teacher, will show you the Cathedral of St. Vincent, Federal Palace and floral displays. Continue into the wide, green valleys of the Vaud Alps, through vineyards and alpine meadows to the fortified town of Gruyères, that gives its name to the well-known cheese. From Montreux, travel along the shores of Lake Geneva to visit a winery. Delight in a delicious Farm-to-Table light dinner, made from locally sourced produce, and learn how the family that owns the farm is preserving the estate for future generations.

Days 4-5  Montreux
On the eastern bay of Lake Geneva, visit Chillon Castle for a special tour of the former home to the Dukes of Savoy, commemorated by Lord Byron's 'Prisoner of Chillon.' Return to Montreux where the rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own or relax as you wish at your quayside hotel.
Day 6 Montreux to Zermatt
Follow the shores of the lake to the international city of Geneva, seeing the Jet d’Eau and Floral Clock. Next, relax in First Class comfort on the waters of Lake Geneva during a cruise. This evening, enjoy time at leisure on the promenade of your lakeside resort.

Day 7  Zermatt
Zermatt in the summertime offers many leisure possibilities: try swimming, hiking or relaxing in the fresh alpine surrounds. Perhaps take a trip to the Klein Matterhorn, see the Matterhorn from the church bridge or sample the delicious cakes known as Kuchen.

Day 8  Zermatt to Lugano
Travel to Täsch for a scenic drive to Brig, where you'll commence your ascent of the Simplon Pass, taking in magnificent views over the Alps from the 2,006m (6581 ft) summit. Stop in the Italian town of Stresa and perhaps join an optional experience to the stunning Isola Bella. Continue to Lugano in the evening.

Day 9  Lugano to St. Moritz
Journey to the three Fortifications at Bellinzona and meet your Local Expert for a fascinating insight into this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your travels continue through the Grisons Region, travelling via San Bernardino and the town of Tiefencastel, as you follow the young Rhine River. Head east towards the Julier Pass and the glamorous resort of St. Moritz, set in the Engadine Valley with the majestic Grisons Alps towering above.

Day 10  St. Moritz
Enjoy a day at leisure or perhaps take an exciting train journey over the Bernina Pass. To help you make the most of your day, your Travel Director will provide you with a mountain railways pass, offering free travel on all cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts (when available) in Engadine St. Moritz.

Day 11  St. Moritz to Grindelwald
Step aboard the Glacier Express to experience one of the world’s great railway journeys. Cross the Landwasser Viaduct before heading down through the Oberalp Valley to rejoin the coach at Andermatt. Drive through the dramatic Schollenen Gorge passing the Devil's Bridge. Marvel at the Wetterhorn Peaks as you travel along the Grindelwald Valley. Follow the sparkling Lutschine River to Lauterbrunnen, at the head of the Valley of Waterfalls, and see the Staubbach Falls plunge 297 m (974 ft) from the plateau above.

Day 12  Grindelwald        
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore Grindelwald, a charming village nestled in the Bernese Alps. Perhaps take a cogwheel train ride to the summit of the Jungfrau mountain, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding alpine splendour. The Jungfraujoch, known as the "Top of Europe," offers stunning vistas and a chance to explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observation Deck. Alternatively, hike one of the many trails that wind through the lush valleys and up into the high mountains, where the diverse flora and fauna are a delight for nature enthusiasts. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, spend your day shopping in the quaint village shops or simply soaking in the serene beauty of the area.

Day 13  Grindelwald to Zurich
Take in the spectacular lake views, as you journey to Brienz, famous for its woodcarving traditions. Visit the Jobin Swiss Woodcarving Centre to trace the history of the trade back to the early days of the 19th century. Continue over the Brunig Pass and drive alongside the lakes of Lungern and Sarnen to return to Zurich, where you will enjoy an orientation of the city with your Travel Director. Join your travel companions at a local restaurant.

Day 14  Zurich  
Your journey comes to an end after breakfast.