Zurich and the Bernese Oberland in Bloom

Day 1  Zurich          
After checking in to your hotel take a train ride to the top of Uetliberg Mountain to enjoy glorious views over the city and views stretching as far across to the Glarus Alps. Chose to dine in the Uto Kulm glass restaurant overlooking the city at night – sampling a traditional Swiss rösti with a backdrop of twinkling lights is an unmissable opportunity, and a magical start to the holiday.          

Day 2  Zurich          
Discover the secrets of Switzerland’s largest city on your included two-hour walking tour. In the afternoon, make the most of your Swiss Travel pass and travel across Lake Zurich by boat to Kilchberg and visit Lindt Home of Chocolate, Switzerland’s largest chocolate museum. Discover the history of Swiss chocolate at the fascinating interactive museum and marvel at the multi-storey chocolate fountain.          

Day 3  Zurich          
This morning catch the train north to Schloss Laufen to visit Rhine Falls, Europe’s largest waterfall. Starting at the visitor centre, stroll the Belvedere panoramic trail with wonderful views and viewing platforms above the crashing falls and learn about their history at the medieval castle which sits alongside.  

Day 4  Zurich to Interlaken      
This morning travel by train through the beautiful Bernese Oberland to Interlaken. After checking in to your hotel, spend some time exploring the town before heading to the Harder Kulm Funicular Railway. It takes just 8 minutes to get to the top of Interlaken’s own mountain. At the top the Two-Lake Bridge gives dramatic views of Lake Brienz and Lake Thun and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau which dominate the horizon. Afterwards, why not sample a delicious fondue on one of the terraces of the castle-like Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant before returning to the valley below.          

Day 5  Interlaken          
Today catch a train to Wilderswil, the starting point for Schynige Platte Historic Railway. Step back in time as it winds through the Breitlauenen Alps. Once at the top take in the vast views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Follow the Swiss Flower and Panorama Trail to discover the flowers of the alpine meadows as they change throughout the season: crocuses in June, edelweiss in July and by August the whole area is carpeted in colourful blooms. Be sure to be back at the station for 2pm to see a performance of the traditional Swiss Alphorn!    

Day 6  Interlaken          
This morning take a relaxing boat trip on the turquoise Lake Brienz. Board the Brienzer Rothorn Railway where a historic steam train pushes the carriages through the countryside to Rothorn Kulm. Take in the breathtaking views at the top before returning to Brienz. The village has a long history of woodcarving, examples of which can be seen on the pretty lakeside promenade. While exploring the village, walk down the stunning Brunngasse, once voted Europe’s most beautiful street thanks to its charming carvings, flowers and wooden chalets.          

Day 7  Interlaken          
Today’s journey takes you from Interlaken to Europe’s highest railway station at the Jungfraujoch. Begin with a scenic journey from Interlaken to Grindelwald before changing to the Eiger Express cable car for a spectacular ride over mountains and meadows. Take a train through the north face of the Eiger itself to the roof of Europe. At the top the Sphinx Observatory viewing platform gives incredible views across the Alps and the Aletsch Glacier. On your way back to Interlaken why not stop for a stroll in picturesque Lauterbrunnen, named after the 72 waterfalls that can be found in surrounding valley.          

Day 8  Interlaken to Zurich      
After a final morning beside the lake in Interlaken catch the train back to Zurich for your flight home.