Tastes of Switzerland

Your holiday begins with included airport lounge access before boarding your flight to Geneva. On arrival, head to your hotel, which is conveniently located just a short walk from the train station. You’ll then have the rest of the day free to explore the city at leisure. No trip to Geneva is complete without taking a stroll through the cobbled streets of the charming Old Town, clustered on a hill on the south bank of the Rhône River. For the best views overlooking Geneva, climb to the top of the 12th-century, Gothic-style Saint Pierre Cathedral. Later on, you’ll find no shortage of fabulous places to dine out, whether it’s raclette, fondue or rosti that takes your fancy.

Stay: Hotel Auteuil or similar (Superior) 

Today, you’ll board a train that traces the northern shore of Lake Geneva to Montreux, where you’ll be based for the next couple of nights. After exploring the impressive Chillon Castle, situated on an island on the lake, embark on an included excursion to the UNESCO-listed vineyard terraces of Lavaux, a region which produces some of Switzerland’s finest wines. You’ll have the opportunity to taste a selection of these exquisite wines for yourself, accompanied by magnificent views overlooking the lake and out towards the Alps.

The next day’s excursions are centred around two of Switzerland’s most renowned international exports: cheese and chocolate. Take a train from Montreux to Gruyères for a cheese-making demonstration at La Maison du Gruyère, followed by an afternoon visit to Maison Cailler, the oldest chocolate factory in Switzerland. You’ll learn all about how the chocolates are made and taste some, fresh from the source.

Stay: Hotel Eden Palace au Lac or similar (Superior)

You’ll leave the French-speaking region of Switzerland behind today as you head east, taking the train through the Valais canton and crossing through Italy, via Domodossola, where you’ll switch trains before arriving in Locarno. It’s a truly spectacular journey, winding between snow-capped mountains and forested valleys punctuated by picturesque Alpine villages. Finally, you’ll take the train to Lugano, the largest city in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking southern region, taking a boat across the lake for a risotto-making workshop in a traditional Ticino-style grotto (a natural rock cellar). Savour the fruits of your labour, paired with local wine, on a terrace by the lake – a delightful way to cap off your day.

Stay: Hotel Walter Au Lac or similar (Standard) 

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, head out on a food-themed walking tour of Lugano, in which you’ll get to taste a variety of regional Ticino delicacies along the way, including deliciously crisp white merlot wine. You’ll then take the train north to Lucerne, an enchantingly beautiful city in the foothills of the Alps in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. Check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Stay: Waldstaetterhof Swiss Quality Hotel or similar (Standard)

Begin your day with a guided walking tour of Lucerne, admiring the medieval architecture of the Altstadt (Old Town) and immersing yourself in the city’s history as you go. Next up on your Swiss adventure is Affoltern im Emmental, home to the world famous Emmental cheese. Learn all about how it’s made during an interactive experience at Königsweg, including an opportunity to taste it and buy some to take with you. Finally, you’ll take the train to Bern, Switzerland’s capital, on the banks of the Aarne River. 

Stay: ​​Hotel Baren am Bundesplatz or similar (Superior)

Take in the sights of the Swiss capital this morning with a guided walking tour of the hilly Old Town, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site with a compact, beautifully preserved medieval core. The striking 15th century, Gothic-style cathedral and the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) are notable architectural highlights. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps picking up souvenirs, visiting the Kunstmuseum, or hopping between the city’s plethora of breweries and microbreweries – there are over 200 to choose from. 

Stay: ​​Hotel Baren am Bundesplatz or similar (Superior)

Catch a train from Bern to Zurich Airport in time for your return flight home.