Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks

You're on your way to a world wedged between Germany, Austria, France and Italy - the country of four languages that's one of the most heralded destinations in Europe. Your journey through Switzerland will be entirely by train, offering an up close and personal rendezvous with the best the country has to offer from the Alps to the historic villages of the Swiss Riviera. Get ready to experience the culture, history and lifestyle of Switzerland firsthand.

Willkkommen! Bienvenue! Board a Swiss Rail train to Neuchâtel, where Gothic landmarks and sandstone grandeur beckon you to discover the abundant history of this medieval waterfront city. This evening, look out over Lake Neuchâtel at dinner with your fellow travelers before retiring to your lakefront room. Today dinner will be included.

Start your morning on a walking tour and discover the treasures of Neuchâtel's historic quarter, taking in its unique architecture and structures from the Belle Époque period. Your day continues at Château de Boudry, a 13th-century castle home to the Museum of Vine and Wine. Wander through the museum with an expert insider, ending with a taste of the local favorites and a sample of four different wines. Today breakfast will be included.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Neuchâtel to explore as you please, taking full advantage of your Swiss Travel Pass. Perhaps you’ll stroll along Lake Neuchâtel and enjoy the views from a waterfront café or travel to the walled town of Morat by boat. Today breakfast will be included.

From Neuchâtel, travel via train to Bern, the Swiss capital city. Enjoy time at leisure to discover Bern’s enthralling blend of influences - old and new. Then it’s on to the resort village of Zermatt, nestled against the backdrop of the Matterhorn. This evening, join a resident expert for a discussion on how climate change is affecting the Alps and learn how villages like Zermatt are acting to create a sustainable future. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

This morning, scale the Alps on a funicular ride to the mountain paradise of Sunnegga* to take in breathtaking views of the famed Matterhorn. The remainder of the day is yours to explore all that Zermatt has to offer. Consider joining an optional tour with a local Alpinist and ascend more than 10,000 feet on Europe’s highest mountain railway - the Gornergrat. Set out on a leisurely hike and learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit the mountain landscape. Today breakfast will be included.

*On select May and October departures the Sunnegga funicular is closed for maintenance. Guests will ascend Furi cable car instead.

Head to the north shore of Lake Geneva to Vevey, one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera,” with awe-inspiring views of the Alps. Enjoy a walking tour before exploring the sights and sounds independently during an afternoon at leisure. Today breakfast will be included.

A relaxed morning in Vevey preludes your journey to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux. Begin with lunch at a family-owned restaurant before visiting with our friends, Jacques and Aurelia, for a wine tasting nestled amongst the vines. Traipse the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) on foot before enjoying another tasting of the region’s finest varieties. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Today, it’s your choice! Enjoy free time, perhaps taking advantage of your Swiss Travel Pass to discover the city’s museums, including the Swiss Camera Museum, Charlie Chaplin Museum, and the Nestle Foundation’s Nest -OR- discover Montreux and Château de Chillon, before ferrying back to Vevey on Lake Geneva. Join your travel companions for dinner this evening. Today breakfast and dinner will be included.

Travel by train to Lucerne, known as the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Amble through Altstadt (Old Town) with your guide, uncovering the town’s 800-year-old secrets and history. You’ll walk along the famous covered Chapel Bridge, built in the early 14th century and stretching its way across the River Reuss. The remainder of the day is yours to explore however you’d like. Today breakfast will be included.

Make the most of a relaxing morning on your own. Wish Switzerland goodbye at a farewell lunch, taking an open-air cable car to the top of Mount Stanserhorn and dining at its revolving restaurant. Enjoy your meal as you take in stunning 360-degree views, the perfect ending to your Swiss sojourn. The evening is yours to soak up the last of Lucerne’s inviting ambience. Today breakfast and lunch will be included.

Depart for home, dreaming of snowy Alps and captivating cultures. Today breakfast will be included.