8 Days | Get your nature (and cheese) fix – Swiss style
An eight-day jaunt through the countryside and cuisine of Switzerland is the ideal way to see (and taste) all things Swiss. This small nation packs a punch with its mountainous landscapes, glacial lakes, picturesque cities and food staples that are so tough to beat. Beginning in Zurich, travel in comfort by train to lakeside Lucerne, the stunning Swiss Alps and cheese-obsessed and chocolate-stuffed Bulle before finishing in the nation's quaint capital, Bern. Here, the outdoors has never looked so good and the chocolate has never tasted so smooth, so it’s time to sample it all yourself.
Trip overview
- Start
- Zurich, Switzerland
- Finish
- Bern, Switzerland
- Theme
- Explorer, Rail
- Destinations
- Switzerland
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Original
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 12
- Trip code
- AMSS
- Choose your own adventure with two free days in the Jungfrau Region of the Swiss Alps. You can take these days as relaxed or as thrill-seeking as you want from your hotel homebase surrounded by mountain views.
- Find out why the Swiss are known around the world for their cheese and chocolate, with opportunities to sample both in La Gruyere region.
- Your locally based group leader will provide expert advice on how to make the most of your free time, as well as giving you orientation walks around each place so you can get your bearings.
- Take in the breathtaking alpine views from the summit of Mt Pilatus with your small group, reached via the steepest cogwheel railway in the world.
- With plenty of free time to explore at your own pace in Bern, you’ll discover why this city is considered one of the most beautiful and laidback capital cities in the world.
- Some of Switzerland’s best scenery is found on walks, which can be quite steep and long. While this trip itself doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities. During the trip, you have the option to hike the trails in the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau region.
- The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Swiss trains are a fast (and punctual) way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. They are comfortable and all have toilets, however, can sometimes be quite busy. You may need to make exchanges in between to reach your destination. Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train and storage space for luggage on trains can be quite limited, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.
- Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
- On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
7 breakfasts
Train, Public bus, Boat, Cable car, Cog railway
Hotel (7 nights)
- Lucerne - Boat Cruise & Mt Pilatus Golden Circle Tour
- Bulle - Cheese tasting in a local fromagerie
- Bulle - Chocolate tasting in local chocolate shop
- Bern - Leader-led orientation walk
- Bern - Zytglogge (Clock tower) tour
- Lucerne - Spreuer Bridge - Free
- Lucerne - Church of St Leodegar - Free
- Lucerne - Swiss Museum of Transport - CHF35
- Lauterbrunnen - Jungfraujoch (The Top of Europe) - CHF250
- Lauterbrunnen - Schilthorn Mountain - CHF86
- Lauterbrunnen - Trummelbach Falls - CHF12
- Jungfrau region self-guided hike - Free
- Bern - Rose Garden - Free
- Bern - History and Einstein Museum - CHF18
- Bern - Minster (Cathedral) - Free
- Bern - Museum of Fine Arts - CHF10
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is bookable on this trip. Availability is limited due to small properties we use. Please speak to your agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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