Back Roads Touring Mountains, Valleys & Lakes of Switzerland

• 8 nights in boutique accommodation
• Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
• Premium mini-coach transportation
• 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 4 Dinners

• Uncover Switzerland’s best-kept secrets, including Appenzell, St Gallen and Weggis
• Visit a master chocolatier and learn the secrets behind Swiss chocolate making
• Be blown away by some of Europe’s most breathtaking and majestic scenery

Day 1: Zurich – Schaffhausen – Appenzell

This morning we’ll meet the group in one of the most impressive cities in the world: Zurich. Then, it’s all aboard the mini-coach as we make tracks to Schaffhausen – which we’ll explore on a walking tour – and Roemerstrasse Wines, where we have a wine tasting session to look forward to. We’ll then move on to our final destination of the day: Appenzell, where we’ll learn how to make traditional biberli (gingerbread pastries) before getting to know each other a little better over a welcome dinner.

Day 2: Appenzell – St Gallen – Appenzell

After breakfast it’s off to St Gallen – where a walking tour awaits us this morning. We’ll spend some time exploring the city’s Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Abbey District before we return to Appenzell for a brewery tour this afternoon. After sampling a taste of the beer (not to mention some delicious local cheese and meats), the evening will be yours to spend as you wish.

Day 3: Appenzell – Lucerne – Weggis

A day of indulgence awaits us in Lucerne today, where we have an appointment to keep with a local chocolatier. After learning the secrets behind Swiss chocolate making, we’ll take the time to savour a delicious sample (or two). Later on, we’ll swap our mini-coach for a scenic boat ride across Lake Lucerne, setting ashore in Weggis: our base for the next two nights.

Day 4: Weggis – Einsiedeln – Mount Rigi – Weggis

Leave room at breakfast – this morning we’ll be visiting a local farm in Einsiedeln, where we’ll have the chance to make our own cheeses before indulging in a fondue tasting session. Then, it’s all aboard the cog railway – Europe’s first ever mountain line – as we scale the towering Mt Rigi, taking in some magnificent views of deep blue lakes and snow-capped peaks along the way. Afterwards, we’ll make our way back down to Weggis – where you’ll have the evening to yourself.

Day 5: Weggis – Eggiwil – Bern

Today we’ll leave Weggis behind us and make tracks to Eggiwil – where we’ll meet a local alphorn maker. After learning how the traditional instrument is made, we’ll move on to captivating Bern. With a guided walking tour on the agenda, there will be plenty of time for us to soak up the picture-perfect scenery!

Day 6: Bern

Today, the day will be yours to visit Bern’s excellent museums and wander the cobbled centre at your leisure.

Day 7: Bern – Thun – Interlaken – Murren

Today our path will carry us away from Bern and onwards towards the striking Thun Castle and breathtaking Trümmelbach Falls. After a day filled with spectacular sights, we’ll climb aboard the train to photogenic Wengen, where you’ll be free to explore as you please.

Day 8: Wengen – Jungfraujoch – Wengen

Today we’ll be treated to some more intoxicatingly beautiful vistas as we travel to the top of Mt Jungfrau aboard the Jungfrau Railway. After travelling back down to Wengen, we’ll come together for one last group dinner. What a trip it’s been!

Day 9: Wengen – Zurich

After bidding a fond farewell to Wengen, we’ll board the mini-coach to Affoltern im Emmental, where we’ll enjoy a cheese tasting session at a local Emmental factory. After that, there’s still time for a walking tour of Baden before we move on to Zurich – where our adventure will end.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.