Switzerland: A Journey Through the Swiss Alps

Arrive in cosmopolitan Geneva, where you are met by your A&K Guardian Angel. Transfer by private vehicle to your lakefront hotel in Lausanne, a picturesque city about 40 minutes by road from the international airport.

Beau-Rivage Palace

Embark on a half-day tour of Lausanne’s largely car-free Old Town, taking in the Gothic splendour of Notre Dame, arguably Switzerland’s finest cathedral. Also on your itinerary today is the magnificent Hôtel de Ville, the 17th century Baroque-style town hall complete with copper gargoyles. At the centre of Palud Square, take a moment to admire the striking Renaissance-era sculpture of Lady Justice – part of Lausanne’s oldest fountain – created by Laurent Perroud and his son Jacques in 1584-85.

The afternoon is free to explore the rest of this historic city, which brims with museums and art galleries, on your own.

Beau-Rivage Palace | Meals: B

Discover the many charms of French-speaking Switzerland on a full day excursion. Your first stop is the romantic 9th century Chateau de Chillon just outside Montreux, which appears to float on the waters of the lake. A wander through the castle’s many buildings reveals its dark history, particularly the vaulted stone dungeon, which inspired Lord Byron’s epic poem The Prisoner of Chillon. Also of note are the three splendid formal great halls, and the chapel, whose wall recesses date back to the 13th century.

Next, board the modern Golden Pass Panoramic Train to Montbovon, savouring sweeping views of the Swiss Alps. On arrival, you are met by your driver and transferred to Gruyères. Home to a number of castles and heritage homes, this medieval town is not only famous for its namesake cheese, but also for delicate meringues served with fresh fruit and heavy double cream.

Beau-Rivage Palace | Meals: B

Today’s destination is Zermatt, an alluring small town in the Swiss Alps and the starting point for many skiers, hikers and mountaineers on the Haute Route, which runs between the Matterhorn in Switzerland and Mont Blanc in France. You are met here by your A&K Guardian Angel who will assist you with check in at your hotel.

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof | Meals: B

Wear sturdy shoes and take your daypack for today’s excursion! This morning, you’ll ride on Europe’s highest open-air cog railway to the lofty summit of Gornegrat, Switzerland’s second-highest mountain. On this 45-minute journey, the train winds its way up 3,089 metres to a viewing platform that offers awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa and the dramatic Gorner Glacier.

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof | Meals: B

The entire day is yours to experience the many attractions of Zermatt. Shop for souvenirs such as Swiss chocolate along lively Bahnhofstrasse or browse the fascinating displays – showcasing both triumph and tragedy – at the Matterhorn Museum - Zermatlantis. For more mountain scenery, a hike to the ethereal Gorner Gorge is highly recommended, as is an unforgettable helicopter flight over the Matterhorn (additional cost).

Grand Hotel Zermatterhof | Meals: B

You are escorted aboard the Glacier Express train bound for Andermatt today. Sit back and soak up breathtaking vistas from your comfortable First Class seat as you make your way into central Switzerland.

Your destination today is Lucerne, a gorgeous fairytale city on the shores of Vierwaldstaettersee, the country’s fourth-largest lake.

Hotel des Balances | Meals: B

An expert-guided city tour on foot unravels the history of this beguiling city. Admire the classically beautiful Renaissance-era Old Town Hall and inspect the ornate wooden pews and gilded statues that adorn the white stone interiors of the 8th century Church of St Leodegar.

At the Glacier Gardens, get a glimpse of what Lucerne looked like when ice covered this land. This is also where the impressive Lion Monument can be found, a moving sculpture of a dying lion carved into a rock face to commemorate Swiss Guards who died while protecting Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Enjoy lunch (payable locally) on board a public boat, as you cruise across the Vierwaldstaettersee, taking in the dramatic mountain landscapes.

Hotel des Balances | Meals: B

Leave the city behind and travel on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway past wildflower-filled meadows and gurgling streams to Pilatus Kulm. This popular lookout can be crowded but it boasts spectacular views of no less than 73 peaks and five different lakes. Make a scenic descent by aerial gondola.

Hotel des Balances| Meals: B

Meet your driver for a transfer to the airport.

Meals: B