Switzerland: Hidden Trails & Majestic Peaks

You’re on your way to a journey through the breathtaking country of Switzerland. Explore this country entirely by train, getting the most panoramic view of the Alps and the villages of the Swiss Riviera.
Hotel Name: Best Western Premier Hotel Beaulac

Willkkommen! Bienvenue! Climb aboard a Swiss Rail train to Neuchâtel. This medieval waterfront city stands out with its Gothic landmarks and sandstone grandeur. With Lake Neuchâtel as your backdrop, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner.
Dinner Included

Admittance: Swiss Travel Pass
Use your Swiss Travel Pass as an all-access entrée to museums and more.

Have you heard of the Belle Époque period? Learn all about it on a walking tour of Neuchâtel’s historic quarter. Your day continues at Château de Boudry. This 13th-century castle houses the Museum of Vine and Wine where an expert insider guides you as you wander its galleries. The best part: before you leave, get a taste of the local favorites.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Neuchatel
Experience the Gothic landmarks and sandstone grandeur of Neuchatel, a medieval waterfront city.

Take off today for the walled town of Murten, the language border between French and German. With free time to explore this medieval town, walk the rampart walls to take in views of the lake below. If you prefer, a full day at leisure in Neuchâtel is also an option.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Alex

Visit Area: Walking Tour of Neuchâtel’s Historic Quarter
Walk the cobblestone streets and admire the Belle Époque style of Neuchâtel’s Old Town. Stroll through this historic quarter and take in the Medieval sandstone buildings, delicious Swiss eateries and a resplendent lakeside promenade. If you happen to visit during the summer months, look out for the bustling local market at the Place de Halles.

All aboard! We’re traveling by train from Neuchâtel to the Swiss capital city of Bern. Take on the day by exploring the sweetest parts of Bern alongside your expert guide. Retrace and taste the history of chocolate makers in Bern’s old town center. Complete your day by settling into the resort village of Zermatt, nestled against the backdrop of the Matterhorn.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Museum of Vine and Wine
Discover the history of wine at the Museum of Vine and Wine. Explore 2,000 years’ worth of historical artifacts and peruse rooms filled with items used in wine production like barrels, winepresses, and carafes. During your visit, you can also enjoy spectacular views of the sprawling vineyards.

Rise and shine and begin your morning getting familiar with Zermatt alongside your Tour Manager. Then, it’s your choice! Ascend more than 10,000 feet on Europe’s highest mountain railway – the Gornergrat. Maybe you’ll even decide to hike a portion of the way down -OR- visit the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise by summit lift and discover towering peaks and glaciers as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Astra Hotel

Visit Area: Bern
Bern, the capital of the Swiss Confederation, has a population of about 660,000 in the metro area. It is located in west central Switzerland, in a bend of the Aare River. Legend says that the city got its name from the first animal the founder, Berchtold V, Duke of Zahringen, saw when he was hunting: a bear. In honor of this legend, bears are kept in an enclosure in the city center. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its beautifully preserved medieval buildings, and the major sights are the bear pit, the Cathedral and the Zytglogge (medieval clock tower).

Head to the north shore of Lake Geneva to Vevey, known as one of the “Pearls of the Swiss Riviera,” with awe-inspiring views of the Alps. Take in a breath of fresh mountain air on a walking tour before exploring nature independently during an afternoon at leisure.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Zermatt
This town is located in southwest Switzerland in the canton of Valais, and is best known by the nearby 14,000ft (4267m) Matterhorn. The town began as an agricultural area and in the 19th century became famous as a ski and mountaineering resort. Most of the town now depends on tourism, and in ski season the town of 5,000 swells several times over. To keep the air clean, all vehicles are now electric and mostly silent, with only emergency access by gas-powered vehicles such as firetrucks. The famous Glacier Express train which begins in far eastern Switzerland near St. Moritz ends in Zermatt.

A relaxing morning in Vevey before traveling to the terraced vineyards of Lavaux is a perfect start to the day. Enjoy a local lunch at a family-owned restaurant before visiting with our friends, Jacques and Aurelia, for a wine tasting. Wander the Lavaux vineyards (UNESCO) on foot before enjoying a second round of tastings from the region’s finest varieties.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Gornergrot Railway or Glacier Paradise
In Zermatt, it’s your choice! The first choice will take you more than 10,000 feet on Europe’s highest eco-friendly mountain railway – the Gornergrat. This is a bucket-list destination that everyone should check off in their lifetime. Between the scenic railway commute and the breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, this journey is truly unforgettable. Searching for a different adventure today? Your second choice is to take a journey by summit lift to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise. Take in real-life backdrops from the 360-degree viewing platform and witness 38 giant peaks along with 14 incredible glaciers. A visit to the world’s highest glacier palace is always worth the experience. Gornergrot Railway: Best View of the Matterhorn - NEO Day 5 Activity Level: 4 On this choice you will reach 3,100 meters above sea level. Glacier Paradise: Europe's Highest Mountain Station - NEO Day 5 Activity Level: 4 On this choice you will reach 3,883 meters above sea level.

Today, head to Montreux with your Tour Manager and visit the legendary Château de Chillon for a guided tour. This princely residence faces the lake and portrays the image of an imposing fortress from the mountains. Enjoy free time taking in Montreux’s postcard landscapes and lively promenade. If you’re looking to see more with your Swiss Travel Pass, maybe an afternoon discovering the Olympic Museum is more your style. Tonight, join your travel companions for dinner and conversation.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Astoria

Visit Area: Lake Geneva
View the crystalline waters and picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, the beginning of the region known as the “Swiss Wine Route.”

Board the train to Lucerne to find out why this destination is called the “Swiss Paradise on the Lake.” Make your way through Altstadt (Old Town) with your Tour Manager, uncovering the town’s 800-year-old secrets and history. Stroll 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.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Vevey
Soak in the awe-inspiring views of the Alpine panorama in the city of Vevey, a “Pearl of the Swiss Riviera.”

Enjoy the first half of your day at leisure to explore Lucerne on your own. Depart for Rigi — also known as Queen of the Mountains — on an afternoon cruise through Lake Lucerne. All aboard the cogwheel train for a journey from Vitznau to Rigi Klum. On your ascent, a local guide will teach you why Rigi is one of the most sustainable mountains in Switzerland during an Impact Moment. End the day with smiles and say “cheese” for a group photo at the scenic overlook before heading to your private farewell dinner on Mount Rigi.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Lavaux Terraced Vineyards
Relax and sample the wares of the terraced vineyards of Lavaux during a wine tasting nestled amongst the vines.

Depart for home, dreaming of snowy Alps and captivating cultures.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Wine Tastings
Discover why these regions of Switzerland are world-renown for their wines during three tastings, one in Auvenier and two in Lavaux.