Small Group Travel rewards travelers with new perspectives. With just 12-24 passengers, these are the personal adventures that today's cultural explorers dream of.
HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
Days 10, 11: Hotel Astoria Lucerne, LucerneDay by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Friday, May 9, 2025 Overnight Flight You're on your way to a journey through Germany, Austria, France, and Italy - this tour checks off so many bucket list moments. Your first stop: Switzerland. Explore this country entirely by train, getting the most panoramie view of the Alps and the villages of the Swiss Riviera.
Day 2: Saturday, May 10, 2025 Neuchâtel, Switzerland - Tour Begins 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 Neuchätel as your backdrop, meet your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 3: Sunday, May 11, 2025 Neuchatel - Boudry - Neuchâtel Have you heard of the Belle Epoque period? Learn all about it on a walking tour of Neuchätel'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. (B)
Day 4: Monday, May 12, 2025 Neuchâtel - Murten - Neuchâtel 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 Neuchatel is also an option. (B)
Day 5: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 Neuchâtel - Bern - Zermatt All aboard! We're traveling by train from Neuchätel 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 Matterhomn. (B, D)
Day 6: Wednesday, May 14, 2025 Zermatt 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. (B)
Day 7: Thursday, May 15, 2025 Zermatt - Vevey 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. (B)
Day 8: Friday, May 16, 2025 Yevey - Lavaux - Vevey 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 varicties. (B. L)
Day 9: Saturday, May 17, 2025 Vevey 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. (B. D)
Day 10: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Vevey - Lucerne Board the train to Luceme to find out why this destination is called the "Swiss Paradise on the Lake." Make your way through Altstadi (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. (B)
Day 11: Monday, May 19, 2025 Lucerne Enjoy the first hall of your day at leisure to explore Lucere on your own. Depart for Rigi - also known as Queen of the Mountains — on an afternoon cruise through Lake Luceme. All aboard the cogwheel train for a jouney 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. (B, D)
Day 12: Tuesday, May 20, 2025 Lucerne - Tour Ends Depart for home, dreaming of snowy Alps and captivating cultures. (B
Experience It! Lavaux Vineyards Nestled between Lausanne and Montreux, along the crystal shores of Lake Geneva, the bon viveur of a region known as the Swiss Wine Route begs expiration. Switzerland's largest, most contiguous region stretches for miles (800 hectares to be exact) with daringly-constructed hillside terraces that have eared the UNESCO World Heritage site designation. This is Lavaux, the heart of Swiss wine country, where distinctive vintages feature heady notes of tradition dating as far back as the 11th century, and footpaths whisk you to destinations of pastoral splendor where wine cellars and tasting rooms dot the incredible scenery of the Lavaux vineyard region, awakening all the senses, but most especially: the sense of taste.