Scenic Switzerland

Switzerland is one of those special places where I just don’t know enough words to properly describe how beautiful and wonderful a country it is. On my last trip to Switzerland I was brought to tears at the beauty of the Verzasca Valley, and actually said out loud “I don’t understand how this place is even real” whilst taking in the view from atop Mt. Stanserhorn in the Lake Lucerne region. The scenery is stunning, the air is clean, the food is delicious – I could go on and on, and these words don’t even do the country justice to how truly magnificent a destination it really is. Switzerland is a great choice for independent travelers due to its efficient and easy-to-use public transportation system, as well as its great diversity. In one country you can areas that are distinctly different from one another in their language, scenery, architecture, and food. I am so excited to give you a sneak peek at three new Regional Highlights we’ll be offering in 2018 that highlight the diversity of Switzerland.

In the German-speaking region we have Summer in the Swiss Alps, a 2-night package based in Wengen. This itinerary as available daily Jun.-Sep., and includes accommodations, a self-guided excursion to Mt. Schilthorn, a private tour of the Lauterbrunnen Valley and Trümmelbach Falls, and a 3-day 2^nd-class Swiss Travel Pass. If you’re not familiar with Mt. Schilthorn, it’s where the James Bond movie “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” was filmed. On the mountaintop you’ll find Bond World, where visitors can get a glimpse behind the scenes of the movie, plus there’s a rotating restaurant and views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains as well as over 200 other summits. The Lauterbrunnen Valley is home to 72 waterfalls, including Trümmelbach Falls, the world’s only glacier waterfalls accessible underground.

Lausanne is one of the major cities of the Swiss Riviera, which can be found along the shores of Lake Geneva in the western and French-speaking part of the country. The city is known as the Olympic Capital, as it is the headquarters for the International Olympic Committee and is the home of the Olympic Museum, one of my favorite museums. The museum has three sections: the history of the Games, from ancient to modern times; the cities and Olympians of both the Summer and Winter Games throughout the years; and the spirit of the Games, including how the athletes train and what it’s like for them in the Olympic Village. There are many, many items on display, such as flags, medals, equipment, photos, and videos, plus interactive displays. Even non-sports fans will be impressed. Our Lovely Lausanne package includes 2 nights at the wonderful Chateau d’Ouchy, which dates back to the 12^th century and sits on the shore of the lake, as well as a private walking tour of the city, entrance to the Olympic Museum, and a Lausanne Card for use of the city’s public transportation system.

In the Italian-speaking region you’ll find Scenic Lakes of Italy & Switzerland. This 4-night package begins in Como, Italy, a 40-minute train ride away from Lugano. Start with 2 nights in Como plus a private tour of Lake Como and a 3-course dinner. Continue on to Lugano for two nights, plus a risotto cooking class in a beautiful lakeside setting, a lake cruise, and a private half-day Ticino tour. The Ticino region is rich in both natural beauty and culture, with several options for the private tour: visit the dazzling Verzasca Valley with its crystal-clear, green-hued Verzasca River that flows through the blink-and-you’ll miss it town of Lavertezzo; see one of Bellinzona’s UNESCO World Heritage castles and walk along the top of the old castle walls; or stroll the quaint pedestrian streets of charming Ascona, known as the “Pearl of Lake Maggiore.”