Luxurious 13-day Swiss Alps & lakes getaway

Zürich

Tag 1: Arrival in Zürich

Welcome to Zürich, Switzerland’s largest city and a hub of history, culture and modern innovation.

Once you've arrived in the city, check in at your hotel, then take time to settle in and enjoy a relaxed introduction to the city. Nestled between Lake Zürich and the River Limmat, with the snow-capped Alps in the distance, Zürich offers a stunning first impression.

Stroll through the Old Town (Altstadt), where medieval architecture meets cosmopolitan charm and soak up the lively atmosphere of its elegant squares and riverside cafés.

Enjoy an evening at leisure before the adventure ahead.

Zürich - Lucerne

Tag 2: Explore the lake's charm

After breakfast, it's time to depart Zürich and travel to Lucerne, a city famed for its stunning lakeside setting and medieval charm.

Experience the beauty of Lake Lucerne on a scenic catamaran cruise, gliding past picturesque villages and majestic mountains. The short round-trip to Kehrsiten-Bürgenstock offers a wonderful introduction to the Alpine landscapes.

You might also like to choose a private guided walking tour. Pass a delightful hour exploring the highlights of the town and learning about the city's history, local lifestyle and current transformation.

Spend the evening in Lucerne, where you can take the opportunity to savour Swiss specialities at one of the lakeside restaurants.

Lucerne

Tag 3: Jungfrau region: Grindelwald & Interlaken

After today's breakfast, embark on a full-day Alpine excursion to the Jungfrau region, one of Switzerland’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes. Outward travel is by coach through the Bernese Oberland, stopping first at Interlaken, a scenic town nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz.

Continue to Grindelwald, known as the Glacier Village, where you can admire the dramatic peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains. Optional activities include a cable car ride to Mt First or a fun trottibike ride.

In the afternoon, ride the scenic train back to Interlaken and enjoy this shoppers' paradise, with a truly diverse range of goods on offer, from regional produce to precious jewellery and watches. Or for more adventure, opt to take the cable car up the Harder Kulm peak. Whatever you choose, there is plenty of time to explore before returning to Lucerne for a relaxed night.

Lucerne - Lugano

Tag 4: Sun-soaked lakeside serenity

After this morning's breakfast, you'll travel south to Locarno, a sun-soaked lakeside town on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Here, Mediterranean influences blend with Swiss charm. Wander through Piazza Grande, lined with cafés, then take the funicular to the Madonna del Sasso Sanctuary for spectacular views.

Continue to Lugano, the Italian-speaking gem of Switzerland. Enjoy an exclusive private tour through the town, learning about the city’s history and visiting architectural landmarks like the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata and the Statua Carlo Battaglini. With its tree-lined promenades and stylish piazzas, Lugano offers a refined and relaxing atmosphere.

Lugano

Tag 5: Culinary tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then cross the border into Italy for a day of gastronomic delights in the Lake Como region.

Here you'll join a private culinary tour, where a local expert will introduce you to the area’s rich food traditions. Sample artisan cheeses, locally produced wines, gourmet pizza, Polenta Uncia (polenta with braised meat), and the region’s famous Nuvola cake. And don't forget: an Italian meal isn't complete without a good espresso.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon promenading by the lake and sampling delicious gelato, before returning to your hotel in Lugano.

Lugano - Menaggio

Tag 6: Italian cooking class

Depart Lugano after breakfast and travel on to Menaggio, where you'll continue the gastronomic theme on the shores of Lake Como.

In this most scenic of villages, spend the day immersed in Italian cuisine with a hands-on cooking class at a local home. Learn the secrets of Lombard recipes before enjoying the delicious dishes you’ve prepared, paired with a selection of local red and white wines.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Menaggio’s picturesque streets, strolling along the lakeside promenade, then make yourself comfortable for a night at your lakeside hotel.

Menaggio

Tag 7: A day of leisure

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast followed by a free day in Menaggio, where you can choose to relax or explore at your own pace.

Take a morning walk along the lakeside, stopping at a café to enjoy fresh Italian coffee. Explore Piazza Garibaldi and visit the charming Chiesa di Santa Marta or the beautiful Villa Mylius Vigoni gardens. For lunch, find traditional trattoria to enjoy local dishes like risotto al pesce persico.

For a more energetic day, take a hike along the Sentiero del Viandante or catch the ferry to Varenna or Bellagio for some wonderful Lake Como sightseeing.

End your day with a lakeside dinner, watching the sun set over the mountains.

Menaggio - St. Anton

Tag 8: Alpine adventures

This morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel then travel into Austria, arriving in St Anton am Arlberg, a world-renowned Alpine resort. Whether you visit in winter for skiing and snowboarding or in summer for hiking, St Anton is an outdoor paradise. Take a scenic ride on the Galzigbahn gondola, hike through Senn’s WunderWanderWeg; you can even try paragliding in summer or a snowshoe trail in winter. Fancy something more relaxed? Visit the Arlberg WellCom Center, which offers spa treatments and thermal pools.

For culinary delights, the area offers a wide range of Tyrolean treats, from local restaurants to mountain chalets. Warm up with a traditional hot chocolate, gluhwein or even schnapps. There is a lively après-ski scene in winter and your hotel offers a luxurious escape at the end of the day, whatever the season.

St. Anton

Tag 9: Classic alpine day

Enjoy a hearty Austrian breakfast then spend a second full day revelling in the Alpine beauty of St Anton. For active travellers, options include paragliding, ice skating, snowshoeing or mountain biking, depending on the season. Alternatively, visit the Museum St Anton for a quiet interlude learning about the region’s rich skiing history.

End the day with a cozy dinner at a traditional chalet, enjoying Austrian specialities like Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and Wiener Schnitzel, washed down with a local beer.

St. Anton - Bregenz

Tag 10: Spectacular scenery & vibrant culture

After breakfast today, head for Bregenz, a city known for its spectacular location on Lake Constance (Bodensee) and its rich cultural scene. Explore the historic Old Town, visit the contemporary Kunsthaus Museum and, if you're visiting in summer, experience the famous Bregenz Festival.

This afternoon, you'll embark on a private tour of Lindau. Situated on the eastern side of Lake Constance, this pretty small town is full of medieval and half-timbered buildings, and has an unspoiled nature and laid-back atmosphere. The tour will reveal the true colours of the jewel of Lake Constance, from the town's origins and intriguing history to its importance as a trading centre; local myths and tales help bring it all to life.

Later, enjoy a free evening soaking up the town's atmosphere.

Bregenz

Tag 11: History tours & cafe culture

Fuel up at breakfast this morning, ready for today's visit to St Gallen, found in the Steinach valley between the Bodensee (Lake Constance) and the hills of Appenzell. This charming place has its origins in a small hermitage founded in 610 by a wandering Irish monk.

On your private walking tour, discover the legend of the monk and the foundations of the abbey from which St Gallen grew. Explore the Altstadt (Old Town) with its quaint cobblestones, squares and numerous cafes. Admire the wealthy textile merchants’ houses and marvel at the beauty of the towers of St Gallen Cathedral.

Return to your hotel in the evening, and take up one of the many excellent dining options with magnificent views of the lake, and the Austrian and Swiss Alps beyond it.

Bregenz - Zürich

Tag 12: Return to the city

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, then get ready for the return trip to Zürich, where you’ll have the afternoon to explore at leisure.

Wander through the Bahnhofstrasse shopping district, visit the Fraumünster Church or just relax by the lakeside promenade before settling in to your hotel for your final night in Switzerland.

Zürich

Tag 13: Departure from Zürich

After a final breakfast in Switzerland your adventure comes to an end today. You'll transfer to Zürich Airport in good time for your onward flight.