Swiss Gourmet Cheese, Wine and Chocolate
Arrive in Zurich, transfer to Lucerne and discover Sbrinz. For travelers passionate about fine food and wine, few countries have as much to offer as Switzerland. Its multicultural nature means that there are a variety of different dishes from around the country, and the world, to be enjoyed in its leading restaurants.
In Switzerland, artisanal production isn’t a trend that has caught on in the last few years; instead, you’ll find dairies and other producers following time-honored traditions that stretch back for hundreds of years.
Day 1.
Arrive in Zurich and transfer to Lucerne. A private guided tour of the Old Town will include famous sites like the historic Chapel Bridge, and you’ll also have a chance to sample Sbrinz. Europe’s oldest cheese dates perhaps back as far as the Celts and continues to be produced in central Switzerland. Weather permitting, enjoy a 2 ½ hour private boat tour on the lake from Inseli Park. Overnight in Lucerne.
Day 2.
Transfer to Emmental where you will discover the famous savory cheese that is often referred to simply as “Swiss cheese.” You’ll continue your journey to the Jungfrau Region and take a ride on Europe’s highest railway before spending the night in Interlaken.
Day 3.
Transfer early in the morning to Bussalp-Eigeralp to see the traditional production of alp cheese over an open fire. Then, you’ll board the GoldenPass train in Interlaken and travel to Gstaad.
Day 4.
Transfer to another world-famous town that has given its name to a cheese, Gruyère. You’ll also be able to visit the Nestlé chocolate factory nearby and then continue to Bellelay, home of the “tete de moine” cheese. Your day will end in Neuchâtel where you can visit the watch museum and spend the night overlooking the lac.
Day 5.
Transfer in the morning to the scenic UNESCO Lavaux region for a wine tasting followed by a breathtaking lunch at “le Deck.” After lunch, you’ll head to Montreux/Lausanne where you will have the afternoon free.
Day 6.
Enjoy a river cruise and sample more Swiss wines at a renowned Geneva restaurant located in the vineyards. You will have the afternoon free for exploring and shopping in downtown Geneva.
Day 7.
Start your day with a guided tour of Geneva in the morning and then lunch in the Old Town. Skip dessert, as the afternoon includes a private tour of the best Geneva chocolates and a private atelier with Switzerland’s best chocolatier.
HOTELS
Lucerne — Park Vitznau or Lucerne Palace
Interlaken — Linder Grand Hotel Beau Rivage
Gstaad — Bellevue Grand, Alpina or Ultima
Neuchâtel — Beau Rivage Neuchâtel
Geneva — Metropole or Ritz Carlton de la Paix
Switzerland Experiences Reservations
