A Fairy-Tale Swiss Discovery

This majestic city stands proudly on the lower end of Lake Zurich, decorative spires piercing the clear sky. The ornate buildings of the old town line the banks of the Limmat, telling the story of the city’s past and adding to its allure, while Lindenhof, the historic heart of the city, sits perched atop a small hill on the west bank of the river.

Stroll along old cobbled streets exploring the interesting shops and boutiques, and be sure to take a moment to drink in the atmosphere at one of numerous cafés as you sip on fresh coffee and a savour the fine chocolate Switzerland is known for. The city might be filled with quaint colourful buildings, but it is also one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan with a thriving cultural scene. As well as an exceptional opera house and world-class museums and theatres, Zurich has a wonderfully forward thinking and contemporary arts scene with many factory buildings being turned into galleries and exhibition spaces.

Zurich is built between the wooded slopes of the Uetliberg and the Zurichberg at the point where the River Limmat merges with the Sihl. It is the most important financial, industrial and commercial centre in Switzerland but also offers a wealth of culture. During your walking tour you'll visit the iconic sites and well as discovering its hidden secrets.

Lucerne is a picturesque town of squares and churches, with two attractive covered wooden bridges and an octagonal tower overlooking the River Reuss. It nestles in a remarkable site at the north west end of Lake Lucerne, dominated by Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi. It became popular with intertional visitors in the 19th century after a string of high-profile visitors including Mark Twain and Queen Victoria.

The Emmental Valley is cut by the River Emme, originating in the Hohgant Massif north of Lake Brienz. It runs through an area of forests and fields dotted with flower-decked chalets which give the area its distinct alpine charm.

A city steeped in history and legend, Bern is a beautiful time capsule dating back to the late 12th century. Flags adorned with the city’s iconic bear fly from the great stone walls and buildings, and stories tell how the city’s founder, the Duke of Zähringen, named the city after the first animal he met on one of his hunts.

Filled with sweeping squares and bustling arcades, Bern manages to capture the beauty of its past and blend it seamlessly with modern style and glamour. Cafes, restaurants, shops and delis adorn the narrow streets that wind themselves through a maze of medieval avenues. The old town is resplendent and elegant with its sandstone structures wrapped snuggly along the meandering waters of the Aare River.

Enjoy a walking tour through the beautiful city of Bern, visiting highlights such as the charming old town with the Zytglogge Tower and the Federal Palace.

Visit an atelier and learn what makes Swiss chocolate some of the best in the world. Once you've learned how the humble cacao bean is transformed into silky smooth chocolate, you'll have a go at making your own.

The Jungfraujoch is an alpine viewing point located in between the well-known mountains Mönch and Jungfrau. From Grindelwald, take the cog train to Europe's highest train station, at an impressive 3,454m where spectacular views across the surrounding mountains await. Together with your private mountain guide, you'll then hike across the glacier to the Mönchsjoch hut, before returning and taking the train back to Grindelwald.

The farmers in the Swiss mountains move up to higher altitudes with their cows during the summer months, heading to the best pastures which cannot be reached during winter. Many of them live in different alpine huts during summer, where they can take care of the cows. Instead of bringing the fresh milk down to the dairy in the valley every morning, the farmers themselves produce cheese in their huts.

You will head out early in the morning to an apline hut and unlock the secrets of cheese production using the freshest millk from local cows. You can even lend a hand yourself, before sitting down to enjoy a traditional breakfast with the farmer.

The best time for this excursion is from July and August - if you visiting outside this time then you can visit a cheese grotto upon a hill above Gstaad. A local cheese expert will welcome you and show you this monument to cheese. In the former water reservoir, 25m underground, the dairy offers the perfect conditions for maturing. Enjoy an aperitivo with cheese and wine.

Board the GoldenPass train and enjoy a scenic journey through breathtaking alpine scenery.

The terraced vineyards of the Lavaux site unfold above Lake Geneva for some 14km, forming a real link between Lausanne and Vevey-Montreux. Today you'll visit a local producer and learn all about wine production in the region. After you've heard what makes Swiss wine so special, you'll of course get to taste some, enjoyed with a delicious rustic lunch.

Nestled between nearby Alpine peaks and the hilly terrain of the Jura, Geneva sits in the bay where the Rhone River leaves Lake Geneva. It was the site of the signing of the Geneva Convention after the Second World War and today the city houses the headquarters of many international organisations, including the UNO and the Red Cross. As such, it is often referred to as the City of Peace.

Lovers of the great outdoors couldn’t be better placed and no matter what time of year you visit, Lake Geneva provides ample opportunity to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. Enjoy scenic walks along its shore, take to the water in a boat or kayak, or head a little further afield and enjoy hiking, sledding and snowshoeing on the nearby slopes.

An exceptional location makes Geneva one of Switzerland's most privileged cities. Despite its cosmopolitan and international atmosphere and sprawling residential suburbs, Geneva retains the feel of a small and pleasant town. Discover the beauty of this city on a walking tour, visiting the cathedral, the harbour and its fountain, and the shimmering shores of the lake.