An Idyllic Swiss Escape

Nestled in a sheltered bay on Lake Geneva and surrounded by vineyards and the snow-covered Alps, Montreux is an incredibly picturesque town. Embark on walks along the flower-adorned promenades, taking in the waters which have inspired musicians such as Deep Purple and Freddie Mercury. Explore Crêtes Castle, standing resolute on the banks, as well as the tower fort of Châtelard Castle and the 12th-century Chillon Castle.

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.

The Swiss Alps comprise about 2000 square kilometres of glaciers. Most typical are the valley glaciers, of which the Aletsch Glacier is the most extensive in Europe. The jewel of UNESCO’s Jungfrau-Aletsch World Heritage Site, it is a spectacular sight where an endless stream of ice makes its way towards majestic peaks.

Together with a local mountain guide you will hike to the glacier, which sits 2100 metres above sea level, passing traditional Swiss chalets, old mountain huts and a small mountain lake.

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. All tours can be customised to suit your interests.

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.

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.

Explore the city with a tour in an electronic tuk tuk. As well as the highlights such as the Bahnhofstrasse, the old town, the Grossmunster and the Fraumunster cathedral, you will also get to discover Zurich's 'west end', the former industrial district which has became a very popular and trendy district in the past years.