Jun 10
Tuesday

Arrival Zurich Airport, Switzerland - transfer to Zurich main railway station

Upon arrival proceed through immigration, pick up your luggage at the baggage claim and go through Customs (green lane if nothing to declare).

Then follow the signs to the train station/ticket office (saying Trains) right when you come out of the customs area (You will walk out of the terminal and into the main airport building, crossing a small street). The station is one level down - turn right when you see the Swiss check-in and head to the sign "SBB / CFF / FFS" which is the rail center. To board the train, you will have to take the escalator to the underground level.

Henry Klein will have to purchase a single one way ticket from the airport to the main railway station in Zurich since the Swiss rail passes will only be valid once you both travel together starting in Zurich today. Trains operate from the airport to the Zurich railway station approx. every 10 minutes and you can simply proceed to the ticket counter, purchase your ticket and they will let you know which track to go to. 

Suggested meeting point: Zurich Railway Station near track # 3-18 you will either find the Tourist Information or the Cafe Federal.

Swiss Pass
You have a 15-day Swiss Pass with which you can ride the Swiss Train network on any day (not just the days I mention in this itinerary to get you from one destination to the next!) and it also includes city trams and buses. You will start using it on June 11 until June 25. You will purchase an individual one way tickets from Zurich to Berne today so that you can use your pass on your last day of travel from Appenzell - Vaduz - Zurich. 

You will need to have your Swiss Passes validated at either an information desk, the Railway Center or the ticket counter at the train station BEFORE boarding any train or public transportation on June 11th in Berne. 

1st Class Trains
You can recognize the first class train wagons on the big yellow number "1" which is painted on each side of every rail wagon and a yellow line under the roof of the train. Public city transportation is one class only.

Your Swiss Pass also entitles you to a 50% discount on most mountain rides (25% Jungfrau Joch) and also provides you with free entrance to about 440 museums in Switzerland. A few private museums are not included, but some offer a discount of 50%. Consult www.museumspass.ch for more details.]

Fast Baggage
Swiss Rails provides this service for CHF20 per luggage item (max. 53 lbs. of weight). You will have to check your bags before 9:00am at the baggage counter (blue luggage sign) and can collect it at your destination any time after 6:00pm. This services is not available for all destinations. Please consult http://www.sbb.ch/en/station-services/services/baggage/fast-baggage.html for more information and limitations.

Baggage Storage
Every major Swiss Railway station offers lockers to safely store your luggage as needed for up to 72 hours. Long term storage can be arranged at the baggage window.

Safety Practices on Swiss Trains
Traveling by train is safe in Switzerland. There are thieves, however, even in Switzerland. Please be aware of your surroundings and your belongings at all times as you travel by train. Keep your valuables in a pocket or pouch inside your jacket. Avoid crowded areas. It is recommended to store your luggage in between, under or above your seat on the storage rack. It is not recommended to store your luggage in the luggage compartments away from the seating area unless your luggage is in full view from your seat. These safety practices will help make your train travels through Switzerland more enjoyable.

We believe the train schedule, track and other information provided in this itinerary to be correct and given with our best knowledge. We cannot be held responsible or liable for any error or short term change by Swiss Rails. Always double check track info locally. To look up any train in Switzerland, please http://www.sbb.ch/en/home.html. 

Information about Switzerland
Switzerland is an exhilarating place to spend your vacation. The diversity of the landlocked, mountainous country is the essence of Switzerland and gives the country its unique identity. Along with its attractiveness as one of Europe's main tourist destination, it is best known for its financial institutions, fine cheeses and chocolate, the watch making industry, for its scenery and an excellent network of public transport.

Switzerland's independence and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and Switzerland was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations, but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Geography
Switzerland takes up an area of 41,295 square kilometers and is home to 7.4 million people. More than 60 percent of the country is mountainous and a quarter of it is covered with forests. Our country boasts breathtaking mountains, picturesque lakes and charming cities and towns that are full of culture and history. Switzerland is landlocked and situated on the crossroads of northern and southern Europe. Along with southeastern France and northern Italy, Switzerland contains the highest elevations in Europe. There are 32 mountain peaks above 4000 m, the highest is the Dufourspitze with 4634m. The lowest point is Lake Maggiore at 195 m.

People
The renowned Swiss obsessiveness with cleanliness, punctuality and hard work, coupled with the highest standard of living in Europe, make Switzerland one of the most desirable and least problematic of countries in which to travel. The tourist infrastructure is highly developed, and the Swiss themselves are unfailingly courteous and proud of the beauty of Switzerland. Together with a longstanding tourist tradition, you will leave Switzerland with lasting memories of a great vacation. Most Swiss speak English, and at least one of the other Swiss languages - French, Swiss German, Italian, or, in the extreme southeast, Romansch.

There is a lot of untouched nature and in general people are careful with it with many efforts being undertaken to protecting the environment. As a result, Switzerland is far advanced in recycling waste material. Chemicals, paper, carton, glass, plastic, cans, textile, oil and cooking fat are all collected separately. For most tourists, our recycling measures are relatively drastic. However, you will get used to it quickly and the advantages are clear: Switzerland is a very clean country. You will not find a lot of street litter along your way.

Government
The capital of Switzerland is Berne. The Swiss Confederation (conventional name of Switzerland) is a federal republic divided into Executive, Legislative and Judicial branch. The country is split into 26 administrative divisions (cantons). The Swiss Confederation was found on August 1, 1291 and the Swiss celebrate this 1 of August as their National holiday.

Climate in Summer
You can expect nice weather in summer. Temperatures in low land cities are between 60 Fahrenheid /15 Celsius (night) and 95 F / 36 C (day) while in the higher mountain resorts, they are expected to be between 45 F / 9 C (night ) and 85 F / 30 C (day). Please note that most hotels in Switzerland do not have air conditioning however you can open your windows or ask for a fan at the hotel reception. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to block the sun's heat. Close all windows and keep them closed throughout the hottest part of the day. Do this until night falls and it's cool enough to open the windows for the night.

Sundays in Switzerland
Please note that most shops in Switzerland remain closed on Sundays – They are open Monday through Friday from 8/9:00am until 6:30pm and on Saturdays until 4/5:00pm. An exception are “Express Grocery Stores” at main train stations, many gas stations or at the airports.

Currency
There is usually also a Rail Center or Bank at main train stations where you can change most currencies into Swiss Francs.

Tipping
Every restaurant bill includes a service charge and tax, so you are not obliged to "tip" as such. BUT if you have a friendly server which takes good care of you, then you can tip him/her a little bit, such as leaving the (coin) change or as much as 10% of the total. With Taxicab drivers pretty much the same: if friendly and helpful add "a little". Bellmen we recommend CHF1 per bag. Concierges should be tipped if they got you something which would have been impossible for you to get without their assistance.

Major cities: Berne, Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne, Lugano, Lausanne

Bordering countries: Germany (to the North), France (to the West), Italy (to the South), Austria (to the East), Liechtenstein (to the East)

Religions: Catholic 46 %, Protestant 40 %, None 9 %, Other 5 %.

Jun 10
Tuesday

Overview 

Jun 10
until
Jun 11

Berne
Berne is the capital of Switzerland, a medieval city founded in 1191 on and around the River Aare, and in 1983 the UNESCO inscribed Berne as a World Heritage Site. It is here that Albert Einstein worked, the Toblerone chocolate bar is made, and Emmental cheese, known as Swiss Cheese, reached out from Berne to the world. With its stately sandstone buildings, historical towers and 11 magnificent fountains, Berne is one the most impressive examples of medieval town architecture in Europe. Over the centuries, the townscape has been preserved virtually intact.  The noble dome of the House of Parliament presides above the city, just a few steps from the main station, and also visible from the Aare River, the Prison Tower and all the other places of interest in Berne. On most days, the doors of the House of Parliament are open to the public with visitors permitted to watch the live proceedings of the parliament.

Discover Berne
The city of Bern was built with local sandstone in Gothic style with gables, bay windows, and more arcades than any of the city in Europe. Berne claims Switzerland's highest Gothic cathedral, the Münster-Cathedral, and the Heiliggeist-Kirche, a prime example of 18th century Protestant church architecture. Throughout the city are towers, arcades, and lots of old fountains. The Münster-Terrasse, a square in front of the Cathedral, has been a famous meeting place over the centuries.

Umbrellas made from stone...
One house after the other - shop after shop. Entire rows of houses merge into one integrated whole, all connected by long covered promenades - the arcades. Rain or shine, it is a pure delight to leisurely stroll along one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe.

Tourist Office Berne (at the railway station)
Bahnhofplatz 10a, 3011 Bern, Tel. 031 328 1212, http://www.bern.com/en/

Highlights
Enjoy a walk through the unique Old Town of Berne (UNESCO World Heritage Site) where entire rows of houses are covered; the arcades are an ancient outdoor shopping mall which make shopping pleasant whatever the weather! Make sure you are at the Zytglogge Clock five minutes before every full hour to see the figurines in action. Head over to the House of Parliament (Bundeshaus) and the modern fountain right in front of it. The Cathedral (Münster) of Bern is Switzerland's largest ecclesiastical building. The vantage point of this masterpiece is located 344 steps above the entrance, in the 100m-high Cathedral spire from where tower visitors can enjoy magnificent views across the city and into the Bernese Mittelland and the snow-capped mountains of the Bernese Oberland. Inside the Münster don’t miss The Last Judgment above the main door with its wince-inducing depiction of a monk being castrated for his indiscretions with a nun. During the summer month you can join the locals for a dip in the river. Leave your belongings at the public pool at Marzili, walk upstream and drift back with the current. The Marzilibad also offers best possible views of the house of parliament. At the Paul Klee Museum you can see the world’s most important Paul Klee collection.

Ciy Guides Berne – Smart Phone Apps
i Tunes - http://itunes.apple.com/app/city-guide-bern/id377058631?mt=8
Android - http://travel.appdownloadreview.com/online/city-guide-bern

The essentials of Berne
1) The Clock Tower (Zytglogge) and its figurines in action 5 minutes before every full hour
2) House of Parliament – the seat of the Swiss Government (Federal Council)
3) The new bear park along the Aare River giving great insights into the lives of bears
4) The Rose Garden which provides wonderful views of the Old Town and the Aare Loop
5) Schwellenmätteli - for riverside walks and/or for a relaxing lunch on a river bank in the center of town
6) The Gurten – Berne’s house mountain

Clock Tower (Zytglogge)
Today it is one of Bern's most important sights. The ornate astronomical clock with its moving figures was built in 1530. It served as the city's main clock and thus had an authoritative function in Bern. It was from there that travel times indicated on stone markers along the cantonal roads were measured. Standard units of length – formerly cubit and fathom, today meter and double meter – are displayed for the public in the arch of the gate. Further information about the Clock Tower (Zytglogge) is available at: www.zeitglockenturm.ch

The House of Parliament
Construction on the Parliament Building (the west wing of today's Parliament Building) started in 1852. The east wing, mirroring the west wing, was added in 1884; and in 1902 the structure was extended into a building complex composed of three parts. All in all, 38 artists from throughout Switzerland are responsible for the building's decorations.  The Parliament Building is the seat of the Swiss government (Federal Council) and the parliament (National Council and Council of States). The building was completed in 1902. The central domed hall and both chambers feature numerous symbolic renderings of Swiss history.

The Bear Park
Bern's heraldic animal has been released into new-found freedom on the beautiful slope of the Aare River. The creators of the new, bear-friendly Bear Park have built a landscape where Björk and Finn can climb, fish and play, but also just retreat and relax. A visit to the Bear Park is a special experience for children as well as adults. Paths run through the park down to the Aare riverside path, giving visitors great insight into the lives of the bears. They can watch the bears play, bathe and climb right in front of their eyes.

The Rose Garden
The Rose Garden is a large park with a wonderful view of the Old Town and Aare Loop. The park is home to 220 different types of roses, 200 types of irises and moor beds with 28 different types of rhododendrons. From 1765 to 1877 the Rose Garden served as a cemetery. Since 1913 the Rose Garden has been a public park resplendent with the rich beauty of flowers and a pond. From 1956 to 1962 the park was redesigned, introducing rhododendrons and azaleas as well as an iris garden.

Schwellenmätteli
The Aare River characterizes the city of Bern with its unmistakable charm, providing the perfect setting for riverside walks. The Schwellenmätteli is located on the bank of the Aare, yet right in the middle of town.  At the Schwellenmätteli – rightly dubbed the Riviera Restaurant – you'll feel like you're on an island vacation. The restaurant is an oasis for dining and entertainment and has become a welcome attraction on the Bernese horizon.

The Gurten
If you feel the need for space or would like forget about the hustle and bustle of the city, take tram #9 and 25 minutes later, with the help of a funicular, you will arrive on the summit of Berne’s house mountain: the Gurten. Relax among meadows and woodlands and listen to the birds! It what makes Berne the unpretentious capital which it is!

Entertainment
Allegro Grand Casino Kursaal Berne
The Berner Kursaal and Casino offers a whole palette of possibilities, all under one roof. It is an arena-like theater that is equipped with two lifting platforms and includes the Casino Berne and the Hotel Allegro. Apart from yearly events such as the Berne Jazz Festival there are performances on a regular basis.

Shopping
Arcades
One house after the other - shop after shop. Entire rows of houses merge into one integrated whole, all connected by long covered promenades - the arcades. Rain or shine, it is a pure delight to leisurely stroll along one of the longest shopping promenades in Europe.

Berne Onion Market
A traditional folk festival every fourth Monday in November.

Other Street Markets
There are also many weekly themed markets, where you will find everything from fresh vegetables to local art and crafts. Best days are Fridays and Saturdays. For up to date information, please consult with the hotel you are staying at.

Museums  & Art
Zentrum Paul Klee
The world's most important Klee collection, the Zentrum Paul Klee, displays its some 4,000 works through changing exhibits organized around different themes. The multimedia Museum Street of this building devoted to Paul Klee invites visitors to stroll, interact and enjoy. Besides concerts and other events, the unique museum hosts special exhibits and a broad program for children, youth and adults, particularly the children’s museum Kindermuseum Creaviv.

Einstein House
The Einstein House is located in the center of the Old City at Kramgasse 49, just some 200 meters from the Clock Tower (Zytglogge). Albert Einstein rented the flat from 1903 to 1905 and lived there with his wife Mileva and son Hans Albert. The second-floor residence features furnishings from that time period as well as photos and texts presented in a modern exhibition system. The third floor shows a film that gives an overview of Albert Einstein's life.

Museum of Fine Arts Berne
The Collection of the Berne Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most distinguished in Switzerland. It contains outstanding works spanning eight centuries and includes a total of 3'000 paintings and sculptures as well as approximately 55’000 drawings, prints, photographs, videos and films.

Swiss Alpine Museum
Experience the atmosphere of Switzerland’s mountains in the nation’s only Alpine Museum. Learn more about the Alpine world, its diversity, its historical and contemporary background, and its future prospects.

Bern Historical Museum
In its permanent exhibition, the Bern Historical Museum shows highlights from the fields of history, prehistory, early history and ethnography. The objects on display range from the Stone Age to the present, from cultures of all continents. The integrated Einstein Museum presents a powerful presentation of the life and work of Albert Einstein and places it in the context of world history. Animated films and experiments illustrate the pioneering theories of this genius. The temporary exhibition hall's 1,000 square meters of space are used to present innovative, changing shows that deal with cultural, historical, prehistoric or ethnographic subjects on a revolving basis. 

Restaurants
Kornhaus Keller – vast, vaulted cellar with frescoed folkloric figures serves traditional Swiss Dishes (Kornhausplatz 18 – 031 327 7272)
Restaurant Rosengarten – overlooking gardens and the city (Alte Aargauerstalden 31b – 031 331 3206)
Schwellemätteli - riverside location, cocktail terrace, wraparound windows, Mediterranean food (Dalmaziquai 11 - 031 350 5001)
Büner – laid-back;  contemporary interpretations of French Classics (Kasernenstrasse 31 – 031 333 1515)
Veranda – imaginative dishes in tranquil setting (Schanzenstrasse 25 – 031 305 2180)
Tibits – self serve, healthy Vegetarian and Indian Fare (Bahnhofplatz 10 – 031 312 9111)
Altes Tramdepot – crowded and fun, hearty Swiss Cuisine and Micro Brewery. next to Bear Park (Gorsser Muristalden 6 – 031 368 1415)

Jun 11
Wednesday

Jun 11
until
Jun 14

Wengen
Wengen stays busy with skiers well into April. Once the snows have receded, Wengen sits amidst ideal hiking country, overlooked by the Jungfrau and the distinctive creamy cone of the Silberhorn. We are presenting you just a few of the many activities that are possible in Wengen and its surroundings. You will be fascinated by the beauty of the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland.

Jungfraujoch - Top of Europe (3454m/11333ft)
Snow and ice 100% guaranteed! The Sphinx observation hall, impressive Ice Palace and hiking plateau - these are the year-round attractions up on the Jungfraujoch, the highest railway station in Europe. Summer attractions include a skilift, husky-drawn sledging and adventure activities.

Schilthorn (2970m/9744ft)
The most spectacular 360° panorama in the Alps! Dine-and-wine in the world's first revolving restaurant at an altitude of nearly 3000 metres. Impressive views embrace some 200 snow-capped peaks, ranging from the Bernese Alps to Mont Blanc in France and Germany's Black Forest.

Kleine Scheidegg (2061m/6760 ft)
This remarkable round-trip by modern cogwheel railway has long been one of Europe's top holiday attractions. The Kleine Scheidegg Railway Station is situated right at the foot of the notorious Eiger North Face.

Niederhorn (1954 m/6411 ft) 
Half-day or full-day excursion. You can get there by railway, by boat, by bus, by funicular and by aerial cableway. The Niederhorn above Beatenberg is one of the most popular vantage points in the Bernese Oberland. Fine panoramic views extend from the Lakes of Thun and Brienz to the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau.

Schynige Platte with Alpine Garden and "Teddyland" 
(1967 m/6454 ft). Half-day or full-day excursion, open May - Sept. Take the cosy cogwheel railway to this superb vantage point, where the views of the Eiger, Mönch & Jungfrau are acclaimed as the finest. Other attractions include extensive hiking trails, the Lowa Hiking Shoe Test Centre and, especially for our little ones, a large Teddy Bear exhibition. The Alpine Garden is a famous botanical attraction that comprises some 500 different flowering plants and ferns grouped in 15 groups of near-natural locations. From mid-June until late September, the Alpine Garden is an ever changing blaze of colour.

Heimwehflue (669 m/2195 ft) 
Half-day excursion, open April - October. From Interlaken West, by old-timer funicular (built in 1906) to the beautiful Heimwehfluh vantage point above Interlaken. Attractions here include beautiful woodland paths, an open-air model railway, an exciting bob run from the top all the way down to the base station in Interlaken and a spacious play area for children. The summit restaurant serves a choice of snacks.

Harderkulm (1322 m/4337 ft) 
Half-day excursion, open April - October. From Interlaken it is only a matter of minutes to the Harder Kulm. This attractive vantage point offers fine views of the Bernese Oberland "capital" (between the Lakes of Brienz and Thun) as well as the entire Jungfrau Region. Particularly popular with children are the trip to the top by funicular and the Alpine wildlife park at the valley station, near Interlaken Ost railway station.

St. Beatus Caves
Half-day excursion, open April - October. Switzerland's first and only underground cave museum - spectacular but safe. Explore this mysterious maze of stalactites, stalagmites, lakes and waterfalls to a depth of 3000 metres. From Interlaken by ship, car, bus - or on foot along the historic Pilgrims' Path.

Cruises on Lake Thun or Lake Brienz
April - October. (included with some Swiss Rail Passes!)
Half-day or evening excursions. Boats are operated on both of these beautiful lakes. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on a modern motorship or one of the renovated stately steamers. Excellent catering and banquet facilities. Theme events and club, company and family festivities. Paddle steamer with Children's Club. Evening cruises with entertainment. Cruises depart from Interlaken Ost for Lake Brienz or Interlaken West for Lake Thun.

Grindelwald
You can visit Grindelwald by taking the train from Wengen to Kleine Scheidegg and then change trains down to Grindelwald. 

Open-Air Museum, Ballenberg
A stroll through the past. More than one hundred century-old buildings from all over Switzerland, 250 farmyard animals, traditional, old-time gardens and fields, demonstrations of local crafts and many special events create a vivid impression of rural life in days gone by. Ballenberg is indeed unique.

Summer Sports
Hiking
Wengen is in the middle of a hiking paradise! The greater region features more than 500 km (310 miles) of summer Hiking paths. Free brochures with suggestions for walks and various detailed hiking maps are available at the local tourist offices.

Entertainment
Nightly entertainment in Wengen is laid-back and consisting of musical concerts, folklore evenings, fine dining at the resort restaurants, or socialising at the small selection of bars and discos in at the resort.

Shopping
Despite its proximity to the wide, open spaces of the big-sky Alps, don't be disappointed by the distinctly non-alpine-looking shops in Wengen. You will find sports stores, boutiques for souvenirs and the local grocery stores.

Jungfrau Marathon
Said to be the toughest marathon in the world - the Jungfrau marathon takes place every year in September. Starting in Interlaken, the course is set amid the Switzerland's supereb Alpine setting of Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau, and ranges from the idyllic Lake Brienz to the foot of the Eiger North Face.

Jun 14
Saturday

Transfer with Seat Reservation Golden Pass from Interlaken to Montreux

Details on your entire train connection for the day from Wengen to Montreux:

Wengen - Zweisimmen
On all the trains mentioned above in the schedule you will not need a seat reservation but you will have to take this train connection in order to catch your connection for the Golden Pass scenic train in Zweisimmen which we have reserved for you. 

Golden Pass
You have seat reservations on the following train:

12:25pm         Depart Zweisimmen with Golden Pass train #TEE 2119
14:13pm         Arrive in Montreux

You have to take this train. If you miss it you will loose your seat reservation.

You are in wagon #010 and have V.I.P. seats #84 and 86 located in the very front of the train in 1st class. 

Jun 14
until
Jun 16

Montreux
Montreux is the most frequented resort on Lake Geneva and famous for its beautiful location in the southwestern part of Switzerland. Enhanced by the spectacular background of the Alps, the town of 20,000 inhabitants has charmed many people in the past. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, Montreux is regarded to be one of the noblest resorts in Switzerland. The city of Montreux stretches along the shores of a large bay facing south and rises in tiers to heights covered with woods and vineyards which shelter it from the north and east winds. Besides the historic architecture, the picturesque lanes, historical sights and exclusive shopping facilities Montreux's attractiveness has grown by its numerous international festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival (July), the International Choral Festival (the week following Easter) and the September Musical Concert.

The mildness of its climate makes Montreux and its neighboring villages a climatic resort all the year round and earns it the name of Vaud Riviera for its lakeshore. On the shores of the lake you will find fig, bay, almond and mulberry trees and even cypresses, magnolias and palm trees flourishing at truly Mediterranean temperatures. This exceptional climate is by far the mildest on the north side of the Alps: vines grow at an altitude of nearly 2,000 ft., walnut trees up to 2,300 ft. and fruit trees up to 3,250 ft.

Montreux has many sumptuous palaces and Edwardian hotels that are reminiscent of the French Riviera. It is pleasant to go up thought old Montreux to the terrace of the church and see the district of Clarens-Montreux-Territet, the lake with the Chateau de Chillon on its rocky islet, the mountains of the Savoy Chablais and the sparkling Dents du Midi.

Chateau de Chillon
In a unique setting on the shores of Lake Geneva, stands one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Switzerland. Erected in the 13th century on older foundations, the Castle of Chillon was the residence of the Counts of Savoy throughout the Middle Ages. Originally a fortress, the Castle of Chillon underwent numerous transformations with a view to its adaptation to the advances in the defensive and offensive weapons of the age. Other modifications were occasioned by amenities and embellishments suited to the pomp and ceremony of life in the castle. Many prominent figures in history stayed there: emperors, popes and princesses. Apart from reduced opening hours during off season (winter), the castle is open from 9am to 7pm (last entry at 6pm). You can either walk along the lake shore, take a train or a lake steamer from Montreux to the Castle or vice and versa.

Smart Phone Guides:
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.applica.chillon.en
iPhone - https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/chillon-castle/id511856789?l=fr&mt=8

Rochers-de-Naye
In one hour, you climb by rack railway train from the palm trees on the lake shore to the edelweiss flowering above. Modern or steam, the cog railways meander between lake, forests and high mountain pastures taking less than an hour to reach the summit of more than 2,000 m. Trains leave from Montreux main station.

Chateau La Tour-de Peilz
The magical lakeshore chateau, which was built in the 13th century, hosts the Swiss Museum of Games, a permanent exhibition featuring the games cultures of all the continents of the world from Roman times to the present day.

Chateau de Chatelard
Built in 1441 during the Burgundy Wars by Jean de Gingins, the castle has, over the centuries, become a key focus of local wine production.

St-Saphorin
A typical wine village, terraced in the vineyards of Lavaux, adds to the charm of Montreux and Vevey. Tasting the famous local wines in the village cellars is an old tradition of this region. Local specialties include fresh perch from the lake and local wines such as the light dry whites "St-Saphorin" or "Epesses".

Gruyeres
The small village of Gruyeres is probably one of the most charming on the Old Continent. It is reachable from Montreux via a senic train or by car. You can walk the cobblestone road to the old castle and visit the Cheese Factory. The traditional lunch in all the restaurants is raclette, a must for all cheese lovers!

Wine Train
The "Train des Vignes" is an excellent way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this winegrowing region. The train takes its passengers on a leisurely eight-km/ five-miles journey up through the retraced wineyards, with fabulous views of the lake, the Rhone Valley and the Alps.

Lausanne
One of Switzerland's secret destinations, Lausanne is only 30 minutes' travelling time from Montreux. The city is renowned for its elegance, the historic Cathedral and the Olympic Committee headquarters.

Geneva 
Beautiful Geneva is only a 90 minutes rail trip from Montreux and escorted coach tours may be booked from Montreux. Geneva is home to about 200 international organizations, among them the United Nation's European Office, and the International Committe of the Read Cross. Geneva is also considered being a "City of Peace".

Old Montreux
Musée du Vieux-Montreux - 40 Rue de la Gare. In the heart of the old quarter, the museum is installed in two fine wine-growers houses and present a lively account of the region's eventful history.

The Olympic Museum in Lausanne
Experience the highlights of the Games and share the athletes' emotions. At Lausanne's Olympic Museum, you can experience all the great moments of the Olympic Games as if you were really there, thanks to advanced audiovisual, data processing and robotic technology. Unique, lively and interactive. Thousands of documents and films bear witness to the times and achievements of people like Carl Lewis or Jesse Owens. Situated at the "Quai d'Ouchy 1" in the nearby Lausanne.

Jun 16
Monday

Jun 16
until
Jun 18

Zermatt
Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn, is simply a must for any traveler to Switzerland. Reached only by a train that winds its way around mountains and over gorges with breathtaking scenery, Zermatt is traffic-free. Upon spotting the Matterhorn, you will be overwhelmingly excited by its impressive beauty.

Despite its status as a world-class resort Zermatt has not lost its authenticity as a Swiss mountain village. Chalets, old half-timbered houses and cabins, restaurants or shops, line the streets with geraniums spilling out window boxes in the summer. In winter, the snow is clean and white and the sun shines bright. Sleighs jingle through the streets. Skiers are in paradise, with gondolas and cable cars to peaks and glaciers from which the fabulous descents are as long as 8 miles. Mountain top chalet restaurants and rugged cabins make great après-ski stops, and happy groups often ski down the last stretches to town by moonlight.

Besides the fabulous skiing including glacier skiing in summer and extensive off-trail terrain and powder skiing, there are indoor tennis and squash courts, pools and gyms, and of course shopping. In summer, the mountaineering and hiking opportunities are probably the best in the world. There are 250 miles of marked footpaths through varying terrain for short, easy walks in the valley or steep hikes to the surrounding peaks of Gornergrat, Klein Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, the Rothorn and the famous Matterhorn.

For some magical vistas of the Matterhorn and surrounding peaks, take the popular cogwheel railway to Gornergrat. It's easy to get around Zermatt on foot (the town is car-free) and its well worth exploring the Hinter Dorf area, which is crammed with traditional tumbledown wooden Valais homes.

Zermatt provides for a unique nature experience! Mountains, glaciers, larch forests, flowers, mountain lakes and game animals are to discover. It is a paradise for skiers with snow guaranteed even in summer. Zermatt's wind-protected southern location, embraces three skiing areas that enjoy superb snow conditions and the longest skiing season in the Alps. Four summits are accessible by mountain railways and Zermatt is excellent for family vacations!

Mountain Excursions

Gornergrat Mountain
Discover a top-class natural paradise: the Gornergrat Bahn takes you from Zermatt up the 3089 m high Gornergrat. Through aromatic stone pine and larch forests and across alpine meadows in summer time full of flowers and in winter time deaply snow-capped you arrive in the midst of 29 snow and ice-covered four-thousand-meter-high mountains.

Matterhorn glacier paradise (3'883 m / 12'736 ft)
The Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is the highest sightseeing point in Europe and accessible by cableway! There is a yellow-green electric bus leaving at the entrance of Zermatt, if arrival by shuttle bus from Täsch or from the train station in Zermatt, to the bottom station of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Rothorn Paradise «Best View of the Matterhorn»
The bottom station of Rothorn Paradise is about five walking minutes away from the train station or the entrance of Zermatt. The name of the middle station on your way to Rothorn is called Sunnegga, which means «sunny corner». A gondola for four people takes you from Sunnegga to Blauherd (2'588 m) From there a panoramic cable car takes you up to Rothorn (3'100 m) and its lovely mountain restaurant with a beautiful terrace.

Hiking around Zermatt
For the descent from Gornergrat to the Bärghüs Grünsee you can take the same trail going over Riffelberg and Riffelalp in the direction of Grünsee or you can take the direct but steeper trail from Gornergrat over "Kelle" to Bärghüs Grünsee. From here you can hike to Findeln and Sunnegga.

The new Matterhorn Museum
Zermatt can now lay claim to one more major attraction: the new Matterhorn Museum is telling the exciting story of the Matterhorn - from its origins in Africa and the terribly dramatic first ascent to the present day. However, it also tells the story of Zermatt, the small farming village that became an internationally famous health resort.

Alpine Museum
On the ground-floor the visitor finds a unique collection of documents which bears witness to the heroic first ascents of the mountains around Zermatt beginning with the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise which was first climbed by the scientist H.B. de Saussure from Geneva in 1792, and ending with the triumphal and tragic first ascent of the Matterhorn on 14th July 1865. Further exhibits on the ground floor draw the visitor's attention to the fact that few places in the Alps have such a rich variety of different rock types in such a small area as Zermatt. This section, devoted to natural history, also has a wonderful collection of butterflies found in the local area, and representations and exhibits of alpine flora and fauna. The rooms on the top floor are devoted to the history of life in the Alps. Numerous artefacts and utensils provide insights into everything from the simple life of alpine farmers to the equipment of the first skiers. The main attraction is a fully equipped kitchen as it would have appeared around 1770 the beginning of alpine tourism.

Restaurants
Cervo (Hotel Cervo) - Special all around (Riedweg 156 - 027 968 12 12)
Alex Grill (Hotel Alex) - Meat specialties (Bodmenstrasse 12 - 027 966 70 70)
Chez Heini - Lamb and Live Entertainment (Wiesti - 027 967 16 30)
National (Hotel National) - Kid friendly (Matterstrasse 39 - 027 967 59 07)
Pöschtli (Hotel Post) - 4 restaurants (Bahnhofstrasse 41 - 027 967 19 31)

Jun 18
Wednesday

The Hotel Walliserhof will take you to the train station again. Please let them know the night before departure that you will be leaving on the following train: 

07:52hrs        Depart Zermatt with Glacier Express train #TEE900
15.58hr         Arrive in St. Moritz

You have to take this train otherwise you will loose your seat reservation. This is a direct train! 

You have received seat reservations together with your rail tickets. Please make sure you have these also! You are in wagon #012 and have seats #31 and 32 in 1st class non smoking.

Lunch
There will not be a stop for lunch on the train. There is a restaurant wagon with limited supplies. However I recommend you to purchase sandwiches or any other Swiss specialties (Cheese, Bündnerfleisch, Bread, Water, Bottle of Wine, etc.) before leaving Zermatt and then picknick on the train.

Jun 18
until
Jun 20

St. Moritz
St. Moritz is one of the best-known and most prestigious ski resorts in the world, especially since having hosted the Olympic Winter Games in 1928 and in 1948. Today the name 'St. Moritz' stands for a 'chic, vibrant and elegant' town, second home to the rich and famous, enjoying a special atmosphere and a dry, tingling champagne climate! St. Moritz lies on a sunny terrace in the heart of the Engadin Valley and is influenced by three cultures: those of  the German-speaking majority of its residents, the Romanish-speaking population of the Engadine and the nearby Italians.

Swiss National Park
The Swiss National Park is a natural preserve, which is totally protected from human influences and encroachments. Its natural treasures are varied and abundant. Local tourist offices (Zernez, S-chanf, Zuoz, Münstertal) will organize a number of guided tours. Information, documentation, exhibits and an audio visual presentation are all available at the house of the national park in Zernez.

Bernina Express
Escape to the south! - Over the Bernina Pass to Poschiavo and on to Tirano in the Valtellina (Italy). From the Engadine the train will take you from 1800 m (5450 ft) to 2253 m (6830 ft) above sea level at an incline sometimes as steep as 7% without the use of cog wheels, which is unique in Europe. The impressive ride over deep valleys and across stone viaducts ends in Tirano at a mere 429 m (1300 ft) above sea level.

Engadine Villages
Take the Rhaetian Railway or a post bus in the direction of the the Lower Engadine and into one of the neighbouring villages. Some of them are vertiable gems for the study of Engadine architecture (Zuoz, Zernez, Guarda, Scuol,Tarasp, etc.)

Spa and Sauna Complex in Scuol
Take a train to the theme pool "Engadin Bad Scuol" in the Lower Engadine. Relax in the many indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, solariums, in the "sauna landscape" or in the Roman-Irish steam bath. Tel. +41 (0)81 861 20 00

Cheese factory/Alpine Dairy
50 years after the last cheese left Alp Morteratsch, Pontresina's alpine dairy is now again making cheese according to the taditional method on this idyllic alp. Experience the craft of cheese making and taste the produce at a brunch or afternoon snack. The alp ist located at 100 meters of Morteratsch rail station in the direction of Pontresina. Please note that brunch reservations must be made at the latest by 5 pm the day prior (Tel. +41 (0)81 842 62 73)! The opening times are everyday from 9 am to 5 pm, July through end September.

Lower Engadine
Take a drive through the typical Engadine villages to Zernez and Guarda. The latter overlooks the bottom of the valley of the Lower Engadine from a sunny terrace. Marvel at the magnificent view up and down the valley which has given the village its name: 'Guarda' in the local tongue means 'watch!' Lunch and stroll around the village. On to Tarasp in the afternoon and visit of the castle. Then passing Scuol, the "capital" of the Lower Engadine, return to the Upper Engadine.

Segantini Museum
About 1km west of St. Moritz Dorf on Via Somplaz, the terrace road, is a curious domed church-like building which holds the excellent Giovanni Segantini Museum displaying the beautiful work of this largely self-taught Symbolist who is acclaimed as the definitive painter of Alpine life, and who spent the twelve years before his sudden death at the age of 41 working to portray the clear mountain light of the Upper Engadin. Tel. +41 (0)81 833 44 54 / 833 43 33

Jun 20
Friday

The Hotel Hauser will take you to the train station again. Please let them know the night before departure that you will be leaving on the following train: 

Train from St. Moritz to Tirano

09:29hrs         Depart St. Moritz on train #BEX961
12.02hrs         Arrive in Tirano

You have seats 35 and 36 in train wagon No. 12 1st class.  Then upon arrival in Tirano, you will a little over two hours to have lunch at one of the restaurants around the train station.

Bus from Tirano to Lugano

14:20hrs         Depart Tirano for Lugano with Postal bus #TRX5951
17.30hrs         Arrive in Lugano

You have seats 25 and 27 according to separate vouchers. The bus only offers 2nd class seats!

Jun 20
until
Jun 22

Lugano
Lugano is the most important city in Southern Switzerland and part of the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino. Typical Mediterranean atmosphere, Italian culture and creativity skillfully combined with Swiss organization and efficiency will certainly satisfy all your expectations. Along the lake you see lots of Venetian-type villages, showing of the closeness of its neighbor Italy.  Probably the most picturesque village is Gandria and they all can be reached by boat, train or bus.

Discover Lugano
Lugano has two directions: up and down. The train station sits high above the city with the lake promenade below. Between them are winding cobblestone streets, large piazzas and great shopping areas. The only transportation you need is your feet. There is a cog-wheel tram that will take you between the train station and the lower city for a very small fee, but you will miss some very interesting views.

Tourist Office Lugano
Piazza Riforma 1, 6900 Lugano, Tel. 091 913 32 32 www.lugano-tourism.ch/

Ticino Discovery Card
This card entitles holders to free travel around Ticino for 3 days for CHF8.70 only. You can use it to travel with the public and tourist transportation (bus, train, railway, funicular, cable car or boat) within the Canton Ticino. But that's not all! To enrich the offer there are also several tourist attractions, all included in the price of this advantageous card!

Highlights
Take a peaceful walk through Parco Civico Ciani, the green lung of Lugano and a quiet place where you can take nice walks. Then head up to Monte Bre which is Lugano’s closest mountain, reachable from Cassarate by cogwheel train. You will have wonderful panoramic views of Lugano, the lake and the mountains. The other famous mountain is Monte San Salvatore – the sugarloaf of Lugano reached by cogwheel train from Lugano Paradiso from which you can walk down the panoramic footpath to Carona and then on to Morcote. The San Lorenzo Cathedral – set above the Old Town, it is worth a visit with its facade in the Lombardy Renaissance style, and countless frescoes and valuable Baroque artifacts inside. At the Church of Santa Maria degli Angioli - in this former monastery church, built about 1500, you will also find fine frescoes by the masters of the Renaissance.  And at Hermann Hesse Museum in Montagnola – a small and intimate museum for the famous writer you will learn how he lived and wrote in southern Switzerland for at least half a century.

Ciy Guides Lugano – Smart Phone Apps
i Tunes - http://itunes.apple.com/ch/app/city-guide-lugano/id394622926?mt=8
Android - http://travel.appdownloadreview.com/online/city-guide-lugano

The essentials of Lugano
1) A cogwheel train ride up Monte Bre or Monte San Salvatore
2) A stroll through the Old Town
3) A visit of either Gandria or Morcote combined with a lake cruise

Gandria
Gandria is an unspoiled, picturesque lakeside village at the foot of Monte Bre. Perched on the steep mountainside it is a community of narrow streets, inaccessible to cars, with a delightful surprise around every corner.  Visitors can reach Gandria by land or lake. Many tourists and locals enjoy the boat trip from Lugano to Gandria and then walk back to Castagnola along the lake shore.  In Castagnola there’s the possibility of visiting the Museum of Cultures or simply proceeding on foot to Lugano. Gandria’s town center is closed to traffic and an oasis of peace with its picturesque tiny streets and stairs that offer glimpses of great views and gorgeous landscapes. In the center of the town there is the 16th century church of San Vigilio with its outstanding baroque interior and the high late-medieval belfry.

Morcote
This peaceful village on the lakeshore has become one of the most visited and famous tourist attractions around Lugano. Its typical narrow streets, the porticoes of the ancient aristocratic houses, prestigious architectural monuments and the lush, subtropical vegetation make Morcote the veritable “Pearl of the Ceresio”. The artistic, cultural and architectural points of interest are: the Church of Santa Maria del Sasso in Rennaissance Baroque style, the suggestive terraced cemetery, and the monumental stairs made up of 404 steps and The Captain’s Tower. Nature lovers, on the other hand, can immerse themselves in the Scherrer Park where an impressive world of subtropical flora is waiting to be discovered. In this park, that offers many examples of different architectural styles, you’ll have the opportunity of taking an exciting trip through time and space in a world where past and present, history and nature blend harmoniously.

Lake Cruises
Both Gandria and Morcote, and other villages along the coast of Lake Lugano can be reached by boat. The Lake of Lugano offers you a wide range of cruises to admire the most spectacular views, to discover the most romantic spots, to climb to the top of mountains, to visit parks and museums and to just enjoy sunny Ticino. Enjoy relaxing moments far from the stress and frenzy of everyday life, combining your excursion to a pleasant trip on the Lake of Lugano. For timetables visit http://www.lakelugano.ch/

Excursions
Monte Bre
Monte Bre towers above the city of Lugano and is considered to be the sunniest mountain in Switzerland. This might be the reason why the rare Christmas Rose (and endangered species) grows here, which can otherwise only flourish in Southern Europe. The funicular takes visitors up the mountain from Cassarate (take Bus No. 1 from the center of Lugano to Cassarate). Monte Bree is well-known for its breathtaking panorama on the Alps, the city of Lugano, Monte Rosa and the Italian region between Milan and Turin. http://www.montebre.ch/

Monte San Salvatore
An aerial cable-car whisks you to the summit from Lugano-Paradiso. The new panorama car takes tourists in 10 minutes to the peak of San Salvatore. The trains run every half hour from March to November. From the roof of the church you can enjoy the unique 360 panoramic view. From the peak you can descend along the panorama trail to Ciona (Carona) or hike the loop which - by way of two didactic trails - leads through a nature park, where you are constantly surrounded by the regional flora and fauna.  http://montesansalvatore.ch/

Como (Italy)
Como in Italy is just a 30 min. train ride away from Lugano. Its proximity to Lake Como and to the Alps has made Como a popular tourist destination and the city contains numerous works of art, churches, museums, parks and palaces. The town of Como has many silk factories so if you want to buy silk Como is a good place to go. Prices are low on designer fashion fabrics. Como also has a Silk Museum dating from 1900 where you can see the entire silk-making process. http://www.discovercomo.com/

Or if you have a rental car, you can reach Como via Gandria, Porlezza, Menaggio and along Lake Como. On your return you would cross the border in Chiasso, and head back to Lugano via the lovely area of the Mendrisiotto. 

Melide: Swiss Miniature
Swissminiatur is an open-air museum where one can admire the most important Swiss buildings and means of transportation. A self-service restaurant with local, Chinese and Indian cuisine and a playground for children are on the premises.  All the 1:25 scale models are inserted in a 14,000 m2 park like area, decorated by 15,000 flower varieties and more than 1,500 trees. Swiss Miniatur is only 5km from Lugano. (http://www.swissminiatur.ch)

Shopping
There are some very nice streets in the Old Town of Lugano where you will find souvenirs, typical Swiss foods including chocolate and cheese, and  a few watch stores, elegant fashion stores, department stores, boutiques with top quality products.

Museums, International Organizations & Art
Hermann Hesse Museum
The Hermann Hesse Museum was established in the rooms of the Torre Camuzzi, in Montagnola, Switzerland in 1997. This ancient tower is part of the picturesque Casa Camuzzi where Hermann Hesse
lived between 1919 and 1931. From his apartment, he had a marvellous view overlooking the lake of Lugano. A permanent exhibition brings back to life Hesse's 40 years in Montagnola.  The museum offers a variety of activities including temporary exhibitions, lectures, concerts, films, walking-tours, and weekly readings in two languages. http://www.hessemontagnola.ch/

Chocolate Museum
The Alprose chocolate museum presents the world of chocolate from its origin to date. It gives you an idea of its history, its single components, the first production plants and today’s more modern facilities. What really makes the museum remarkable is the wealth of documentation and the variety of objects exhibited. Besides its educational merit, the museum contributes to consolidating the tradition of Swiss chocolate, renowned for its excellent quality. The visit to the museum ends in the “Nostalgia” shop that allows the visitor to taste the rich variety of Alprose production at will. http://www.alprose.ch/

Museum of Swiss Customs
On the lake opposite to Gandria, one finds the Museum of Swiss Customs that is located in a locality known as “Cantine di Gandria” that may be reached by boat only. Along the trail from Cantine di Gandria to Caprino there are several grotti, an ideal place to take shelter from the heat and to have the opportunity of getting a taste of the typical Ticinese cuisine.

Restaurants
Ristorante Cantinone - Wood fire pizza in the center of the Old Town (Piazza Cioccaro 8 - 091 923 10 68)
Gallery Arte al Lago – Lakeside views and Michelin-starred chef (Piazza Emilio Bossi 7 – 091 9734800)
Cyrano – Charming bistro serving fresh pasta, authentic recipes (Corso E. Pestalozzi 27 – 091 922 2182)
Grotto della Salute – Delicious, rustic and local cuisine  (Via Sindacatori 4 – 091 966 0476)
Grotto Grillo – Contemporary local dishes, superb wine list (Via Ronchetto 6 – 091 970 1818)

Jun 22
Sunday

Jun 22
until
Jun 24

Lucerne
Unquestionably one of Europe's most charming cities, Lucerne also has the added virtue of stunning lakeside and mountain scenery on its doorstep. The town has a remarkable site at the northwest end of Lake Lucerne, where the Reuss River resumes its course. The center of Lucerne is a pedestrian area of cobbled streets bordered by houses, shops and hotels painted in medieval style or decorated with displays of flowers. Above the old town is the original city wall from which you can admire the splendor and variety of the scenery.

Lucerne is ideally situated in the historic and scenic heart of what many believe to be the 'true' Switzerland - picture mountains, lakes, cowbells, alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss. Once a simple fishermen's village, this charming town straddles the Reuss River on the western edge of Lake Lucerne and makes an excellent base for many excursions in Switzerland. One of the main attractions is crossing the Reuss River on the famous Chapel Bridge.

Verkehrshaus - Swiss Transport Museum
It is located just outside Lucerne, directly on the lake. It is Europe's largest, most comprehensive Transport Museum. With everything that keeps the Swiss on the move which marks the development of transport and communications it also has a IMAX theatre. You can take the bus # 6 or a short boat ride. It contains trains, planes and automobiles, etc.

KKL - Cultural Center
The KKL Lucerne is a magnificent venue for concerts, conferences and culinary experiences. They blend in total harmony to create a unique and complete experience for all senses and satisfy even the most discerning guests.

Mount Pilatus - Lucerne's landmark
Lucerne's "own" mountain has so many stunning sides – and on the Golden Round Trip you experience every single one: Lake Lucerne from Lucerne to Alpnachstad – the world's steepest cogwheel railway up to the Pilatus Kulm peak (2132 metres-altitude) – Alpine meadows, mountain streams, rugged cliffs and who knows, maybe even ibex, chamois, Alpine roses and gentian – breathtaking panoramic views over the lakes of Central Switzerland, not to mention the Alps – no fewer than 73 mountain peaks (you're welcome to count them) – delicious local specialities, à-la-carte      menus and choice international cuisine in the Mount Pilatus hotels and restaurants – and as the fantastic finale, the ride by aerial cableway and gondola down to Kriens, where bus Nr. 1 takes you back to Lucerne in only 15 minutes. If you prefer to do the trip the other way round, you can naturally begin the Golden Round Trip over Mount Pilatus from Kriens! This roundtrip starts and finishes at the Lucerne train station.  Taking two different ways up to the top of Mt. Pilatus makes it the “Goldene Rundfahrt”.

Mount Rigi - Panoramic Views
Take the steamboat from Lucerne to Vitznau and then the cogwheel train up to "Rigi-Kulm" from where you have a marvelous panoramic view. Take a ride back to Rigi-Kaltbad and from there the cable car to Weggis  from where you travel back to Lucerne by boat. Or you go down to Goldau with the cable car and take the train back to Lucerne. Get detailed itineraries at the train station in Lucerne.

Glacier Garden
Nature’s own monument to its history, with a park and museum. It is also a tourist attraction and an oasis of peace from busy Lucerne life. Glacial potholes of impressive proportions bear witness to the last ice age and to the fact that Lucerne was once covered by glaciers.

Entertainment
For a dinner with Swiss folklore atmosphere we suggest going to the restaurant “Stadtkeller”! Enjoy an evening with folklore music, traditional Swiss costumes, yodeling, alphorn blowing and cowbells.

Shopping
Shopping in Lucerne is smooth and alluring. The two major shopping districts are located in the charming Old Town and along the recently developed Pilatusstrasse - the modern thoroughfare just outside Lucerne's Central Station.

Don’t miss
Bucherer is the world’s 2nd largest jewelry, watch and souvenir store and even if you don’t intend to buy something, worth a visit. It is located just over the bridge, to your left before the Hotel Schweizerhof. In that store, Bucherer presents the world’s largest indoor rolling ball clock. Customers and visitors can view the unique kinetic sculpture at the newly renovated store on Schwanenplatz. The clock towers up a full four stories and each floor provides an unusual new insight into a fascinating world of precision, movement
and energy.

Hergiswil Glass Factory
individuals do not need to book in advance. Admission free (admission to the Glass Labyrinth costs CHF 7.00).  Opening times: Monday to Friday
9.00 am to 6.00 pm; Saturday 9.00 am to 4.00 pm. Just take a local train from the Lucerne train station to Hergiswil. You have a local train every 3-18 minutes. Just look up the departure time on the big billboard in the main hall of the station. Upon arrival in Hergiswil you will have to walk approx. 5 yards towards the lake (follow signs).

Includes industrial evolution of glass making from 1817 until now and live demonstration at the factory. You can make your own glass ball at the end of the museums tour. There is a factory direct shop and a reasonable restaurant which offers delicious meals.
 
Glasi Park (next to Hergiswil Glass Factory)
The Glasi Park is a small paradise for young and old. It is open and accessible at all times. The 7-metre-high marble run, a long slide (reinforced with fiberglass), a big quartz sand pit (quartz sand is the most important raw material in glass production) and other games offer children every kind of adventure.

Restaurants
Hof ( Hotel Waldstätterhof) - Swiss and French Cuisine (Zentralstrasse 4 - 041 227 12 71)
Old Swiss House - 15 Gault Millau points - Swiss and French (Löwenplatz 4 - 041 410 61 71)
Wirtshaus Galliker - Traditional Swiss - historic room (Schützenstrasse 1 - 041 240 10 02)
La Cucina (Hotel Astoria) - Authentic Italian (Pilatusstrasse 29 - 041 226 88 88)
Rebstock - Traditional Swiss (St. Leodegar-Strasse 3 - 041 417 18 19)

Jun 24
Tuesday

Transfer from Lucerne to Appenzell (one version via Vaduz and second version direct)

Details - Connection Lucerne - Vaduz 

Details - Connection Vaduz - Appenzell

Jun 24
until
Jun 25

Appenzell
The village of Appenzell and the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden are situated in a singularly beautiful landscape of rolling hills. The region is known for rural customs and traditions such as the ceremonial descent of the cattle in autumn and cultural events such as folk music and rustic dances, as well as hiking tours in the Alpstein region.

Landsgemeindeplatz
On the historical Landsgemeindeplatz (town square) the annual „Landsgemeinde“ is held (cantonal assembly). The Landsgemeinde is one of the oldest forms of direct democracy. The first historically documented assembly took place in 1924. All cantonal elections and parliamentary business are publicly debated here and voting is by a public show of hands.

Löwen-Drogerie (pharmacy)
Built in 1560, the facade of the Löwen-Drogerie is one of the most beautiful in Appenzell. Johannes Hubentobler painted medicinal herbs on the round-arched panels covering the shutters, thus linking the decoration to the purpose of the pharmacy.

Heiligenkreuzkapelle (chapel)
The Heiligkreuzkapelle in the main street was rebuilt after the village was devastated by fire in 1560. The stained glass windows depicting the five sorrowful mysteries of the rosary were designed by Ferdinand Gehr in 1964.

Tafeen (signs)
The distinctive signs (known as Tafeen), which are hung mainly in the centre of the village, are a visual feast. «Tafeen» (which comes from the word for tavern) can be found outside many shops as well as inns and restaurants.

Mountain Excursions

Ebenalp
The Ebenalp is an ideal starting point for many fascinating hikes in the region. For example take the cable car from Wasserauen to Ebenalp in 6 minutes. Up there, hike to the Wildkirchli Höhlen (caves)  and the small chappel. Afterwards a path shows you the way to the Restaurant Aescher, built very close to the mountain face.  

Kronberg
The Kronberg (1663m) is the family mountain in Appenzellerland, offering many attractions both in the summer and the winter. The valley station of the aerial cableway is next to the Jakobsbad Train Station, high up in the Gonton valley.
Mount Kronberg is accessed from Jakobsbad by aerial cableway. From the Kronberg a wonderful hiking tour leads to Appenzell. On the other side, i.e. the Kronberg’s southern face, you will find the Schwägalp, the starting point to Mount Säntis. You have a fantastic view from Kronberg.

Säntis
Would you like to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of six countries at 2504 m.ü.M (8217 ft)? Then visit the ‘Säntis’, Appenzell’s highest peak. Approx one hour by train and bus from Appenzell, the Schwägalp is the base station of the modern aerial cableway.

Hoher Kasten
Another mountain top that can be conquered by cable car. The summit is easily accessible with a cable car starting at Brülisau, south of Appenzell. A revolving restaurant, offering panoramic views, has been built on the top.

Other Excursions

Appenzeller Schaukäserei
Follow the manufacture of Appenzeller cheese from the visitors‘ gallery, looking straight down into the 6500 liter cheese vat where the milk is prepared and the cheese harp is drawn through the thickened jelly. A most impressive sight.

Urnäsch
This picturesque village located in the canton Appenzell Ausserrhoden houses the museum "Museum für Appenzeller Brauchtum" (museum for Appenzell customs) whose collection includes reconstructed farmhouse interiors as well as costumes and craft items.

St. Gallen
Take the Appenzeller Bahn (railway) from Appenzell to St. Gallen (the ride takes approx. 45 min.) and visit of the of the most picturesque old towns in Switzerland: many of the houses and buildings being from the 16th and 18th century, sometimes with painted facades, often adorned with wrought-iron signs and carved and painted wooden oriel windows. Walk along the pleasant alleys and browse through the many small and charming shops.

Jun 25
Wednesday

Transfer from Appenzell - Zurich

Overview Appenzell - Vaduz - Zurich

Jun 25
until
Jun 26

Visit to Zurich

Zurich's proximity to the Alps and to other Swiss cities make it a excellent hub to enjoy leisure activities and from where to start exploring Switzerland. Zurich is considered Switzerland's most important financial, industrial and commercial center. It is also known to be the intellectual capital of the nation and particularly receptive to contemporary trends associated with younger generations. Nestling beside Lake Zurich and along River Limmat, Zurich offers splendid views of the Swiss Alps and is an absolutely charming, interesting, and beautiful place to visit. Its wealth of history, architecture and culture leaves you longing for another vacation! The pedestrian streets of the old town contain most of the major sights, including winding alleyways, 16th- and 17th-century houses, guildhalls and courtyards, and rather a lot of fountains (1030 if you're taking notes).

Regular scheduled flights from every continent and most countries and major cities of the world land at Zurich's international airport. At the centrally located main railway station of Zurich you have access every Swiss and foreign destination.

Zurich and the surrounding region is home to the biggest number of museums and exhibitions on Switzerland. The Opera House and the Tonhalle concert hall attract stars of world stature on the classical music scene. The main shopping zone is concentrated in the city center, which makes it ideal for pedestrians. The Old Town of Zurich is home to historic buildings that host numerous boutiques and antique shops. Zurich is a trendsetting city and offering eating and drinking establishments for all tastes and preferences.

Zurich: Attractions and Activities

Zurich in central Switzerland is among Europe's coolest cities to visit and it offers a wide variety of attractions and activities - too many to list here! This page provides a brief introduction about what you can do in Zurich!

Excursions
Uetliberg (874m/2,867ft) - 2 hours incl. 50 min. by rail
The short railway journey is mainly through woods. From the arrival station, where you will have a fine view of the snowy summits of the Alps, you can walk up a steep path to the nearby terrace of the hotel-restaurant. You can go on to the top of the Belvedere Tower from where you will have a sweeping panorama of the whole Zurich district, the Limmat Valley, Lake Zurich and the Alpine range - from Säntis in the east to the Jungfrau and the Les Diablerets in the southwest - whereas the ridges of the Jura and the Vosges are faintly visible to the west and northwest on the horizon.

Rapperswil – City of Roses
This makes a beautiful one-day excursion from Zurich. Rapperswil is a small town at the opposite end of Lake Zurich. It offers unique attractions for visitors – the Rose Gardens, the Castle, the deer park on the Lindenhof and the picturesque Old Town. You can take a train in the morning along Lake Zurich to get to Rapperswil. Have lunch in one of the restaurants on the quay and in the afternoon take a lake steamer back to Zurich. (Lake steamers do not operate during winter from November to March).

Summer Sports
Swimming
Designated areas for outdoor swimming and sunbathing are open May to September. Well-known spots are Utoquai on the east shore of the lake and Mythenquai on the west shore. There are also various free swimming spots, such as the one just north of the confluence of the Sihl and Limmat Rivers.

Strolling
Around the shores of Lake Zürich, concrete walkways give way to trees and lawns in the Arboretum on the west bank, making the area perfect for strolling.

Entertainment
Opera House
The Zurich Opera House is without doubt one of the best known in Switzerland and indeed Europe. A varied program of productions has helped director Alexander Pereira to turn this late-baroque style building into the city's most-frequented cultural institution. Its reputation has grown steadily throughout the world ever since it opened in 1891.

Tonhalle
The Zürich Tonhalle Orchestra, named for its concert hall, the Tonhalle, which was inaugurated by Brahms in 1895, enjoys international acclaim and attracts stars of world stature on the classical music scene. There are also solo recitals and chamber programs. The season runs from September through July; tickets sell out quickly, so book directly through the Tonhalle.

Zeughauskeller
In 1927 the old armory (Zeughaus) on the Paradeplatz was converted into a restaurant. Today it is a typical restaurant, sure to please its visitors with a traditional atmosphere and excellent Swiss food.

Shopping
Bahnhofstrasse
The main shopping zone is concentrated in the city center, which makes it ideal for pedestrians. The famous Bahnhofstrasse - one of the most beautiful shopping areas in Europe - is a must. Elegant fashion stores, department stores, boutiques with top quality products (shoes, furs, accessories, porcelain, jewellery and watches), banks and pastry shops.

Niederdorf
During the day this is a pedestrian zone and a shopper's paradise with lots of boutiques hidden away in a patchwork of alleys. At night the many bars, restaurants and street artists turn the Niederdorf into an exciting center of entertainment for a colorful public.

Events
Zurich shakes off any remains of winter with the spring festival and parade, Sechseläuten, held on the third Monday of April. The Zürcher Festspiele, mid-June to mid-July, concentrates on music and the arts, while the emphasis of the month-long Theaterspektakel is, you guessed it, theater. In early August, the beats get going with Street Parade, a large-scale electronic music event with international DJs on the decks, and the Züri Jazz Woche takes over the stage in early September. In November, Expovina, held on boats on the Bürkliplatz, offers samples of international wines, and Fasnacht brings lively musicians and a large, costumed procession.

Flea market Bürkliplatz
This established flea market is the perfect place to hunt for that cuckoo clock for the folks back home. The stalls offer a range of goods, mostly antiques, and the variety of food stalls will keep you energized for shopping. The market is open 6am-3:30pm every Saturday, May to October; it's near the northwest bank of Lake Zürich, off the bottom end of Bahnhofstrasse.

Fleemarket Kanzlei
Just a 15-minute walk from Hauptbahnhof, the main train station, this low-key flea market attracts a young artsy-kitschy crowd of bargain shoppers. Amid the piles of secondhand records, clothes, bicycles and what-have-you on offer every Saturday, there is an outdoor café with fresh pastries and kick-start coffee, and a wine bar where you can wind down at day's end. A small cinema nearby shows independent films in a comfortable, velvet-couch fashion.

Museums & Art
Kunsthaus Zurich
The Kunsthaus surprises visitors with attractive exhibits and a high-carat permanent collection. It was completely renovated between 2001 and 2005 to improve exhibition room security and conditions for the artworks. The museum now also provides access to wheelchair users.
In addition, the museum houses selected sculptures and panels from the Middle Ages, exquisite paintings of the Dutch and Italian Baroque period as well as highlights of 19th and 20th century Swiss painters. This includes the most famous group of works by Johann Heinrich Füssli and Ferdinand Hodler. Among the museum's international focal points are the largest Munch collection outside of Norway, important works by Picasso and the expressionists Kokoschka, Beckmann and Corinth, a significant group of works by Claude Monet, among them two water lily paintings, and the Chagall hall. Younger tendencies are represented by Rothko, Merz, Twombly, Beuys, Bacon and Baselitz.

Marc Chagall Windows - Fraumünster
Located between River Limmat and Bahnhofstrasse, the Münsterhof is dominated by the graceful, slender-spired Fraumünster, a beautiful church that boasts a breathtaking series of stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and Augusto Giacometti that should not be missed. In 1967, Marc Chagall – then 80 – accepted the commission to make new stained glass for the five 10m-high choir windows. The stunning artistry of the windows he produced makes them one of the highlights of Zürich.

Swiss National Museum
The castle-like building houses the most comprehensive collection of artifacts pertaining to Swiss cultural history. Especially worth mentioning are the ancient wheels, which were found in Zürich and are considered to be among the earliest ever found, the Celtic artifacts and those of the early Middle Ages. Especially worth visiting are the historical rooms as well as the monumental fresco by Ferdinand Hodler Retreat of the confederates at Marignano. Several times a year, topics relevant to society are dealt with in special exhibitions that are put together in cooperation with other museums.

Rietberg Museum
The Rietberg Museum is set up in the former Wesendonck Villa in the middle of a park and next to Lake Zurich. It contains valueable collections formed by Baron van der Heydt; statues from India, Cambodia, Java, China, Africa and the South Sea Islands. The collection of Japanese prints, works of art from the Near East, Tibet and pre-Columbian America, paintings from the Far East, a collection of Swiss masks and some Flemish and Armenian carpets complete the exhibition.

Museum für Gestaltung
Temporary exhibitions, based on themes derived from the applied arts, architecture, grafic art and industrial design, are held in these galleries.

Art Galleries
Zurich includes more than a 100 Art Galleries that are spread over the entire city.

Jun 26
Thursday

Airport Check-in at the Zurich Airport is required approx. 2-3 hours prior to departure. Please check with your airline when you need to be at the check-in counter!

Before entering the departure section (on second level) you will have a big grocery story (Migros) in case you would like to get a couple of sandwiches or any other food items (they have chocolates and vacuum sealed cheeses too).