Day 1: Depart for Zurich
Photo Itinerary: Days
1-3,
Depart from your gateway city for your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.
Like a shimmering jewel between the lakes of Brienz and Thun, surrounded by the magnificent peaks of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, will be our home base for the first 5 nights.
Our first train ride takes us to Berne, then along side magnificent Lake Thun, past medieval towns and castles, past the lakeside village of Spiez, on the South shore of Lake Thun, as we arrive in Interlaken.
On the short walk to our hotel, we pass over the beautiful Aare River. Don't be surprised to see several cow parades while we are here this time of year.
After check in, we will have the afternoon free. Touring this peaceful resort nestled at the base of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau mountains in a horse drawn carriage, is a unique way to explore Interlaken.
It's time for some shopping, maybe check out the casino or take a walk in the park. Savor some Swiss chocolate or a delicious pastry with coffee at one of the quaint cafes or shops, or take a ride up to the Harder Kulm or Heimwehfluh, for spectacular views of Interlaken and the Alps.
A Swiss breakfast buffet is included each morning featuring fresh products from our host's organic dairy farm. Our welcome dinner tonight is at the Chef-owned Golden Anker, with its Old World charm and great food.
After dinner, enjoy an evening stroll around this charming resort village of Interlaken, then off to bed for a good nights sleep.
Day 3: Zermatt and the Matterhorn
We travel today on part of the Glacier Express route, passing by dense forests, peaceful valleys, church steeples and covered bridges. There will be crystal clear mountain streams, vistas with snow covered peaks that change with each bend of the track, and even a mountain rock slide as we get closer to Zermatt, the charming traffic free town at the base of the Matterhorn.
Zermatt's air is fresh and brisk, the scenery beautiful, the town quiet and peaceful. Just off the main street you will find romantic cobble stone lanes and sun weathered barns, that add to Zermatt's rustic charm, that takes you back centuries in time.
The (optional) 43 minute train ride up to the Gornergrat, takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps with vistas of wide open spaces and stunning mountain peaks. The Matterhorn and the beautiful Monte Rosa massif are but two of the highlights that can be seen from the open air patio, or the observatory.
The grand 5-star Zermatterhoff is the home of Zermatt's new undgerground museum of life in Switzerland, in the early years.
As the evening shadows frame Zermatt, we leave this mountain paradise. Pick up some sandwiches, or breads, cheese, meats, salads and snacks before leaving Zermatt, and have fun picnic style as we all share tastes of what we bought for dinner aboard the train. A very special surprise awaits you on the trip back to Interlaken!!.