This five-day guided tour will take you to the French and culinary center of Switzerland! You will be surprised by the tasty Swiss wines, the delicious food, and of course the world famous cheese and chocolate. Please note that we will have our 2013 tour dates shortly.

The Lake Geneva Region offers an infinite diversity of scenery, breathtaking views, and inexhaustible possibilities for gourmets. Did you know that this part of Switzerland is among the world’s most reputed gastronomic regions? And as a last highlight we will travel to the foot of the world famous Matterhorn.

• Lavaux UNESCO with the Chillon Castle
• Wine Cheese and chocolate tastings
• Gourmet dinners
• Hike at the foot of the Matterhorn

Tour performed by Baumeler Travel Ltd.

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Hiking time approximately 2 hours

Grüezi in Switzerland - Your hiking adventure in pure nature and authentic culture will begin in the center of culinary Switzerland on the shores of Lake Geneva.

You will meet your guide and visit the villages of Vevey (with a visit of the food museum) and Montreux. From Montreux station, an hour's cogwheel train will take you to Rochers-de-Naye where you will enjoy your lunch with a 360° view of Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Dinner in Montreux
Overnight at Grand hotel Suisse Majestic****, Montreux

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Hiking time approximately 2 hours
Breakfast at the hotel

You will have a minibus transfer to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Lavaux vineyards. The work of these vineyards reflect a thousand years of labor. To make the most of the long hours of sunshine, the slopes were reduced by forming terraces which eventually resulted in a highly appreciated wine called Chasselas. Lavaux  terraces on the steep slopes extend all the way down to Lake Geneva, covering an area of 830 hectares (about 2050 acres) between Lausanne and Montreux. The site enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm temperatures and the reflection of the light from the lake.

The Lavaux vineyard has eight AOC wine appellations: Lutry, Villette,Epesses, Calamin, Dézaley, St-Saphorin, Chardonne, and Vevey-Montreux. It mainly produces Chasselas wines, which are fruity and dry with subtle aromas. You will enjoy several wine tastings and short walks through the vineyards. 

In the afternoon, you will visit the Chillon Castle located on a rocky isle. This medieval fortress is one of the most visited monuments in Switzerland.

Dinner in Montreux
Overnight at Grand hotel Suisse Majestic****, Montreux

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Hiking time approximately 1.5 hours
Breakfast at the hotel

The Chocolate train will today take you on a sweet and scenic ride to Gruyères Castle. You will travel first class between Montreux-Gruyères-Broc and back in Belle Epoque cars on the GoldenPass Panoramic train. A visit to the castle will be a journey across eight centuries of architecture, history, and culture. The castle, constructed in the 13th century, was the residence of the Counts of Gruyères.

Snuggling near the mountain pastures at the foot of Gruyères Castle, La Maison du Gruyère will allow you to discover Le Gruyère AOC and will allow you a sensory experiece with its fragrances and tastes. You will discover the secrets of cheese-making according ancient tradition.

Who has not dreamed of visiting a chocolate factory? You will discover the process of chocolate manufacturing and the odors that come from it in the famous Maison Cailler chocolate factory.

Dinner in Montreux
Overnight at Grand hotel Suisse Majestic****, Montreux

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Hiking time approximately 1 hour
Breakfast at the hotel

This morning, you will head to your final destination which is  Zermatt. Along the way, you will pass through the Rhone Valley that is famous for its wine. Zermatt lies at the foot of the Matterhorn and the town's touristic development is closely linked to what is likely the world's most famous mountain. Zermatt is a car-free town and has preserved a unique and charming character. Tonight you will enjoy the traditional Swiss Raclette.

Dinner in Zermatt
Overnight in Zermatt at Hotel Mirabau****, Zermatt

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Hiking time approx. 2 hours Up 300 m, down 300 m

After a hotel breakfast you will enjoy an excursion to Gornergrat where you will see an amazing view of the world famous Matterhorn.

For more than 100 years the Gornergrat Bahn train has been making the ascent to the panoramic mountain. This is truly a unique and wonderful experience to ride Europe's highest open-air cogwheel railway as it climbs to the Gornergrat at an elevation of 9.339 km. The train crosses impressive bridges and tunnels, through idyllic forests and alpine meadows, and past rocky gorges and tarns. All along the way are vistas of the Matterhorn.

Check-out or post tour itinerary

SUBJECT TO ITINERARY AND HOTEL CHANGES!

Hiking times can vary depending on the weather and travel group.

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Guaranteed departures with minimum 2, maximum 16 participants

Reduction package without rail ticket (holder of a Swiss or Flexi Pass 1st class) in CHF: -250

Note: CHF = Swiss Francs

Tours Include

• Accommodation in 3-4* hotels and meals as noted in the itinerary
• Tips to porters and drivers
• All cable car rides and public transport in 1st class throughout the tour
• All entrance fees for excursions throughout the tour
• Luggage transport
• English-speaking travel guide/hiking guide
• Extensive travel documentation

Not included

• International airfare
• Meals not noted on itinerary
• All drinks
• Travel insurance
• Optional tipping to tour guide

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You can purchase your rail ticket with us at a special rate (prices are per person):

Swiss Pass

Free travel for 4, 8, 15 or 22 days or an entire month. it entitles you to free travel throughout the entire Swiss Travel System. The choice of 12,000 miles of train, bus and boat routes is entirely yours. On top of this, you will receive a 50% discount on the majority of mountain and rail- & cableways and enjoy free admission to more than 400 museums within Switzerland.

Swiss Flexi Pass

Free travel on 3, 4, 5 or 6 selected days and half-price travel in between.

We are happy to assist you with your pre and post Swiss tour travel arrangements whether your plans include Switzerland or elsewhere in Europe.

Note: CHF = Swiss Francs