Swiss Grand Slam

Join us on a spectacular Swiss summer adventure, to the pristine shores of Lake Geneva, renowned for the stunning water views framed by the soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps.  Here you will find a host of luxury shops to temp you, charming city centers with a maze of cobblestone streets, quaint corners, and nestled in a bounty of natural beauty.  All nights are spent at the same hotel in Geneva where morning and evening meals are included, providing a relaxed sightseeing experience along with wine and cheese tasting in some of Europe’s most beautiful settings.

Day 1 (Thursday):

Traveling south through the Alpine region of Switzerland, we’ll make a savory stop in the medieval town of Gruyères and tuck into the fantastic flavors of Gruyère’s famous cheese. Here we will learn what makes this premium cheese so delicious, from the special care each milk cow receives to the high standards and artisanal approach used to create this full-flavored dairy delight.  Your cravings for this mouthwatering snack will be blissfully satisfied with a sampling of cheese from the local fromagers with over a century of cheese-making experience.

Afterward, we invite you to explore the sites of the historic town of Gruyere at your own pace. Visit the magnificent 13th-century Castle of Gruyères, take in the natural alpine scenery, shop the charming array of stores, or sample an authentic Swiss Fondue for lunch. Movie enthusiasts can find a special treat at the H.R. Giger’s Café & Museum, where Giger’s peculiar aesthetic, made famous by his set designs and monsters in “Aliens”, is displayed and celebrated.  As the evening draws near we continue to the magnificent Lake Geneva, the deepest lake and largest source of fresh water in Central Europe. We check in to our hotel in Geneva followed by a savory dinner before turning in for the night.

Day 2 (Friday):

After a good night’s rest, it’s time for a hearty breakfast before embarking on another exciting day of exploration. We begin with a guided tour through the famous center of Geneva, home to the highest number of international and diplomatic organizations in the world including the European United Nations, the International Red Cross and the Olympic Committee. We will see the picturesque Jet d'Eau water fountain, an inviting old town with its medieval flair, colorful clock, and romantic cobblestone streets. Here, you will have some free time to take in what interests you most and sample the local culinary delights.

After lunch, we return to our bus for a relaxing and scenic drive to the French border region where the stunning alpine town of Annecy, about 40 kilometers from Geneva, is waiting to be explored. The town is known as the “Pearl of the French Alps”  with its picturesque silhouette formed by one mighty castle complex and serene surroundings. Our time in Annecy begins with a guided stroll through narrow cobblestone streets, taking us by countless canals lined with a rainbow of pastel-colored houses and bridges adorned in flowers. Here we board our boat and set out on a cruise along the lake’s stunning shoreline, taking advantage of an unparalleled view only available from the lake. The remainder of our time here is free for independent exploration and the chance for to soak up the unique and romantic ambiance of the town and perhaps take a boat tour through the turquoise alpine lake where the scenery can be taken in from another perspective. In the late afternoon, we will regroup and return to Geneva where another delicious dinner is awaiting at our hotel.

 Day 3 (Saturday)

After breakfast, we make our way by bus to the beautiful city of Lausanne, picturesquely located on the lake shores, opposite Geneva. Here our local guide will introduce us to this medieval cityscape as we walk along the shop-lined streets to the town's crown jewel, Notre Dame of Lausanne, a 12th-century Gothic cathedral boasting an ornate façade and beautiful stained glass windows.  We will admire the wonderful Lavaux terraced landscape and one of the most beautiful wine-growing regions in the world, now included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  Next, we will board a small train on a wonderful winding journey through the terraced vineyards, where you will be treated to a breathtaking view over the lake and snow-covered alpine peaks beyond. The best is yet to come at the end of the ride we will enjoy a wine tasting and offerings from the local vineyards.  From here we travel by bus back to our hotel for dinner and a chance to relax after another “alp-mazing” day.

Day 4 (Sunday)

After breakfast and hotel checkout, it is time to begin our journey home and bid Geneva farewell,  but we’re not done with Switzerland yet!  On our way north, we will stop in the beautiful baroque city of Solothurn, a favorite stop among history buffs and culinary connoisseurs.  Here you will have time to sample the town’s lunchtime delights and do any last-minute shopping before beginning the last leg of the trip home.