10-Nights Switzerland: The Alps to the Italian Lakes - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $14,995

Abercrombie & Kent: Switzerland: The Alps to the Italian Lakes

DAY 1 Zurich, Switzerland

Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and one with awell-deserved reputation for offering a high quality of life,among the best in the world. You are met and transferred toyour hotel, where you meet your fellow guests this eveningfor dinner.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of Zurich this morning, takingin its alluring mix of modern and Old World architecturewhile strolling its wide, pedestrian-friendly avenues. Zurichis known for its churches, and your walk incorporatesseveral noteworthy ones, including the Fraumünster, withits Marc Chagall-designed stained glass windows, and theGrossmünster, supposedly founded by Charlemagne andlater playing a key part in establishing the Reformation inSwitzerland. After lunch at a local bierkeller (beer cellar),gather for a sweet finish with a visit to an independentchocolate producer. Learn about the fascinating history andproduction of Swiss chocolate at the last manufacturer whostill starts with the raw cacao beans.

Travel to Lucerne, on the shores of its beautiful lake, andstroll the streets of this medieval jewel. The city’s mostfamous landmark is the Chapel Bridge, the oldest coveredwooden bridge in Europe. Its interior is decorated with vividpaintings, many of which date back to the 17th century anddepict events from the city’s history. You also visit CornMarket Square and the nearby Old Town Hall, built in 1602.There is time for lunch at leisure or further exploration,Continue to Alpnachstad and board the cogwheel train for aride on the world’s steepest railway to the top of Mt. Pilatus.Descend via a cable car and alpine gondola. Continue to yourhotel in Bern, named for the bears that may still be seen inEurope’s wilderness.

This morning, discover the charms of Switzerland’s intimatecapital, strolling delightful old streets and stepping insidethe Zytglogge for a private, guided visit of this legendarymedieval clock tower. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure,free to relax or explore on your own. Tonight, dine at yourelegant hotel.

Travel to the pretty mountain village of Habkern and partakein two Swiss traditions. Enjoy a special class with a yodelteacher and a lesson in the history of the famous alphorn.Once, these massive horns were used by herdsmen on themountain slopes to communicate with people in the valleysbelow; today, they are enjoyed as musical instruments, andyour lesson includes the option to play one yourself. Afterlunch, visit scenic Interlaken and cruise beautiful Lake Thun,surrounded by the glory of the Alps. Return to Bern for anevening at leisure.

Drive to Stans for a visit to the Culinarium Alpinum, acenter where chefs, schnapps distillers, farmers, butchers,sommeliers, cheesemakers and master bakers come togetherto help preserve Alpine culinary heritage. Join a guide for atour with tastings, culminating in a traditional Swiss fondue lunch.Then, board the renowned Glacier Express, traversingmajestic scenery in your first-class carriage, and enjoyingdinner onboard before arriving in the mountain town ofZermatt — a popular waypoint for Alpine explorers.

Today, enjoy one of these Design Your Day activities:

Ascend to the Summit of Gornegrat Mountain by cog railroad to take in vistas of the Matterhorn and more.

Hike in the Zermatt Mountains with an expert guide to see picturesque alpine lakes that reflect jaw-dropping scenery.

Indulge in a Spa Experience, taking advantage of your hotel’s exceptional amenities for a relaxing massage.

Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

A short train ride takes you out of Zermatt today. Enjoylunch at a local restaurant in the spectacular Simplon Passbefore arriving in the Italian Lakes District and the beautifulresort town of Stresa, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore.Ernest Hemingway set portions of his World War I novelA Farewell to Arms here, although he didn’t actually visit inperson until 1948. Settle in to your lakeside hotel and enjoy aScenic Sundower overlooking the glittering lake, followed bya fine dinner.

Drive to Orta San Giulio, a charming medieval town restingupon a shimmering lake. The town occupies a promontorycommanding wide views over the lake and farther shore, andits shaded streets are made for wandering. Take a boat to thenearby island of San Giulio to see its Benedictine monasteryand church. Legend claims the island was once infested byserpents and monsters that terrorized local villages, untilpatron saint Julius of Novara arrived with a great storm athis back and banished them forever. Return to Stresa in theafternoon.

This morning, relax and enjoy the amenities at your hotel,stroll the local market in Stresa or just sit in a café andwatch the world go by. Later, board a private boat for atour of Lake Maggiore and its islands, renowned for theirimpressive gardens. On beautiful Isola Bella, enjoy a specialfarewell dinner with your fellow guests as the sun sets overthe surrounding mountains.

Transfer this morning to Milan Malpensa Airport for youronward travel.