A Week in Eastern Switzerland

Look beyond chocolates, watch making and yodelling – Switzerland boasts alpine splendour, urban culture and much, much more. Experience the beauty and culture of Eastern and Southern Switzerland unlike many before.

1. Flight to Zurich

   On arrival at Zurich Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide who will take you on the one hour journey to Stein am Rhein.

2. Days 1-4: St. Gallen, Switzerland

   You will embark on a walk around the well-preserved medieval town and visit Castle Hohenklingen, a fortress built 590m above sea level on a hill. Enjoy the remarkable view of Stein am Rhein’s idyllic houses. You will then head to Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe, spending some time absorbing the majestic view of the roaring water fall with a short boat ride.

   Your next transfer will take you to St Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a 2 hour guided city tour through the Old Town. Many houses in St. Gallen’s Old Town have their own exciting tales to tell. Hear a short lecture in the Cathedral about the late baroque period and the Abbey Library, which contains manuscripts dating back to the 8th century.

   The second day will start with an activity, choose between 3 hikes varying in route and difficulty. Appenzell is known for its gently rolling green hills, flowery meadows and rugged mountains. After lunch, enjoy a stroll through the village of Appenzell. This car-free village beckons with pretty lanes and a myriad of small stores and boutiques that are ideal for shopping and browsing. The facades of the buildings are decorated with frescoes. There is also the option to have a one hour yodelling lesson with the experts from Appenzell. On the way back to St. Gallen you will stop in the village of Stein. Here you will learn all about Swiss cheese making.

   The next day, your transfer will take you to the pretty mountain village of Wasserauen. Take a gondola to Ebenalp and enjoy an easy hike down to the nearby Wildkirchli, a system of interconnected caves notable for the traces of Paleolithic Neaderthal habitations dating to 40,000 BP. Have a typical Swiss lunch at Berggasthaus Aescher, a guest house nestled precariously in a giant rock vault. The unique mountain inn is located at 1,454m, a 15 minute hike away from Ebenalp. From Ebenalp you will ride down via the cable car

   Accommodation: Einstein St.Gallen (3 nights)

3. Days 4-6: St Moritz, Switzerland

   After breakfast you will then transfer to Vaduz in the Principality of Liechtenstein. The country has an area of 160 square kilometres, which makes it one of the smallest states in Europe. Enjoy a walk and lunch in the charming capital city.

   You will then head to St. Moritz, the famous alpine resort, often accredited as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism. In Summer, this place thrives with sporting activities like sailing, rowing, mountain biking and more. Dotted with luxurious resorts, one is sure to be spoilt for choice.

   After checking into your hotel, you will embark on a short orientation walk with your guide in the village.

   Day two in St Moritz, you will take a transfer down to the lower Engadine Valley to explore the small towns of Ardez, Guarda, and Tarasp. Bordering Italy and Austria, these towns have made a name for themselves with their unique culture and language. Many of the splendid houses are covered in the paintings and "sgraffiti" typical of the Engadin. Scattered hamlets, a small lake, and above this the most imposing castle in Graubünden - all this you will discover in the village of Tarasp.

   Accommodation: Giardino Mountain - Summer (2 nights)

4. Days 6-8: Lugano

   The following morning you will depart St Moritz on the train, enjoy the breathtaking views from the famous Bernina Express. Running through mountains, lakes and glaciers down to the palms of Valtellina. The famous panoramic route is a true landmark which has UNESCO World Heritage status. Ending in Tirano, Italy, spend some time to explore this classic Italian border-town before a private transfer to Lugano. You will spend the next day in Lugano, enjoy fantastic shopping experiences or visit many of the villages surrounding Lake Lugano at your own pace on a river cruise.

   Accommodation: Grand Hotel Castagnolia (2 nights)

5. Flight from Milan

   On your final day you will take a transfer, crossing over the border into Italy, to depart from Milan.

St Gallen, St Moritz & Lugano