Fall Foliage Tour: Days 1-3

Day 1: Depart for Zurich

Depart from your gateway city for your overnight flight to Zurich, Switzerland.

boat on Lake Thun

Day 2: Interlaken

Our first train ride takes us from Zurich to Berne, then alongside magnificent Lake Thun. We'll travel past medieval towns, castles, and the lakeside village of Spiez on the South shore of Lake Thun. Then you'll arrive at the shimmering jewel between the lakes of Brienz and Thun, Interlaken -- where you will spend 5 nights surrounded by the peaks of the Bernese Oberland.

On the short walk to our hotel we pass over the beautiful Aare River. Don't be surprised to see a cow parade this time of year. After check-in you will have the afternoon free to tour this peaceful resort nestled at the base of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. You may want to explore Interlaken in a horse-drawn carriage.

Aare River, Interlaken

There is time for some shopping, or maybe check out the casino, or take a walk in the park. You could 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 a spectacular view of Interlaken and the Alps.

Our welcome dinner tonight is at the Chef-owned Golden Anker, with its Old World charm and great food. Jeannette and her staff, will spoil you with their world famous "Swiss hospitality". After dinner you may want to enjoy an evening stroll through this charming resort village before heading for bed.

Day 3: Zermatt and the Matterhorn

A Swiss breakfast buffet is included each morning, and our stay in Interlaken features fresh products from our host's organic dairy farm.

Today we travel 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, snow-covered peaks, and vistas that change with each bend of the track. We'll even pass by a huge mountain rock slide as we get closer to Zermatt (the charming town at the base of the Matterhorn).

Zermatt and Matterhorn

Zermatt's air is fresh and brisk, the scenery beautiful, the village quiet and peaceful. This resort village is surprisingly quiet since most traffic is discouraged and only battery-operated vehicles are allowed (with few exceptions). Just off the main street you will find romantic cobblestone lanes and sun-weathered barns that add to Zermatt's rustic charm. Many buildings here are hundreds of years old.

The (optional) 43 minute train ride up to the Gornergrat takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps; with wide open views of 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.

For a walk through time, visit the early years of life in Switzerland at the underground (5-star) Zermatterhoff museum.

As the evening shadows frame this mountain paradise, pick up some sandwiches, breads, cheeses, meats, salads and snacks for a fun picnic style dinner, as we all share tastes of what we brought for dinner aboard the train. A very special surprise awaits you on the trip back to Interlaken!

Call 1-866-702-3478 or send us an email and get started on your incredible journey!

View Days 4-6, Days 7-9, for prices and info visit Switzerland Tours - Fall Foliage.