Compare Switzerland in a Nutshell: Cities and Peaks by Train by Road Scholar vs Europe Express Tour by Discovery Nomads

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrive Zurich, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Zurich

Hotel check-in from 2:30 p.m.

After checking into the hotel, feel free to relax and settle in before lunch.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a 3-course set menu and lunches on this program are typically a 2-course set menu. Breakfasts will offer a typical European-style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water. Please note that water is included in the program cost at all meals. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At a restaurant close to the hotel, we’ll have a light plated lunch with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel, we’ll have a plated welcome dinner together with a glass of wine and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 Introduction to Switzerland, Free Time in Zurich Zurich

Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; some stairs and cobblestones. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a boat; about 1.5 hours roundtrip.

Joining our Group Leader, we’ll gather for an introductory lecture on Switzerland’s history and politics. Then we’ll take an expert-led walk in the Old Town of Zurich, which will conclude at the docks where we will board a boat for a lunchtime ride on Lake Zurich. Upon boarding, a local expert will provide some information about the lake’s history.

Next, we will take a walk together with our Group Leader to visit the Fraumünster church to see the beautiful Chagall windows. This 11th-century cathedral features five iconic stained glass windows that were created specifically for the space by Marc Chagall in the 1970s, each of which depict a biblical story. Afterwards, take some time for independent exploration. You might like to explore the city or visit a museum.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

In the hotel dining room, the breakfast buffet offers choices such as cold cuts, cheeses, cereals, yogurt, fruit, and breads, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Aboard the boat on Lake Zurich, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 4 Transfer to Chur via Appenzell & St. Gallen Chur

Getting on/off train; ride is about 115 miles (180 km) throughout the day; approximately 5 hours total. Walking about 4 miles throughout the day, periods of standing; stairs to get on/off trains. Luggage will be transported via bus directly to the hotel.

Once checked out of the hotel and walking to the train station, we will transfer by train to Appenzell, enjoying the ride through the picturesque rural area. Upon arrival, we will take a short walk in this traditional Alpine village with our Group Leader to see its painted facades. Afterwards, we will take another ride on the Appenzeller train line to St. Gallen.

Then we’ll walk to the Baroque Abbey District of St. Gallen for an expert-led field trip. The convent is a perfect example of a great Carolingian monastery. The library is one of the richest and oldest in the world and contains precious manuscripts. In the late afternoon, we’ll take a train to Chur through the Rhine River valley. From the train station, we’ll take a short walk to the hotel and check-in.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the afternoon.

Hotel buffet.

At a restaurant in St. Gallen, we’ll enjoy a typical plated Swiss lunch with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Hotel dining room.

Day 5 Chur, Transfer by Glacier Express to Brig Brig

Walking about 3 miles throughout the day; unavoidable cobblestones; stairs on/off trains. Getting on/off train; approximately 100 miles (160 km); about 4.5 hours on the train total. Luggage will be transported by bus to/from the train station to/from the hotels.

Setting out from the hotel on foot, we’ll go on an expert-led visit to the Old Town of Chur, during which we will walk by the modern railway station, through the town center, and along the narrow winding streets. While in the oldest town in Switzerland, we’ll learn about its 5,000-year history. Afterwards, enjoy a bit of free time before lunch.

We will walk to the train station meet our luggage before boarding and taking a spectacular ride on the Glacier Express from Chur to Brig. The most famous railway in Switzerland, it runs through untouched mountain landscapes, deep gorges, delightful valleys, 91 tunnels, and across 291 impressive bridges. Upon arrival in Brig, we’ll take a walk and check-in at the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel dining room.

At a local restaurant in Chur, we’ll have plated meals with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, we’ll enjoy a Swiss cheese specialty: fondue. Water is included with other beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 Stockalper Castle, Free Time Brig

Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; unavoidable stairs and uneven terrain on the castle grounds. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Joined by a local expert at the hotel, we’ll attend a lecture on the Alps with a focus on their geography, culture, and challenges. After a short walk, we’ll have an expert-led visit to Stockalper Castle. Built in the 17th century by Kaspar Stockalper, the castle has an impressive courtyard, palace halls, chapel and gardens. While here, we’ll explore the amazingly preserved castle and learn about the life of its creator—a merchant, trader, and entrepreneur who wanted his home to reflect his wealth and power.

Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most in the picturesque Old Town of Brig. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel dining room.

On your own to explore the local fare.

On your own to sample more of the regional cuisine.

Day 7 Matterhorn, Transfer to Lausanne, Wine Tasting Lausanne

Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; unavoidable cobblestones; stairs getting on/off trains. Getting on/off a train; about 125 miles (200 km); approximately 5 hours on the train total. Luggage will be transported via bus directly to the hotel. Getting on/off cog railway; ride is about 1/2 hour.

Once checked out of the hotel, we will take a walk to the train station and then, travel along the Glacier Express route to Zermatt, a car-free mountain village where we’ll find quaint cobbled alleyways, ancient sun browned barns, and traditional chalets. We will take the cogwheel train to Riffelalp, a small village that offers great views of the Matterhorn, from which we will admire the breathtaking panorama of a range of snowcapped high peaks, including the famous Matterhorn.

We’ll then have some time for independent exploration in Zermatt before meeting at a predetermined time and place and taking the train for the ride down the Rhone Valley, into Swiss wine country, and through the vineyards of Lake Geneva to Lausanne. Upon arrival, we’ll take a short walk to the hotel for check-in.

At leisure.

Hotel dining room.

At a restaurant in Zermatt, we’ll enjoy plated meals featuring a local specialty with water included; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals accompanied by a wine tasting with water included.

Day 8 Lausanne, Lake Geneva, Free Time Lausanne

Walking about 2 miles total during group activities; unavoidable cobblestones and stairs in the old town. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Setting out on foot from the hotel, we’ll take an expert-led visit to the Old Town of Lausanne and its cathedral, the largest gothic cathedral in Switzerland and a place of pilgrimage during the Middle Ages. The entire city of Lausanne is built right on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva, which we will also discuss. Back at the hotel, we’ll settle in for a lecture about French-speaking Switzerland given by a local expert.

Free time. You might like to visit a museum, or engage in some activities featuring the beautiful Lake Geneva!

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel dining room.

On your own to explore the local fare.

At a local restaurant.

Day 9 Transfer to Basel, Jura Mountains Basel

Getting on/off train; riding about 120 miles (190 km); approximately 3 hours on the train total. Walking about 2 miles throughout the day; unavoidable cobblestones and stairs in the old town.

After checking out of the hotel, we will walk to the train station and set out on a scenic train ride to Basel along Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and through the Jura Mountains.

Upon arrival in Basel, we will take a short tram ride to the hotel for check-in. Once settled, we will then attend a lecture about Basel and the arts while learning from a local expert about Basel, the cultural heart of Switzerland. Afterwards, we’ll have a briefing that will introduce us to different museums one may wish to visit during free time.

At leisure.

Hotel dining room.

Aboard the train, we’ll have packed lunches featuring a choice of sandwich, fruit, small cake, piece of chocolate, orange juice, water.

On your own.

Day 10 Basel, Cultural Heart of Switzerland Basel

Getting on and off public transportation; about 1/2 hour. Walking about 2 miles throughout the morning; some unavoidable cobblestones and stairs in the old town. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

A local expert will the join us at the hotel to lead a lecture and discussion on what Switzerland is like today, with topics based on group interest. Then, getting around on foot and via public transport, we’ll take an expert-led field trip to the beautiful, well-preserved Medieval Old Town of Basel. While here, we will walk past the famous Tinguely Fountain, the cathedral, Münsterplatz, City Hall, and through the winding streets and alleyways. The rest of the day will be free to explore Basel on your own.

Free time to continue exploring Basel on your own.

At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel dining room.

On your own.

In the hotel dining room, we’ll enjoy a plated farewell dinner together with water and a glass of wine; other beverages available for purchase. Share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 11 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon. Getting on/off train; ride to Zurich is about 1 hour. Getting in/out taxis; driving less than 1/2 hour. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.

Once checked out of the hotel, we will transfer back to Zurich Airport via taxi and train. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel dining room.

Day 1: London

We ask our participants to arrive in the morning by 11.00 am. On the 1st day you will explore the city, see Westminster Abbey, the Cathedral of St. Paul's, Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. Later in the afternoon visit the Tower of London and enjoy an amazing London Eye tour in the evening.

Hotel: Mercure Kensington or similar.

Day 2-4: Paris

Today you will go by train to fascinating Paris and check this beautiful city from the Eiffel Tower and in the evening you will have free time to explore the nightlife of the city. On the 4th day you have sightseeing tour around Paris and visit Louvre museum.

Hotel: Novotel Paris or similar.

Day 4-6: Zurich

In the morning you will travel by train to Switzerland. Discover this small city of Zurich in the Swiss Alps and walk around its tiny streets. On the next day experience the glaciers of Mount Titlis at 9,800 feet (3,000 meters), soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Swiss Alps from cable car and explore Lucerne.

Hotel: Mercure Stolle or similar.

Day 6-8: Venice

You will have a romantic gondolas tour around Venice canals. Optional activities include a vaporetto ride to Murano and Burano, visit to Accademia Gallery, Basilica di San Marco and the Doge's Palace.

Day 8-10: Rome

Explore the history of Rome on a walking tour, see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona. On the next day you'll have an excursion to Vatican and visit the Colosseum. And do not miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.

Hotel: Eurostars Colosseum or similar.