Compare Switzerland in a Nutshell: Cities and Peaks by Train by Road Scholar vs Walking and E-biking in the Swiss Alps by Exodus Travels
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
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4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 4,479 | $ 2,435 |
| Price Per Day | $ 407 | $ 304 |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | No | No |
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| Meals Included |
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All meals are included throughout the trip, including picnic lunches. For dinner enjoy regional dishes and fine wines in Nico's restaurant. At the beginning of each set of notes we advise on the lunch situation and suggest good picnic spots. You can obtain supplies daily from the hotel's picnic buffet or you can return to the hotel for a light lunch. We suggest you to carry 1-5 litres water per person, there are often benches for resting and admiring the views. There are also mountain restaurants with sun-trap terraces. With such a mixture of language and tradition co-existing in such a small country, it is no wonder that there are so many regional dishes. In the Bernese Oberland, Austrian and German influences predominate; gastronomic local delicacies include geschnetzeltes Kalbsfleisch (veal in a rich cream sauce), Kandersteger Bratwurst au Mad re-Jus (roast sausage with a Madeira sauce), Lammbraten gefüllt mit Kraütern (herb roasted lamb) and smoked pork with sauerkraut, and a selection of colourful salads. Typical desserts include Caramel-Birne mit Rum-Sabayon (caramelised pear with a rum sabayon) and Aprikosen-Symphonie (apricot gateau). |
| Description | Ride the rails through the mountain of Switzerland to discover ancient towns, idyllic lakes, pristine countryside and the legendary Matterhorn with time for independent explorations. |
Awe-inspiring and dramatic, the area epitomises the 'chocolate-box' Alps: lush green pastures and lowland slopes carpeted bright with wildflowers against a backdrop of rugged mountains - all topped off with sun-glistening glaciers. On this 7 night holiday you can explore the best the region has to offer on foot and by e-bike. This single centre holiday is totally flexible, we have suggested an itinerary for you but on this holiday you are free to pick and choose where you walk and cycle each day. A stay here uncovers the very best of the region: on foot the stunning Oeschinensee mountain lake enclosed by towering cliffs, the Sudrampe; high above the youthful river Rhone passing tradtional Swiss chalets along a fertile valley and superb railway engineering with impressive viaducts tunnels and bridges and an easy stroll to the beautiful Blausee Blue Lake. You can use the extra power that the e-bike has to offer to discover the hidden Gasterntal Valley with its glacial meltwaters thundering down a narrow gorge, the glorious Gemmi Pass crossing the swiss counties of Bern and Wallis before reaching the crystal clear waters of Lake Arven and Daubensee Lake and the spectacular views of the Bluemlisalp mountain range. Did we mention the spectacular views? One moment you will be spellbound by the glacial legacy, whilst in another it will be the cobalt blue of the Oeschinensee that will take your breath away. Woodlands, pine forest and open meadows are decorated with lady slippers, fire lilies and more than 25 varieties of scented orchid, where you walk to the the tuneful ringing of cowbells. With the company of the occasional swooping eagle, it is easy to feel on top of the world.In the heart of the Bernese Oberland lies the pretty village of Kandersteg, where the great arc of the Alps culminates in some of its highest and most spectacular peaks. |
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 Arrive Kandersteg
Arrive at the 3-star Hotel Alfa Soleil, well known locally for its excellent cuisine and enjoy a welcome drink before dinner. Dinner is included all week along with picnics or light restaurant lunches. Below is a suggested itinerary for the week but you are free to pick and choose where you walk and cycle each day, just be sure to check the e-bike availability with the hotel as they have been reserved for your on the days specified in the itinerary.
Day 2 Sudrampe Walk
Today starts with a 25-minute train ride (payable locally) through the Lotschberg mountain rail tunnel (14km long) to Hohtenn. The walk takes you high above a youthful River Rhone, through a landscape of gorges and hidden side valleys - and small hillside villages boasting traditional wooden chalets built on the upper edges of this fertile, vineyard-adorned valley. You follow part of the Lotschberger-Sudrampe railway trail - superb railway engineering with impressive viaducts, tunnels and bridges - but you don't need to be a train buff to enjoy this great little hike. A shorter walk is also available.
Day 3 Gasterntal Valley by e-bike
Today it's a glorious bike ride into the unspoiled landscape of Gasterntal. With your e-bike follow the route along the river Kander taking the steep, unpaved road up to the Gasterntal, offering the most breath taking views. The road continues through the valley to Selden or you can carry on to Heimritz. The descent passes through dark tunnels as you head back to Kandersteg.
Day 4 Oeschinensee Walk
Widely regarded as the jewel in the crown of the Bernese Oberland, Oeschinensee is one of the most beautiful Alpine lakes in Switzerland. After a short ride up on the gondola lift (included), follow a marvellous mountain path up to the Heuberg Viewpoint and picnic spot. The cobalt blue water of the lake, surrounded by the snow-capped, razor-edged peaks of the Doldenhorn (3,638m) and the Bluemlisalphorn (3,663m) towering 2,000m above, will be a lasting memory. Call in at the mountain chalets at Obberbargli and Underbargli for refreshments and soak up this unforgettable scenery as bell-toting cows munch at the grass in the pastures below, while dainty waterfalls trickle down from the Frunden Glacier.
Day 5 Blausee Blue Lake Walk
A gentle hour's stroll takes you down to the Natural Park of Blausee - the Blue Lake (discounted entry with short boat ride). Here you can wander through verdant woodland around the little lake, visit the organic trout farm and enjoy a drink on the lake terrace before returning to the hotel.
Day 6 Gemmi Pass by e-bike
A glorious bike ride through the impressive Gemmi pass today. You'll soon discover the benefit of an e-bike as you cross the two Swiss counties of Bern and Wallis passing the crystal-clear Lake Arven, as well as the famous Schwarenbach hotel and the stunning Daubensee lake. Reaching the summit of the Gemmi pass take in the spectacular views of the eleven peaks above 4000m that make up the imposing Mischabel massif, an ample reward for your efforts.
Day 7 Ueschinental/Allmenalp by e-bike
Glorious views of the Bluemlisalp mountain range today. Climb uphill from Kandersteg with steep curves on the paved path to Usser Ueschinen where you head right in the direction of Ryharts - Allmenalp. Continue your ascent where you are rewarded for your efforts with more impressive views. Descend from the Allmenalp or if you fancy a rest, you and your bike can use the cable car and then enjoy the easy bike ride back to Kandersteg via Ryharts - Usser Ueschinen.
Day 8 Depart Kandersteg
The tour ends in Kandersteg.
