Switzerland
Switzerland in a Nutshell: Cities and Peaks by Train
Program No. 22543RJ
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.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
11 days
10 nights
What's Included
19 meals (
9B, 5L, 5D
)
5 expert-led lectures
9 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
9 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Zurich, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Zurich
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel City Zürich
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Carrying luggage on/off trains. Depending on your choice of transportation to the hotel, walking 2 - 10 minutes.
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation meeting followed by dinner. 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.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Introduction to Switzerland, Free Time in Zurich
Location:
Zurich
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel City Zürich
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
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, the group leader will provide some information about the lake’s history.
Lunch:
Aboard the boat on Lake Zurich.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
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.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
4
Transfer to Chur via Appenzell & St. Gallen
Location:
Chur
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Stern
Activity Note
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 in Chur.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we will take the tram 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.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in St. Gallen, we’ll enjoy a typical plated Swiss lunch.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
At the hotel, we will enjoy a Swiss cheese specialty: fondue.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the afternoon.
Day
5
Chur, Transfer to Brig
Location:
Brig
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Adaastra Boutique Hotel
Activity Note
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 via bus directly to the hotel in Brig.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
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.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant in Chur.
Afternoon:
We will walk to the train station to begin our transfer to from Chur to Brig. Upon arrival, we’ll take a walk and check-in at the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Stockalper Castle, Free Time
Location:
Brig
Meals:
B
Stay:
Adaastra Boutique Hotel
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
After a walk to the lecture hall, we are joined by an expert and attend a lecture on the Alps, focusing on their geography, culture and challenges. Afterwards, 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.
Lunch:
On your own to explore the local fare.
Afternoon:
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.
Dinner:
On your own to sample more of the regional cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
7
Matterhorn, Transfer to Lausanne, Wine Tasting
Location:
Lausanne
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel des Voyageurs
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
Once checked out of the hotel, we will take a walk to the train station to board the train 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 Sunnegga, a small platform 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.
Lunch:
At a restaurant in Zermatt.
Afternoon:
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 the metro to the hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Lausanne, Lake Geneva, Free Time
Location:
Lausanne
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel des Voyageurs
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
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.
Lunch:
On your own to explore the local fare.
Afternoon:
Free time. You might like to visit a museum, or engage in some activities featuring the beautiful Lake Geneva!
Dinner:
On your own to sample more of the regional cuisine.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
9
Transfer to Basel, Jura Mountains
Location:
Basel
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Odelya
Activity Note
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. Luggage will be transported via bus directly to the hotel.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will take the metro to the train station and set out on a scenic train ride to Basel along Lake Biel, Lake Neuchâtel, and through the Jura Mountains.
Lunch:
Aboard the train, we’ll have packed lunches.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival in Basel, we will take a short bus 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.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
10
Basel, Cultural Heart of Switzerland
Location:
Basel
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Odelya
Activity Note
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.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
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.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time to continue exploring Basel on your own.
Dinner:
In the hotel dining room, we’ll enjoy a plated farewell dinner together and share your favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
11
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. Getting on/off train; ride to Zurich is about 1 hour. Carrying luggage on/off train. Getting in/out taxis; driving less than 1/2 hour. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
Hotel dining room.
Morning:
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!
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Please Note:
This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025 (Zurich to Basel)
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025 (Zurich to Basel)
Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025 (Zurich to Basel)
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 14, 2025 (Zurich to Basel)
Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025 (Zurich to Basel)
Oct 02, 2025 - Oct 12, 2025 (Zurich to Basel)
Oct 16, 2025 - Oct 26, 2025 (Zurich to Basel)
Apr 30, 2026 - May 10, 2026 (Zurich to Basel)
May 14, 2026 - May 24, 2026 (Zurich to Basel)
Jun 04, 2026 - Jun 14, 2026 (Zurich to Basel)
Aug 20, 2026 - Aug 30, 2026 (Zurich to Basel)
Sep 03, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026 (Zurich to Basel)
Sep 17, 2026 - Sep 27, 2026 (Zurich to Basel)
Oct 01, 2026 - Oct 11, 2026 (Zurich to Basel)
