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Switzerland

From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland

Program No. 24645RJ
Walk through the beauty and history of Switzerland on easy-going hikes that will lead you through Swiss mountains, culture and cuisine.
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Start
Walking/HikingOutdoor AdventuresSmall Group
Length
13 days
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Starts at
5,899
Flights start at
1,000

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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
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
24 meals ( 11B, 7L, 6D )
1 expert-led lecture
19 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; up to one and a half hours riding time to Appenzell. Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. We may store our luggage with the front desk until rooms are ready. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. 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. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will be supported by a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Except for longer transfers that will be via private motorcoach, most program-related travel will be via public transportation. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. 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.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, total riding of approx. 30 minutes, over 9.4 miles. Ride up and down with gondola, riding approx. 20 minutes. Up to 2.3 miles of walking for 1.5 – 2 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 650 feet (200m).
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we travel to Wasserauen and take the gondola up to Ebenalp (5394 ft / 1644 m). From there, we start our loop hike towards the “Wildkirchli”. Pass through these prehistoric caves and get to the guesthouse Aescher, known from the cover of National Geographic’s 2015 Edition of “Places of a lifetime”.
Lunch:
At a mountain hut.
Afternoon:
After finishing lunch, we return to Ebenalp and take the gondola back down to Wasserauen. From there, we take public transportation back toward Appenzell. Once we arrive in Appenzell, We will stop and spend the afternoon at a local bakery learning about the traditional “Biberli” treats. A local expert will teach us everything about the treats and the bakery’s history before we get a hands-on experience of how the delight is created.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, total riding of approx. 1.5 hrs, over 21 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads. In the afternoon up to 1.6 miles of walking for 1 hour on roads (asphalt) and natural trails. The path has a gentle ascent and descent. Minor elevation changes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today, we spend the day in the beautiful city of St. Gallen. By public train we reach the city, which is known for its Abbey, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and with a unique charm. It is also home of the renowned University of St. Gallen, one of the top business schools in Europe. As an introduction to the town, we take part in a guided tour of the city by a local expert.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant we will experience a traditional light St. Gallen lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we take a short walk on one of the hills surrounding St. Gallen. From our walk, we get a fantastic panorama of the city and see all the way to Lake Constance. When we return to the city center, you can enjoy some free time in St. Gallen and make an individual return to Appenzell by public train.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, public bus and gondola, total riding of approx. 25 minutes, over 4.5 miles. Up to 3.5 miles of walking for up to 2.5 hours on mountain trails including uneven terrain, tree roots, and rocks, as well as some asphalt roads. Elevation changes approx. 1200 feet ascend. The ascent will be mostly gradual, but there is one steep section on this trail.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the hotel and make our way by public transport toward Urnäsch and Schwägalp. We will get off of the bus at a stop between Urnäsch and Schwägalp to begin our hike at the foot of Mount Säntis. Take in the surrounding green forests as we (gradually) ascend along the old pass making our way closer and closer to Mount Säntis and the valley station in Schwägalp.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
Upon arriving in Schwägalp, we take the gondola up to the top of Mount Säntis, where we are met with spectacular views. Due to its impressive height and location, it is widely visible and is considered the landmark of the area. The mountain’s importance to the region is also evident in the fact that the whole region used to be called Canton Säntis under Napoleon’s rule. We will learn about the mountain and many other topics in the interactive museum. We will take the gondola back down to Schwägalp and return to Appenzell by public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, total riding of approx. 2.5 hours, over 106 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll will check out of the hotel and prepare to transfer by private coach but before leaving Appenzell, we will take some time to visit the local farmer’s market. After our visit, we will board our motorcoach and travel to Chur, known as the oldest town in Switzerland. People have been living in this area for thousands of years. This regional capital is also the entrance to the mountain region Graubünden. Therefore, many important paths lead through Chur and gave it a unique character. Upon arrival, take some time to explore independently and have a bite to eat.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will meet at a predetermined time and location for a walking field trip of this this cozy mountain town with a local expert. At the conclusion of our walk, we will continue our transfer by private coach into the mountains and the Engadin until we reach Pontresina, our home for the next few days. During the transfer, we get a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel. Take some time to freshen up before meeting the group for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and gondola, total riding of approx. 1. 5 hours. Up to 2 miles of walking for 1 hour on gravel and mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 35 feet (10m) ascend and approx. 590 ft (180 m) descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the morning, we take public transport to Ospizio Bernina where we will start our panoramic hike towards Alp Grüm. Following the train lines, the path is accompanied by stunning views of the surrounding mountains, Palü Glacier before opening up to the Valposchiavo.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch on your own. There will be a chance to pick up lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
From Alp Grüm, we take the train back to visit Diavolezza. By gondola, we reach the top (9754 feet) to get a spectacular view of the surrounding glaciers. Once we had our fill of the splendid panorama, we return to the hotel by gondola and public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, funicular and chairlift, total riding of approx. 25 minutes, over 4.5 miles. Up to 4.3 miles of walking for 2.5 – 3 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 950 feet (290m) ascend and approx. 550 ft (160 m) descend. NOTE: For those wary of heights, the chairlift will be the only way to Pontresina for the start of today’s hike.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the morning, we take the Chair lift from Pontresina to Alp Languard. From there, we start our breathtaking hike towards Muottas Muragl (8048 feet).
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
After reaching Muottag Murgal, we take funiculare down to Punt Muragl. This funicular is the oldest mountain railway in the Engadin and provides us with a stunning view while descending into the valley. At the bottom, we take the train to Zuoz, where we visit the oldest coffee roastery in the area. At the end of the visit, we return to Pontresina by public transport.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train or public bus, cog railway and gondola; total combined travel time on all transportation methods is approx. 1.5 hours. Up to 2.75 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 325 feet (100m) ascend and 675 ft (205 m) descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
From the hotel, we will take public transportation to St. Moritz and then board the gondola up to the starting point of today’s hike. We will hike along the mountain to the cog railway station. Here, we will take the cog railway and another gondola up to Piz Nair (10,026 feet) to take in the stunning panorama over St. Moritz and the surrounding area. We will then return to St. Moritz by gondola and cog railway.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon:
The remainder of the afternoon is free time to see on your own, what St. Moritz has to offer. You can visit the Segantini Museum where you get to see the work of the famous painter Giovanni Segantini, who was known as the master of mountain painting. Or look for St. Moritz’ Olympic history as it is one of only a few places that held the Olympic Games more than once. Do what you like before taking the train back to Pontresina on your own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, total riding of approx. 3 hours, over 82 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the visit of the Palazzo.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to Lugano. We will travel over the Maloja Pass (5945 ft) with its stunning views to Lugano and the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. In the morning, we make a stop at a Palazzo that has now been turned into a museum. Situated close to the Italian border, the shows the cultural blend of the region. After the visit, we continue our transfer and drive into Italy.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We continue our transfer to Lugano. After checking in to the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach and funicular, total motorcoach ride approx. 45 min. Riding up and down by funicular, total ride approx. 16 min. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We get to know Lugano during a city tour by a local expert. Learn about the town which is located at the shore of Lake Lugano and showing its Mediterranean flair. While on the tour, we also take the funicular up to Mount San Salvatore (2992 ft) to see the magnificent panorama. Returning to Lugano city center, you get some free time to discover according to your heart’s desire.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will regroup at a designated time and location to make our way to a local winery and learn about the local wine production by an expert. In such a setting, the wine tasting is not missing. At the end, we return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public boat, total riding of approx. 30 minutes. Up to 3.2 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on tarmac roads and footpaths. Elevation changes approx. 300 feet (92m) ascend, and 275 feet (84m) descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We start our hike at the hotel and walk towards Castagnola. There, we hike the olive grove trail to Gandria. During this easy hike, we follow the fascinating coast of the lake Lugano through olive groves to catch the boat that takes us to our lunch destination. Guided by a local expert, we will take part in a Risotto workshop at a local grotto.
Lunch:
Enjoy the dishes we created in the workshop at our Farewell Lunch.
Afternoon:
A short walk from the grotto lies the Swiss Border and Customs Museum. Due to its small size we will take turns visiting this charming museum that tells us about the relationship between the two bordering countries in the region. We also will take some time to walk a small path to the Italian border and take a few steps into Italy. Afterwards, we will return to Lugano by boat. Enjoy some free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 10:30 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
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 another rewarding program 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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