Swiss Alps Family Adventure

Upon arrival in Zürich, transfer to Interlaken and check in to our hotel. Stretch our legs this afternoon during a short orientation walk of the hotel surroundings. We kick off our adventure this evening during a welcome reception and dinner.

This morning, delight in our first Swiss train ride along Lake Thun and into the mountains to the village of Kandersteg. From there, we walk to a mountain gondola and ascend further for a hike to beautiful Oeschinen Lake. Take in the stunning views, then hike back to the lift to return to Kandersteg for lunch. Return by train to Interlaken for an evening at leisure.

This morning, choose either a guided walk to see the city’s most popular sights or a chocolate tour of Bern. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on our own with time for independent exploration before returning to Interlaken by train at leisure.

Highlights of the walking tour include the clock tower; the Einstein House, where the physicist lived 1903–1905 and developed his Theory of Relativity; and the Cathedral of Bern, a stunning example of late Gothic architecture. At the Bern Historical Museum, designed by architect André Lambert, see exhibits representing the history of Bern from prehistoric times to the present.

For the chocolate tour, we follow in the footsteps of Bern’s chocolate pioneers, including Tobler, Bloch, Suchard, and Wander. Indulge in a chocolate tasting at Casa Nobile, a contemporary producer that is regarded as one of the best in Switzerland. Continue to the former factory of Rudolphe Lindt and conclude at the Bärenpark, where we see the famous Berner bears who enjoy their home along the rushing Aare River.

Venture today to Grindelwald, a Swiss town famous as both a ski and summer resort, lying at the base of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger mountains. Walk through town to the gondola and head up to First, a minor summit on the slopes of the Schwarzhorn Alp. We enjoy lunch at the summit and venture along the cliff walk to the lookout platform reaching 150 feet out into the void. Descend the mountain by zip line, glider, mountain cart, or trottibike—everyone chooses their own adventure! Later, while young explorers meet in their groups, adults enjoy a guest lecture on the history and techniques involved in producing Swiss wine. Learn why only one percent of the country’s wine production leaves Switzerland.

A guest speaker joins us this morning to talk about mountain climbing in the Bernese Oberland. Afterwards, take a rail journey to Lauterbrunnen followed by a cable car ride to Grütschalp. Hike along a scenic trail, enjoying spectacular views of the Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger on our way to Mürren. After free time in the village, journey up to the Schilthorn for a different view of the Jungfrau Massif. Stop at the Birg station to experience the Thrill Walk cliff walkway suspended over the dramatic vertical drop. Featured in the James Bond film, At Her Majesty’s Service, the summit is filled with memorabilia and activities related to 007. Enjoy lunch on our own, then return to Interlaken by cable car, bus, and train.

The day is free for independent exploration in and around Interlaken—perhaps heading up the Harder Kulm Mountain, or visiting the Ballenberg Museum, an open-air museum that documents the country’s everyday rural and commercial life. Rejoin the group for dinner together at a local restaurant.

Once again by train, travel to the town of Meiringen, which lies to the southeast of Lake Brienz. Take the funicular to the Reichenbach Falls, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictitious detective, Sherlock Holmes, plunged to his death in his book, The Final Problem. Visit the museum dedicated to Holmes and Conan Doyle, who spent many vacations in Meiringen. Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in one of the oldest Alpine establishments in Switzerland, the Rosenlaui Hotel. Afterwards, hike through the sculpted slate and limestone walls along the rushing stream of the Weissenbach River in the Rosenlaui Glacier Gorge. Return by bus and train through Meiringen back to Interlaken. Toast our Swiss adventure at a farewell reception and dinner at the hotel this evening. 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Zürich to check in for flights returning home.