wonderland of winter – s7002

From Zürich by train to Davos Platz. Ride the funicular to the top of Schatzalp Mountain where your hotel is located at 1,861m. Afternoon to explore via the winter walking trails all around. Overnight Hotel Schatzalp.

Descent by funicular or toboggan(small suppl.) to the highest town in Europe, Davos. Browse the many art galleries, cafés, and shops or head for the winter sports areas surrounding Davos. In the early afternoon enjoy a 1-hour horse-drawn sleigh ride in one of the magical valleys nearby. In the unlikely event of insufficient snow down in the valley the sleigh will be replaced with a horse-drawn carriage ride. Overnight Hotel Schatzalp.

Travel by local train to Filisur. Board the scenic Glacier Express train to Brig. It may not be the quickest route but certainly the most scenic with breath-taking views along the way. From Brig, travel by regional train to Montreux – The City of Music. Overnight in Montreux.

Travel by Golden Pass train to the chalet town of Gstaad. Well known for its vast ski area the picture postcard winter sports resort is equally attractive to non-skiers, with it beautiful panoramic setting amidst the pristine alpine winter scenery. Soak up the atmosphere, go on one of the many winter walking trails or simply enjoy lunch in one of the excellent restaurants long established here. Optional excursion of Glacier 3000 is suggested. In the evening return to Montreux for overnight.

In the morning take time to explore Montreux with its serene lake side promenade. Visit the beautiful lake side Chillon Castle. In the afternoon board a train for the short transfer to Neuchâtel. Overnight in Neuchâtel.

Not far from Neuchâtel you will find the mystical valley of La Brévine where temperatures in winter have been known to drop to -40°C! Warm up with a short winter walking trail (approx.3km) which passes many typical farmhouses and the lake, Lac des Tailleres. After braving the cold, pick-up your ‘ice diploma’ at one of the restaurants in the valley and indulge in some local specialties. To earn the “Ice Diploma”, visitors typically complete a short winter walking trail, which passes typical farmhouses and the frozen Lac des Taillères. Kindly note that this is not an academic qualification but a commemorative item for visitors. Return and overnight in Neuchâtel.

After breakfast take a short rail transfer to Bern, Switzerland’s capital. Easily explored on foot, the city center feels like a step back in time with its cobbled streets, water fountains and century old buildings. Be sure to visit The Bear Pit, Einstein House and one of the cellar restaurants for an atmospheric dining experience. Overnight in Bern.

If your flight time allows do some last minute souvenir shopping in the quirky shops located in the ‘Lauben’ – Bern’s covered walkways. Rail transfer to Zürich and return home or continue onward journey.