Overview
The enchanting regions of southern Switzerland are a tapestry of storybook villages and dreamlike settings stitched together by railways, lakes, and fantastic hiking trails. On this special Private Journey, you’ll visit charming lake towns framed by purple wisteria and candy-colored wildflowers and mountain villages surrounded by snow-capped alpine peaks. Hike above Lugano in the Ticino region, looking out over Italy’s Lake Como, skirt along valleys and mountains in Upper Engadine’s St. Moritz, ride the famed Glacier Express to Zermatt, and finish with a walk among edelweiss at the foot of the sky-piercing Matterhorn. Everything will be perfectly paced for your group, creating a wonderful blend of hiking and cultural adventures in Italian-infused Swiss towns and mountain oases. Overnights are in charming hotels with optional upgrades, showcasing the best of each region and set within walking distance of lovely town centers. Join us!
Days 1-3
Lugano / Monte Lema / Bavona
Arrive in Lugano, a lovely lakeside city that blends Old World charm and modern sophistication, with nearby hikes to Monte San Salvatore, Monte Lema, and Monte Tamaro, all brimming with magnificent views of the Swiss and Savoy Alps. You'll also visit the Valley of Bavona and the ethereal Foroglio waterfall. Overnights in Lugano.
Lugano / Monte Lema / Bavona - Days 1-3
Hotel Delfino
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Lugano, SwitzerlandSurrounded by lemon trees and located near the edge of Lake Lugano, Hotel Delfino is a charming respite with easy access to the lakefront. Guestrooms have balconies overlooking either Lake Lugano or Mount San Salvatore, and offer cozy beds and tiled bathrooms. Enjoy a stroll to Lugano’s old town or opt to relax at the pool with views of the lake.
Novotel Lugano (Optional Upgrade)
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Lugano, SwitzerlandThe modern Novotel Lugano, set within walking distance of downtown Lugano, is a wonderful hotel with WiFi throughout and contemporary furnishings. Guestrooms have great views of Lugano and surrounding mountains of the Ticino region. The hotel also has an outdoor heated swimming pool for a relaxing dip. If you’re looking for some warm-up cardio before your hikes, there is a good gym with all the necessities.
Day 4
Palm Express to St. Moritz
Take the Palm Express train to St. Moritz, one of the most famous and opulent of alpine towns. When the snow comes, this places is a winter haven for skiers and snow bunnies, yet the town still sees an average of 322 days of sunshine.
Palm Express to St. Moritz - Day 4
Hotel Piz
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), St. Moritz, SwitzerlandNestled on the edge of downtown St. Moritz is Hotel Piz, a minimalistic hotel with a modern atmosphere. Enjoy free WiFi in the cozy mountain-lodge lobby and unwind in your guestroom looking out to lovely St. Moritz's shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out their pool and spa for ultimate relaxation and enjoy a beer and pizza at the hotel pizzeria during your free time.
Hotel Steffani (Optional Upgrade)
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), St. Moritz, SwitzerlandOwned and operated by three generations of the Marky family, Hotel Steffani stands in the middle of St. Moritz with three restaurants and three bars—one that is located in a cellar. Guestrooms feature beautiful pinewood and stone accents that complement the mountain ambience, while the lobby has traditional Swiss furnishings for a warm welcome. If you have time, unwind in the indoor pool and spa.
Day 5-6
Muottas Muragl / Lake Sgrischus
A hike to Muottas Muragl is a great place to switch into high-altitude mountain hiking. A narrow path that skirts along steep slopes above the mountain’s treeline brings you to this peak, and the following day’s hike leads you to the brilliantly blue waters of Lake Sgrischus.
Muottas Muragl / Lake Sgrischus - Day 5-6
Hotel Piz
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), St. Moritz, SwitzerlandNestled on the edge of downtown St. Moritz is Hotel Piz, a minimalistic hotel with a modern atmosphere. Enjoy free WiFi in the cozy mountain-lodge lobby and unwind in your guestroom looking out to lovely St. Moritz's shops and restaurants. Be sure to check out their pool and spa for ultimate relaxation and enjoy a beer and pizza at the hotel pizzeria during your free time.
Hotel Steffani (Optional Upgrade)
Days 4 to 6 (3 nights), St. Moritz, SwitzerlandOwned and operated by three generations of the Marky family, Hotel Steffani stands in the middle of St. Moritz with three restaurants and three bars—one that is located in a cellar. Guestrooms feature beautiful pinewood and stone accents that complement the mountain ambience, while the lobby has traditional Swiss furnishings for a warm welcome. If you have time, unwind in the indoor pool and spa.
Day 7
Glacier Express
The Glacier Express—renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful train rides—rolls through the Upper Engadine and traverses at 6,700-feet through the mountains of the Bernese Oberland. You’ll board the train and take the meandering 7.5-hour ride through a series of tunnels en route to Zermatt, home to Switzerland’s most famous icon, the Matterhorn.
Glacier Express - Day 7
Hotel Bristol
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Zermatt, SwitzerlandOne of the great things about the alpine village of Zermatt is wherever you are, you are always close to a great view of the iconic Matterhorn. This is one of the reasons we love Hotel Bristol. Not only is it set on a colorful street, it also has guestrooms with views of the Matterhorn or the village. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the town center, where you can explore to your heart’s content. The hotel also has a good breakfast buffet and fast WiFi.
Fleurs de Zermatt (Optional Upgrade)
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Zermatt, SwitzerlandJust a 5-minute walk from the Zermatt train station, this welcoming family-run hotel has modern, spacious rooms with impressive Matterhorn views. The breakfast buffet is excellent, with a wide range of options, and the staff offers complimentary tea/cakes in the afternoons. There is also a good spa, sauna, and heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The hotel’s Matterhorn Lounge, with its crackling wood fire, is a great place to relax with a drink.
Day 8
Matterhorn
In true Swiss fashion, you’ll look for the popular and beautiful flower, the edelweiss, during today’s hike at the foot of the Matterhorn. Enjoy the sights of wooden chalets, green fields, and snow-capped mountains as you make your way on stunning trails with absolutely breathtaking scenery.
Matterhorn - Day 8
Hotel Bristol
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Zermatt, SwitzerlandOne of the great things about the alpine village of Zermatt is wherever you are, you are always close to a great view of the iconic Matterhorn. This is one of the reasons we love Hotel Bristol. Not only is it set on a colorful street, it also has guestrooms with views of the Matterhorn or the village. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the town center, where you can explore to your heart’s content. The hotel also has a good breakfast buffet and fast WiFi.
Fleurs de Zermatt (Optional Upgrade)
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Zermatt, SwitzerlandJust a 5-minute walk from the Zermatt train station, this welcoming family-run hotel has modern, spacious rooms with impressive Matterhorn views. The breakfast buffet is excellent, with a wide range of options, and the staff offers complimentary tea/cakes in the afternoons. There is also a good spa, sauna, and heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The hotel’s Matterhorn Lounge, with its crackling wood fire, is a great place to relax with a drink.
Days 9-10
Gornergrat / Depart
Your final hiking day begins with a splendid ride on Europe’s highest open-air cogwheel railway, the Gornergrat Bahn. The train crosses more than five miles of alpine meadows, wonderful bridges and tunnels, and brings you to the start of your scenic hike around the Gornergrat. Depart on Day 10.
Gornergrat / Depart - Days 9-10
Hotel Bristol
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Zermatt, SwitzerlandOne of the great things about the alpine village of Zermatt is wherever you are, you are always close to a great view of the iconic Matterhorn. This is one of the reasons we love Hotel Bristol. Not only is it set on a colorful street, it also has guestrooms with views of the Matterhorn or the village. The hotel is only a 5-minute walk to the town center, where you can explore to your heart’s content. The hotel also has a good breakfast buffet and fast WiFi.
Fleurs de Zermatt (Optional Upgrade)
Days 7 to 9 (3 nights), Zermatt, SwitzerlandJust a 5-minute walk from the Zermatt train station, this welcoming family-run hotel has modern, spacious rooms with impressive Matterhorn views. The breakfast buffet is excellent, with a wide range of options, and the staff offers complimentary tea/cakes in the afternoons. There is also a good spa, sauna, and heated indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The hotel’s Matterhorn Lounge, with its crackling wood fire, is a great place to relax with a drink.
Switzerland Private Journey
