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!
The Swiss Alps are magnificent and all the mountain villages were superb. Lugano provided a good lakeside experience with great hikes and views in the area. Diana was a very skilled guide who handled issues with the weather and our group of mostly elder hikers with grace and skill. Thank you for arranging this trip. WT has lived up to its reputation again.
— Roger B., Pleasant Hill, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Switzerland Private Journey
