9-Nights Gruyeres, Lucerne & Zurich: Swiss Culinary Delights - Food & Drink, Custom Groups of 10+ from $4,750

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Zurich to Lucerne

Touch down at Zurich Airport and take a seamless, scenic train ride to the jewel of central Switzerland: Lucerne. Nestled between lake and mountains, Lucerne blends fairy-tale charm with modern sophistication. Check into your 4-star hotel and enjoy a day of discovery at your own pace—perhaps walk along the medieval Chapel Bridge, explore local boutiques, or take in sunset views from the city’s historic walls.

Hotel: Continental Park Hotel (4 Star Rating)

This modern hotel is the place to be for individual travellers and seminar guests. The hotel believes that excellent hospitality is achieved when performance and attention to detail go hand-in hand. It is conveniently located in the centre of Lucerne city, surrounded by quite side roads, opposite to the main train station and beside Vogeligarten park.

Start your day with a guided stroll through Lucerne’s enchanting Old Town. Discover hidden frescoes, centuries-old churches, and the lively riverside squares that define this cultural hub. In the afternoon, dive into the world of Swiss chocolate with a hands-on workshop led by master chocolatiers. Learn the art of tempering, molding, and decorating your own chocolate bars, and of course—taste your creations alongside expertly crafted pralines.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Board a lake steamer for a relaxing morning cruise across Lake Lucerne’s glassy waters to Flüelen, where the Alps rise dramatically around you. Then transfer to the elegant Gotthard Panorama Express—traveling first class through spiral tunnels, lush valleys, and mountain vistas en route to Lugano. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and begin enjoying the Italian ambiance: palm trees, piazzas, and a refined lakeside promenade. Dinner is at your leisure—consider sampling risotto, lake fish, or Ticinese specialties at a local grotto.

Hotel: Hotel de la Paix Lugano (4 Star Rating)

The Hotel de la Paix is located close to Lake Lugano and at a walking distance from the city center, 5 km from the Lugano-Agno airport, 1 km from the train station and offers exclusively to its guests a large private parking. Its multilingual staff will be delighted to welcome you with warmth and cordiality.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Explore Lugano’s sunny, Mediterranean-style elegance on a guided walking tour, visiting lakeside parks, elegant churches, and bustling markets. Then board a tranquil boat cruise across Lake Lugano, where pastel villas dot the hills and mountains shimmer in the distance.

Your next stop is a hands-on risotto workshop, where you’ll learn to prepare this Northern Italian classic under the guidance of a local chef. Stir, season, and savour your creation with fresh herbs, local cheese, and a glass of regional wine.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, take the train to Bellinzona, a UNESCO-listed gem known for its three medieval castles and rich culinary heritage. Join your expert guide for a flavourful walking tour of gourmet delis, charming cafés, and family-run wine bars. Sample Ticino’s best-loved products—cured meats, cheeses, chestnut pastries, and bold red wines straight from the barrel. Return to Lugano for a relaxing evening, perhaps sipping aperitivo with a lakeside view.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Travel to Locarno and board the Centovalli Express, one of Europe’s most scenic rail routes. Wind through deep gorges, across vine-clad slopes, and over 80 bridges as you journey through the “Hundred Valleys.” Change trains in Domodossola and Brig en route to Sierre, a hidden gem in the heart of the Valais wine region. Walk to Château de Villa, a stately manor where a sommelier-led tasting introduces you to distinctive regional wines. Then, indulge in a traditional 3-course raclette lunch, featuring molten cheese served tableside with classic Swiss accompaniments. Continue to Lausanne by train, arriving in the elegant Riviera capital on Lake Geneva.

Hotel: Hôtel de la Paix Lausanne (4 Star Rating)

This 4 star hotel is located in the city centre of Lausanne and was established in 1910. It is close to the Old Town and the nearest station is St Fransois. The Hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a conference room and a coffee shop. All 112 rooms are equipped with minibar, hairdryer, safe, ironing set and air conditioning.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, take a train to Vevey and board the “Train des Vignes”, a picturesque local line that winds through the Lavaux vineyards, Switzerland’s most prestigious wine region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop for a tasting at a family-run winery perched above Lake Geneva, where rows of vines stretch down to the water and the Alps rise beyond. Learn about Chasselas, Lavaux’s signature white varietal, while sipping and soaking up the views. Return to Vevey and stroll to the lakefront for a scenic boat cruise back to Lausanne—the perfect end to a day of sensory delight.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Today, venture by private coach into the countryside for a sweet and savoury cultural immersion. Begin at Maison Cailler, Switzerland’s most iconic chocolate factory. Learn the story of Swiss chocolate, taste your way through the production process, and bring home gourmet souvenirs. Then, continue to the storybook village of Gruyères, crowned by its medieval castle and famed for its world-renowned cheese. Enjoy free time to explore the cobblestone streets and picturesque surroundings. Consider lunch at a traditional chalet restaurant serving fondue or rösti before returning to Lausanne.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Spend your final full day exploring Lausanne and the Lake Geneva region however you please. Visit the Olympic Museum, stroll the waterfront Ouchy promenade, or take a short train ride to the majestic Chillon Castle—all accessible with your Swiss Travel Pass. This is your chance to unwind, revisit a favourite café, or do some last-minute shopping before tomorrow’s departure.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Enjoy a final Swiss breakfast before boarding the train to Geneva Airport for your flight home. As you journey through the vineyards and lakes of Western Switzerland one last time, reflect on a journey filled with flavour, culture, and unforgettable experiences.