Highlights
- Learn how to make cheese fondue in Geneva
- Ride a rotating cable car to Mount Titlis's summit
- Meet medieval characters at Château de Chillon
- Witness Santa's sleigh flying over Montreux
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Zürich, Visit Markets, Fondue Cruise | Zürich |
| Day 2 | Train to Lucerne, Mount Titlis Trip, Visit Markets | Lucerne |
| Day 3 | Train to Montreux, Château de Chillon, Visit Markets | Montreux |
| Day 4 | Train to Geneva, Cooking Class, Visit Markets | Geneva |
| Day 5 | Explore Geneva, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Zürich, Visit Markets, Fondue Cruise
Grüezi! Welcome to Zürich, Switzerland's largest city! Hop on a 15-minute train from the airport and refresh at your hotel before exploring the Christmas markets in the Altstadt's (Old Town's) winding streets and medieval squares. Indulge in glühwein (mulled wine), treats, and gift shopping at Weihnachtsmarkt Dörfli, then head to Werdmühleplatz for the singing Christmas tree of carolers. Finally, marvel at the train station's 50-foot (15 m) high tree sparkling with Swarovski crystals.
Once you're all stocked up with Christmas goodies, escape the evening chill on a cozy three-hour cheese fondue cruise on Lake Zurich. Indulge in gooey fondue or savory raclette (grilled cheese) paired with fine wines and tasty teas, then venture up on deck for some fresh air and the serene beauty of one of Switzerland's largest lakes.
Day 2: Train to Lucerne, Mount Titlis Trip, Visit Markets
This morning, catch a 45-minute train to Lucerne (known locally in this German-speaking region as Luzern), check into your hotel, and then join a guided coach tour to Engelberg for a full day on Mount Titlis. Soar to the 9,908-foot (3,020 m) summit on the Xpress gondola and the Rotair—a revolving cable car with 360-degree views. Explore the Glacier Cave, brave the Cliff Walk (Europe's highest suspension bridge), and ride the Ice Flyer chairlift to Glacier Park for snow tubing fun.
Afterward, return to Lucerne and refresh before rugging up for an evening of festive magic at Lucerne Christmas Market in the historic Altstadt. Sip on glühwein and sample fondue as you browse the miniature village of twinkling wooden chalets with its giant Advent wreath. Nearby, check out the artisanal Craft Market, then head to Rudolf's Christmas Extravaganza in Inseli Park.
Day 3: Train to Montreux, Chateau de Chillon, Visit Markets
Step back in time today at the medieval Château de Chillon on Lake Geneva's (Lac Léman's) shoreline. Catch a three-hour train to Montreux, drop your bags at your hotel, then follow your period-attired guide, uncovering tales of old, hidden passageways, stone-vaulted Gothic cellars, and the prison of the monk Bonivard. Imagine life as a servant, a Bernese castellan, or even the Duchess of Savoy as you immerse yourself in this fun-filled castle tour.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Train to Geneva, Cooking Class, Visit Markets
Don an apron and channel your inner Swiss chef for this morning's cheese fondue cooking class with a professional chef. Catch a 1.5-hour train to Geneva, settle into your hotel, then set off to learn the secret art of cooking Switzerland's national dish. Enjoy a tasting during the shorter cooking class, or choose the more extended version with lunch included. Either way, your taste buds win.
Day 5: Explore Geneva, Depart
Check out of your hotel this morning and wander through the Vieille Ville's (Old Town's) cobbled streets adorned with festive decorations. Discover winter delights in quaint shops, then stroll along Lake Geneva's snow-kissed shores, marveling at the Jet d'Eau fountain's icy veil. Play giant chess at Parc des Bastions and flex your culture muscle at the Museum of Art and History and the Red Cross Museum.
For lunch, savor a hearty soup at one of the charming lakeside restaurants while staying warm and cozy, then excite your taste buds at a Swiss chocolaterie (chocolate shop). Finally, indulge in seasonal treats and find artisanal treasures at the Plainpalais Christmas Market. As afternoon rolls around, it's time to say farewell! Catch a train or bus to the airport, only 2.5 miles (4 km) from downtown Geneva. Safe travels!
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