Old Time Switzerland

Day 1 Early morning departure for the journey to Dover and the ferry to France. Continue south through France, making an overnight stop in the Reims area. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 2 Continue the journey south, crossing the border into Switzerland to the resort of Winterthur for a five night stay.

Days 3 to 6 We have included the following excursions:

• Travel to Zurich where you will meet a local guide for a walking tour through the old town. Marvel at its historic buildings and landmarks. Early afternoon embark on an historic paddle steamer for a 2 hour leisurely cruise, along Lake Zurich to the picturesque town of Rapperswil, where you can explore quaint cobbled streets. It is also known as the ‘City of Roses’ owing to the more than 16,000 that bloom between May and October in the gardens of the Capuchin monastery and on the “Schanz”.

• After breakfast drive to the ‘Flower Island’ of Mainau on Lake Constance, a tropical paradise including a Botanical Garden and a Baroque Palace housing one of the largest butterfly houses in Germany. Plenty of time to explore the stunning gardens whose themes change with the seasons. Afterwards, embark on a one hour cruise from the Island, sailing across Lake Constance via Meersburg. On arrival, there will be free time to explore the charming old town and see the impressive cathedral that looms over the city together with the buildings in the old town which are beautiful with fascinating, richly decorated bay windows and completely painted facades.

• Today travel to Lucerne where you will meet a local guide for a walking tour of the old town with its historic houses including a stroll across the famous Chapel Bridge. See the ‘Dying Lion’ marble monument carved into a rock face and created in honour of the Swiss Guards who died in the Storming of the Tuileries in Paris in 1792. Then take a leisurely 1 hour cruise across Lake Lucerne to Vitznau aboard an historic paddle steamer. At Vitznau you will join the Rigi Mountain cog-wheel railway for a ride to the summit of Mount Rigi (approx. 30 minutes). This was Europe’s first mountain railway and is a picturesque trip. At the summit, there will be free time to take in the amazing mountain views around Lake Lucerne before making the descent, again by cog-wheel train, but on the other side of the mountain to Arth-Goldau where the coach will be waiting to return you to the hotel.

• This morning explore St Gallen, with its UNESCO listed Cathedral and Abbey. Stroll along historic alleyways and lanes with their small shops and half-timbered buildings and see the 111 artistically carved bay windows in the old town. We have included a visit to the stunning Abbey Library, just one room in Switzerland’s most magnificent late baroque building and one of those few places in the world that will absolutely take your breath away with amazingly old books (the tour is self-guided and cloth slippers will be provided on entry to protect the beautiful wooden floor).
  Afterwards stroll around the town before departing for Appenzell, synonymous with the most beautiful Swiss traditions, such as yodelling, cheese, seasonal cattle processions and traditional dances. Marvel at magnificently decorated houses and living craftsmanship where you will find handmade woodcarvings and iconic traditional folk costume accessories. Round off the day with a visit and self-guided audio tour of the local brewery (Brauerei Locher) to learn about the art of brewing and how Appenzeller beer and Säntis malt are made from fresh water. After the tour enjoy an Appenzell beer tasting in the historic “Gnoss- Stöbli” before returning to the hotel for the final evening.

• Coach travel
• Return ferry crossings
• overnights dinner, bed and breakfast
• city tax

• 5 nights dinner, bed and breakfast in Winterthur
• Guided walking tour Zurich
• Paddle steamer cruise
• Entrance Mainau Island and Gardens
• One way boat trip Mainau Island/ Constance
• Guided walking tour Lucerne
• Cruise on Lake Lucerne
• Ride on Rigi Mountain Railway
• Entrance St. Gallen Abbey Library
• Tour & Tasting at Locher AG Brewery

Located in the centre of Winterthur close to the pedestrianised Old Town. All bedrooms have en-suite facilities, TV, WiFi, minibar and safe. Restaurant, bar and lounge area. The hotel also has a lift.