Hidden Gems Of Switzerland - Jg Explorer

Itinerary

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

Join us as we uncover Switzerland's lesser-known marvels and enchanting gems, hidden away from bustling paths, on this seven-day escape. From the tranquil shores of Lake Constance to the charming streets of Winterthur, the exquisite beauty of the Rhine Falls to the intricate architecture of St Gallen's Abbey District, our time here is filled with natural splendour, historical wonders and an insight into the unique culture of this country.

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

Ferry from Dover to Calais and journey onwards for our overnight stay in the Reims area.

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

We continue our journey and arrive in Winterthur in the mid-afternoon, which offers a blend of history, culture and peaceful green areas. Discover the iconic Stadthaus, an architectural masterpiece that serves as the city's town hall and the picturesque Old Town, where narrow cobblestone streets are lined with medieval buildings and charming boutiques. Take a stroll among beautifully maintained rose bushes in the Rosengarten or indulge in the culinary delights of traditional Swiss dishes and international flavours. Our short orientation tour allows us to find out more about the city's rich heritage. 

This evening we enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

The Rhine Falls, located near the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland, is the largest waterfall in Europe and travelling by train lets us experience the exquisite beauty of this country's landscape. We travel through picturesque Swiss countryside, enjoying views of quaint villages and lush forests, then spend a relaxing morning in Schaffhausen, before a visit to the IWC watchmaking museum. Learn about the history of the largest watchmakers in German-speaking Switzerland through a tour of the museum. The rest of the morning is ours to spend at leisure. Walk up to the Munot, Schaffhausen's historic fortress or stroll through the colourful Old Town.

After lunch, we make our way along the Rhine to nearby Neuhausen, a delightful town with stunning views and easy access to the waterfall.

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

We journey by coach to Brülisau and then take a cable car to Mount Hoher Kasten, a stunning peak in the Alpstein range. Its summit features a rotating restaurant where we can enjoy a hot drink while taking in the wonderful panoramic vistas, geological formations and diverse flora. We then continue to Appenzell, where we stop for lunch.

This afternoon, there's the chance to learn more about Appenzell's authentic Swiss culture on a guided tour. The town is famous for its beautifully painted wooden houses and traditional Swiss architecture, as well as quaint shops and cafes offering local specialities, such as Appenzeller cheese. We then visit a local brewery for a beer tasting experience.

Later on this evening, guests can choose to dine at the hotel or in Winterthur’s Old Town (not included).

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

This morning, we journey to St Gallen and head towards the Old Town and UNESCO World Heritage Abbey District, in which we are immersed in the medieval charm and the intricate details of the grand library and interiors that tell stories of the past. There's also time to explore other sides of St Gallen, such as the embroidery museum or relax at one of the quaint cafés.

After lunch in the town, we take the short journey to the shores of Lake Constance, stopping at the cosy town of Arbon. Here, we take a stroll to pass by the traditional houses on the relaxing lakefront and admire the view that stretches to the German shore of Lake Constance.

Our journey takes us through the scenic Thurgau countryside back to the hotel, where a farewell dinner awaits this evening.

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

This morning, we begin our journey home, stopping en route to make the most of our beautiful surroundings. Our first stop, Rapperswil, is adorned with rose gardens and enveloped by stunning views of the lake. After exploring here, we continue our journey along the shores of Lake Zurich. Take a moment to enjoy the serene atmosphere and lush greenery before we continue to our overnight in the Nancy area, with dinner at our hotel.

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

We stop en route in the Reims area for lunch (not included) before we continue to Calais for our return ferry home.

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

• Return coach travel & ferry crossings
• Overnight stay on a bed & breakfast basis in the Reims area (JG4 rating)
• 4 nights at the Park Hotel Winterthur, Winterthur (JG4 rating) with breakfast (includes welcome & farewell dinners)
• Overnight stay at a selected hotel in the Nancy area (JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfast
• Orientation tour of Winterthur
• Excursions to Rhine Falls, Appenzell, Mount Hoher Kasten, St Gallen & Lake Constance
• En-route visits to Rapperswil, Lake Zurich & Reims
• Services of a tour manager

Hidden Gems of Switzerland

• Orientation tour of Winterthur
• Excursions to Rhine Falls, Appenzell, Mount Hoher Kasten, St Gallen & Lake Constance
• En-route visits to Rapperswil, Lake Zurich & Reims

JG Explorer Coaches

We are pleased to introduce JG Explorer – a brand-new deluxe coach, thoughtfully designed to provide an elevated coach experience and ensure your journey is special and memorable.

Exclusive to the JG Travel Group, the design of these coaches has been meticulously thought through with your comfort in mind – with only 44 seats meaning more room on board and padded seats. There’s improved legroom and a footrest, making certain that wherever you sit, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your journey. We know it’s the small things that make a big difference in terms of ease and added convenience, so our JG Explorer coaches feature a floor-level, rear-mounted toilet, accessible to all customers.

On-board entertainment throughout your journey is easy to find on the JG Explorer, with access to Azimut, our wireless media system, providing films and quizzes. Simply bring along your smartphone or iPad and enjoy this entertainment interruption-free, with the use of our extra reliable Wi-Fi, free to all passengers and a handy USB port at each seat.

The layout of the JG Explorer includes a floor-level, rear-mounted kitchen with a sink, an espresso machine to purchase delicious Nespresso coffee, dispensed by your driver during comfort breaks, and a fridge stocked with cold drinks and milk. Customers are welcome to help themselves to complimentary JG bottles, that can be used for refill at the built-in cold-water filter, cutting down on the need for disposable plastic bottles and doing our part for the environment.

Accommodation

Park Hotel, Winterthur, Switzerland JG4

The Park Hotel Winterthur is situated within beautifully landscaped gardens, yet is a convenient two-minute walk to the Old Town. Bedrooms are sleek and comfortable, and amenities include a walk-in shower, a flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and a free mini bar. The restaurant Bloom offers fine dining options, while the bar provides drinks and snacks. Guests can enjoy the on-site gym and sauna.

Hotel Rating

Accommodation in our JG4 category is of an even higher standard, typically offering a wide range of facilities and services. Bedrooms are designed to make your stay the most comfortable possible and the staff provide a service that reflects the detail and quality. You can also expect higher standards of food and beverages.