ALPINE ASCENT OF SWITZERLAND & ITALY

The epicures in our group rejoice today. We board a train bound for Gruyères, a town famous for the cheese named after it. And, also for the chocolate it produces. At La Maison du Gruyère, we learn how the cheese is made, and also taste some there and then. We return to Montreux for dinner.

We board a train for the short journey from Montreux to Le Châtelard. Our waiting coach then guides us through the mountains and on to the small village of Täsch. From here, the only way of reaching car-free Zermatt is by the dedicated shuttle train. Upon setting foot in the idyllic resort town, we check in to Hotel National Zermatt for the first of our two nights here. Relax and take the afternoon, as well as the evening, at your own pace.

Once a small farming town, Zermatt developed at a frenetic pace after the first ascent of the Matterhorn was made in 1865. We set out on a walking tour of the village this morning, before climbing aboard yet another train for our journey to Gornergrat. Our elevation increases gradually as we wind our way around the mountain and pass behind small villages, the rocky ridge of Gornergrat always in sight. As we reach our destination, we’re afforded expansive views of the Monte Rossa massif from an altitude of 3,089 metres. From here, we can also easily make out the Gorner Glacier and the Matterhorn, as well as over 20 other mountains, each standing at more than 4,000 metres in elevation. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own schedule. This evening, enjoy some traditional regional cuisine in our hotel’s restaurant.

Today, we set out on another legendary train journey, the Glacier Express, from Zermatt to St Moritz. Lunch is served on board the train and we arrive in St Moritz at 5pm. We check in to our home for two nights, the Kulm Hotel, whose dining room holds the distinction of being the first room in Switzerland to be lit by electricity. No such innovation is required to enhance the scenery during our stay here, however, with each of us guaranteed a room with Lake St Moritz views.

We relax in the comfort of our grand lodgings, whose founder is credited as one of the pioneers of winter tourism. After a light lunch, we head out to inspect the town before taking a funicular to the summit of Muottas Muragl. From here, we enjoy sweeping views of the Engadine Valley and its lakes. Tonight, dinner is in a mountain restaurant on Muottas Muragl.

Today, we travel to nearby Pontresina and board the Bernina Express. On one of life’s great short train journeys, we roll south and shortly cross the border into Italy. Glaciers and crystal-clear lakes make up the scenery along the way. In between these remarkable sights, our train also passes over steep valleys along the region’s vertiginous bridges. Lunch is enjoyed in the quiet town of Tirano, with superb views of the Alps. After some time to explore, we continue our journey, boarding a coach for Bellagio. On arrival, we recognise our glorious residence, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, a sight to behold on the shores of Lake Como. With only two nights here, be sure to indulge in the fine cuisine of our hotel’s restaurant.

Enjoy a walk along Bellagio’s narrow laneways this morning, glancing up towards colourful terrace houses, whose balconies are adorned with terracotta-potted plants. On the edge of Bellagio’s sun-drenched squares, we browse the wares of restaurants, boutiques and artisanal ice creameries. The afternoon is yours at leisure. Perhaps wander the tree-lined waterfront promenade or take advantage of our hotel’s lakeside outdoor pool or private beach. This evening, you may like to savour some traditional regional cuisine in the second of Villa Serbelloni’s two restaurants.

Embark a boat this morning and cross the waters of Lake Como to arrive at Villa Carlotta. Here we see the sumptuous fusion of art and nature. We explore the villa’s vast art collection, acquired over three centuries. No less a kaleidoscope of colour, the villa’s gardens showcase a large collection of hydrangeas in full bloom, as well as 500 other species of plant. Following a light lunch, we farewell the Italian lakes and join the road back to Switzerland. We soon reach the town of Ascona, resting on the banks of Lake Maggiore. Equal parts modern and elegant, the Hotel Eden Roc hosts us for two nights. A world of choice is ours this evening, with our hotel’s four restaurants all available for dinner. Select from French-inspired classics, Mediterranean delicacies and Italian delights.

We venture north to Val Bavona, an isolated valley, famous for its ancient dwellings and absence of electricity. It is also the steepest and rockiest valley in the Alpine region, making it a popular destination for rock climbers. The lack of power means the area is only inhabited during summer, but any perceived drawback from such scarcity is more than offset by its enchanting and enduring wilderness. Take a walk through the neighbouring villages, arriving in Foroglio to admire its majestic waterfall. In Sonlerto, several houses have been built between the boulders of a prehistoric landslide. Back at Hotel Eden Roc, we soak up the magnificent mountain views on our final night in southern Switzerland.

This morning, we farewell delightful Ascona and board a train for our return to Zürich. After checking in to the stately Hotel Schweizerhof Zurich, we take the afternoon at leisure to explore the city, or simply relax.

Waking in Zurich, take the morning on your own schedule before we transfer to the airport. Our magnificent journey through the Swiss Alps is at an end.