Family Switzerland

Upon arrival in Zurich, you are met by your A&K representative and transferred to Lucerne, the stunning “city of lights.” Check in to your luxury landmark hotel overlooking the cobalt-blue Lake Lucerne. This evening, meet your fellow guests and gather for a festive welcome dinner.

With so many breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that hiking is practically a Swiss national sport. Set out today on an easy walk along the well-maintained wanderweg (hiking trails), stopping to visit a historic country chapel and eco-friendly farm — or just to snap a photo of a postcard-worthy Alpine scene. In the late 13th century, early Alpine shepherds honed the practice of yodeling, alternating their voices between natural and falsetto pitches to communicate and round up cattle. Today, after lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a private lesson in this venerable Swiss art as taught by a yodeling pro.

Cross the picturesque Brünig Pass to idyllic Habkern, a small and secluded mountain village where local customs and traditions remain largely unchanged. Visit a family-owned workshop, one of few remaining that produces the iconic alphorn, a large wooden horn first used in the 16th century by mountain dwellers. See how these massive wind instruments — which range from 11 to 13 feet in length — are created, and then learn to play with a lesson taught by one of the craftsmen. Enjoy some time at leisure in Interlaken, free to enjoy lunch on your own. Set beside the emerald waters of a mountain lake and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Interlaken is a scenic delight. This afternoon, ascend in a funicular up the rugged Alpine valley and into the side of a mountain to behold the twisting, turning cascades of Trummelbach, Europe’s largest subterranean system of waterfalls. Later, drive to the nearby Alpine village of Grindelwald, where you check in to your hotel.

This morning, ascend Grindelwald-First Mountain to brave the Tissot Cliff Walk, a spectacular new system of walkways and bridges that skirts the mountainside and also features lookout platforms that thrust over open spaces to offer you jaw dropping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys along the way. This afternoon, continue to explore, on your choice of two fun adventure activities available on the mountain. Afterward, return to Grindelwald at your leisure, to relax at your hotel or explore this charming Alpine village.

The rivers of Europe were once the highways of trade, especially in the difficult-to-traverse mountain regions. This morning, take to the water for an exciting rafting trip on the Aare River, during which you float into Bern, capital of the Swiss Confederation. Finish your day with an all-ages treasure hunt through this charming city, encountering the bears for which Bern is named, before dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

This morning, take part in a hands-on workshop, casting a metal cowbell from scratch and adding the necessary parts to complete it, just as local herders have done here for centuries. Traditionally used to help locate cattle roaming free in high Alpine meadows for their twice-daily milkings, the bells are now also treasured for their distinctive ring and decorative appeal. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Switzerland is world famous for its chocolate, and in Zurich, you discover some of the country’s finest. The city saw its first chocolate factory open in 1845 and is now home to the famous Lindt & Sprüngli. This morning, enjoy a sweet look at Zurich’s vast range of chocolate makers when you set off on a chocolate-themed guided tour and Family Foodie Experience. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore the country’s largest and most modern metropolis as a family. Tonight, join your Resident Tour Director and fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, board your homebound flight.