Archive | Switzerland

Continue to Basel, a cultural and culinary crossroads on the Rhine River. Tour the highlights of the Old Town and sample Basel specialties such as laeckerli. One day, cross the Rhine into France for a private excursion on the beautiful Alsace Wine Route (Route du Vin). Drive through vineyards, see hilltop castles, stop at local wineries to sample Alsatian varietals such as Riesling and Gewurztraminer, see the cultural treasures of Colmar, and visit well-preserved villages filled with half-timbered buildings. If desired, stop for lunch at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in the region, which is renowned for gastronomy.

Next, transfer to Lausanne. En route, visit Bern, the beautiful capital of Switzerland, for a private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town.

Spend two nights in Lausanne—Switzerland’s gourmet paradise—at the elegant Beau-Rivage Palace, a luxurious resort hotel set in lush parkland on the shore of Lake Geneva. During private touring, visit the Lavaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 800-year-old terraced vineyards that skirt the edge of Lake Geneva and offer dramatic views of the Alps. Meet winemakers at local wineries, sample Chasselas and other delicious local varietals in Lavaux cellars, and perhaps enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the finest restaurants in Switzerland. Also, tour Chateau de Chillon, a well-preserved castle on a small island in the lake that offers evocative insights into the daily life of medieval aristocracy. Alternatively, take a private excursion to the atmospheric hill town of Gruyeres to visit a local cheese maker to learn about and taste the region’s renowned Gruyere cheese, and perhaps visit the nearby factory of one of Switzerland’s premier chocolate makers.

This tour can be extended to include additional wine and culinary destinations in France or Germany.