Family Tour of Switzerland

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lausanne

This private family tour of Switzerland is an ideal combination of Swiss villages, alpine landscapes, hands-on lessons, family-friendly activities, and luxury hotels in the country's most beautiful and interesting destinations.

Begin in lakeside Zurich. During flexible private touring, explore the Old Town. Enjoy tastings at favorite confectioners and gourmet shops, and walk up the Lindenhof hill for panoramic views over the city, river and lake. Stroll medieval backstreets, broad shopping boulevards and lakefront promenades. See churches with stained-glass windows designed by modern artists. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can arrange additional experiences according to your interests, such as exploring gallery districts and up-and-coming neighborhoods, touring top museums such as the Kunsthaus and Landesmuseum (Swiss National Museum), or a private cruise on Lake Zurich.

Continue to Lucerne, a picture-perfect Swiss town on the shore of Lake Lucerne. Stay at one of Switzerland's most impressive hotels in a room offering expansive views of the lake and nearby mountains. During private touring with your own guide, see the highlights of the Old Town. Cross Chapel Bridge, a landmark covered wooden bridge containing paintings of the city history, and walk the cobblestone streets to see tiny squares and painted facades. Walk along the Musegg Wall, a portion of the old city walls, and the tree-lined waterfront. Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange visits to museums such as the Kunstmuseum, Rosengart Collection or the Swiss Museum of Transport. One day, enjoy a privately guided scenic excursion in the region. Cruise across beautiful Lake Lucerne, passing lakeside farmhouses and small villages clustered below high peaks. Ride a cog railway up iconic Mount Pilatus for panoramic views over the lake and mountains. Perhaps opt for a lunch of Swiss cuisine at a restaurant on the mountain, take a toboggan run down the slopes, or go for a hike in the fresh mountain air.

Next, transfer to Interlaken. Stop en route in Meiringen to taste local meringues, claimed to have been invented here, and ride a funicular to Reichenbach Falls, famous as the backdrop to a struggle between Sherlock Holmes and his nemesis, Professor Moriarty. Continue to Interlaken, the gateway to the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Berner Oberland. One day, enjoy a privately guided excursion high into the Swiss Alps aboard mountain trains, passing through charming villages such as Lauterbrunnen, Wengen and Grindelwald en route to famed Jungfraujoch. Visit the Sphinx observatory platform, and take in spectacular views of enormous glaciers, impressive peaks and verdant valleys. Perhaps also opt for hiking, tubing, sledding or other activities on the snow. Alternatively, take cable cars high up to the Schilthorn—a peak made famous in the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service—for incredible views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, Monch and other peaks.

Transfer by private vehicle to Lausanne. Stop en route in Bern, the capital of Switzerland, for a private tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Explore the historic architecture and backstreets, and take in views over the rooftops of the historic center from a scenic spot in the hills. Walk along Bern's famous arcaded streets, and opt to stop in upscale shops selling local products. Also visit the Bear Park to see the brown bears that are the symbol of the city. In the summer, perhaps see locals floating down the Aare River, an activity Artisans of Leisure can arrange, upon request. Also visit the Watch Valley for a private, hands-on visit to a watchmaking studio and to see other regional highlights.

Continue with your private driver to Lausanne and the beautiful Lake Geneva region for a stay at the elegant Beau-Rivage Palace—one of the best luxury hotels in Switzerland—among lush parkland on the lakeshore. One day, take a private excursion in the surrounding region to visit Chateau de Chillon, Switzerland's most interesting castle, and enjoy a private chocolate-making experience at a local confectioner. Another day, visit Gruyeres, an atmospheric medieval hill town. During a hands-on cheese workshop, learn about cheese-making and taste local cheeses, including the region's renowned Gruyere cheese. Enjoy reservations for a fondue or raclette lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants. Also visit Chateau de Gruyeres, a medieval castle with a Knight's Room. Other nearby options include touring a renowned chocolate factory; visiting Chaplin's World, the former house and estate of Charlie Chaplin; exploring the Olympic Museum or the historic center of Lausanne; touring the terraced vineyards of the Lavaux wine region; or spending time at the hotel's excellent spa, restaurants and leisure facilities.