Jun 2 - Jun 14, 2025
Starting at
6,099
Switzerland
From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland
Program No. 2464560MEADV-1116-60
Walk through the beauty and history of Switzerland on easy-going hikes that will lead you through Swiss mountains, culture and cuisine.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 2 - Jun 14, 2025
Starting at
6,849Sep 8 - Sep 20, 2025
Starting at
6,499Not seeing the date you're looking for?
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
13 days
12 nights
24 meals
11B 7L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
3
Säntis
Appenzell
4
St. GAllen, Abbey Library
Appenzell
6
Transfer Pontresina via Chur
Pontresina
7
Muottas Muragl, Lej Muragl
Pontresina
8
Show Dairy, Diavolezza Glaciers
Pontresina
9
Alp Languard, St. Moritz
Pontresina
13
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
If you’ve dreamed of hiking in Switzerland but are intimidated by its alpine landscapes, join us for easy-going hikes that lead through the history and villages of the Swiss countryside. Explore off-the-beaten-path sites as you’re led by local experts through Swiss mountains and learn about the cuisine and history of the country along the way. Enjoy gentle walks and hikes as you explore olive groves, local wineries and the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through hands-on workshops and discussions with locals, you’ll leave Switzerland with a new understanding and appreciation for this country’s culture and natural wonders.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Activity Level: Outdoor: No Sweat
Walking 1-5 miles daily; trails and dirt roads are well-marked and generally gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 9,754 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy the Swiss alpine experience through hikes on gentle trails through mountains and local communities.
- Learn how to make risotto and bake biberli in hands-on workshops.
- Explore interactive museums on Mount Säntis and at the Diavolezza glaciers, with opportunities to learn firsthand about Switzerland’s geology.
Suggested Reading List
(29 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland
Program Number: 24645
Culture Smart! Switzerland
A concise, no-nonsense guide to Switzerland's customs, etiquette and culture.
Europe, A True Book
Part of the True Book series, this illustrated, readable volume geared toward ages 9 to 12 introduces children to the geography and diverse cultures of Europe.
Coming Out Swiss, In Search of Heidi, Chocolate and My Other Life
Part memoir, part history, part travelogue, Anne Hermann’s passionate celebration of what it means to be Swiss intertwines personal revelation with cultural fact.
Eyewitness Guide Switzerland
A compact, thoroughly illustrated guide, featuring over 900 photographs, good maps, and plenty of information on hiking in the Swiss Alps, natural and tourist attractions and the history and arts of Switzerland.
The Alps, A Human History from Hannibal to Heidi and Beyond
In an entertaining narrative, O'Shea drives, hikes and climbs through 500 miles of the Alps while musing on the historic personalities who braved the forbidding range, including Napoleon, Hitler and James Bond. A thoughtful introduction to the Alps.
The Walk
In this classic novella by the Swiss modernist, freshly translated, Walser writes that "it is on walks that the lore of nature and the lore of the country are revealed, charming and graceful, to the sense and eyes of the observant walker."
La Place de la Concorde Suisse
McPhee deploys his usual insight and wonderful prose on the phenomenon of the Swiss army, presenting an irreverent portrait of Switzerland and the Swiss mindset.
Wild Flowers of Britain & Northern Europe
A colorful field guide featuring commonly encountered species of the fields and gardens of Europe.
Daisy Miller
A classic story of a young American woman's innocent flirtation and its misinterpretation by a sophisticated European man, set in Lac Leman and Chillon. This is James' first fictional work to gain mass popularity and one of his great American female portraits.
Hotel du Lac
Funny, stylish and spellbinding, Brookner's novel tracks the story of a romance novelist seeking evasive peace and quiet at the luxurious Hotel du Lac in Switzerland. Winner of the Man Booker Prize.
All Along the Rhine
Subtitled "Recipes, Wine and Lore from Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Holland" this tribute to the Rhine Valley complements its history and culture with 130 recipes.
A Tramp Abroad
Written 11 years after Innocents Abroad, this is Twain's second foray into European travel. Filled with his characteristic wit and humorous observations, it documents his journeys through Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. Now with an introduction by Dave Eggers.
Killing Dragons, The Conquest of the Alps
Fleming spins lively tales of man against nature in this entertaining history of the eccentrics, adventurers and publicity-hounds who sought to conquer the Alps, including Whymper and his first ascent of the Matterhorn 150 years ago.
Heidi
The beloved tale of a little girl who is sent to live with her curmudgeonly grandfather in a remote Alpine village. This handsome hardback edition retains the quaint prose and buoyant disposition of Johanna Spyri's 1880 original.
The Apple and the Arrow
Families will enjoy this spirited retelling of the famous legend of William Tell and his 12-year-old son, Walter, which won the 1952 Newbery Medal.
Asterix in Switzerland
This entry in the Asterix series of comic books features excellent drawings of the Swiss Alpine landscape.
William Tell: One Against an Empire, A Swiss Legend
The classic tale of a Swiss hunter facing a terrible choice, as a graphic novel for ages 9-11.
Eiger Dreams, Ventures Among Men and Mountains
A collection of some of Krakauer's (Into Thin Air) best journalism, these stories and essays focus on the mindset and determination of world-class mountaineers, including Alpine and Himalayan climbers.
Scrambles Amongst the Alps: In the Years 1860-69
Edward Wymper's classic account of Victorian-era mountaineering captures the geography, beauty and allure of the Alps.
Swiss Watching, Inside Europe's Landlocked Island
An international bestseller. Diccon Bewees, a neutral Brit, covers cheese, chocolate, William Tell, bureaucracy and banks, all with humor and thorough research. His cultural portrait of the one-of-a-kind nation includes tips on local customs, greetings and etiquette. Second edition.
Neither Here Nor There, Travels in Europe
Bryson deploys his famously cranky humor in this romp through European capitals. He's great fun to read and insightful on quirks of character.
A Farewell to Arms
Set in snowy Switzerland and the rainy Italian Lake Country during WWI, this semi-autobiographical novel chronicles the romance between a British nurse and an American ambulance driver. This edition collects all of the alternate endings, along with early drafts of other essential passages
Cuisines of the Alps
Subtitled "Recipes, Drinks, and Lore from France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia," this colorful tour of the region's rustic cuisine offers more than 140 recipes, a section on regional wines and historical information.
Switzerland Map
A colorful, shaded relief map of Switzerland at a scale of 1:400,000.
Frankenstein
The Norton Critical edition of Frankenstein features the original 1818 text, an expansive preface, annotations, illustrations and supporting sections with selected criticism. With new analysis on the novel's many film adaptations.
The Gilded Chalet, Off-Piste in Literary Switzerland
In this amusing guide, a grand tour of literary Switzerland, Rooney profiles 200 years of outstanding works and their strong Swiss influences. He argues that the land of luxury hotels, fresh air and fresh milk deserves wide renown as a literary hub.
Slow Train to Switzerland, One Tour, Two Trips, 150 Years -- and a World of Change Apart
Bestselling author Diccon Bewes (Swiss Watching SWZ73) follows in the footsteps of an 1863 tour group who traveled from London to Lucerne, Switzerland. In his trademark breezy, intelligent prose, Bewes traces how tourism and time have caused a sea change in Switzerland.
Banner in the Sky
A suspenseful tale of a young boy determined to keep his father's mountaineering dream alive.
Birds of Europe
Featuring 3,500 glorious paintings by Killian Mullarney and Dan Zetterstrom, the second edition of this exquisite guide features updated text and maps.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Appenzell
Program Concludes
Lugano
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
24
| 11B |
7L |
6D |
Activity Level
If you’ve dreamed of hiking in Switzerland but are intimidated by its alpine landscapes, join us for easy-going hikes that lead through the history and villages of the Swiss countryside. Explore off-the-beaten-path sites as you’re led by local experts through Swiss mountains and learn about the cuisine and history of the country along the way. Enjoy gentle walks and hikes as you explore olive groves, local wineries and the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through hands-on workshops and discussions with locals, you’ll leave Switzerland with a new understanding and appreciation for this country’s culture and natural wonders.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy the Swiss alpine experience through hikes on gentle trails through mountains and local communities.
- Learn how to make risotto and bake biberli in hands-on workshops.
- Explore interactive museums on Mount Säntis and at the Diavolezza glaciers, with opportunities to learn firsthand about Switzerland’s geology.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Activity Level: Outdoor: No Sweat
Walking 1-5 miles daily; trails and dirt roads are well-marked and generally gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 9,754 feet.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(29 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
24 meals | 11B | 7L | 6D |
1 expert-led lecture
19 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Zurich, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Appenzell
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Löwen Appenzell
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Getting on/off a motorcoach; transferring approximately 60 miles, up to one and a half hours riding time to Appenzell.
Afternoon:
Hotel check-in is available at 3:00 PM. We may store our luggage with the front desk while we explore the area on our own while we wait for our rooms to be available. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will be supported by a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Except for longer transfers that will be via private motorcoach, most program-related travel will be via public transportation. Meals will feature local cuisine in a variety of settings. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
Säntis
Location:
Appenzell
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Löwen Appenzell
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and public bus, total riding of approx. 60 minutes, over 26 miles. Up to 4 miles of walking for 2 up to 2.5 hours on roads (asphalt) and wide natural forest trails or gravel roads. The path has a gentle ascent and descent. Elevation changes approx. 672 feet (210m) ascend, and 698 feet (213m) descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the hotel and make our way by public transport to Schwägalp (4430 ft / 1350 m), where the valley station of the Säntis gondola is located. From there, we set out for our loop hike and get to know the region surrounding Mount Säntis.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
After finishing our hike and returning to the Schwägalp, we take the gondola up to the top of Mount Säntis, where we are met with spectacular views. Due to its impressive height and location, it is widely visible and is considered the landmark of the area. The mountain’s importance to the region is also evident in the fact that the whole region used to be called Canton Säntis under Napoleon’s rule. We will learn about the mountain and many other topics in the interactive museum. We will take the gondola back down to Schwägalp and return to Appenzell by public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
St. GAllen, Abbey Library
Location:
Appenzell
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Löwen Appenzell
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, total riding of approx. 1.5 hrs, over 21 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads. In the afternoon up to 1.6 miles of walking for 1 hour on roads (asphalt) and natural trails. The path has a gentle ascent and descent. Minor elevation changes.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today, we spend the day in the beautiful city of St. Gallen. By public train we reach the city, which is known for its Abbey, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and with a unique charm. It is also home of the renowned University of St. Gallen, one of the top business schools in Europe. As an introduction to the town, we take part in a guided tour of the city by a local expert.
Lunch:
Traditional St. Gallen lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we take a short walk on one of the hills surrounding St. Gallen. From our walk, we get a fantastic panorama of the city and see all the way to Lake Constance. When we return to the city center, you can enjoy some free time in St. Gallen and make an individual return to Appenzell by public train.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Alpstein hike, guesthouse “Aescher”, baking Biberli
Location:
Appenzell
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Löwen Appenzell
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, total riding of approx. 30 minutes, over 9.4 miles. Ride up and down with gondola, riding approx. 20 minutes. Up to 2.3 miles of walking for 1.5 – 2 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 650 feet (200m).
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we travel to Wasserauen and take the gondola up to Ebenalp (5394 ft / 1644 m). From there, we start our loop hike towards the “Wildkirchli”. Pass through these prehistoric caves and get to the guesthouse Aescher, known from the cover of National Geographic’s 2015 Edition of “Places of a lifetime”.
Lunch:
At a mountain hut.
Afternoon:
After finishing lunch, we return to Ebenalp and take the gondola back down to Wasserauen. From there, we take public transportation back to Appenzell. Once we arrive in Appenzell, we spend the afternoon learning about the traditional “Biberli” treats. A local expert teaches us everything from the treats’ and the bakery’s history to a hand on experience of how the delight is created.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Transfer Pontresina via Chur
Location:
Pontresina
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, total riding of approx. 2.5 hours, over 106 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll will check out of the hotel and transfer by private coach to Chur, known as the oldest town in Switzerland. People have been living in this area for thousands of years. This regional capital is also the entrance to the mountain region Graubünden. Therefore, many important paths lead through Chur and gave it a unique character. Enjoy learning more about this cozy mountain town on a city tour led by a local expert.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
From Chur we continue our transfer by private coach into the mountains and the Engadin until we reach Pontresina, our home for the next few days. During the transfer, we get a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel. Take some time to freshen up before meeting the group for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Muottas Muragl, Lej Muragl
Location:
Pontresina
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and funicular, total riding of approx. 50 minutes, over 4.5 miles. Up to 4.4 miles of walking for 2.5 – 3 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 1’025 feet (313m) ascend and descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the morning, we take public transport to the valley station of the Muottas Muragl funicular. Taking the oldest mountain railway in the Engadin, we enjoy the expanding view that emergers around us with every moment we get further up the mountain. At the top (8048 ft / 2453 m), we start our hike to Lake Muragl.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
We hike back to the mountain station of the funicular and ride back down to the valley. From there, we travel to Pontresina by public transport. After the breathtaking hike in the morning, you get the chance to spend the afternoon on your own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Show Dairy, Diavolezza Glaciers
Location:
Pontresina
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and gondola, total riding of train approx. 35 minutes, over 11 miles. Ride up and down with gondola, total approx. 25 min. Up to 2 miles of walking for 1 hour on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 525 feet (160m) ascend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we visit a local show dairy where we get to see how one of Switzerland’s national food products is made. The visit is followed by a cheese tasting.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We take a short hike towards the valley station of the Diavolezza gondola and visit a close by waterfall. The rest of the way, we are travelling by public transport. Reaching the valley station, we visit a virtual museum and learn about the glaciers from a local expert. Afterwards, we take the gondola up the Diavolezza ridge (9754 ft / 2973 m) to get a spectacular view of the surrounding glaciers and see for ourselves what we learned about in the museum. Once we had our fill of the splendid panorama, we return to the hotel by gondola and public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
9
Alp Languard, St. Moritz
Location:
Pontresina
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity Note
Getting on/off train or public bus, total riding of approx. 30 minutes, over 8.3 miles. Getting on/off chairlift, ride up and down, total riding time of approx. 30 min. Up to 3.3 miles of walking for 2 hours on small mountain trails. Elevation changes approx. 725 feet (220m) ascend and descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
From the hotel, we take a short walk to the valley station and take the chairlift up to Languard. After reaching the top, we set out for our loop hike. This hike under the theme of the local fauna offers information about the local capricorn population. If we are lucky, we might even spot some capricorns or even a couple of groundhogs.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail.
Afternoon:
After returning to Pontresina by chairlift, we take public transport to St. Moritz. See on your own, what St. Moritz has to offer. You can visit the Segantini Museum where you get to see the work of the famous painter Giovanni Segantini, who was known as the master of mountain painting. Or look for St. Moritz’ Olympic history as it is one of only a few places that held the Olympic Games more than once. Do what you like before taking the train back to Pontresina on your own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
10
Maloja Pass, Palazzo, Lugano
Location:
Lugano
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Hotel Walter au Lac
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, total riding of approx. 3 hours, over 82 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the visit of the Palazzo.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to Lugano. We will travel over the Maloja Pass (5945 ft / 1812 m) with its stunning views to Lugano and the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. In the morning, we make a stop at a Palazzo that has now been turned into a museum. Situated close to the Italian border, the shows the cultural blend of the region. After the visit, we continue our transfer and drive into Italy.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We continue our transfer to Lugano. After checking in to the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
11
Lugano, Mount San Salvatore, Wine Tasting
Location:
Lugano
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Walter au Lac
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach and funicular, total motorcoach ride approx. 45 min. Riding up and down by funicular, total ride approx. 16 min. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We get to know Lugano during a city tour by a local expert. Learn about the town which is located at the shore of Lake Lugano and showing its Mediterranean flair. While on the tour, we also take the funicular up to Mount San Salvatore (2992 ft / 912m) to see the magnificent panorama. Returning to Lugano city center, you get some free time to discover according to your heart’s desire.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will regroup at a designated time and location to make our way to a local winery and learn about the local wine production by an expert. In such a setting, the wine tasting is not missing. At the end, we return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
12
Olive Grove Trail, Boat Ride, Swiss Border & Customs Museum
Location:
Lugano
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Walter au Lac
Activity Note
Getting on/off public boat, total riding of approx. 30 minutes. Up to 3.2 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on tarmac roads and footpaths. Elevation changes approx. 300 feet (92m) ascend, and 275 feet (84m) descend.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We start our hike at the hotel and walk towards Castagnola. There, we hike the olive grove trail to Gandria. During this easy hike, we follow the fascinating coast of the lake Lugano through olive groves to catch the boat that takes us to our lunch destination. Guided by a local expert, we will take part in a Risotto workshop at a local grotto.
Lunch:
Enjoy the dishes we created in the workshop at our Farewell Lunch.
Afternoon:
A short walk from the grotto lies the Swiss Border and Customs Museum. Due to its small size we will take turns visiting this charming museum that tells us about the relationship between the two bordering countries in the region. We also will take some time to walk a small path to the Italian border and take a few steps into Italy. Afterwards, we will return to Lugano by boat. Enjoy some free time.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Day
13
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 10:30 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
24 Meals
11 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
- Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
- Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 19, 2025
- Aug 11, 2025 - Aug 23, 2025
- Aug 25, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
- Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
- Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
- Oct 06, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 7 Reviews
Sort By:
Gentle Hiking was a wonderful experience. Viewing the huge panoramas of the Swiss Alps was awe inspiring. I would suggest that you carefully evaluate your abilities. The high altitudes at times were challenging but we were given time to progress at our abilities. Our tour guides and leaders were able to make recommendations as they learned our abilities. Hiking shoes and walking sticks are a must especially when the trail might be wet or slippery. It snowed in early September which was a surprise to all of us and part of our hiking that day was adjusted when we moved to a lower altitude. Make sure to pack layers of clothing. We were all especially enchanted with our opportunity to participate in the parade of cows who were being moved from higher summer elevations to the lower winter ones. Many were decorated with flower necklaces and cow herders were wearing traditional costumes. Kudos to our tour leader for finding a way to postpone our morning departure time so that we were able to join in the fun. The opportunity to do our laundry at our 2nd hotel as part of our fee was very helpful. We all loved our "magic" city cards which allowed us to use local transportation (cable car, funicular, trams, trains, etc) to travel with our group easily as well as on our own if desired.
— Review left October 24, 2024
Our guide, Judy, made each day fun and informative. Switzerland is a wonderful country to visit!
— Review left October 18, 2024
This program was simply wonderful. A breath taking adventure in the Alps!
— Review left October 18, 2024
This is a great trip. The hills and mountains are breathtaking. I loved the various forms of transport to access hiking and touring areas. Hikes were more difficult that I expected. But Karin, our guide, did an awesome job of accomodating those that couldn't hike, or didn't want to hike, 4 miles downhill. All in all, a very special trip with a great guide. Do yourself a favor and experience this more quiet side of Switzerland.
— Review left September 13, 2024
The diversity of sight and experiences is what made this trip truly worthwhile for me. I had hiked in the Alps, and was looking for a different mix of sights in a less visited part of Switzerland. This trip was a visual feast--tall rugged crags, wide green valleys, glaciers, and a popular lake (Lugano). The leader and logistics were at the exceptional level I expect of Road Scholar. The hikes were demanding in footing but not in length.
— Review left September 9, 2024
I loved staying going to 3 different areas and staying at each long enough to wash out some clothes and go exploring on my own. If you can take a trip with our guide Karin Mattli, do it!
— Review left July 22, 2024
What a lovely trip in Switzerland! I'll be back. The scenery is unlike anything in the States, and the folks were welcoming. Loved it!
— Review left July 22, 2024
