DAY 1
D included
We meet at Geneva airport and board the train from the airport to Montreux on the lake. We change onto the charming mountain railway that chugs up through a spectacular Alpine landscape to the village of Schonried – definitely the way to arrive! After settling into our 5 star hotel, noted for its Alpine chic and impeccable service, there is time for a swim or a stroll. Dinner is served in the pretty restaurant with a large open-air terrace. Perhaps we shall try the sought-after fish, Omble Chevalier, a delicate lake Char.
DAY 2
B, L, D included
After a delicious breakfast (served on the sunny terrace in fine weather), we follow the scenic panoramaweg downto Gstaad. In the afternoon, we take the delightful Philosopher’s Path along the banks of the River Saane, to the neighbouring village of Saanen. We arrive back at the hotel with time to swim in the delightful hotel pools, suitable for all weather use as they are heated and partly covered.
DAY 3
B, L, D included
A short train ride to the Alpine village of Zweisimmen (948 m) enables us to access Rinderberg (2,011 m) by gondelbahn. Our glorious high-level walk (3.5 hrs) traverses the meadows, affording splendid mountain vistas. After contouring the Hornberg, we return to the valley by the Horneggli lift. Tonight, we dine on the hotel terrace, with an opportunity to sample wild mushrooms and trout, followed by the spectacular cheeseboard including such cheeses as Höbelkase, Sbrinz and Appenzeller.
DAY 4
B, L, D included
This morning we take the train down to Gstaad. Just beyond the village, we take the Wispile gondelbahn and ascend to the second station at 1,907 m. We enjoy truly spectacular views as we follow an easy track along a rounded ridge, slowly descending through pastures with the magnificent Spitzhorn massif ahead. We picnic before retracing our steps to the gondelbahn.
DAY 5
B, L, D included
Today’s walk begins with a short bus ride from Gstaad, in the picturesque and historical village of Lauenen (1,241m) with a church dating back to 1524. Our 3 hour walk ascends gently from the centre of Lauenen to the tranquil Lauenensee (1,381 m) via a series of quiet lanes and delightful meadow paths offering magnificent panoramas towards the Wildhorn massif.
DAY 6
B, L, D included
Following a leisurely breakfast, we walk down a delightful path into the centre of Saanen. After a closer look at the interesting old houses and a visit to the Yehudi Menuhin centre, we enjoy a light lunch in a village café. We then take the train back up to Schonried, with the option of continuing to Saanenmoser and walking back to the hotel on an easy path high above the valley. We have time to prepare for our final concert of the week and to toast our memorable week together.
DAY 7
B included
We take the train back to Montreux and transfer to the Geneva airport rail service and our flights home.
Caveat
The performances described are (very rarely) subject to change by the organizers. Actual activities or their order may therefore vary from those described in the itinerary.