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
For our first walk, a gondelbahn whisks us up the Rellerli mountain (1,833 m), from where we take easy paths with astonishing views over to the Quille du Diable and les Diablerets (3,209 m, 1.5 hrs). After a simple picnic, we can either walk back down to Schonried following a winding mountain track, (approx. 2 hours) or descend by gondelbahn 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
We take the bus to Launen and follow delightful tracks and paths through fields and forests up to the magnificent Launensee, situated at 1,381 m (2 hrs). After a light lunch in the local restaurant, we walk around Launensee and then choose either to return directly to Gstaad by bus, or to walk through the broad valley back down to Launen.
DAY 5
B, L, D included
From the charming village of Gsteig, we walk for about half an hour to reach the Sanetsch lift. Exiting the lift at 2,062 m we find ourselves in true alpine landscape with incredible views and amazing geology. On our 3-hour walk, we circumnavigate Lake Sanetsch, our path bordered by the most incredible array of wildflowers.
DAY 6
B, L, D included
After another delicious breakfast on the sunny terrace, we follow the scenic panoramaweg 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 Spitzhorn massif ahead. We picnic, then make our way back to the gondelbahn and return to our hotel, to prepare for our final concert of the week and to toast our memorable week together.
DAY 7
B included
After a leisurely breakfast and a swim in the pool, 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.