Bern and the Gems of Switzerland

Depart the UK

Drive to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to France.  Upon disembarkation we will continue south and make an overnight stop in the Reims area. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Travel to Switzerland

Depart after breakfast for the onward journey, continuing through France and into Switzerland and our hotel in Bern for the next 5 nights.  Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

(Please note that every hotel visitor will be given a Bern Ticket which entitles them to travel for free on streetcar and bus journeys in Zones 100/101)

Bern Sightseeing and Gurten Funicular (driver’s rest day)

Meet up with a local guide for a walking tour of the main sights including the medieval Aldstadt (Old Town), the Zytglogge, a landmark clock tower built in the early 13^th century which strikes on the hour with a display of mechanical figures.  See the Einstein House Museum where the famous physicist spent seven years and where he invented the theory of relativity.  Other famous inhabitants of Bern are the bears which can be seen in the Barenpark which is overlooked by a beautiful Rose Garden offering superb views of the city.

Using your Bern Ticket you can enjoy a ride on the Gurten Funicular to the summit of Bern’s local mountain offering views of the snowy alps and the River Aare below.

Dinner will be taken at the hotel this evening.

Thun, Lake Cruise and Interlaken

Today we start our exploration of the lakes and mountains in Thun, a medieval lakeside  town steeped in history and overlooked by the stunning Thun Castle. The historical raised cobblestoned promenades in the old town are one of the highlights to stroll along. After some free time, embark on a leisurely cruise on Lake Thun to the capital of the Bernese Oberland, Interlaken, which offers a mix of traditional Switzerland and a high street offering high end designer shops, restaurants and hotels, all overlooked by the mighty Jungfrau alps.

There will be time to explore the town at leisure, wander around the many designer and souvenir shops, get something to eat or drink, or maybe venture out of one of the many excursion possibilities such as the Harder Kulm Funicular Harder Kulm, Interlaken’s local mountain which offers some of the most wonderful views of the surrounding lakes, Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, and the Bernese Alps or drive to the nearby Ballenberg Open Air Swiss Museum.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Lucerne and the Burgenstock Funicular

Lucerne and its famous lake are surrounded by majestic peaks and on a guided walking tour of the old town stroll across the famous and remarkable medieval Chapel Bridge, see historic houses decorated with frescoes and the famous marble Lion Monument built into a rock face.  After some free time to explore the city, stroll along the flower bedecked lakeside promenade or get some lunch, embark on a leisurely cruise across the lake to the Burgenstock.  From here enjoy a ride on the funicular which will take you to the summit of Mount Burgenstock where panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains await.  There is also the option to ride on the Hammetschwandlift elevator, the highest free-standing outdoor elevator in Europe (additional cost payable locally).

Take the funicular back down the mountain where the coach will be waiting to return to the hotel.  Dinner in the hotel and evening and leisure.

Gruyères Cheese and Cailler Chocolate

On our culinary discovery tour we head for Maison de Gruyères where we will see a demonstration and presentation of the famous cheese making process on an audio-guided tour.  From here we will drive the short distance uphill to the medieval old town of Gruyères.  The views from the town are stunning and there are plenty of nice cafes, restaurants and shops.  (Note: there is a coach parking charge in the old town –  payable locally). 

In the afternoon make a visit of the wonderful world of Cailler chocolate, the oldest existing Swiss chocolate brand. An interactive tour will highlight the history of cocoa and its manufacture.  At the end of the visit, enjoy a tasting of Cailler chocolates with the option to make some purchases.

Back in Bern we will enjoy a final evening dinner together in the Kornhaus Keller, formerly a Granary and Wine Cellar and now a restaurant with an Art Nouveau decorated interior.

Depart Bern

We will leave Bern after breakfast and retrace our steps into France for an overnight stop. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening.

Return to the UK

After breakfast we will depart for the ferry port in France and take the short sea crossing back to Dover, and home.