Compare Hiking the Hillsides: Switzerland & Austria With Your Grandchild by Road Scholar vs Switzerland & Central Europe in 18 days - Enchanting Alps & Central Europe - CHARM BY BUS by Exoticca

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrivals in Switzerland
Location: Pontresina Meal: D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity note: Hotel check in is at 3:00 PM.

Afternoon: Meet your group by 12:00 PM, at the Zurich Airport, for the group transfer to Pontresina (approx. 2.5 hours). Pontresina enjoys a sunny, sheltered location at the entrance to the Val Bernina (Berninatal) on a southwest facing terrace just 7 miles from St. Moritz. The charm of this medium-sized resort lies in the architectural blend of fine old Engadine houses with their typical “sgraffito” (decorated walls) from the 17th and 18th centuries and the elegant hotels in Belle Époque style. Before dinner, attend a welcome orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules, and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals. Unless otherwise noted dinners on this program are typically a three course set menu.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
Alpine Cheese Dairy, Diavolezza
Location: Pontresina Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina

Activity note: Approximately 2 miles of walking, for 1.5 hours, on mountain trails.

Breakfast: On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water.

Morning: On the Alp Nuova, high above Pontresina, cheese is once again being made by hand according to traditional methods. Sixty years ago, the last cheese wheel left the dairy on the Alp Nuova in Morteratsch; the dairy was shut down, and a small enterprise with a big history fell silent. However, the traditional craft of cheese making has recently been revived. With extensive historical knowledge and even more passion, cheesemaker Peter enjoys teaching how to make cheese--and everyone is encouraged to try their hand at making cheese themselves.Taste some typical Swiss cheese! Then take a short train ride by famous Bernina Express and by cable car up to Diavolezza.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Diavolezza is the best vantage point for viewing one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Alps. It offers stunning views of the Pers and Morteratsch Glaciers, Piz Palü, Piz Bellavista and Piz Bernina - the last of which is, at 13,284 feet, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps. Learn more about the glaciers of the surrounding area from your Group Leader. Afterwards, return by cable car and train back to the hotel for some free time.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Muottas Muragl
Location: Pontresina Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina
Activity note: Approximately 4 miles of walking, for 3 hours, on mountain trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: A funicular railway takes you up to the peak of Muottas Muragl (8045 feet). The trail leads down to Alp Langard (7642 feet) and offers spectacular views. Learn about alpine farming during a field lecture.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: From the Alp Luangard, we take the chairlift down to Pontresina and return to the hotel. Enjoy some free time in Pontresina and relax.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
St. Moritz, Piz Nair and High Ropes Park
Location: Pontresina Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Sporthotel Pontresina

Activity note: Approximately 4 miles of walking, for 3 hours, on mountain trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: After a short ride by public bus, arrive in St. Moritz. By funicular and gondela, travel up to Piz Nair, a summit overlooking St. Moritz. Enjoy the spectacular view. Return by gondela and funicular to Chantarella. From here, hike to the Heidi hut and take take in a field lecture on the Heidi lodge.

Lunch: Picnic en route.

Afternoon: We continue our hike down to St. Moritz. This is one of the most famous holiday villages in the world and was the first place in Switzerland which offered winter holidays. St. Moritz has already hosted the Olympic winter games twice. Today besides the mountains, hiking, and skiing, St. Moritz is well known for international events such as the white turf races or world championship in skiing and also for its exclusively shopping and accommodation possibilities. Enjoy a visit of St. Moritz. By train we travel back to Pontresina to test our skills on the high-rope park. Various levels of difficulty ensure challenges for everyone. The facility is suitable for children of 4 years of age and over, adults, families, and other groups – in short, for everyone who takes pleasure in the joy of exercise

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
The Story of Heidi, Transfer to Scoul
Location: Scuol Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Bellaval

Activity note: Approximately 5 miles of walking, for 2.5 hour, on mountain trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Your luggage will be transferred to the next hotel in Scuol. Travel to Celerina and explore the barefoot trail in the Staz forest. The undergrowth alternates between water, meadow, and forest path. Every family member will appreciate and benefit from the tactile sensation resulting from hiking barefoot.

Lunch: At a food truck next to the lake.

Afternoon: If the weather is good you can jump into the lake. Then continue walking to Punt Muragl. By train travel to Scuol. Around the innovative holiday and spa resort of Scuol – where mineral water bubbles from the village fountain – stretches an unspoiled landscape of national-park quality. The authentic Engadine holiday villages have managed to retain their traditional identity and are proud to show guests their rich Romansh culture. The valley may lie at the end of the railway line and far from day-tripper traffic, but it has also frequently been a pioneer of new ideas.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Schellen Ursli Path
Location: Scuol Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Bellaval

Activity note: Approximately 3 miles of walking, for 1.5 hours, on mountain trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: An adventure for people of all ages, the Schellen Ursli Path (Via Uorsin) starts at Guarda, the home of Schellen Ursli, and tells the story of the boy while also teaching you about the local flora and fauna. Along the way, several signposts tell the story of the Engadine boy with the cowbell. Take in a field lecture on the Schellen Ursli Path.

Lunch: Picnic at the lake.

Afternoon: Enjoy some free time. One option is to visit the aquatic center and swimming pool landscape (for a fee).

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Castle Tarasp, Organic Farm, and Trotti-Bike Fun
Location: Scuol Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Bellaval

Activity note: Approximate walking time: 2 miles for 1 hour on a paved road and at the farm and castle.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Visit the Castle Tarasp. This landmark of the lower Engadine is a picture book castle built in the 11th century on a 300 foot high rock that dominates the landscape. Then visit an organic farm and experience and learn how people nowadays live on a Swiss farm.

Lunch: Picnic on the trail.

Afternoon: Ride the gondola up Motta Mountain (6724 feet) and embark on a biking adventure. Each participant will have a Trottinet, a bike specially designed for riding on natural dirt paths. No special knowledge is required for riding a Trottinet. After a small walk, experience the wonderful downhill ride to Scuol via a well-marked trail that leads past Prui and through Ftan.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Innsbruck
Location: Innsbruck Meal: B,L,D Hotel: Hotel Sailer
Activity note: Approximate walking time: 3 hours of city walking.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer via private coach to Innsbruck. Explore the ski jump tower of Innsbruck. From the stylish restaurant, there are uninterrupted panoramic views of the lofty surrounding peaks of Patscherkofel, Nordkette, Hohe Munde, and Serles. Afterwards, explore the heart of the city on a walking excursion. See the famous Golden Roof, the recently renovated Imperial Palace, the newly remodeled Museum of Tyrolean Folk Art, and enjoy a stroll through the “Hofgarten” park. Learn about all of these places during a field lecture.

Lunch: At a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Check in to the hotel and enjoy from free time.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Departures
Location: In Flight Meal: B
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: Transfer to the airport for departures. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of Switzerland? Arrive at your departure airport, ready to catch a flight to Zurich.* Night on board. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Zurich

Touch down in Zurich, famous as a global center of finance on the north shore of beautiful Lake Zurich. Transfer to the hotel, get settled in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Zurich.

Day 3: Zurich - Bern - Thun - Interlaken

After breakfast at the hotel, a 2-hour walking tour of Zurich with a professional guide. Explore the atmospheric Old Town, see the 12th-century Grossmunster cathedral and stroll down bustling Bahnhofstrasse. Discover Paradeplatz, the 11th-century Fraumunster Church and stroll along the river banks at Limmatquai. Afterwards, set off for the Swiss capital of Bern, a small city known for its medieval old town. Upon arrival, enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour with a professional guide. Pass through the old town where you can admire the Zytglogge medieval clock tower, the beautiful Rose Garden and Parliament Square. See the Gothic-style Bern Cathedral and visit Bear Park, named after the brown bear which is the symbol of the city.Later on, pass through Thun before continuing to Interlaken, a traditional resort town in the mountainous Bernese Oberland region. Get settled at the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery and charming alpine architecture. Overnight stay in Interlaken.

Day 4: Interlaken - Zermatt

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a short panoramic tour with your driver through Interlaken this morning, one of Switzerland's most important resort towns. Later, transfer to Zermatt, in the shadow of the famous Matterhorn mountain! This car-free resort is a natural paradise where you can soak up the tranquillity of the Swiss mountains. Overnight stay in Zermatt.

Day 5: Zermatt

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Zermatt. Admire the majestic silhouette of the Matterhorn or soak up the charming atmosphere of this Alpine town as you wander through its pretty streets, flanked by wooden architecture and chocolate-box style lodgings. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the famous Matterhorn is to take the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway, which reaches a maximum height of 3,100 metres above sea level for spectacular views of the mountain and surrounding scenery!* Overnight stay in Zermatt. * Tickets for the Gornergrat Cogwheel Railway can be purchased at the destination. Timetables for the service are available locally.

Day 6: Zermatt - St. Moritz by Glacier Express

Breakfast at the hotel. Prepare for an exciting day ahead as you set off on the famous Glacier Express, one of the most scenic train rides in the world! Journey through the inspiring landscapes of the Alps as you travel from Zermatt to St. Moritz, an unforgettable journey of around 7.5 hours. Pass through 91 tunnels, across 291 bridges and climb as high as 2033 meters as the Glacier Express crosses the Oberalp Pass. The journey includes a three-course meal and the panoramic windows ensure ample opportunities to kick back and take in the views! Arrive in St. Moritz and transfer to the hotel. St. Moritz is the most luxurious alpine resort in Switzerland so be sure to get out and explore the upmarket eateries and glamorous streets. Overnight stay in St. Moritz. *The possibility to upgrade your seats to first class is available in the next step of the booking process.

Day 7: St. Moritz - Davos - Klosters - Bad Ragaz

Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning to explore St. Moritz at your leisure, famous for hosting the Winter Olympics twice and one of the most prominent ski resorts in Europe. Afterwards, head off to Davos, the highest town in the Swiss Alps. Enjoy this unique town, famous for holding the annual World Economic Forum before heading to Klosters which has a more laid-back atmosphere and boasts plenty of pretty wooden Alpine architecture. Afterwards, head to Bad Ragaz, one of Switzerland's most famous spa resorts. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. We recommend a visit to the Tamina Therme, a spa oasis that harnesses the healing properties of the thermal waters of Bad Ragaz. Overnight stay in Bad Ragaz.

Day 8: Bad Ragaz - Lucerne - Zurich

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave beautiful Bad Ragaz behind you today as you depart to Lucerne, an enchanting Swiss city filled with medieval architecture. Take in the views of Lake Lucerne and see St. Peter's Chapel, the Jesuit Church, the Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge as you enjoy a 2-hour guided city tour, accompanied by a professional guide. Afterwards, continue your journey back to Zurich. On arrival, get settled at the hotel and enjoy your final evening in Switzerland. Overnight stay in Zurich.

Day 9: Zurich - Berlin

Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to the charming culture and unforgettable landscapes of Switzerland. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight to Berlin.* Touch down in Berlin, the stylish and historic German capital. Get settled at the hotel and, if time allows, get to know the city at your leisure. Overnight stay in Berlin. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.

Day 10: Berlin

Tuck into a hearty German breakfast at the hotel and set off on an exciting panoramic city tour of East and West Berlin, to uncover the history and sights of the capital! Take an iconic photo at the majestic Brandenburg Gate, visit the poignant Holocaust Memorial and stroll along the leafy Unter den Linden Avenue. Discover Museum Island, the Red Town Hall, the Nikolai Quarter. Trace the turbulent history of the city at Checkpoint Charlie and see the fragmented remains of the Berlin Wall, noticing the contrasts between the different sides of the city. See the Forum of Culture and the idyllic Tiergarten Park. Potsdamer Platz shows you a modern side of the city before you spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. It's time for a well-deserved German beer after a day of sightseeing! Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 11: Berlin

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day exploring Berlin at your leisure. Why not visit the brilliant amazing cultural treasures at Museum Island or spend the day exploring the flower gardens of the Tiergarten. Overnight stay in Berlin.

Day 12: Berlin - Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to the Czech capital of Prague, a journey of around 5 hours. Arrive in Prague, known for its fairytale old town, lively nightlife and nicknamed the 'City of a Hundred Spires'. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to Kozel Brewery, the home of the most famous Czech beer! Overnight stay in Prague. * Optional Kozel Brewery Excursion: A must for beer lovers, visit the Kozel Brewery, the home of the Czech Republics most famous beer. Learn about the brewing process and take the opportunity to sample the freshly brewed finished product! Please note: this optional excursion cannot be booked in advance at the moment. If you would like to take any optional excursions, you can confirm at the destination.

Day 13: Prague

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a city tour of Prague, nicknamed the 'Golden City'. See the famous Powder Tower and explore the Old Town. Reach Old Town Square home to the famous Astronomical Clock, one of the most popular sights in Prague, and the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. Finish the tour at the iconic Charles Bridge. The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to explore the sights and sample the local cuisine at your own pace. Overnight stay in Prague.

Day 14: Prague - Vienna

After breakfast at the hotel self-transfer to the bus station to catch a shared bus to Vienna, a journey of around 5.5 hours. Travel through the beautiful landscapes of Bohemia and Moravia towards Austria and its capital, Vienna. Arrive in Vienna, an imperial city famed for its artistic legacy and for being the home town of Mozart and Beethoven. Self-transfer to the hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring at your leisure. We recommend heading to the historic centre to enjoy the charming atmosphere. During the summer the riverbanks come alive with lively bars and restaurants, so be sure to check this out if the weather is pleasant. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Day 15: Vienna

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure, soaking up the cultural sights of Vienna at your leisure. Overnight stay in Vienna

Day 16: Vienna - Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Catch a bus this morning to travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, a journey of around 3 hours. After enjoying the changing landscapes of the Danube Delta arrive in Budapest and self-transfer to the hotel. The city is famously divided in two by the River Danube Buda and Pest, each with its own distinctive atmosphere. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 17: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, set off on an enthralling guided tour of Budapest, beginning with Heroes Square, the largest and most impressive in the city and an emblem of Pest's Golden Era. Next, see the National Opera Theatre and the amazing Parliament building, a true icon of the city on the banks of the Danube. Continue the tour across the river, in the Castle District, where you can enjoy the sweeping views from Castle Hill and the amazing architecture of the Fisherman's Bastion. Cross Margaret Bridge to visit the Király Baths before ending the tour at the oldest and most photographed bridge in the city, the glorious Chain Bridge. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 18: Budapest

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Budapest. Why not take in the views from Fisherman's Bastion or stroll along the riverside promenade. Overnight stay in Budapest.

Day 19: Budapest - US

Breakfast at the hotel.* It's time to bring your journey through Switzerland and Central Europe to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US.** Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day. ** If your return flight departs in the evening, your arrival in the US will be the following day and the total duration of your trip will be 20 days.