After breakfast at the hotel, we use our Montreux Riviera Cards to take public transportation to stunning the Chillon Castle.  Situated on a small island in Lake Geneva, this castle is the most visited historical monument in Switzerland. It dates from the 12th Century and is filled with grand rooms and courtyards. It's said to be the inspiration for the castle in Disney's Little Mermaid and Lord Byron's name is carved into the dungeon's walls.  The rest of the day is free to explore.  You can catch a ride back to the city using the provided travel card or enjoy a leisurely 2-mile walk around the lakefront "Flower Path'.

You might consider visiting 'Queen: The Studio Experience' to discover why the band recorded so many of their albums here. There is also an iconic statue of Freddie Mercury by the lake.  

On the other hand, you might just want to relax with a glass of wine and people watch!

Meal included:  breakfast at the hotel.

It's a short distance to Lavay-les-Bains Thermal Spa.  Your visit includes unlimited use of the thermal baths, sauna, and relaxation areas.  (Additional treatments - such as massages or facials - must be pre-booked in advance and paid separately.)

We will enjoy a group lunch in the spa restaurant.

After an oh-so-relaxing afternoon, we share a traditional Raclette dinner.  This is a true delight for cheese lovers!  With different proteins, vegetables, and salads, the large round of cheese is melted tableside this is slid onto your plate over hot potatoes.  Delicious!

Meals included:  Breakfast at the hotel, a 2-course spa lunch, and a 3-course Raclette dinner.

This morning, we visit the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, the oldest chocolate brand in Switzerland.  You will enjoy a private tour with tastings and even get a chance to try your hand at chocolate-making.  Did I mention tastings?  Of chocolate??

In the afternoon we travel the short distance to Gruyere, famous for the cheese of the same name.  We will visit the Maison du Gruyere Museum and sample some of their wonderful cheese - accompanied by a glass of wine, of course!

Meal included:  Breakfast at the hotel.

After a leisurely morning, we take a cog-wheel train up the mountain to charming Rochers-de-Naye.  The Alpine views are stunning.  Be sure to check out Santa Claus's House for a special photo!

Then we enjoy a traditional Swiss Fondue lunch on the top of the mountain before returning by train to Montreux.  The afternoon and evening are free to explore or relax.

Meals included:  Breakfast at the hotel and a 2-course Swiss fondue lunch.

We're off to the UNESCO-listed wine growing area of Lavaux where terraced vineyards cover the hillsides in this most unexpected of mild micro-climates.  They grow a range of grapes including some not-too-well-known, yet truly delicious red and white varieties.  We enjoy a tour and a private lunch with - of course! - a wine tasting!

From there we head to our new base in the city of Lausanne, headquarters for the International Olympic Committee.

Meals included: Breakfast at the hotel and a 3-course lunch with wine tasting.

We start this morning exploring the fascinating Olympic Museum.  This takes us on a journey through the modern Olympic era but - if you're not such a sports fan - rest assured, it covers so much more.

Walking the short distance to the ferry terminal, we catch a 35 minute boat ride across Lake Geneva.  This puts us in the delightful French town of Evian-les-Bains, famous for its natural mineral water.  The town has grand art nouveau architecture and is very walkable.  Of special interest is the Palais Lumiere, which was once a pump room and spa but now holds a cultural center with special exhibitions.

The afternoon is free to stay in Evian as long as you like, returning to Lausanne by ferry at your leisure.

Meal included:  Breakfast at the hotel.

Today we take another enchanting train ride, this time to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Bern.  This city is filled with fountains, sandstone facades, and medieval flair.  After a guided walking tour, we visit the Albert Einstein House where he developed the theory of relativity. Thankfully, we won't be called upon to understand it!

From there, we head to the impressive 13th century clock tower, known as the Zytglogge.  Those who would like to burn off some of the chocolate and cheese we've been enjoying, can climb the 130-step spiral staircase to the observation platform for breathtaking views over the Old Town and out to the Alps.  Or not.  =)

The afternoon is free until we return to Lausanne in the late afternoon.

Meal included:  Breakfast at the hotel.

This is a free day to explore our base city of Lausanne, on foot or using your transport card.

Start at the top of the city at impressive Lausanne Cathedral.  Explore the northern quarter with its boutiques, art galleries, and cafes.  If you're feeling energetic you can descend via the Market Steps, a steep but historic, wood-covered stairway that dates back to the 13th century.  Or you can use the handy transport card to get back to the city center more easily.

We enjoy our farewell dinner as a group in the evening.  

Did you know the Cathedral still has a real, live night watchman calling out the hours?  When the this started (over 600 years ago!), it was a necessity; it continues because of tradition.  After dinner, some of us may want to head back to the Cathedral to hear a bit of living history.

Meals included:  Breakfast at the hotel and a 3-course dinner.

After breakfast, the tour ends.  We check out of the hotel and transfer via train to the Geneva Airport for flights home or onward travel.

The trip may be over, but the memories will remain and the friendships will continue!

Meal included:  Breakfast at the hotel.