DISCOVER Switzerland: Across the Bernese Alps

Depart on an overnight flight to Zurich and transfer to the lakeside city of Lucerne upon arrival. After checking into your hotel in the city center, gather for a briefing about the journey ahead, followed by a welcome dinner. (D)

Kick off the day with incredible Alpine views: ride the world’s steepest cogwheel train up the slopes of Mount Pilatus and take in an exhilarating panorama that includes jagged peaks, rolling meadows, and the sapphire waters of Lake Lucerne. Return to Lucerne for a walking tour of the medieval Old Town, including the treasured Kapellbrücke, a wooden covered bridge considered the oldest in Europe, which spans the Reuss River. View the evocative stone carving known as the Lion Monument, commemorating Swiss guards who perished during the French Revolution. The remainder of the day is yours to explore Lucerne on your own. (B)

Leave Lucerne and ascend into the magnificent Bernese Alps. Ride a ferry across Lake Brienz to Interlaken, where you’ll have free time for lunch and a walk around town. Continue to the fabled Alpine resort of Grindelwald, your home for the next three nights, set against pointed peaks, glaciers, and the towering north face of the Eiger. Settle into your historic, family-run hotel and gather for dinner tonight. (B,D)

Set out today to experience the “top of Europe,” boarding the Jungfrau cogwheel train and climbing to 11,323 feet above sea level. Disembark at Jungfraujoch, Europe’s highest train station, where you’re greeted with jaw-dropping views of France in one direction, Germany’s Black Forest in another, and waves of Bernese Alpine peaks in still another. Take time to savor the breathtaking scenery and catch sight of the World Heritage-listed Aletsch Glacier, the longest in the Alps. Return to Grindelwald for an afternoon at leisure before meeting for dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)

Discover the fairy-tale village of Lauterbrunnen, nestled in a lush valley surrounded by 72 waterfalls and striking views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. Follow an easy trail through the valley to see some of the falls up close, including the photogenic Staubbach Falls—one of Switzerland’s highest—which tumbles nearly 1,000 feet from overhanging cliffs to the valley below. After this invigorating outing, enjoy a scenic drive to Stechelberg and continue by gondola to the car-free hamlet of Murren at the foot of Schilthorn. Enjoy lunch here with breathtaking views overlooking the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks. After time to meander through Murren on your own, return to Grindelwald for an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Descend from the Bernese Alps to the medieval hilltop village of Gruyères, known for its namesake cheese. Take a walk through town and stop for lunch before continuing to Lavaux wine country, where terraced vineyards dating to the 11th century have been designated a World Heritage site. Sample acclaimed Swiss vintages during a wine tasting at a local vineyard before traveling on to Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva. Take advantage of a free evening to discover this French-influenced town. (B,L)

Ride a ferry to Château de Chillon, the medieval castle perched over Lake Geneva and immortalized by Lord Byron in his epic poem The Prisoner of Chillon. Gain insight into the castle’s history during a guided tour, then enjoy free time for lunch in the nearby resort town of Montreux. After time at leisure back in Lausanne, take a guided walk through the city and end the day with a festive farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Depart the next day. (2B,D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport in Geneva for your flight home. (B)