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SWITZERLAND

Splendors of Switzerland By Rail

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Program #15879RJ

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16 Days | 15 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderately Challenging
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
Mt Rigi (4500 ft), train to Kleine Scheidegg (6000 ft), St Moritz (5600 ft), Bernina Pass (7690 ft).

Itinerary for May 18 — Jun 2, 2013

Expand all
Day One: Saturday, May 18 - In Transit 
In Transit: Depart US/Canada on international overnight flight.

Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Royal is a three-star hotel situated on the lakeside of Lucerne. This cozy, family-run hotel enjoys an elevated, quiet position directly overlooking the famous bay of Lucerne and takes in the magnificent view of Pilatus, Bürgenstock and Rigi. It has a terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel is in walking distance of the old town. There are local buses stopping nearby that can take you into the heart of the modern city in a few minutes.

Contact info:
Rigistrasse 22
Lucerne, CH-6006 Switzerland
phone: +41 41 419 46 46
web: www.hotel-royal-luzern.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a telephone, television with radio, and hairdryers are available.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a cafe, lounge, library, fax machine, free WIFI Internet access in the lobby, and a garden terrace with marvelous views over the city and the bay of Lucerne. A computer with printer is available in the lobby (for a small fee).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Sunday, May 19 - Arrival and Orientation 
Morning: Arrival Zürich-Kloten airport (ZRH). Transfer by direct Intercity-train from the airport to Lucerne (direct trains from the airport to Lucerne run every hour). Check-in at the hotel (luggage transport from the train station to the hotel provided).

Lunch: Light lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: Free time to relax. 4:00 PM Program Orientation and getting to know each other.

Dinner: Welcome drink and dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Royal

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Royal is a three-star hotel situated on the lakeside of Lucerne. This cozy, family-run hotel enjoys an elevated, quiet position directly overlooking the famous bay of Lucerne and takes in the magnificent view of Pilatus, Bürgenstock and Rigi. It has a terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel is in walking distance of the old town. There are local buses stopping nearby that can take you into the heart of the modern city in a few minutes.

Contact info:
Rigistrasse 22
Lucerne, CH-6006 Switzerland
phone: +41 41 419 46 46
web: www.hotel-royal-luzern.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a telephone, television with radio, and hairdryers are available.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a cafe, lounge, library, fax machine, free WIFI Internet access in the lobby, and a garden terrace with marvelous views over the city and the bay of Lucerne. A computer with printer is available in the lobby (for a small fee).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Three: Monday, May 20 - Swiss Transport Museum 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: “Introduction to Switzerland: Geography and Cultural Regions.” Coffee break. This will be followed by a short lecture on the "The Swiss Transportation System."

Lunch: Lunch at the museum's restaurant.

Afternoon: Field trip to the Swiss Transport Museum. Guided visit led by professional museum staff.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Watch videos about Switzerland.

Lodging: Hotel Royal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Royal is a three-star hotel situated on the lakeside of Lucerne. This cozy, family-run hotel enjoys an elevated, quiet position directly overlooking the famous bay of Lucerne and takes in the magnificent view of Pilatus, Bürgenstock and Rigi. It has a terrace overlooking the lake. The hotel is in walking distance of the old town. There are local buses stopping nearby that can take you into the heart of the modern city in a few minutes.

Contact info:
Rigistrasse 22
Lucerne, CH-6006 Switzerland
phone: +41 41 419 46 46
web: www.hotel-royal-luzern.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a telephone, television with radio, and hairdryers are available.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a cafe, lounge, library, fax machine, free WIFI Internet access in the lobby, and a garden terrace with marvelous views over the city and the bay of Lucerne. A computer with printer is available in the lobby (for a small fee).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Four: Tuesday, May 21 - Lucerne / Mt. Rigi / Paddle Steamer on Lake Lucerne 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture: "Swiss History and Politics." Visit to the Lion Monument. Before lunch, you board one of the five historic paddle wheelers that still run on Lake Lucerne. Cruise to Vitznau. Excursion by cog train to Mt. Rigi.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant on Mt. Rigi.

Afternoon: You will enjoy the great panorama on an easy walk on top of Mt. Rigi. The way back is via Arth-Goldau. The cog railway Vitznau-Rigi is the oldest in Europe (but well maintained and equipped with beautiful modern cars). It was constructed by the same Swiss engineer who built the cog railway up to Mount Washington in New Hampshire. Excursion to the old town of Lucerne on foot. You will see the famous sights and landmarks: the chapel bridge, the modern Congress and Concert Hall and the old town on both banks of the Reuss River.

Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant in the old town of Lucerne.

Evening: Free time.

Lodging: Hotel Royal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Artos is a three-star hotel, centrally yet quietly located. All rooms are spacious, en suite with a balcony and offer a view to the mountains.

Contact info:
Alpenstrasse 45
Interlaken, CH-3800 Switzerland
phone: +41 33 828 88 44
web: www.artos-hotel.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a balcony, radio, television, telephone, hair dryer, and a safe box or lockable closet.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a cafeteria-restaurant, lounge, library, fax machine, a computer with free Internet access and a printer, small shop at the front desk, free WIFI in public areas, laundry facility, a spacious garden, and a wellness area with whirlpools, perfume and massage showers, steam bath, sauna, and physiotherapy.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Five: Wednesday, May 22 - Interlaken 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Lecture and question time: "Switzerland Today." Journey aboard the Golden Pass Express train and by boat to Interlaken via Bruenig Pass and Lake Brienz.

Lunch: Picnic lunch en route.

Afternoon: Arrival in Interlaken. Enjoy some free time before attending a late afternoon lecture: "The Alps - History, Culture and Challenges."

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Free time.

Lodging: Hotel Artos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Artos is a three-star hotel, centrally yet quietly located. All rooms are spacious, en suite with a balcony and offer a view to the mountains.

Contact info:
Alpenstrasse 45
Interlaken, CH-3800 Switzerland
phone: +41 33 828 88 44
web: www.artos-hotel.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a balcony, radio, television, telephone, hair dryer, and a safe box or lockable closet.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a cafeteria-restaurant, lounge, library, fax machine, a computer with free Internet access and a printer, small shop at the front desk, free WIFI in public areas, laundry facility, a spacious garden, and a wellness area with whirlpools, perfume and massage showers, steam bath, sauna, and physiotherapy.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Six: Thursday, May 23 - Jungfrau Region 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: We travel by train to Grindelwald and Kleine Scheidegg in the Jungfrau Region, followed by a field trip to the public school in Grindelwald. Learn about life in a mountain village today and in former times.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in Grindelwald.

Afternoon: The Jungfrau Railway will bring you up to Kleine Scheidegg on the foot of the famous Eiger north face. You can admire the mountains on a delightful, easy walk over the alpine meadows or during a coffee break on one of the restaurant terraces. We will take the Jungfrau Railway down to Lauterbrunnen in the "Swiss Yosemite Valley" where we can see numerous waterfalls, and then take the train back to Interlaken.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Cultural event or free time.

Lodging: Hotel Artos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Artos is a three-star hotel, centrally yet quietly located. All rooms are spacious, en suite with a balcony and offer a view to the mountains.

Contact info:
Alpenstrasse 45
Interlaken, CH-3800 Switzerland
phone: +41 33 828 88 44
web: www.artos-hotel.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a balcony, radio, television, telephone, hair dryer, and a safe box or lockable closet.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a cafeteria-restaurant, lounge, library, fax machine, a computer with free Internet access and a printer, small shop at the front desk, free WIFI in public areas, laundry facility, a spacious garden, and a wellness area with whirlpools, perfume and massage showers, steam bath, sauna, and physiotherapy.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Seven: Friday, May 24 - Bern / Muenster / Zentrum Paul Klee 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: All day excursion by Intercity train to Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. Even though Bern is the capital of Switzerland, it is small. The old town, which is built into a bend of the Aare River, is very well preserved and still gives the impression of a town in the 17th century. The Muenster (cathedral) is one of the finest examples of gothic art. The whole old town is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO. Guided visit to the old part of Bern and free time in Bern for strolling under the arcades.

Lunch: Explore local restaurants on your own in Bern.

Afternoon: Field trip to the new and excellent "Zentrum Paul Klee," the world's most important collection of paintings, water colors and drawings by Paul Klee. The museum was designed by star-architect Renzo Piano. We will take a late afternoon train back to Interlaken.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Cultural event or free time.

Lodging: Hotel Artos

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: The Schlosshotel Art Furrer in Brig is located in the southern part of Switzerland, named canton Wallis, and is close to the old town and restaurants. This bed and breakfast is a comfortable and quietly situated hotel with a view of the Stockalper Castle and its beautiful garden. Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and hiking and ski areas are just a few minutes away.

Contact info:
Am Schlosspark
Brig, CH-3900 Switzerland
phone: +41 27 922 95 95
web: www.schlosshotel.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, television, radio, fax/modem telephone, and WIFI Internet access.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, a private garden with beautiful views to the Stockalper Castle, a library, free Internet station, mini bar in the cozy living room, laundry service (washing and drying CHF 25 per machine), and sauna.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Eight: Saturday, May 25 - Alpine cheese dairy / breathtaking views 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Journey aboard the Golden Pass train to Zweisimmen (1 ½ hrs). Enjoy delightful vistas of the Simmental and the surrounding mountains. We will enjoy a stop at an Alpine cheese dairy to watch how tasty Bernese Alpine cheese is made on a mountain farm (weather permitting as there can occasionally be snow in the mountains at this time of year). (Your luggage will be transported directly to the hotel in Brig.)

Lunch: Eating “Raclette,” a Swiss Cheese Specialty at the Alp Dairy.

Afternoon: We continue our journey aboard the Golden Pass Panoramic Express from Zweisimmen to Montreux (1 hr 45 min). This route offers great views to glaciers, over the Rhone valley and Lake Geneva. It ends in mondaine Montreux on the bank of Lake Geneva where you have to change trains. The Intercity-train takes you then along the lush Rhone Valley, the main Swiss wine country, passing the towns of Sion and Sierre to historic Brig. Check in at the hotel in Brig.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Brig.

Evening: Free time.

Lodging: Schlosshotel Art Furrer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: The Schlosshotel Art Furrer in Brig is located in the southern part of Switzerland, named canton Wallis, and is close to the old town and restaurants. This bed and breakfast is a comfortable and quietly situated hotel with a view of the Stockalper Castle and its beautiful garden. Zermatt, Saas-Fee, and hiking and ski areas are just a few minutes away.

Contact info:
Am Schlosspark
Brig, CH-3900 Switzerland
phone: +41 27 922 95 95
web: www.schlosshotel.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, television, radio, fax/modem telephone, and WIFI Internet access.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, a private garden with beautiful views to the Stockalper Castle, a library, free Internet station, mini bar in the cozy living room, laundry service (washing and drying CHF 25 per machine), and sauna.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Nine: Sunday, May 26 - Brig / Zermatt / Matterhorn 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Short Lecture: "The Simplon Pass." Guided visit to Stockalper Castle. 11:00 AM departure for Zermatt aboard the Glacier Express (1 hr 20 min).

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Zermatt.

Afternoon: We will explore the car-free mountain village of Zermatt by walking down the main street or some of the quaint cobbled alleyways, where you will find ancient sun browned barns and traditional chalets. On a beautiful day you will take the underground funicular to a viewpoint where you can admire the breathtaking panorama of more than 30 snowcapped high peaks, including the famous Matterhorn. If there is bad weather, we will visit the Matterhorn Museum in Zermatt instead. Late afternoon ride back to Brig to our hotel.

Dinner: At a restaurant in Brig.

Evening: Free time or listening to "Valais legends."

Lodging: Schlosshotel Art Furrer

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: The three-star Hotel Camelia Locarno combines modern comfort with the distinctive, romantic charm of Ticino architecture. Built at the start of the 20th century, its distinctive character has evolved over time. Elegant design is paired with the conservative basic structure of the house. The hotel's atmosphere is sophisticated, yet uncomplicated. The luscious garden turns the hotel into an oasis of tranquility and relaxation for you to enjoy throughout the day.

Contact info:
Via Gian Gaspare Nessi 9
Muralto - Locarno, CH-6600 Switzerland
phone: +41 91 743 00 21
web: www.camelia.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, radio, television, telephone, and a safe box. Electric kettle and iron/ironing board are available upon request.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, library, fax machine, Internet access on a computer in the lounge, wireless Internet access in the lounge and lobby, and a beautiful garden with restaurant.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Ten: Monday, May 27 - Centovalli 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Journey to Locarno via Domodossola (Italy) and the Centovalli. You will travel through the Simplon Tunnel to Domodossola in Italy. There you change to the narrow gauge Centovalli-railway for the most spectacular part of the journey. The railroad winds through the picturesque Centovalli area, a valley with numerous side valleys (Centovalli means hundred valleys). Luggage will be transported on this transfer. Check in at the hotel.

Lunch: Hotel dining room.

Afternoon: Free time, before attending a late afternoon lecture: “Ticino, the Italian speaking part of Switzerland.”

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: A walk along the Lake.

Lodging: Hotel Camelia Locarno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: The three-star Hotel Camelia Locarno combines modern comfort with the distinctive, romantic charm of Ticino architecture. Built at the start of the 20th century, its distinctive character has evolved over time. Elegant design is paired with the conservative basic structure of the house. The hotel's atmosphere is sophisticated, yet uncomplicated. The luscious garden turns the hotel into an oasis of tranquility and relaxation for you to enjoy throughout the day.

Contact info:
Via Gian Gaspare Nessi 9
Muralto - Locarno, CH-6600 Switzerland
phone: +41 91 743 00 21
web: www.camelia.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, radio, television, telephone, and a safe box. Electric kettle and iron/ironing board are available upon request.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, library, fax machine, Internet access on a computer in the lounge, wireless Internet access in the lounge and lobby, and a beautiful garden with restaurant.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Eleven: Tuesday, May 28 - Verzasca Valley 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Guided walk in the old town of Locarno. Late morning: The postal bus (a modern public coach service) will bring you to the Verzasca Valley, a remote and very typical mountain valley of Ticino. You will explore Sonogno, the highest village in the valley with its archaic stone architecture.

Lunch: Enjoy a typical Ticino menu at a restaurant in Sonogno.

Afternoon: You may have a look at the old baking house and visit the little Museum of Valle Verzasca with its eclectic collection reflecting rural life in the old days. Postal bus back to Locarno.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Evening: Evening activity or free time.

Lodging: Hotel Camelia Locarno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: The three-star Hotel Camelia Locarno combines modern comfort with the distinctive, romantic charm of Ticino architecture. Built at the start of the 20th century, its distinctive character has evolved over time. Elegant design is paired with the conservative basic structure of the house. The hotel's atmosphere is sophisticated, yet uncomplicated. The luscious garden turns the hotel into an oasis of tranquility and relaxation for you to enjoy throughout the day.

Contact info:
Via Gian Gaspare Nessi 9
Muralto - Locarno, CH-6600 Switzerland
phone: +41 91 743 00 21
web: www.camelia.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, radio, television, telephone, and a safe box. Electric kettle and iron/ironing board are available upon request.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, lounge, library, fax machine, Internet access on a computer in the lounge, wireless Internet access in the lounge and lobby, and a beautiful garden with restaurant.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Twelve: Wednesday, May 29 - Bellinzona castles 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Excursion by train to Bellinzona, the capital of the Canton Ticino. The three castles in Bellinzona are on the UNESCO list as World Cultural Heritage Sites. The medieval town is very picturesque. You will look down to the old town from Castelgrande (the big castle) during our guided walk through the castle.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Bellinzona.

Afternoon: We explore the Visitor Center at the impressive construction site of the new 50 km long Gotthard base tunnel. The Pollegio Visitor Center is a striking building that used rock excavated from the Gotthard Base Tunnel for its construction. The construction of the tunnel and the new Gotthard rail link, as well as topics related to mobility, are attractively presented in the exhibition. Bus and train back to Locarno.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Lodging: Hotel Camelia Locarno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Soldanella is located in a quiet neighborhood in the town center of St. Moritz, 6,000 feet above sea level in the Engadine Valley. The Engadine is a uniquely beautiful landscape with forests, majestic glaciers and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The hotel offers a great view to Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains. Museums, restaurants, bars and the Corviglia hiking and skiing area are within walking distance. St. Moritz is a sophisticated spa-resort where the rich and wealthy meet, particularly in wintertime. Its center is dominated by luxurious shops and fancy 5-star hotels.

Contact info:
Via Somplaz 17
St. Moritz, CH-7500 Switzerland
phone: +41 81 830 85 00
web: www.hotel-soldanella.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, telephone, radio, satellite television, mini bar, safe box, and wireless Internet access.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a public restaurant, bar, lounge, beautiful terrace overlooking the lake, fax machine, wireless LAN throughout the hotel, computer with Internet access and printer in the lobby, and a wellness area with spa center and sauna (for a fee).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Thirteen: Thursday, May 30 - Gotthard Tunnel 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: The Gotthardbahn takes you from Locarno along the Leventina Valley towards the Gotthard massif. This famous railroad line is 130 years old and includes the 15 kilometer long Gotthardtunnel and astonishing ramps with spiral tunnels to gain height on both sides. You will pass four of these “loops” near Biasca and the Piotta Canyon before passing through the Gotthard-tunnel. You will leave the train at the northern tunnel portal in Goeschenen and change to the narrow-gauge cog railway that climbs up the Schoellenen-gorge to Andermatt. From Andermatt, a first class train will take you along the Glacier Express route over Oberalp-Pass, along the Rhine and through the Rhine Canyon. In Reichenau-Tamins you will change to a beautiful dining car. (Luggage will be transported also on this transfer.)

Lunch: In the dining car on the Rhaetische Bahn.

Afternoon: The train takes you up to Berguen on the northern side of the Albula Pass. After the Albula tunnel the view suddenly opens up to the wide Upper Engadine Valley. 2:00 PM arrival in St. Moritz and check in at the hotel in St. Moritz. Free time. Late afternoon lecture: "Graubuenden - a multilingual mountain canton."

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Lodging: Hotel Soldanella

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: Hotel Soldanella is located in a quiet neighborhood in the town center of St. Moritz, 6,000 feet above sea level in the Engadine Valley. The Engadine is a uniquely beautiful landscape with forests, majestic glaciers and crystal-clear mountain lakes. The hotel offers a great view to Lake St. Moritz and the surrounding mountains. Museums, restaurants, bars and the Corviglia hiking and skiing area are within walking distance. St. Moritz is a sophisticated spa-resort where the rich and wealthy meet, particularly in wintertime. Its center is dominated by luxurious shops and fancy 5-star hotels.

Contact info:
Via Somplaz 17
St. Moritz, CH-7500 Switzerland
phone: +41 81 830 85 00
web: www.hotel-soldanella.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, telephone, radio, satellite television, mini bar, safe box, and wireless Internet access.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers a public restaurant, bar, lounge, beautiful terrace overlooking the lake, fax machine, wireless LAN throughout the hotel, computer with Internet access and printer in the lobby, and a wellness area with spa center and sauna (for a fee).

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Day Fourteen: Friday, May 31 - Village of Poschiavo 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Excursion on the Bernina Panoramic Express and the postal bus from St. Moritz to Poschiavo. The Bernina Express travels along the highest and one of the most scenic railroad lines in the world. It passes the Morteratsch Glacier very closely. The railroad masters gradients up to 70% without a rack-and-pinion system. Enjoy countless breathtaking vistas to high mountains, glaciers and the Italian Alps.

Lunch: In Poschiavo.

Afternoon: Guided walk in the interesting village of Poschiavo, the Italian speaking part of the Grisons. Bernina Express back to St. Moritz.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Soldanella

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Type: Three-Star Hotel

 Description: The Hotel Welcome Inn is a modern middle-class hotel equipped with every comfort and offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel is conveniently located only 5 minutes from the Zürich Airport and is a 3-minute walk from the railway station of Kloten.

Contact info:
Holbergstrasse 1
Kloten, CH-8302 Switzerland
phone: +41 44 804 75 75
web: www.welcomegroup.ch

Room amenities: Each room has a hair dryer, telephone, broadband Internet access, television, pay television, radio, mini bar, and a safe box.

Facility amenities: The hotel offers three restaurants, a computer with Internet access and printer in the lobby, laundry service, free tickets to the public indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and vouchers for free access to the gym at the partner Hotel Allegra which is within walking distance.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: N/A
Please contact Road Scholar Travel Services if you would like assistance making hotel reservations for additional non-program nights. (800) 241-1404

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Fifteen: Saturday, June 01 - Transfer to Zurich 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Transfer to Zurich. Your last spectacular train ride with the Rhaetische Bahn takes you again back on the Albula line with its spiral tunnel and spectacular turns over two 90 meter high viaducts and through gorges down to Chur. The other direction offers totally different views than the way up. Change in Chur to the Intercity train to Zurich-Mainstation.

Lunch: Picnic on the train.

Afternoon: Local train to Kloten. Check in at the hotel. Free time for a visit to Zurich.

Dinner: Hotel dining room.

Lodging: Hotel Welcome Inn

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Sixteen: Sunday, June 02 - Departures 
Breakfast: Hotel dining room.

Morning: Individual departure to the Zürich-Kloten airport (ZRH) by hotel shuttle bus.

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free Time Opportunities


Lucerne
Rosengart MuseumThe Rosengart Museum displays works of Pablo Picasso, Paul Klee and 21 other artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
For additional information, visit: www.rosengart.ch
Interlaken
JungfraujochFrom Grindelwald, Kleine Scheidegg, journey to Jungfraujoch. Known as the "Top of Europe," Jungfraujoch is Europe's highest altitude railway station, at 3454 meters. It offers visitors a high-Alpine wonder world of ice, snow and rock, and stunning views on a clear day. The train ride through the rock of the Eiger and Monch is an incredible experience. We recommend this only if the weather is beautiful. Train tickets from Kleine Scheidegg to Jungfraujoch cost approx. CHF 100 and can be purchased that day.
For additional information, visit: www.jungfrau.ch
Locarno
Madonna del SassoThe pilgrimage church of Madonna del Sasso is a holy place above Locarno with fantastic views over the town, lake and mountains. It can be reached in about five minutes by cable railway, which departs every 15 minutes.
For additional information, visit: www.ticino.ch
St. Moritz
Segantini MuseumHousing Segantini's monumental Alpine triptych "la vita-la natura-la morte" (life-nature-death), as well as paintings from all of his creative periods, the Segantini Museum in St. Moritz is the world's most extensive showcase of the work of this revivalist Alpine painter. Similar to artists Gauguin, van Gogh, Cezanne and Munch, Segantini is regarded as a precursor of modernism. His pictures portray human existence in harmonious accord with nature.
For additional information, visit: www.engadin.stmoritz.ch
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
•14 nights of accommodations
•39 meals: 14 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 14 dinners
•8 Expert-led lectures
•21 Field trips
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