Aug 16 - Aug 26, 2024
Starting at
4,999
Switzerland
Switzerland in a Nutshell: Cities and Peaks by Train
Program No. 22543RJ
Ride the rails through the mountain of Switzerland to discover ancient towns, idyllic lakes, pristine countryside and the legendary Matterhorn with time for independent explorations.
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Aug 30 - Sep 9, 2024
Starting at
4,999Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2024
Starting at
4,999Sep 27 - Oct 7, 2024
Starting at
4,999Oct 11 - Oct 21, 2024
Starting at
4,899DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Aug 16 - Aug 26, 2024
Starting at
5,619Aug 30 - Sep 9, 2024
Starting at
5,619Sep 13 - Sep 23, 2024
Starting at
5,619Sep 27 - Oct 7, 2024
Starting at
5,619Oct 11 - Oct 21, 2024
Starting at
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11 days
10 nights
20 meals
9B 6L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
8
Lausanne, Lake Geneva, Free Time
Lausanne
11
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
As massive, snow-covered peaks reach towards the sky, sloping green hillsides offer shelter to medieval cities, historic cathedrals and fascinating residents. Switzerland is a country of geologic and cultural wonders — and the ideal way to discover them is by train. Join us for a Swiss adventure along the rails that begins in the metropolitan city of Zurich and rolls along mountain landscapes to the vibrant city of Basel. Along the way, learn about French and German cultural influences, cross bridges over breathtaking gorges and thrill in the sight of the “Mountain of Mountains,” the Matterhorn.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to three miles; cobblestones, stairs and extensive standing. Elevations up to 7,300 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Board the Glacier Express — Switzerland’s most famous railway — for a journey along mountain landscapes, idyllic gorges and over impressive bridges.
- Enjoy a ride, weather permitting, on a cogwheel train for panoramic views of the Matterhorn.
- Join an expert for a walk through the well-preserved medieval Old Town of Basel.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Esther Schlumpf
Esther grew up in the German speaking part of Northern Switzerland and moved to Basel for her university studies in 2007. She has been involved with Road Scholar since 2008, accompanying various programs across Switzerland. She completed her master’s degree in history and geography at the University of Basel in 2011. From 2012 until spring 2015, Esther pursued a PhD in geography, worked as a research assistant, and taught at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Basel.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Esther Schlumpf
View biography
Esther grew up in the German speaking part of Northern Switzerland and moved to Basel for her university studies in 2007. She has been involved with Road Scholar since 2008, accompanying various programs across Switzerland. She completed her master’s degree in history and geography at the University of Basel in 2011. From 2012 until spring 2015, Esther pursued a PhD in geography, worked as a research assistant, and taught at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Basel.
Fabienne Klaas
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Fabienne Klaas was born and raised in eastern Switzerland, near Chur in the Grison canton. After high school and a stay in New Zealand, she took a job in Lucerne with a travel agent and was lucky enough to accompany groups abroad. Later, she moved to Basel for business and economics studies. After graduating, she worked in a recruitment agency, finding skilled workers for the pharmaceutical industry in the Basel area. Fabienne recently moved to Winterthur to pursue a master’s degree in management and economics.
Dmitrij Roos
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Dmitrij Roos was born and raised in the countryside near Basel, Switzerland, to a Swiss father and a Russian mother. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in English and history at the University of Basel with the aim of becoming a teacher. In addition to his studies, he also works in a second-hand bookstore. Dmitrij is a fluent speaker of Swiss German, English, and has some knowledge of French and Russian. His interests include cooking, reading, geography, culture, and history.
Nina Wyser
View biography
Nina Wyser was born and raised in Basel, Switzerland. Growing up in a creative family, it is only fitting that she owns a small sewing studio where she does alterations and creates new designs. She is also a trained freelance make-up artist and has worked on productions for print, film and live theater. Nina has traveled to many cities in Europe and has spent a lot of time in Asia since her mother is originally from Thailand.
Suggested Reading List
(23 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Switzerland in a Nutshell: Cities and Peaks by Train
Program Number: 22543
The Gilded Chalet, Off-Piste in Literary Switzerland
In this amusing guide, a grand tour of literary Switzerland, Rooney profiles 200 years of outstanding works and their strong Swiss influences. He argues that the land of luxury hotels, fresh air and fresh milk deserves wide renown as a literary hub.
The Alps, A Human History from Hannibal to Heidi and Beyond
In an entertaining narrative, O'Shea drives, hikes and climbs through 500 miles of the Alps while musing on the historic personalities who braved the forbidding range, including Napoleon, Hitler and James Bond. A thoughtful introduction to the Alps.
Asterix in Switzerland
This entry in the Asterix series of comic books features excellent drawings of the Swiss Alpine landscape.
Killing Dragons, The Conquest of the Alps
Fleming spins lively tales of man against nature in this entertaining history of the eccentrics, adventurers and publicity-hounds who sought to conquer the Alps, including Whymper and his first ascent of the Matterhorn 150 years ago.
Insight Guide Switzerland
This handsome guide gives a profusely illustrated overview of Switzerland, featuring concise essays by well-regarded authors on history, politics and culture, as well as hundreds of photos and maps and other practical information.
The Theoretical Foot
MFK Fisher's first novel, considered too racy for its time, features two unmarried American couples tramping through Europe in the late 1930s whose love affairs are tested by the rise of fascism and looming war.
Slow Train to Switzerland, One Tour, Two Trips, 150 Years -- and a World of Change Apart
Bestselling author Diccon Bewes (Swiss Watching SWZ73) follows in the footsteps of an 1863 tour group who traveled from London to Lucerne, Switzerland. In his trademark breezy, intelligent prose, Bewes traces how tourism and time have caused a sea change in Switzerland.
Banner in the Sky
A suspenseful tale of a young boy determined to keep his father's mountaineering dream alive.
Eyewitness Guide Switzerland
A compact, thoroughly illustrated guide, featuring over 900 photographs, good maps, and plenty of information on hiking in the Swiss Alps, natural and tourist attractions and the history and arts of Switzerland.
Switzerland Map
A colorful, shaded relief map of Switzerland at a scale of 1:400,000.
A Tramp Abroad
Written 11 years after Innocents Abroad, this is Twain's second foray into European travel. Filled with his characteristic wit and humorous observations, it documents his journeys through Germany, Switzerland, France and Italy. Now with an introduction by Dave Eggers.
Hotel du Lac
Funny, stylish and spellbinding, Brookner's novel tracks the story of a romance novelist seeking evasive peace and quiet at the luxurious Hotel du Lac in Switzerland. Winner of the Man Booker Prize.
Heidi
The beloved tale of a little girl who is sent to live with her curmudgeonly grandfather in a remote Alpine village. This handsome hardback edition retains the quaint prose and buoyant disposition of Johanna Spyri's 1880 original.
William Tell: One Against an Empire, A Swiss Legend
The classic tale of a Swiss hunter facing a terrible choice, as a graphic novel for ages 9-11.
Culture Smart! Switzerland
A concise, no-nonsense guide to Switzerland's customs, etiquette and culture.
Alpine Cookbook
Subtitled "Comfort Food from the Mountain," DK’s Alpine Cookbook collects 110 delicious recipes from Bavaria, Austria and Switzerland. The dishes, which combine traditional cuisine with modern trends, include schnitzel, potato pancakes, meaty main courses and savory vegetarian options.
Europe, A True Book
Part of the True Book series, this illustrated, readable volume geared toward ages 9 to 12 introduces children to the geography and diverse cultures of Europe.
Coming Out Swiss, In Search of Heidi, Chocolate and My Other Life
Part memoir, part history, part travelogue, Anne Hermann’s passionate celebration of what it means to be Swiss intertwines personal revelation with cultural fact.
Wild Flowers of Britain & Northern Europe
A colorful field guide featuring commonly encountered species of the fields and gardens of Europe.
La Place de la Concorde Suisse
McPhee deploys his usual insight and wonderful prose on the phenomenon of the Swiss army, presenting an irreverent portrait of Switzerland and the Swiss mindset.
The Apple and the Arrow
Families will enjoy this spirited retelling of the famous legend of William Tell and his 12-year-old son, Walter, which won the 1952 Newbery Medal.
Swiss Watching, Inside Europe's Landlocked Island
An international bestseller. Diccon Bewees, a neutral Brit, covers cheese, chocolate, William Tell, bureaucracy and banks, all with humor and thorough research. His cultural portrait of the one-of-a-kind nation includes tips on local customs, greetings and etiquette. Second edition.
Daisy Miller
A classic story of a young American woman's innocent flirtation and its misinterpretation by a sophisticated European man, set in Lac Leman and Chillon. This is James' first fictional work to gain mass popularity and one of his great American female portraits.
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