Jun 2 - Jun 14, 2025
Starting at
6,099
Switzerland
From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland
Program No. 24645RJ
Walk through the beauty and history of Switzerland on easy-going hikes that will lead you through Swiss mountains, culture and cuisine.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Jun 2 - Jun 14, 2025
Starting at
6,849Aug 25 - Sep 6, 2025
Starting at
6,499Sep 8 - Sep 20, 2025
Starting at
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13 days
12 nights
24 meals
11B 7L 6D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
4
St. GAllen, Abbey Library
Appenzell
5
Säntis
Appenzell
6
Transfer Pontresina via Chur
Pontresina
7
Muottas Muragl, Alp Landguard
Pontresina
8
Show Dairy, Diavolezza Glaciers
Pontresina
9
Piz Nair, St. Moritz
Pontresina
13
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
If you’ve dreamed of hiking in Switzerland but are intimidated by its alpine landscapes, join us for easy-going hikes that lead through the history and villages of the Swiss countryside. Explore off-the-beaten-path sites as you’re led by local experts through Swiss mountains and learn about the cuisine and history of the country along the way. Enjoy gentle walks and hikes as you explore olive groves, local wineries and the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through hands-on workshops and discussions with locals, you’ll leave Switzerland with a new understanding and appreciation for this country’s culture and natural wonders.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Activity Level: Outdoor: No Sweat
Walking 1-5 miles daily; trails and dirt roads are well-marked and generally gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 9,754 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.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy the Swiss alpine experience through hikes on gentle trails through mountains and local communities.
- Learn how to make risotto and bake biberli in hands-on workshops.
- Explore interactive museums on Mount Säntis and at the Diavolezza glaciers, with opportunities to learn firsthand about Switzerland’s geology.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Judith Portmann
Judith grew up in the cradle of Switzerland. She studied banking, but soon left this world of facts and figures and studied English, Italian and Spanish abroad before managing a travel office on Lake Lucerne. For the last 15 years she has been working as a relocation consultant. She is also a walking and cycling leader. When not glued to a computer screen or to homework, you will find her in the mountains, on a bicycle, mushroom picking or in her rustico (cottage) in Ticino.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Judith Portmann
View biography
Judith grew up in the cradle of Switzerland. She studied banking, but soon left this world of facts and figures and studied English, Italian and Spanish abroad before managing a travel office on Lake Lucerne. For the last 15 years she has been working as a relocation consultant. She is also a walking and cycling leader. When not glued to a computer screen or to homework, you will find her in the mountains, on a bicycle, mushroom picking or in her rustico (cottage) in Ticino.
Suggested Reading List
(29 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.
From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland
Program Number: 24645
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.
Frankenstein
The Norton Critical edition of Frankenstein features the original 1818 text, an expansive preface, annotations, illustrations and supporting sections with selected criticism. With new analysis on the novel's many film adaptations.
Switzerland Map
A colorful, shaded relief map of Switzerland at a scale of 1:400,000.
Neither Here Nor There, Travels in Europe
Bryson deploys his famously cranky humor in this romp through European capitals. He's great fun to read and insightful on quirks of character.
All Along the Rhine
Subtitled "Recipes, Wine and Lore from Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein and Holland" this tribute to the Rhine Valley complements its history and culture with 130 recipes.
Cuisines of the Alps
Subtitled "Recipes, Drinks, and Lore from France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Italy, Germany, Austria, and Slovenia," this colorful tour of the region's rustic cuisine offers more than 140 recipes, a section on regional wines and historical information.
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.
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.
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.
Eiger Dreams, Ventures Among Men and Mountains
A collection of some of Krakauer's (Into Thin Air) best journalism, these stories and essays focus on the mindset and determination of world-class mountaineers, including Alpine and Himalayan climbers.
Culture Smart! Switzerland
A concise, no-nonsense guide to Switzerland's customs, etiquette and culture.
Asterix in Switzerland
This entry in the Asterix series of comic books features excellent drawings of the Swiss Alpine landscape.
Banner in the Sky
A suspenseful tale of a young boy determined to keep his father's mountaineering dream alive.
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.
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.
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.
Scrambles Amongst the Alps: In the Years 1860-69
Edward Wymper's classic account of Victorian-era mountaineering captures the geography, beauty and allure of the Alps.
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.
Wild Flowers of Britain & Northern Europe
A colorful field guide featuring commonly encountered species of the fields and gardens of Europe.
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.
The Walk
In this classic novella by the Swiss modernist, freshly translated, Walser writes that "it is on walks that the lore of nature and the lore of the country are revealed, charming and graceful, to the sense and eyes of the observant walker."
Birds of Europe
Featuring 3,500 glorious paintings by Killian Mullarney and Dan Zetterstrom, the second edition of this exquisite guide features updated text and maps.
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.
A Farewell to Arms
Set in snowy Switzerland and the rainy Italian Lake Country during WWI, this semi-autobiographical novel chronicles the romance between a British nurse and an American ambulance driver. This edition collects all of the alternate endings, along with early drafts of other essential passages
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Program No.
24645
Duration
13 days
Program Begins
Appenzell
Program Concludes
Lugano
Group Type
Small Group
Activity Level
At a Glance
If you’ve dreamed of hiking in Switzerland but are intimidated by its alpine landscapes, join us for easy-going hikes that lead through the history and villages of the Swiss countryside. Explore off-the-beaten-path sites as you’re led by local experts through Swiss mountains and learn about the cuisine and history of the country along the way. Enjoy gentle walks and hikes as you explore olive groves, local wineries and the Abbey Library of St. Gallen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through hands-on workshops and discussions with locals, you’ll leave Switzerland with a new understanding and appreciation for this country’s culture and natural wonders.
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy the Swiss alpine experience through hikes on gentle trails through mountains and local communities.
- Learn how to make risotto and bake biberli in hands-on workshops.
- Explore interactive museums on Mount Säntis and at the Diavolezza glaciers, with opportunities to learn firsthand about Switzerland’s geology.
Featured Expert
Judith Portmann
Judith grew up in the cradle of Switzerland. She studied banking, but soon left this world of facts and figures and studied English, Italian and Spanish abroad before managing a travel office on Lake Lucerne. For the last 15 years she has been working as a relocation consultant. She is also a walking and cycling leader. When not glued to a computer screen or to homework, you will find her in the mountains, on a bicycle, mushroom picking or in her rustico (cottage) in Ticino.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Activity Level: Outdoor: No Sweat
Walking 1-5 miles daily; trails and dirt roads are well-marked and generally gently undulating with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents. Sturdy walking/hiking shoes are required. Elevations up to 9,754 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.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List: 29 Books
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
