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A hiker walks along a grassy path past a rustic wooden cabin toward the majestic Swiss mountains during a gentle hiking trip in Switzerland.
Switzerland

From Appenzell to Lugano: Gentle Hiking Through Switzerland

Program No. 24645RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
13 days
12 nights
What's Included
25 meals ( 11B, 7L, 7D )
1 expert-led lecture
18 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
11 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.; Remember to bring your nametag; Getting on/off a motorcoach, riding up to 1.5 hours.
Afternoon:
Hotel check-in is available at 3:00 PM. We may store our luggage with the front desk while we explore the area on our own while we wait for our rooms to be available. After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Road Scholar participants will choose between hikes with different levels of difficulty and demands, organized into groups based on preference and ability: Group 1 (easy) and Group 2 (intermediate). The groups are led by a combination of the Group Leader, local hiking guides, and local experts. The group leader will always accompany Group 1, and give the field lecture for the day. The other group will be accompanied by a local hiking guide who will provide the field lecture. Details of each hike will be provided the evening prior; participants are not required to stay in the same group for the entire program and may select a group for each hike depending on personal preference. Sites visited may vary based on the hiking level selected for that day. Hike durations will be largely dependent on pace and ability level of participants in each group. Transportation is primarily by public trna, unless otherwise specified. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and gondola; riding approx. 1 hour; G1: Hiking up to 1 mile, about 2 hours, elev. gain/loss up to 375 ft.; G2: Hiking up to 1.5 miles, approx. 2 hours, elev. gain of approx. 450 ft / loss of approx. 500 ft; Both groups will hike on small mountain trails with uneven terrain inc. tree roots and rocks, and through a cave. Additional walking up to 1 mile, approx. 45 min, over asphalt roads, city streets, sidewalks, cobblestones and gravel paths; Standing up to 2.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we travel to Wasserauen and take the gondola up to Ebenalp (5394 feet). From there, we start our loop hike towards the “Wildkirchli”. Pass through these prehistoric caves and get to the guesthouse Aescher, known from the cover of National Geographic’s 2015 Edition of “Places of a lifetime”. From guesthouse Aescher, Group 2 will continue the loop hike to the mountain hut at Ebenalp while Group 1 hikes directly back to Ebenalp the way they came.
Lunch:
At a mountain hut.
Afternoon:
After finishing lunch, we will take the gondola back down to Wasserauen. From there, we take public transportation back to Appenzell. Take some time to freshen up and relax before we make our way to a local bakery where we will spend the rest of the afternoon learning about the traditional “Biber” treat. Our local expert will teach us everything from the history of the bakery and the treats to a hands-on experience of how this delight is created.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train and funicular, riding approx. 1.5 hours; Walking up to 4 miles, approx. 2.5 hours, on asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, cobblestone, gravel roads; Standing approx. 1 hour; G2: Hiking up to 1.5 miles, approx. 1 hour, on asphalt roads and natural trails with uneven terrain and gentle ascents/descents, elevation gain approx. 125 ft (max 9%) / loss of approx. 350 ft (max 15%), max altitude of 2590 ft
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today, we spend the day in the beautiful city of St. Gallen. By public train we reach the city, which is known for its Abbey, an UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique charm. It is also home of the renowned University of St. Gallen, one of the top business schools in Europe. As an introduction to the town, we will enjoy an expert-led walk.
Lunch:
Traditional St. Gallen lunch.
Afternoon:
After lunch, Group 2 will take a short hike on one of the hills surrounding St. Gallen where we will get a fantastic panorama of the city and see all the way to Lake Constance. Group 2 will enjoy some free time exploring St. Gallen on their own to see and do what interests them most. When Group 2 returns to the city center, you may enjoy some free time in St. Gallen. Both groups will make their individual returns to Appenzell by train.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, public bus, and gondola; riding approx. 25 min; G1: Hiking up to 2 miles, approx. 1.5 hours, elevation/loss of approx. 330 feet; G2: Hiking up to 3.5 miles, approx. 2.5 hours, elevation gain approx. 1200 ft; Both groups will be on mountain trails with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks,; Additional walking up to 1 mile, approx. 45 min, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 3 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart the hotel and make our way by public transport toward Urnäsch and Schwägalp. Group 2 will get off of the bus at a stop between Urnäsch and Schwägalp to begin our hike at the foot of Mount Säntis. Take in the surrounding green forests as we (gradually) ascend along the old pass making our way closer and closer to Mount Säntis and the valley station in Schwägalp. Group 1 will continue on the public bus until we reach Schwägalp where we will follow a themed loop hike at the foot of the mountain.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
After finishing our hike and arriving at Schwagalp, both groups will take the gondola up to the top of Mount Säntis, where we are met with spectacular views. Due to its impressive height and location, it is widely visible and is considered the landmark of the area. The mountain’s importance to the region is also evident in the fact that the whole region used to be called Canton Säntis under Napoleon’s rule. We will learn about the mountain and many other topics in the interactive museum. We will take the gondola back down to Schwägalp and return to Appenzell by public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, riding approx. 3.5 hours; Walking up to 2.75 miles, approx. 1.75 hours, over asphalt, city streets/sidewalks, cobblestones, uneven ground; Standing approx. 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
On Saturdays, Appenzell has a weekly farmers’ market. Our Group Leader will be happy to accompany anyone that may elect to take some time to visit the market this morning before we depart. We will check out of the hotel and transfer by private coach to Chur, known as the oldest town in Switzerland. People have been living in this area for thousands of years. This regional capital is also the entrance to the mountain region Graubünden. Therefore, many important paths lead through Chur and gave it a unique character. We will be joined by a local expert for a walking field trip through this cozy mountain town.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Enjoy some free time to explore Chur before we meet at a predetermined time and place to board our motorcoach and continue our transfer. We will ride into the mountains and the Engadin until we reach Pontresina, our home for the next few days. During the transfer, we get a stunning panorama of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival we will check into the hotel. Take some time to freshen up before meeting the group for dinner.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, funicular, and chairlift, riding time approx. 45 minutes; G1: Hiking up to 1.7 miles, approx. 2.5 miles; G2: Hiking up to 4.5 miles, approx. 3 hours, elev. gain approx. 550 feet / loss approx. 950 feet; Both will be on small mountain trails with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks, narrow paths and steep slopes, Additional walking up to 0.5 miles, approx. 20 minutes, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
In the morning, we take public transport to the valley station of the Muottas Muragl funicular. Taking the oldest mountain railway in the Engadin, we enjoy the expanding view that emergers around us with every moment we get further up the mountain. At the top (8048 ft), Group 2 will start the hike to Alp Languard. Group 1 will begin their loop hike at Muottas Muragl.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will continue our hike. Upon completion of the loop hike, Group 1 will return to Pontresina via public transport. After Group 2 reaches Alp Languard (7658 feet), we will take the chairlift down to Pontresina. Enjoy some leisure time to explore Pontresina on your own.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off train, gondola, and public bus, riding approx. 1.5 hours; G1: Hiking up to 1.65 miles, approx. 1 hour, elevation gain/loss of approx. 250 feet; G2: Hiking up to 2 miles, approx. 1 hour, steep slopes, elevation gain and loss of approx. 525 feet; Both groups will be on small mountain trails with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks, Walking up to 1.2 miles, approx. 1 hour, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
By public transport, we visit a local show dairy where we get to see how one of Switzerland’s national food products is made. After the visit, Group 1 will take a short loop hike and visit a close by waterfall. Group 2 will hike along the Morteratsch Valley before turning around and hiking back. Once both groups have returned from their hikes, we will enjoy a cheese tasting at the show dairy.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will then take public transportation to the valley station of the Diavolezza gondola where we take the gondola up the Diavolezza ridge (9754 ft) to get a spectacular view of the surrounding glaciers. Once we had our fill of the splendid panorama, we will return to the hotel by gondola and public transport.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off cog-wheel train, public bus, and gondola, riding approx. 45 min; G1: Hiking up to 1.8 miles, approx. 2 hours, elevation gain/loss of approx. 100 feet; G2: Hiking up to 3 miles, approx. 2.5 hours, elevation gain approx. 525 feet / loss approx. 200 feet; Both groups will be on small mountain trails with uneven terrain including tree roots and rocks; Additional walking up to 1 mile, approx. 1 hour, on asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
From the hotel, we will take public transportation towards St. Moritz. Along the way, Group 2 will disembark and begin hiking toward St. Moritz until we come across the picturesque Lej da Staz, Lake Staz. We will continue our hike along the lakeshore and then follow the forest trail to Lake St. Moritz, where we will get the first views of the famous mountain town. Group 1 will continue on the bus until they reach St. Moritz. Here, they will hike around Lake St. Moritz.
Lunch:
Picnic on the trail. You will pack your lunch before departing in the morning.
Afternoon:
Once both groups complete their hikes, we will take a short stroll through St. Moritz before boarding the cog-railway to Piz Nair. After gazing at the stunning panorama over St. Moritz and the surrounding area, we will return to town by gondola and cog railway. For those that wish to remain in Piz Nair, you may return to St. Moritz individually. The remainder of the afternoon is on your own to see and do what interests you most. You can visit the Segantini Museum where you get to see the work of the famous painter Giovanni Segantini, who was known as the master of mountain painting, or look for St. Moritz’ Olympic history as it is one of only a few places that held the Olympic Games more than once. Return to Pontresina on your own at your leisure via public transportation.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach, total riding of approx. 3 hours, over 82 miles. Up to 2 hours of walking during the visit of the Palazzo.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel and board a motorcoach to begin our transfer to Lugano. We will travel over the Maloja Pass (5945 ft) with its stunning views to Lugano and the Italian speaking part of Switzerland. In the morning, we make a stop at a Palazzo that has now been turned into a museum. Situated close to the Italian border, the shows the cultural blend of the region. After the visit, we continue our transfer and drive into Italy.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We continue our transfer to Lugano. After checking in to the hotel, take some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off motorcoach and funicular, total motorcoach ride approx. 45 min. Riding up and down by funicular, total ride approx. 16 min. Up to 2 hours of walking during the city tour on tarmac roads.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
This morning we will set out on foot with a local expert for a walking field trip of Lugano. Learn about the town which is located at the shore of Lake Lugano and showing its Mediterranean flair. While we walk, we will take the funicular up to Mount San Salvatore (2992 ft / 912m) to see the magnificent panorama. Returning to Lugano city center, you get some free time to discover according to your heart’s desire.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will regroup at a designated time and location to make our way to a local winery and learn about the local wine production by an expert. In such a setting, the wine tasting is not missing. At the end, we return to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off public bus and boat, riding approx. 1 hour; G1: Hiking up to 1 mile, approx. 1.5 hours, elevation gain approx. 25 feet / loss approx. 10 feet; G2: Hiking up to 3.5 miles, approx. 2.5 hours, elevation gain approx. 300 feet / loss approx. 275 feet; Both groups will be on natural trails with uneven terrain inc. tree roots and rocks; Additional walking up to 0.5 miles, approx. 30 minutes, over asphalt roads, city streets/sidewalks, and cobblestones; Standing approx. 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Both groups will set out from the hotel to start our hike along Lake Lugano towards Castagnola. After taking the public bus a few stops, Group 2 will get out and hike the olive grove trail to Gandria. During this easy hike, we will follow the fascinating coast of lake Lugano through olive groves to catch the boat that takes us to our lunch destination. Group 1 will remain on the bus and ride all the way to Gandria where we will take some time to explore this charming village before group 2 arrives. Guided by a local expert, we will take part in a Risotto workshop at a local grotto.
Lunch:
Enjoy the dishes we created. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell lunch.
Afternoon:
After spending some time at this cozy grotto, we will glide over the pristine waters of Lake Lugano as we return by public boat. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 10:30 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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